Reccomendations for Smaller Family tent.

[xcmountain80]

Let me start off with please hold your thoughts until you finish reading this.

I'm not interested in bargain tents as they are huge and typically posses a bunch of unusable space.

I have a Moss (Olympic I think) tent and expect similar quality. It has lasted over 0 years and it was older when I bought it.

I might have to re read the OJ family tent comparison but really don't want anything that large.

I need to get myself, my wife, and my baby and dog in it with some gear, as the rest may be left in the 4Runner.

It needs to pack up fairly small as my current tent is just bigger than a luxury camp therma rest mattress, I prefer a 4 season as they just seem more durable.

Ok suggest on ............

PS perhaps I should keep saving for the tent trailer combo and nix the ground tent idea. :wings:
A

[Cody1771]

tent trailer would be nice for a family. because then you and your wife will have your own bed and plenty of room for the kid and dog, and you wont outgrow it. as far as a tent goes i cant give much advise there. i have a small 2 person (1 comfertably lol) and then a massive 10 person tent i use for bike trips, can get 4 guys, 4 cots, 4 bikes, and all our gear inside the tent, mountain bike that is.

[off.track]

what kind of budged do you have for this?

[Maddmatt]

I'm thinking about the Kelty Green River 6 as my next family tent (me, wife, 2 kids, big dog) http://www.kelty.com/kelty/products.php?type=8&cat=62&id=150

At $400 I think its a step above the mass market "bargain" tents, but not break the bank expensive.

I really dig the front porch - I don't know how old your kid is, but we keep a strict "no shoes in the tent" rule and having a protected place for the kids to be able to sit down and take off and store the shoes would be great.

I currently have a smaller Kelty that I've used for back packing. I've been very impressed with the overall quality/dollar ratio. Spent 5 consecutive days with heavy rain a couple summers ago and was dry and comfy the whole time.

For full disclosure purposes though, I should tell you that the tent I'm getting ready to retire is a "bargain" tent of the first order. It's the Target "Eddie Bauer" way too big cabin tent.

I've been simply amazed at how useful this tent has been for the last 8 years. Rain, wind, sun, etc.... It's finally starting to show some wear, and I figure I got my $100 out of it, so after this weekend it may get retired. When I bought it I assumed one or two summers, but its been all over the place for a long time.

The only downside to this one has been the size, I wouldn't characterize it as unuseable space, we use every inch of it, but it is too big to pitch in a lot of more desireable areas.

[xcmountain80]

Budget? What is that? there is no budget as I have no money! The tent was idea that came to me while I was pondering things (day dreaming). The trailer and tent combo should be ordered around the new year and I'm not even sure I will be camping with the new baby anytime before early spring, so I don't really know. But I figured I'd start a thread for a moderately sized (minimalist size) for a small family. I know budget plays into it but for the quality I expect I know I will have to pay.

A

[xcmountain80]

I'm thinking about the Kelty Green River 6 as my next family tent (me, wife, 2 kids, big dog) http://www.kelty.com/kelty/products.php?type=8&cat=62&id=150

At $400 I think its a step above the mass market "bargain" tents, but not break the bank expensive.

I really dig the front porch - I don't know how old your kid is, but we keep a strict "no shoes in the tent" rule and having a protected place for the kids to be able to sit down and take off and store the shoes would be great.

I currently have a smaller Kelty that I've used for back packing. I've been very impressed with the overall quality/dollar ratio. Spent 5 consecutive days with heavy rain a couple summers ago and was dry and comfy the whole time.

For full disclosure purposes though, I should tell you that the tent I'm getting ready to retire is a "bargain" tent of the first order. It's the Target "Eddie Bauer" way too big cabin tent.

I've been simply amazed at how useful this tent has been for the last 8 years. Rain, wind, sun, etc.... It's finally starting to show some wear, and I figure I got my $100 out of it, so after this weekend it may get retired. When I bought it I assumed one or two summers, but its been all over the place for a long time.

