Outdoor Thing

Instant Tent Review: Top 10 Instant Tent in Amazon

Instant tent get more and more popular. If have an instant tent, you can easily set up it. I have used 3 tent and find choosing an instant tent is very important for the outdoor sport lovers. I have found the top 10 instant tent in Amazon, Maybe you can find your best one.

Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent

This tent goes up really easy. You can take 10 or fewer minutes to set it up. All of the tent’s poles are color coded so you just put the red marked pole into the red marked hub etc.

Coleman Red Canyon 17-Foot by 10-Foot 8-Person Modified

Dome Tent

The tent setup is quick and easy. This tent has shock-corded, color-coded poles and simple instructions that are sewn right onto the storage bag.

It’s easier to set up than you would think. The instructions are attached to the inside of the bag next to the zipper (as they always are on Coleman tents with zipper bags). The side poles are easy. The poles are color-coded (per the instruction) with red or grey stickers, but after you set the tent up once, you can tell which poles are which w/o needing the color coding. The side poles are thinner than the center dome poles. Our poles were not red and grey like the poles in the picture on this website. They were all black.

Coleman SunDome 7-Foot by 7-Foot 3-Person Dome Tent

This tent goes up and comes down pretty easily. A child can figure this tent out and it fits in a bag that’s pretty small and easy to manage. Setting up this 2-pole dome tent is a breeze — it sets up in 10 minutes or less, thanks to color-coded poles and sleeves, shock-corded poles, continuous pole sleeves, pin-and-ring design and InstaClip attachments. Easy-to-follow set-up instructions are sewn right into the carry bag, so you’ll always have them handy.

Wenzel Ridgeline 7 X 7-Feet Three-Person Dome Tent

This tent sets up easily in minutes with a shock-corded fiberglass frame and pin and ring system.

Coleman Instant 14- by 10- Foot 8- Person Two Room Ten

This tent is EASY to set up. The external frame and tent never come apart, so you don’t have a chance to lose anything. I have set the tent up on my own, but, frankly, it’s easier to set up when you have the help of one other person. I bought this tent this year. I and my mom set up the tent straight out of the bag for the 1st time in about 15 minutes. I read the directions but it wasn’t even really necessary, it was that simple. Take down was just as easy.

Coleman 6-Person Instant Tent

The Coleman 6-person Instant Tent lives up to its name, and can be set up or taken down in under one minute. An innovative one-piece design means the poles are pre-attached to the tent, eliminating assembly time and the risk of lost parts. Simply unfold the tent, spread out the fabric, extend the poles, click, and lock, and your tent’s ready to go.

People’s reviews about this instant tent:

“We just returned from camping in this tent. First time out of the box I think we had the thing set up in under two minutes. It could easily be done in 60 seconds or less next time. It reminds me of setting up our graco pack and play. I LOVED the way it set up! I was really surprised that it comes down just as easy. Fitting it back in the original bag took a couple minutes, but not any more than other tents we’ve had.”

“This tent is amazing. The day it showed up, I took it out of the box and set it up (just me – no one helping) in under a minute (not counting the stakes)!! “

Swiss Gear Montreaux Ten Person Family Dome Tent

The tent also sets up quickly compared to most large tents. It has an efficient pin-and-ring system and plastic eave hubs. As a result, you can enjoy the great outdoors right away rather than wasting time on setup.

Coleman Montana 8 Tent

Setting up the Montana 8 is a breeze, thanks to shock-corded poles, continuous pole sleeves, pin-and-ring design and InstaClip attachments; easy-to-follow set-up instructions are sewn right into the carry bag, so you’ll always have them handy. Even you first set up tent, you can also put up this tent by yourself in about 15 minutes.

Suisse Sport Wyoming 3 Room Family Dome Tent 18 x 10

This tent has shock-corded fiberglass poles. You can set up it by one person easily.

Coleman WeatherMaster Screened 6 Tent

Setup is quick and simple thanks two color-coded poles and continuous pole sleeves, shock-corded fiberglass poles, an exclusive pin-and-ring design, and InstaClip attachments. Straightforward instructions are sewn into the convenient carry bag, and separate stake and pole bags are also included.

