Camping gear consists of much more than a tent and sleeping pad. Even when you’re backpacking, chances are you’ll take with you at least a small camping stove, a camping kettle to brew some coffee in the morning, as well as other tools and accessories.
Even when all your gear fits in a backpack, your gear may take up quite a lot of space inside your shelter. That’s where tent vestibules step in.
Generally consisting of a flap extending above the door, the vestibule provides further covered space where you can store your gear overnight or lounge in the afternoon.
Most tent vestibules are floorless, but some manufacturers – such as Coleman – also make tents with floored vestibules. Mesh screen walls and zipper doors also keep bugs away; the only downside is that these tents are quite cumbersome, so only suitable for car camping.