The only downside to this one has been the size, I wouldn't characterize it as unuseable space, we use every inch of it, but it is too big to pitch in a lot of more desireable areas.

I'm not surprised about the quality of the EB tent, Iused to work for an outfitter and their sleeping bags gave the high dollar ones a run for their money. I've been using EB colder weather sleeping bags for about 9 years now with no complaints.

Aaron

[Titanpat57]

Sounds like your ready for a trailer build and just don't know it yet...:). I never meet a tent I didn't like with "too much room"...lol.

We started with a 3 room cabin tent (2nd hand, traded 2 used Anderson windows for it) but I always put a 10' x 20' under it and over it. Geez..that lasted for 7 years and served us more than well. We used that crap out out of it. Always kept the midle open for dressing, meals, or in inclimate weather so the girls could play all day if need be.

Time marches on and we work our way up through the trailer world..and it peaks with a V-10 Ford Lariet dually and a 26' er hard side trailer..and there was a lot to said about that..dry, bathroom, shower, and really like home...BUT (there always seems to be a but) what a pain in the balls to pack, haul, yadda, yadda, yadda.. ( that's a NY term for et., etc.) and THAT was ok...

Then last summer I saw these "off road trailer" builds these guys are doing...and it REALLY grabs my interest. Well..let's suffice to say I haven't been the same since. I did a simple, quick build, with no idea of what I was doing. Had a lot of fun and support, and really didn't break the bank. My only problem was I started back asswards...bought the RTT first before I saw the trailers...lol.

Anyway..sorry for the novel, but the possibilities with all forms of camping are endless. After the smoke cleared and everything is said and done....I have more fun in the little "chitbox" trailer I built with ALL the gear in one spot (no more of the proverbal "where's this and where's that?) then I could have ever imagined...kinda like coming full circle so to speak. The fun of a tent and the convience of the trailer...it's all there...you just don't know it's back there.

Almost all the goodies I bought on sale or CL's...used my experience as a contractor helped to finish off the rest, and as a whole it was one of the most fun things I enjoyed in a long time.

Nothing beats camping with the family and close friends.....the times you create and enjoy now will be the sounding board of all the good times and most heartfelt memories for you and your family, in the future.

If the Lord said to me right now... "I need to take you tomorrow"...what do you want to do tonight?" I guess I'd ask for one more beer around one more campfire with you..:beer::campfire:

Best of luck with your search, Pat

[off.track]

so money is no object? lol j/k

i am actually pretty impressed with kelty.. i have a small 2 men tent i picked up recently. good quality. before i used sierra design for many happy years.. just found the kelty cheap and thought i'd give it a try. so look into SD tents.. also look into convertible tents.. they can handle the 4th season and some of the perks built into them work well in the other seasons.

a few years back i bought a really nice MountainHarware 3 men tent.. highly disappointed as it had issues on the first trip.. their service was as crappy as they come.. didn't help me at all.. the tent is sitting somewhere around here in a box. so, i'd say stay away from them.

[xcmountain80]

Sounds like your ready for a trailer build and just don't know it yet...:). I never meet a tent I didn't like with "too much room"...lol.

We started with a 3 room cabin tent (2nd hand, traded 2 used Anderson windows for it) but I always put a 10' x 20' under it and over it. Geez..that lasted for 7 years and served us more than well. We used that crap out out of it. Always kept the midle open for dressing, meals, or in inclimate weather so the girls could play all day if need be.

Time marches on and we work our way up through the trailer world..and it peaks with a V-10 Ford Lariet dually and a 26' er hard side trailer..and there was a lot to said about that..dry, bathroom, shower, and really like home...BUT (there always seems to be a but) what a pain in the balls to pack, haul, yadda, yadda, yadda.. ( that's a NY term for et., etc.) and THAT was ok...

Then last summer I saw these "off road trailer" builds these guys are doing...and it REALLY grabs my interest. Well..let's suffice to say I haven't been the same since. I did a simple, quick build, with no idea of what I was doing. Had a lot of fun and support, and really didn't break the bank. My only problem was I started back asswards...bought the RTT first before I saw the trailers...lol.