Continuous, color-coded pole sleeves, an exclusive pin-and-ring design, and InstaClip attachments make setup a breeze with the 19mm steel poles.

Taking the tent down and putting it away was as easy as setting it up. Surprisingly everything fit back into the bag…and you wouldn’t take much time neatly rolling it or pushing all the air out, so if you do take your time it will fit with room to spare!

Family tent review : 5 best Coleman family tents

Coleman is a famous brand in outdoor sports. Its family tent is popular all over the world especially in the US. I have a Coleman family tent which I used for many times and it has a good performance. Today I spent much time to find the best Coleman family tent, and hope will help you to choose your suitable family tent.

Coleman Red Canyon 17-Foot by 10-Foot 8-Person Modified Dome Tent

Tent’s Features

• This Coleman family camping tent can accommodate eight campers; measures 17 by 10 feet with a 72-inch center height
• This tent included room dividers which will allow you to create three separate rooms
• Coleman’s exclusive Weathertec System is guaranteed to keep you dry from unexpected wet weather on your camping trip
• Tent setup is easy with its shock-corded poles and easy-to-follow assembly instructions; includes separate storage bags for tent, poles, and stakes
• Cool-Air port and Variflo adjustable venting system allows you to adjust airflow and access gear

Coleman Instant 14- by 10- Foot 8- Person Two Room Tent

Tent’s Features

• Spacious 8-person, 2-room tent designed for quick assembly
• Poles come pre-attached to tent, ensuring setup in 1 minute or less
• Exclusive WeatherTec system with thick waterproof walls and welded floor
• 2 doors and 7 windows for full ventilation; removable divider between rooms
• Base measures 14 by 10 feet; center height of 6 feet 5 inches; 1-year warranty

Coleman Montana 8 Tent

Tent’s Features

• 8 person/1 room tent , 16 x 7-Feet footprint, 74-Inch center height,11-millimeter fiberglass poles
• Modified dome structure, simple to set up, electrical access port and reverse angle windows
• Great for family car campers, scout leaders, extended camping trips and easy to transport
• 75-denier polyester taffeta fly, 68-denier polyester mesh inner tent, 1000-denier polyethylene floor
• Includes limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty, made in China

Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Tent

Tent’s Features

• Sleeps 6 people comfortably in 2 rooms, with a 17′ x 9′ footprint and 80″ center height
• Sets up in 20 minutes or less
• LED tent light with 3 Settings (High, Low, Nightlight)
• Screened porch for your gear and enjoying the elements — and keeping bugs out!
• 2 doors including an easy-in-and-out hinged door

Coleman WeatherMaster 10 Tent

Tent’s Features

• Two-room tent sleeps up to ten campers comfortably thanks to 17-by-nine-inch (W x D) footprint and six-foot, four-inch center height
• Color-coded poles and continuous pole sleeves, shock-corded fiberglass poles, exclusive pin-and-ring design, and InstaClip attachments
• Proprietary WeatherTec System with series of interworking features guaranteed to keep you dry and comfortable
• 75-denier polyester taffeta fly, 68-denier polyester mesh inner tent, and 1,000-denier polyethylene floor; 11-millimeter fiberglass poles
• Includes limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty

Compare 5 Coleman Family Tent

You can find more details about how to choose a family tent in:

My Favorite Family tent: Coleman Instant 8-Person Two Room Tent

Camping Tents for Family Camping Adventures

Camping Tents – It’s a shame to arrive for the realization that an amount of of us will go to our complete life without actually seriously obtaining expertise and appreciate the natural beauty and enjoyment of camping inside the amazing outside of Camping Tents. Mom dynamic is all around, a brief generate for anybody to appreciate and however do small so in comparison to individuals that don’t. My wish with this post would be to alter your priorities and also to stimulate people who usually wouldn’t go camping to believe about investing level of quality time with pals and family even though camping.

