Other things to consider that are as important as size are the cost, durability, functionality and your mode of transportation. You'll want something that fits your budget, that will meet the conditions you expect to be camping in. If you camp several times a year, and know you will be in extreme weather, you will want something that is tougher and more durable.
Your mode of transportation can make a big difference too, since you'll need to consider weight and size in addition to just looking at floor space. As mentioned above backpackers will want something lightweight. If you are on a motorcycle you'll also want something relatively lightweight. Car campers can pack pretty much any size tent they want.
Question 2: What is the best way to clean my tent?
Answer: When you go camping, your tent will most likely get a little dirty. Preventing as much dirt as possible from getting inside to begin with, is a good start. This can be done by using a small floor mat for people to wipe their feet off on, not wearing shoes inside the tent, and brushing clothes off outside. Use a whisk broom, or even a regular broom to sweep out the tent out before packing it up. (A regular broom, with the handle cut to about 1/2 the normal length can work well for smaller tents.) Many of the free standing dome tents can even be picked up by the poles and shaken out once the stakes are pulled out of the ground.
If your tent needs a scrub down, pick a dry, sunny day to set the tent up in the yard. Get a sponge and a bucket warm soapy, non-detergent, water. Wipe the tent down with the soapy water. Rinse it with a hose or with a sponge dipped in clean water to remove any soap. Then let the tent dry. Once the tent is dried you can pack it up for storage.
Never pack up and store a wet tent. This can ruin your tent.
Question 3: Do I really need a floor saver or tarp?
Answer: You can set up a tent without a footprint or tarp, but your tent floor will last much longer if you use one. A footprint or tarp will help protect your tent floor from the rocks, sticks, and other hazards that might put a hole in your tent floor. It also helps to keep moisture and dirt off the bottom of the tent so that it will be cleaner when it is time to pack up.
Even with the use of a floor saver, you will want to clear any debris from the area, prior to setting up your tent. Then lay out your floor saver and set up your tent on top of it. Many floor savers are made to fit the tents, but if you have something that is larger than the tent, roll it up, or fold it in and under the tent. Make sure the ground cloth is not sticking out around the base of the tent. If it is sticking out, it can collect rain between the ground cloth and your tent floor.
Question 4: How should I store my tent?
Answer: Tents should be clean and dry when you store them. They can be stored in the bag they come in, in a location that is clean and dry.
After you use your tent, take some time to sweep it out and make sure there aren't any rocks, twig or anything else inside that could puncture the tent material when it's packed away. If it's rainy or damp when you finish camping, set up the tent in your yard as soon as you have a chance when you get home to let it dry. Never store your tent when it's wet, this can ruin the tnt.
Question 5: What is a footprint or floor saver?
Answer: Floor savers are custom sized ground cloths for your particular tent. These tarps are generally a little smaller than the floor of the tent. If you don't use a custom footprint a similar size tarp can be used, rolled up and tucked under the tent floor. Tarps should not stick out past the base of the tents since they will capture water, which can end up between the tarp and the tent floor. Footprint tarps are sold separately and are usually not included as part of the tent package.
Question 6: What is a gear loft?
Answer: A gear loft can be either a piece of mesh cloth or net or a mesh pocket that is suspended from a tent wall or from the top of the tent. Gear lofts provide storage for small, lightweight items.
Question 7: What is a tub floor?
Answer: Tub floors have material that provides a seamless floor base to prevent water coming up through the floor. Tub floors continues up the wall of the tent several inches before being sewn to the walls. The purpose of this is to keep the side seams elevated so that no seams are touching the ground. A floor made out of heavy gauge polyurethane-coated nylon taffeta or nylon will provide good waterproof protection.
Question 8: I wake up and there is moisture inside the tent, and drops of water on the tent ceiling. I thought my tent was supposed to be water proof. Why is this happening and what can I do?
Answer: Tents are generally treated at the factory to be water resistant, but it is still a very good idea to seal the seams with a good seam sealer, especially if you have had the tent for awhile. If the seams are sealed properly, your tent should be waterproof enough to keep the rain and dew out. Due to the waterproofing the tent will also keep moisture in. As we sleep our bodies give off moisture through perspiration and breathing. This condenses on the inside of the tent. Most tents have a roof vent and doors or windows with screens. To avoid the buildup of condensation you can open your roof vent and partially unzip a door or window to create air circulation that will help to remove moisture and prevent condensation.