If you’re frequently going camping with your crew, then you know how difficult it can be to get an appropriately sized tent to accommodate everyone without sacrificing comfort. Moreover, you know how difficult it can be to fit everyone under a parasol during the hellish Australian sun, which is why many experienced campers would say that having a camping gazebo shelter is one of the best solutions to expand your camping space and get a nice, big shade. But with so many types and styles of gazebos available nowadays, how do you pick the right one for your next trip? Well, camping gazebos need to provide protection for their occupants from the weather and they need to be reliable. So, how do you know which models are reliable and which aren’t? Generally, when shopping for a gazebo camping tent, you’ll need to consider a few important factors.
Frame Strength
The integrity and strength of the gazebo’s frame are the first things you’ll need to consider. Since you’ll be using the gazebo in the rigorous Australian outdoors, it needs to be able to stand up to the harsh elements. The gazebo can be subject to strong forces from a wide range of variables, such as wind and rain. Cutting corners on the integrity and strength of the gazebo just to save a few bucks will often lead up to disappointment and it can be really dangerous. With that said, any camping gazebo shelter frame should at least meet the Australian standards for temporary structures. Some models come with large footplates in order to keep the gazebo to the ground. The camping canopy should also fit the frame snugly in order to retain tension. This is most effectively done through a few upper frame attachments and by spring-loading the centre pole. Furthermore, you’ll need extra lugs for guy rope reinforcement to ensure the gazebo stands firm against sheer squalls.
Weight and Portability
The gazebo of your choice should be portable and not too heavy. After all, you’ll need to transport it in the back of your 4×4. There are a few gazebo designs that are very portable, such as the marquee tent designs and folding scissor-frame gazebos. Although relatively lightweight and portable, these models still retain their structural strength. The most popular size of camping gazebos is 3×3 meters and about 150-180cm in height. The weight of the gazebo is usually inversely proportional to its strength. A lot of manufacturers focus on making lightweight gazebos, which results in compromised frame strength and integrity, and ultimately, disappointed campers. However, using high-quality frame materials like aluminium and ABS plastics can prevent the loss of strength when focusing on weight. Ideally, the camping gazebo shelter should have a lightweight, high volume aluminium frame complemented with ABS joints and a high-quality camping canopy that’s packed into its roller bag which is smaller than the rest.
Waterproofness and UV Protection
Australia is known for having some of the most extreme and unexpected weather conditions. We go through extreme summer temperatures that are accompanied by severe UV dangers from the sun all year round. And when you expect it least, heavy rain can dispirit even the most seasoned campers. With that said, being prepared is crucial and your camping gazebo sides and canopy are the shields that protect you and your party. Australian campers need a gazebo that’s coated with PVC, a fabric that’s pliable and medium-weight, as well as easily foldable. PVC is 100% waterproof, has a UPF50+ rating and is fire retardant. Further, it degrades much slower from UV than other lightweight canopy materials, the fabric breaks down slower, and it’s resistant to fading.
Customisability
The gazebo should be customizable to exactly how you want it and need it. For beginners, a gazebo camping tent with sides is an extremely convenient, enclosed space that provides complete protection from the rain, wind, sun, and pests like mosquitos, midges, and blowflies. Having a selection of accessories and bundling them into your purchase can elevate the gazebo’s usefulness. Some of the accessories that can make or break your trip are solid gazebo walls, full-mesh mosquito netting walls, walls with roll-up mesh windows, complete inner tents, etc. Having the versatility to easily adapt your gazebo to how your camping party uses it and for your scenario should be regarded. For instance, keeping mesh walls on three sides, while adding a full wall on the fourth side can protect you from the wind, sun, and pests while maximizing the flow of air at the same time. Another useful camping accessory is weighted anchors for the camping gazebo legs. While most gazebos come with pegs and guy ropes, they can lose their effectiveness on soft soil and sand, and be easily lifted with a gust of wind. Weighted anchors like sandbags can be extremely useful, as you can pack them empty, meaning they weight very little and can be packed flat.
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