Camping Tents provide lots of room for everybody to make an try to do their personal things. Eureka Tents provide lots of rugged family tents big sufficient for everybody as well as a picnic table too. Tired of hiking, why not get every single member from the family included in the enjoyment online game of cards. Several of our most beneficial memories are when everybody was laughing and possessing a wonderful time more than the simplest of things.

Today’s family members camping tents provide so numerous terrific features, you’ll believe your back again at home. We propose buying family tents which can be a single dimension bigger than required, so you’ll have additional space for all of your camping gear. We locate most at the time, an amazing offer of apparel might be left outdoors the tent, in occasion of rain, you will require that additional room to shop your camping gear.

Upon buying new family members camping tents, you could possibly desire to carry some time and do additional waterproofing and sealing the seams. This couple of several hours of your time could be nicely rewarded during the future. Practically nothing is even worse than obtaining wet during the center belonging to the evening in an unexpected storm.

Yes, there are countless amazing camping tents at the current market today. However, having a small groundwork you can discover the proper a single for you personally as well as your family. Delighted camping.

Why A Family Tent is Better For Familys With Children

Camping is fun, specifically for children. It’s a outstanding method of investing the summer time holidays together with your family. But sooner or later, tempers begin operating large inside of the restricted room you have. You are longing for some time alone, the children begin fighting more than anything… What to do? A family tent with many rooms, of course, won’t solve all of your problems. However it could make camping lifestyle easier.

Here are three factors why a family tent can aid maintaining the peace:

• Everyone has her / his personal space

• It’s less difficult to retain your elements separated

• A minimum amount of privacy is ensured

Reason 1: Inside a loved ones cabin tent, everybody has her / his personal room

No issue how interpersonal we are, most of us desire to be alone at times, and we require some room that is ours alone. Someplace to place our things, someplace we are able to normally arrive to, someplace we won’t be disturbed. Camping frequently neglects this need. A family tent can supply everybody with this required private space. You can rest when you choose to, or merely consider a “time out” whenever you don’t really feel like people. Much less “social crowd stress”, much more peaceful.

Reason 2: It’s less difficult to retain your factors divided when making use of a loved ones cabin tent

When you are all staying in a single huge tent, factors will get mixed up more than time. Inside of a family tent exactly where every single a single has his personal room, you can simply maintain your factors separated. Merely to maintain your private stuff within your personal room, like you would do at home. When there is much less looking and accusing other people to possess misplaced specific things, you could have additional peace and very much much less frustration. When you have  further room, you can maintain the factor everybody is utilizing  there to be sure that all of you can entry them easily.

Reason 3: A family tent guarantees a minimum of privacy

We grown-ups want privacy, and young adults desire to have their secrets. They desire to have solution chats with their friends, or have some issues they don’t want you to definitely see. Utilizing a family tent that enables each and every kid his personal space won’t be as confidential as home, but equally mom and dad and young children can have some privacy at least.

A family tent with an amount of rooms can definitely do a terrific employment in producing camping with children an a great deal more pleasant experience. It’s continually an excellent thought to purchase a larger tent than you in fact need. When you require a 3 space tent, get a single with 4 rooms. Then you certainly even now possess a spare space in which you can devote time jointly whenever you can’t go out, with no disturbing those that wish to be alone.

6 Person Tent Make The Family Closer

Our basic actions could guide to some chain response of events. An work is as basic as purchasing the 6 men or women tent and getting the family camping could be outcome to some potential in which there are lesser broken households and lesser crimes and extra happiness and smiles. So, what have you been waiting for? Purchase a six man or women tent now. There is absolutely nothing to lose, but you have a complete lot to gain, not just now, but during the potential as well.

In today’s contemporary world, there are loads of broken families. Getting a divorce is as quick as altering a pair of shoes. There are youngsters who develop up without the need for correct guidance. In turn, they turn into troubled teenagers. Inside the future, they type dysfunctional households as well. That, is not the globe that our nation’s heroes desired to die for inside the initial placement. The family members may be the fundamental device on the society. It may be the institution exactly where every little thing begins. Loads of issues carry the root inside of the family. Hence, a powerful family members tie should be fostered. How can we do that? Getting a six human being tent for the family members is among the initial couple of actions you can take.