Anyway..sorry for the novel, but the possibilities with all forms of camping are endless. After the smoke cleared and everything is said and done....I have more fun in the little "chitbox" trailer I built with ALL the gear in one spot (no more of the proverbal "where's this and where's that?) then I could have ever imagined...kinda like coming full circle so to speak. The fun of a tent and the convience of the trailer...it's all there...you just don't know it's back there.

Almost all the goodies I bought on sale or CL's...used my experience as a contractor helped to finish off the rest, and as a whole it was one of the most fun things I enjoyed in a long time.

Nothing beats camping with the family and close friends.....the times you create and enjoy now will be the sounding board of all the good times and most heartfelt memories for you and your family, in the future.

If the Lord said to me right now... "I need to take you tomorrow"...what do you want to do tonight?" I guess I'd ask for one more beer around one more campfire with you..:beer::campfire:

Best of luck with your search, Pat


Pat that is the most sentimental post I have read! Thank you for that. Well I forgot to mention I Had a RTT that I mounted to the 4runner and while it was 2nd hand and I rebuilt most of it I decided to sell it as I would need a larger one eventually. SO I'll stick with my plan and save for the BIG RTT and a trailer to mount it on.

A

[Scott Brady]

I have been spending some time recently with ground tents. Both because of the moto, and using one with the Discovery. Mostly, I am finding that ground tents available today are garbage. We broke a brand-new Kelty and a brand new Eureka on the first trip.

It appears to me that tent manufactures make the mistake of trying to keep a tent used for car camping light. Why make it light? They apply the same design used for backpacking or mountaineering and just make the tent bigger - this just does not prove reliable. The poles are too weak for such a long span. The seams cannot stand the abuse and the new tents with central hubs just blow-up completely (like the Eureka).

However, I am finding a few tents that are good. For a big tent, the Nomad tents are bomber. We have the Bantu 5. It is actually a pretty big tent, but has plenty of room for a couple, kid and dog, even with some room to spare for gear and getting out of the weather.
http://www.nomad.info/files/Afbeelding/200903-producten/product_bantu_5_air_1.jpg

As you want a little bit smaller tent, I bet this Makonde 4 would be sweet
http://www.nomad.info/files/Afbeelding/200903-producten/product_makonde_4_1.jpg

The downside is that these tents are heavy and bit bulky to stow, and are expensive - like nice roof tent expensive. However, they are designed and built like a big tent should be.

For something a little smaller, I like the Nemo tents. I have been pretty rough on them, and so far, no failures.

This Moki is sweet
http://www.nemoequipment.com/images/bigmoki1.jpg

Extra vestibule for the doggie :D
http://www.nemoequipment.com/images/big15-1.jpg

[mrbishi]

When not using swags we've been very happy with our Oztrail Tourer 9 Plus canvas tent.

Indestructable, well built and has served us very well. Also very easy to setup.

I'd guess you guys have something similar in the States canvas tent wise?

http://www.oztrail.com.au/images/feature_tourertents.gif

http://www.oztrail.com.au/canvas-product-range/oztrail-tourer-tents/CTT-09P-B.php

[xcmountain80]

Wow I have never heard of either of those but shows what I know ...... The Moss tent is old school but not so old and the build quality is what you see from the upper end Mountain Hardware and the like. If my history is correct MSR bought Moss, Armodillo, and some other tent manufacturer and made a similar product. Now I've heard MSR Tents are quite good. I typically choose a 4 season exp. tent because usually with exp. tents the weight isn't of that of a backpackers tent. I like the looks of the Moosejaw and the nomad, the doggy sleeps inside next to me, just like at home. Another reason for the trailer mounted RTT I get tired of carrying said 60lb. doggy up the ladder and down.

A

[nwoods]

Personally, I didn't find the selections, styles, or criteria in the OJ article all that relevant to how my family camps. A few years ago I ordered a number of tents in the 8 to 6 person range, set them all up, and made the hard choice about what to keep, and what to return. Most of them came from REI, but there were a few from Dom's, and a couple from Cabela's. I never took any notes or photos of our little tent city project, but it was very educational.

