Rent a camping tent: size, waterproofing and what to check

Rent a camping tent: choosing the right size

For two people, a 2 to 3-person tent with a sewn-in floor and fiberglass poles handles a weekend comfortably. For groups of four or more, a 4 to 6-person model gives everyone room to move, especially if rain keeps you inside. Door height matters too: tents with a tall vestibule entry let you stand without crouching, a small comfort after a long beach day near Itajaí.

Tents with heat-sealed seams and PU-coated floors typically carry a hydrostatic head of 2000 mm or more, meaning they stay dry through a heavy downpour. Before picking up the item, confirm with the owner that the compression bag and all stakes are included — each missing stake is one less anchor when the wind picks up.

Inflatable mattress: single or double, with or without a pump

A double inflatable mattress typically measures 1.37 m x 1.90 m and weighs under 2 kg deflated, easy to fit in a small car. For hikers, a single 0.76 m-wide model saves space in a backpack. Mattresses with a built-in manual pump inflate in under 5 minutes without needing power or batteries.

If the listing includes an EVA foam pad, bring it along: it blocks ground cold from seeping through the mattress, even on cool coastal nights in Santa Catarina. If the pad is not included, ask the owner through the Alugoae chat before placing your request.

Cooler: which size for a weekend camping trip

A 45-liter hard cooler keeps drinks cold for 24 to 36 hours with block ice. Rigid double-wall models outperform soft bags by a wide margin and are worth it for a two-day trip. For a single day out, a 20-liter soft bag is enough.

Check the listing to see whether the cooler has a locking lid, whether it is fully sealed to prevent leaks in the car, and what the exact capacity is. Some owners in Itajaí and Balneário Camboriú list coolers with wheels and a telescoping handle — practical for rolling across sand without straining your shoulder.

Camping near Itajaí: sand, saltwater and equipment care

The fine sand of Santa Catarina's north coast works its way into any zipper left open. Pitch the tent away from the water line when possible and keep gear bags closed. When packing up, shake each piece before folding and wipe the zipper teeth with a dry cloth — sand packed into a zipper is the most common damage reported by tent owners on Alugoae.

Saltwater mist also corrodes aluminum tent poles: dry them thoroughly before rolling them up. If it rains during your trip, separate the inner tent liner and let it dry fully before packing it away.

How camping gear rental works on Alugoae

On Alugoae, tents, inflatable mattresses and coolers are listed under the Sports and Leisure category. Each listing shows real photos, a daily price and the owner's rules — some require items returned dry, others prefer them washed. The platform charges the owner a 5% commission on completed rentals. Renters pay by Pix to Alugoae after the owner accepts, and direct contact is unlocked once payment is confirmed.

Before placing a request, use the on-site chat to check the condition of the floor, zippers and accessories included. Through the Alugoae referral program, bringing a friend whose first listing gets approved earns you R$ 5 by Pix.

Return: how to hand back everything dry and undamaged

The general rule is to return gear in the same condition you received it. Deflate and dry the mattress completely before rolling — moisture trapped inside for days causes odors and can damage the valve. Empty the cooler of ice, dry the interior and close it firmly. For the tent, set it up indoors for 30 minutes if the weather was wet, confirm it is fully dry and then pack it.

Photograph each piece before returning it to the owner: Alugoae recommends time-stamped photos at return so both parties have a clear record. If there is any minor damage, mention it through the chat before the handover — handling it in writing prevents disagreement later.

• Mattress: deflate, dry and roll up
• Cooler: remove ice, dry inside and close
• Tent: set up indoors to dry before packing
• Photograph each piece with timestamp before returning
• Report any damage through the chat before handover