It may possibly appear absurd. Can a six particular person tent seriously create a variation during the family? Yes. It canbe . There are quite a few family-oriented actions that include the use of the 6 particular person tent. A camping trip is one. A camping trip offers the family a time that is invested just for every single other. There is no interference from your outdoors world. Family people can perform actions together. In this non-public gathering, the family people possess the chance to loosen up and reveal their issues and concerns with 1 another. No 1 during the family would really feel alienated or used for granted.

Moments like pitching up the 6 men or women tent market cooperation and interaction among people within the family. Kids, who would instead hang out with their good friends that commit some superior time with their family can loosen up and available on their own as a great deal as their parents. The basic work of assisting 1 an additional in pitching up a tent strengthens the bonds of the family. It also offers fantastic memories that every family member can keep.

A six human being tent is large and roomy. It may match a family of 6. It is named for the family tent. Within these spacious tents, moms and dads and youngsters similar can trade stories. They are able to perform games. It is genuinely a location in which they are able to merely be on their own close to every other, without any treatment of is happening inside the outdoors world.

Members within the family are encouraged to commit high quality time together. The family is exactly where beneficial values are learned. The family is exactly where we 1st understand what is suitable and what is wrong. In today’s globe exactly where loads of bad wrongdoings are prevailing, the family should create a stand. Now you can begin getting your family a 6 particular person tent and strategy a camping trip. It is large time to carry our households closer to make certain that not a single goes astray towards the incorrect way.

The Best Family Tent For All Seasons

Camping may be enjoyment and exciting. Getting the ideal sort of tent for camping is necessary in the occasional you must include the enjoyment element. The most beneficial family tents are obtainable on-line via reputable tent manufacturers.

You can browse via dozens of family tents and will certainly discover several that meet your requirements. There are freestanding tents which will very easily accommodate eight people not having that cramped and congested feeling. Are you able to think which they provide a height of 7 ft average? The camp has sufficient width and attributes that may be applied to offer privacy to couples. Screens are obtainable to produce specific rooms for households in a few of these camping tents.

If you are worried about ventilation within a tent that accommodates eight campers, relax. There are exceptional ventilation services that arrive with these wonderfully created family camps in your type of mesh windows. There is an arrangement to pass electrical energy wires and cables neatly via these tents not having making any security hazards. These attributes ensure it is among the most excellent family tents obtainable for all of your camping and outing programs.

The most excellent family tents are big and spacious once they available up but may be definitely compact once they fold up. They are lighting excess weight and effortless to hold along together with your other camping materials. These tents are made from sturdy polyester resources for its walls and also the flooring as well. The mesh material which functions since the ventilator is an opaque product and also the frames are very powerful due to the fact of the fiberglass and metal elements.

These tents are the most beneficial you can discover for the camping expeditions in conditions of luxury and comfort. They may be sued for 3 seasons and arrive using the alternative of two doors and 6 windows. You will certainly not really feel brief of oxygen and ventilation with these big and broad tents.

This luxury camping tent may be the very first selection amongst campers and picnic fanatics due to the fact it provides all of the attributes that you just are searching for in a very cell camping and family tents.

The truth which they maintain on their own admirably nicely even once the wind speeds attain close to 40 mph speaks volumes about their electricity worth and toughness. They are not just about room and strength. Visually also, they seem really neat and attractive. Some tents are developed to maintain its personal versus a downpour even in windy conditions. Basic assembly program and effortless established up and removing would be the reason why campers choose this wonderfully crafted family tent more than others.

What Is Family Tent

A beneficial family tent has being broad, cozy (not hot), keeps you relaxing and dry. Typically, family tent tents are only for camping vehicles and a quantity of are as well heavy for backpackers anyway. excess fat is not a lot of the issue once the option of family tents unless you’re backpacking. room is typically a pretty very important consideration. for individuals who really are a family tent of four, possessing a store that may suit 6 tents from four folks are a whole lot more probable to accommodate 4 bodies comfortably four folks comfortably. Your family tent will seriously appreciate the additional space. The larger the better, but additionally price more.

