Tents and canopies were originally used by nomadic peoples as homes. Currently, these temporary structures are used more in recreational camping and in conditions that do not require permanent shelters such as trade fairs, traveling circuses, temporary military bases and even as cover for trucks, SUVs and other vehicles of convenience.

The market for tents and canopies has continued to grow owing to the increased number of people who have discovered the importance of being one with nature. Outdoor recreational activities have been more popular than ever, particularly among city dwellers who wish to leave the smog and traffic of their cities from time to time. The brands and designs available in the market right now are more diverse, with manufacturers catering to every purpose and every need.

Majority of modern tents are made from fire-retardant materials that can be of cotton, nylon or polyester. They can be designed to accommodate a single person or thousands of people. Tents can also be free-standing or attached to the ground with guy ropes and pegs. In terms of basic types, canopies and tents can be categorized as single skin, single skin with flysheet or double skin.

Manufacturers of tents base the design of their products on several considerations including cost, intended use and type of season. Tent companies usually offer multiple models intended for backpacking, group touring, single and family camping. The size of a tent is decided by the number of people who will be using it. A word of warning, though, to potential tent buyers; it is much better to buy a tent intended for a bigger number of people than purchase one that is designed for the exact number of individuals who are going to use it.

Some of the more popular brands of tents in the market include Eureka, Kelty and Ozark. There are also companies that offer rental services such as Atent for Rent Inc. and SGA Production Staging Inc.; the latter being more known as a provider of rental tent floors. Some manufacturers offer almost all kinds of tents while others concentrate on just a single type. The market for tents and canopies is one of the most stable industries in the world, mainly because of the multiple functions of these products. The numerous brands and types available commercially can only mean good things as far as consumers are concerned and a wide selection at competative rates is therefore available.