We ended up with the REI BaseCamp 6 (http://www.rei.com/product/777755). We have had it for... 5 years now? And it's been rock solid. I broke my first pole a few months ago, clumsily torqueing the pole without paying attention to what I was doing. Got a new one (pole) from REI for something like $5.

http://media.rei.com/media/cc/7fd3a851-3406-4fcb-b61d-51e6e3ad2613.jpg

http://media.rei.com/media/ss/08d7dde8-893c-467e-a013-f4761c8c0253.jpg

http://media.rei.com/media/mm/da5bedd2-6084-418f-8c74-326251bab681.jpg

Even comes in a convenient carry bag now (with shoulder straps for that short walk from the back of the SUV to the level spot in the campsite:
http://media.rei.com/media/vv/9e6cd24a-aff1-4680-873e-0dc7b36cb619.jpg

Features I like:
- Zipper can be operated by a 3 year old. Important in the middle of the night when its potty time!
- Large front vestible
- convienant rear vestibule (smaller, but perfect for bags of stuff you want dry and close by, but not in the tent)
- LOTS of built in storage pockets for kids items, etc...
- Good gear loft
- Strong center apex connection point for an overhead lamp
- dozens of internal connection points for clipping virtually anything to the sidewalls of the tent
- excellent ventilation compared to other tents we tested
- tall ceiling height, providing a very roomy feel, but has held up great to high winds without caving in.
- does not require staking (though it helps with the front vestibule if you can tie off to something for tension)
- front and rear doors (again, useful for midnight potty trips without disturbing others
- Enough room for family of 4 with 28" wide Thermarest style sleeping pads (this is a Basecamp 6, the Basecamp 4 will fit 2 people and dog)
- Front vestibule plenty large for a Golden Retriever, and still allow easy access into tent.
- Easy/fast to set up, particularly with 2 people. My 5 year old daughter and I can do it no problem.
- Good poles, good seams, durable construction
- Excellent rain fly. Has withstood racquetball size hail, and many a high alpine thunder/wind/rain storm.
- Easy to fold up again, it ALWAYS fits back in the bag no problem.
- And its worth repeating, an easy to operate zipper. Some tent zippers put abnormal stress in certain points, which means small children can't open them, which means they will blow out the zipper as they wriggle through the too-small-opening.

Here is a photo to put it into scale:
http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/523252092_YVgeM-XL.jpg

My friend recently got the Basecamp4 and it's just the same, but smaller. Here they are side by side. The left hand one is the Basecamp 4:
http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/624114193_m4XCi-XL.jpg

Another shot of the Basecamp 4, that I borrowed for my son and I on the Rubicon trip recently:
http://nwoods.smugmug.com/photos/597825131_uX6am-XL.jpg

[Rattler]

After our last trip I had to retire our Coleman. There was a little incident with the lantern that put a nice little hole in it and it was about 14 years old anyway. It measured out to be about '8x'8 and I was comfortable with the size. I am '6"5 and not really looking for something I can stand up in, that is about impossible nor a necessity anyway.

Well I can get a fantastic deal (like %50 off) on a Eureka and am leaning towards one of theirs for obvious reasons. After seeing a Camping Labs RTT in action on our trip last month though I would realy like to step up to that but I don't think its in the budget for a couple years yet. That is a pretty impressive setup IMO.

Any Eurekas recommended? We will be getting a more "tent friendly" lantern too.

[CoastalDefender]

I run an Eureka! Assault Outfitter 4 tent. Unbelievably awesome. I should one day actually take pics, but this thing is massive, comfortably fitting 4 adults + a vestibule area for gear.

http://www.eurekatent.com/images/PRODUCT/medium/67.jpg

MSRP is $350, but I think I found it for $250 or so, was 4 years ago, so can't remember exactly. :)

[SAR_Squid79]

The first thing that popped into my mind after reading your 1st post was the REI Base Camp series.