If you make a decision to get in touch with the family tent to go camping at a campsite around the financial institutions from the river in Wales inside a valley or someplace even more along the coast or above, the family tent shop buy would be your residence aside from home. using the possible of sun, rain, wind or insects, it is your safety towards these elements.
Some from the most beneficial buying during the family tent has functions and styles which have been shared in between them. Time will arranged up a bottom inside a summer time camp or around the beach; this guidebook will support you pick the costumes from the family tent the desires of your family.

The needs for any big family tent is the simple fact that it should be utilized for many purposes and frequently are developed for protected campsites, but you can go anyplace as extended since the time price is not so bad. beneficial family tent need to have various relaxation places for that entire family tent and is also sewn into (or zip) integral tarps to enhance comfort and really feel a whole lot more at home. keep in mind that these would be heavier and bigger so be sure your auto may be adapted to shop the election campaign.

One from the most very important of any family tent room is vital. It need to supply sufficient room for the family’s clothes, kitchen area issues and bobs ‘n’ any other bits in it at a similar time, are ideal inside a truckload of toys and sufficient meals to final weekend.

You can get more details about family here:

My Favorite Family tent: Coleman Instant 8-Person Two Room Tent

Family Tents Review: the Best Family Tent

It’s the summer time again and in circumstance your personal family is up for just a little touch of fun, then you’ll discover that there’s absolutely nothing more enjoyable than camping. I certainly really feel holidays which include this would be the stuff amazing memories are created from.

Nowadays, when you nearly undoubtedly currently know, camping has altered so significantly in the times of significantly of our childhood. I have not forgotten how extended it employed to carry to develop a tent and how obtaining wet from the bad weather was bound to happen..

Presently, you can discover water resistant tents and tents with all types of resting rooms, a porch and all that. And honestly, it is in fact a tricky undertaking to purchase a single that perfect match you as well as your personal family’s necessities.

If you’re searching for the top family tent, right here are 5 which I recommend:

Coleman waterfall eight person tent – for any scaled-down family, the Coleman waterfall eight person tent is perfect. This is commonly a pretty lighting tent at 12.8 kg. And also at this fat can stand powerful winds and rain. This is commonly a mixture dome-tunnel tent. That is, the resting region is commonly a tunnel whilst the residing region is dome. Excellent mind room.

Vango Maritsa 700 seven Berth Tent – this can be among the new Vango 2010 tents using a pretty one of a kind designs. It fits seven individuals using the bedrooms all in the back. I such as this tunnel tent layout and using the bedrooms situated in which they are, you can obtain the mess for the minimum. If there are seven of you from the group, you can even pick not to make use of the center space after which turn it in to a stroll in the closet!

Coleman Coastline six Deluxe six guy Tent – pretty spacious this one. There are 3 bedrooms which you can simply combine with other rooms for all those who pick too. I such as  versatility within the Coleman Coastline six Deluxe Tent.

Outwell Montana six Tent 2010 Model

Like all Outwell Tents, the Outwell Montana six tent style is pretty properly produced and a single that you just are bound to possess for any extended time. This can be all close to level of quality substance and is also pretty spacious and gives excellent headroom. However, put together to spend the selling price for it. Be sure you purchase the porch extension if you’re obtaining this tent. Properly worth it.

Outwell Hartford XXL

If you are searching for any big family tent, the Outwell Hartford XXL can rest as significantly as twelve people. It’s also verified for being sturdy throughout powerful wind plus a genuine winner with maintaining the within dried out based on consumer reviews. However, thinking about how large it is, assume to invest some time placing it up and getting it down. Nonetheless, its excellent worth for revenue which enables it to simply be considered a household aside from home.

My family has bought the Coleman 8 person family tent. I think it’s perfect ,we have used it for over 3years. You can find more details about this tent in this article: My Favorite Family tent: Coleman Instant 8-Person Two Room Tent.

