Your tent needs are going to depend, quite obviously, on your camping habits. Not every tent is right for every family. Different folks have different needs. The screen tent is a perfect example. While it's just what the doctor ordered for many people, it would be a horrible investment for others. Is a screen tent right for you, or should you stick with more traditional styles?

The first thing you need to consider is the area in which you'll be using the tent. If you're going to do any cool or cold weather camping, you shouldn't by a screen tent. It's just not going to provide enough protection for you. If you camp a great deal and think it would make sense for the summer, you can pick one up as a warm weather option, but it shouldn't be your primary tent.

Second, think about the rest of your equipment. Even when the weather is warm, mornings can be cool. You can wake up with a deep down chill in your bones if you don't have a good sleeping bag. Think about your bag's quality relative to your tent selection. You might want to think twice about a screen version depending on what you have.

Finally, consider privacy concerns. Different folks have different habits when they're camping. If you're going to be among other people and will be with a loved one, you might want to pursue a more discreet option. If your companion is particularly modest, a screen tent might not be perfect.

The flipside to all of these factors points toward the desirability of grabbing one of these tents. If you camp in warm weather, have suitable sleeping gear, and are either camping alone or with someone who isn't particularly shy, you'll be able to enjoy the increased air flow and warm weather comfort of a screened in tent.

The moral to the story? Think it over carefully. Just consider your habits and your preferences and let them guide your decision. If you use a bit of common sense, you're sure to choose wisely.