I know there are people on here that tent camp. I need suggestions for a new tent. There will be 4 people sleeping in the tent right now,maybe 5 if my lady friend decides to be brave and try it this year. I have an 8x10,and it worked for us 4,but it was pretty tight inside. i am not looking for one that is as big as house,but a little bigger would be nice.It seems like it always rains when we decide to go camping,so waterproof and stabiltiy during a rain/storm is a must.i do like the ones with rainflies so if it isn't supposed to rain,I can leave the fly off so the kids can watch the stars as they go to sleep. name brands and models appreciated. price is not a major factor,but the cheaper for the quality,the better,thanks!!....Ben

 

The major criterion is how often you use a tent and how long you want it to last if properly cared for.

Check with Cabela's for some good values.
http://www.cabelas.com

Look for a Trekker Classic Dome Tent, Item#IG-514266. I have the 10x10 model and I use it about 4-6 weekends per year and for a week or two in the summer. It is roomy for 3 and a squeeze at 5 adults. It is inexpensive at $90, has lasted two years so far, so I already have it paid for. It is still in fine shape although I did have to replace one pole due to high winds during take down. A dome tent is usually easy to set up and this model is very easy. It is very tall at 78" and I can stand up in it easily at 6'4" which is one reason I purchased it. It is not a tremendously high quality tent but very adequate. Sometimes that high quality and a famous name come at a very high cost.

 

thanks Eric. I forgot to mention ease of set up is also important to me because for the most part i will be doing it by myself. My oldest boy(10) helps as much as he can,but he isn't really tall enough yet

 

We have Eurekas in the scout troop and as family tents- easy to set up, have done extremely well holding up to hard use.

Eureka Tent Link

We have a K2-XT and a Sunrise. If you don't do any winter camping, the Sunrise should work great- just order extra poles while you're at it (past experience speaking here).

 

We have a several-year-old Walrus 3-man dome that I am VERY impressed with. It's nowhere near big enough for three people, let alone 5, but the construction seems very high quality, and it has held very well. I also find it easy to set up, although that may be familiarity more than anything...

I also have an LL Bean 2-man dome, that, although not of the same quality as the Walrus, was significantly cheaper, and is very good. They make domes of all different sizes as well as a number of other styles. If I was in the market for a good occasional use tent for a good price, Bean would be the first place I would look.

 

The Eureka Tent factory is 2 miles down the road from me - drive by at least twice a day. I have a smaller one, bought right there as a factory second quality tent - never found the reason it wasn't first quality. Great tents. If you find a model you like I could see if they have any here.

 

We always used Eureka's in boy scouts, They always worked great. I've had walmart / kmart / cheap tents, and would only reccomend a eureka

 

Straight outa the cabela's catalog

 

I know you're probably looking for other ideas as well, but the Tent Blowout is coming up soon (I have this strange urge to say "but wait there's more!"). At any rate it's a once a year thing, there's people lined up everywhere for this thing. You can get some killer deals on tents. Here's another link for you to read about it - clik on the sunburst for the sale details.

 

I don't know if using 2 tents is feasible, but I have decided I am absolutely going to get one of the truck bed tents that are available. Set it up right on the back of your truck, blow up the air mattress... sounds pretty good to me, especially if you camp on the beach.

 

Tents are rated by how many average size people, lying flat on their backs, can fit within the walls of the tent. No allowance is made for space between people, luggage, coolers, etc. As a minimum, get one rated for at least twice as many as will be actually using it. The more room inside, the more comfortable everyone will be. And, get one that's tall enough to stand up in - the older you get, the more important this becomes to the enjoyment of the camping experience. I'm not old yet, but I've been camping in tents for 48 years, and there comes a point in time when it just isn't fun anymore trying to get dressed or change into a swim suit while sitting on the ground or standing hunched over, hopping on one foot.

Most tents today are made of nylon. Unless the instructions say otherwise, before you use it, go over all the seams with a good seam sealer. Follow that up with one or two (I use three) coats of water-proofing spray. Repeat this treatment every 2 or 3 years (or more) depending on use and actual exposure to rain and snow.

Always be sure the tent is completely dry before packing it away. Sometimes there's no way around packing up a wet tent for the trip home, but unpack it and set it back up when you get there, and let it dry before putting it away. If you don't, go ahead and store it in the trash can now, and start saving for a new one to use next time.

 

Wait a second, I'm confused....




Just kidding.

 

Wondered if you'd notice that - I'll let you know when it happens (if I remember).

 

That looks like there could be some good deals there.

 

If you want a tent that is easy to set up, sturdy and will last for years and years...Springbar is it.

I have had my Springbar canvas tent for 40 years, since I was 12. Still in great shape and still a great tent. They are not cheap but if you take care of one, probably the last tent you might ever need.