What to Look for in a Tent

If you want to have a camping, a good tent will be one of the most critical camping equipment buying you will make. It is your principal resource of the shelter and the location you may be stuck in for several hours throughout a large rainstorm. A tent is generally a severe investment, which if properly chose, could be used for decades. Tents appear in a very large variety of prices, sizes, and styles; it might be overwhelming to learn where to begin.

How many people will be in the tent?

Start narrowing your research for any new tent by pondering about how many people today is heading to be resting within your tent on the majority of your camping trips. This can dictate the dimension belonging to the tent you need. You can purchase a “solo” tent for a single person, or even buy a family tent for the whole family to rest in, with room to spare. When the dimension of your team varies you can select to purchase a single tent huge sufficient for that biggest dimension group, or two scaled-down tents to provide you with extra flexibility.

How many seasons the tent will be used?

Tents are created for the seasons they will possibly be used, getting into account the weather, soil include and temperatures. If you ever stick to camping only from the cozy summer time months, you’ll require a 1-2 season tent. If your camping trips distribute into spring and fall, a three season tent will be far better fit your needs. If winter camping is a component of your repertoire, a four season tent is typically a must.

Freestanding tents or staked tents?

A “freestanding” tent is a single that may be arranged up entirely without the need for tent stakes. Tent stakes are little metallic or plastic material posts that hook for the tent and get driven straight down to the soil to safe it. Freestanding tents may be arranged up on any surface, which includes rock, simply because they don’t must be staked straight down to retain their structure. This is generally an advantage in the situation you prefer to arrange your tent up on wooden camping platforms occasionally offered in the campgrounds, or in the situation you find unusually rocky or tough soil that is hard to generate stakes into. Freestanding tents also possess the capability for being moved very easily from location to place, in the situation you proceed campsites or desire to alter your tent location. A tent that desires for being staked is generally a completely good option in the situation you camp typically in set up campgrounds. Most campsites could have no much less than a single location that the staked tent can very easily be arranged up. Freestanding tents will offer probably the most versatility for that placement of your tent.

Does the tent have a vestibule?

A vestibule can be a sheltered area, normally an extension within the bad weather fly. It offers  area outdoors for 1 or far more doors to shop wet/dirty boots, products or something else that you choose an entry to, but not necessarily within the tent. Vestibules normally do not consist of a soil cover, but a best only. Some tents possess  vestibule room for buy separately.

Once you’ve made a decision on the majority of these factors, you’re prepared to mind towards the outdoor product store. You will discover the greatest good quality tents as nicely as the most effective assortment in a very shop that specializes in outside activities. In these stores, you will discover several tents established up. You can lay the cutting in them, attempt the zippers, examine out the entry/exit doors, and spend interest in windows, inner pouches for safe-keeping and spaciousness.

Setting up a tent may be a confusing endeavor. Speak towards product salesman or woman concerning the ease of setting the tent up. It is essential the fact that the method be very simple and straightforward. Some tents have started out providing coloring coded pole sleeves and poles. See when the product salesman or woman will support you arranged up the tent you wish to purchase correct within the store. This really isn’t as well a great deal to ask!

Don’t neglect to be sure the tent is 100% waterproof, and that no extra waterproofing is required. Puddles and camping do not mix!

It’s about enjoyment buying for any new tent. Consider your time and create a checklist of all with the capabilities you are searching for beforehand. If possible, examine several numerous stores. If nicely chose, this vital item of camping items will supply you with many years of outside happiness.

What To Look For When Buying A Family Tent

First thing I think about when I hear family is bickering, arguing, crying, yelling, etc. Not a pleasant thought. But family tents need not be this way, if you are careful about what you buy.

Decide your needs

The first thing you need to decide on is how many people need to sleep in the tent and what type of beds are you going to use. If you are just using a simple air mattress then you just need 2 feet by 6 feet per person plus 2 feet by 2 feet for gear (if you are not using a vestibule). This changes if you are using one of those queen/king size Coleman mattresses. In that case you need a lot more space. In my Base camp 6 I can only fit my queen size mattress, a crib, one air mattress and a couple of bags for clothes/diapers/etc.

After you decide how much spare gear you need, then you need to consider options like multiple rooms, a screen room, ability to walk in the tent, room for a card table, weather resistance, overall quality, size when packed, size when assembled, etc. Having an attached screen room is a nice option if you are camping in an area known for having a lot of insects. But I feel a better option is to buy a separate screen room.

You also need to decide what environments you will be camping in. If rain, wind, and space is not a concern then all you need is a cheap shelter and a way to monitor the weather. Just remember that you will need to get a hotel room if the weather goes south fast, and that happens a lot during August in the mid-west.

Classification of Tents

All tents can be classified into two categories, 3-season tents and 4-season tents. 3-season tents are the most common tent you can buy and chances are your tent is a 3-season tent. It is designed for camping in locations where snow and high winds are not a major factor. 3-season tents usually have a flatter roof, separate rain fly, are lighter, and cheaper. If you think you will enjoy camping in the snow then get a true 4-season tent or build a snow cave. To accommodate a large family you will have to have two tents instead of one big tent. 4-season tents do not have a separate rain fly, they are heavier, and their roof is sloped so that snow will easily slide off instead of collapsing the tent. Most 4-season tents are shaped like a dome because of this and they can survive high winds fairly well with guy wires.

There are also convertible 3-season tents. My REI Base camp 6 and REI Clipper are two examples of good quality convertible tents. The rain fly allows both of these tents to act like 4-season tents. You can give both of these tents a pounding but they will not survive heavy snowfall or high winds as well as a 4-season dome style tent will.

Expensive vs. cheap

Most tents are mass-produced. This means the quality is not there and durability will be an issue. But if you don’t mind buying a new tent every few years then this is an option. But if you buy a quality tent like the ones I mentioned above, you will have a more enjoyable time camping and less chance of bad weather ruining your trip. In the long run you will save money by having a tent for 10 years instead of 3 in the same time period.

If you need proof then check out my review on the Coleman Weather master. Even after writing that review I got two more people that confirmed that they ripped their tent. Avoid this tent like the plague.

Clips versus tent sleeves

There are two ways to secure a pole to a tent. The first method is to just put a pole through a sleeve. The second method is to set up the poles and clip the tent body to the poles themselves. Most manufacturers of 3-season tents use a combination of both of these methods.

Basically poles that are in tent sleeves are much sturdier. They take a little longer to set up. But what you spend in time and effort pays off in less shaking from the wind and the force of the tent is more evenly distributed along the poles. This is the way to go if you camp in windy areas.

Clips are a wonderful design on 3-season tents. It makes them easier to set up and the poles usually are not as tight. As long as you do not encounter high winds then this is the primary choice for the average camper. Just be prepared for the tent to move a little more in some weather conditions.

There is a third option that is brand new to the market (about a year?). You can actually pump up the tent instead of sliding poles in the sleeves. I have only seen it on a small tent so don’t hold your breath if you’re waiting for this design to be implemented in a larger tent.

What to look for in a rainfly

-It should not touch the tent body (most rest on the poles.)

-The rain fly should extend beyond the body of the tent so that the rain never contacts the tent body (this is not a necessity in light rain but is in heavy rain.)

-It should have a waterproof coating. (you still may need to apply a seam sealer). A water-repellent material will only protect you from the light rain.

-The tent floor needs to be water proof.

The advantage of having a separate rain fly is it making for a lighter load. The tents that do not need a rainfly are a little heavier and a little more expensive.

What about the stakes?

Most stakes that come with the tent are pretty cheap so first unpack the stakes. Take one and see if you can bend it like a paperclip or will it bend if you hammer it lightly? If that is the case then go out and buy some new stakes. For car camping I recommend generic stakes like the ones made by Coleman, Coghlans, or Ozark trail that you can buy at any major store. These stakes are a little more difficult to damage and even if you do you won’t care.

If the soil you commonly camp in is loose soil like sand then check out the MSR Ground Hog stake.

What is your opinion on the best 4-season family tent?

I got this question a few weeks ago while I was in the process of writing this advice article. After carefully research the current crop of family tents I came to the realization that there was no such thing as a 4-season family tent. But there are 3-season convertible family tents. A 3-season convertible tent usually has a rainfly that will allow the tent to withstand more severe weather. Here are the 3 tents that I would consider if I was in the market today. Keep in mind that I would not take any of these into heavy snow because they are a 3-season convertible tent, not a 4-season tent.

-REI Base camp 6- I know I already reviewed this tent but I still think it is the best family tent out there with all things considered. Some people might have an issue with the fact that you cannot walk in it and you only have one room. It will sleep 6, but 6 people that are very comfortable sleeping that close to each other.

-North face trail head 8- I do not consider this a 3-season convertible but I still like the tent. This a much better tent than the Coleman Weather master and it will serve the same purpose. It may cost more but it will be money well spent.

-Kelty mantra- Kelty is a good brand but not the first brand I look for. But when I saw this tent I was instantly hooked. The design should withstand most weather conditions of the average camper. And it just looks cool.

-The cheap alternative- buy two large tarps, stakes, thickness string that cannot be easily broken, and two poles (two walking sticks will work.) Now just make an A frame out of it using the poles to support the top tarp and the string to add tension to the poles. The other tarp is on the floor. This is actually one of the oldest styles of tent and it still works. It can be set up in minutes and should cost less than 20 dollars (less if you scrounge around)

-The expensive alternative- If you have 5000 to blow then check out the North Face 2 Meter Dome. I’ll review this tent after I win the lottery…since I don’t play that may take a while.

My philosophy on the tents

I view tents as a place to sleep, that is it. If you are out in the wilderness then you need to be in a location where you can truly enjoy it, outside. So I do not need a tent that I can walk in, play card, etc. All I need to do is sleep in it. This is why I think my REI 2 man is perfect because you just slide in and go to sleep. Some people think I take this to the extreme because I would rather sleep on a tarp under the stars than the most luxurious bearskin lined tent that money can buy.

Some of my experiences

When you buy a good tent you are buying security and insurance. On my trip to Florida in, we were caught in a bad rainstorm in Mississippi and my brother woke up in 1/2 an inch of water. Well the wind was so severe that is ended up tearing a large hole in the side where the bottom and side wall was sewn together. This hole happened to be facing uphill and let the water run down into the tent. We took it in stride, went to the Laundromat and cleaned off the damage. I learned from that experience to not do what my mom did and buy a cheap tent.

Another time I was camping with my wife at Arches N.P. and there was a brief but intense rainstorm. I wasn’t sure what to expect back at camp but I was a little worried because of the unpredictable nature of desert storms. Well we got back and saw our tent in a foot of water and it had been there for several hours. I was worried and thought we were going to spend the night at the Laundromat and some sleazy motel. Well after we un-staked the tent and moved it, we opened up the tent to find all our gear perfectly dry. Had there been just one defect in the stitching, we would have had a flood in our tent. Just another reason why you should buy good quality tents.

Dimensions guide

This is a rough estimation. You can take off 4 square feet per person is you can deal with a tight fit. If you have a lot of extra gear, a crib, or a large mattress then you will obviously need more room than what I have listed.

4 people- 64 sq. Ft. Or 8 feet by 8 feet.

6 people- 96 sq. Ft. Or 8 feet by 12 feet.

8 people- 128 sq. Ft. Or 8 feet by 16 feet.

Summary:

If you are going to be serious about camping then get a good tent. Do not go cheaply, buy the most expensive you can afford from a trusted brand. Both you and your family will be better off in the long run.

If every time you think it is going to rain you get a hotel room then you do not need a nice tent. You are merely buying a tent for privacy. My suggestion to you is to just get a cheap tent from Costco and replace it every 3-5 years.

And whatever you do always setup and test the tent before you buy. If the shop doesn’t let you do this then go elsewhere. You don’t buy a car without a test drive do you? After you tested out the tent you want, go and find the best price.

But you get what you buy. If you spend the money you will get a good quality tent. In the long run it will be cheaper, just ask my brother-in-law.

Article Source: http://www.epinions.com/content_4129988740

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