My last 3 tents (going back 10 years) have all been REI tents, and they're ALL still in great shape. I've upgraded over the years as my needs and desires have changed, but I can't bring myself to part with perfectly good tents. REI has great warranty / return policies (if you're a Co-op member).

Also - You can go to any REI, and pull any tent(s) you want, and set it up in the store.

[rynosurf]

x2 on the Basecamp 6. I've had mine for a few years now and love it. It is rated as a 3 season tent but it would probably be fine in the snow, the fly has a lot of tie down spots if you really need to batten down the hatches. The large vestibule is also big enough for your dog to sleep in if he is too filthy to come inside.

[muskyamigo]

I find that a person can go cheap on many things when camping, especially car camping. The tent is one area its worth it to get a better product.

I've beeen using my REI Basecamp 4 for a few years now with good luck. Its been on several windy trips to Moab Utah, countless trips to northern MN and WI in conditions ranging from perfect to snowing. I've beeen more than pleased with the tent. We've been using this tent for my wife and me and our two midsized dogs with room to spare. Next year my son will be ready to go camping, and I'll probably still be using the tent.

When its just me or me and the dogs I take my old Mountain Hardware Hammerhead 2. That tent has endured many of the same conditions plus several winter camping trips in northern MN. If I had the 3 person version of that tent I probably wouldn't have the Basecamp, but I would be shopping now. Its tight for 2 but tolerable if you don't try to store too much in the tent.

I've also used a variety of other tents, including a generic version of the Eureka A-frames. It was nice and roomy but after it blew down for the third time in one night it mostly gets loaned out to other people who want to borrow a tent.

-Mike W

[nwoods]

... plus several winter camping trips in northern MN.

Wow, that is some hard core camping!

[go4aryd]

x2 on the Basecamp 6. I've had mine for a few years now and love it. It is rated as a 3 season tent but it would probably be fine in the snow, the fly has a lot of tie down spots if you really need to batten down the hatches. The large vestibule is also big enough for your dog to sleep in if he is too filthy to come inside.

The Basecamp is great - as is the Sierra Designs Bedouin series. Tons of room, quality construction, and a top notch rain fly&vestible. This is the right time of year to be looking for a good tent and a great price.

[Rattler]

Oh yea, I would like the tent to be able to stand alone somewhat.

[Key-Lock]

XCMountain80-

I've been using the Cowboy Range Tent from David Ellis for years now. Real easy to set up - pound in 4 corner stakes and raise the A-frame. I can set it up by myself in about 10 minutes or less.

http://www.cowboycamp.net/cowboy_range.htm

I have the 10'X10' size, and there's room for a big bedroll, 3-4 Action Packers, a duffle bag, 3-4 flats of water, and an Engel frig, with (a little) room left over to move around. I like the fact that I can stand up inside of it, and even cook inside if necessary. These types of tents also perform very well in high winds.

I upgraded to this size about 2 years ago, and it still looks like new (aside from a few dirt stains.) My work keeps me in the field about 3 weeks a month, so my tent sees some use.

Good Luck in your search,

Key-Lock

[xcmountain80]

XCMountain80-

I've been using the Cowboy Range Tent from David Ellis for years now. Real easy to set up - pound in 4 corner stakes and raise the A-frame. I can set it up by myself in about 10 minutes or less.

http://www.cowboycamp.net/cowboy_range.htm

I have the 10'X10' size, and there's room for a big bedroll, 3-4 Action Packers, a duffle bag, 3-4 flats of water, and an Engel frig, with (a little) room left over to move around. I like the fact that I can stand up inside of it, and even cook inside if necessary. These types of tents also perform very well in high winds.

I upgraded to this size about 2 years ago, and it still looks like new (aside from a few dirt stains.) My work keeps me in the field about 3 weeks a month, so my tent sees some use.

Good Luck in your search,

Key-Lock

How does it stand up to weather? Rain, snow, yada yada yada. My wife and I left GA once because a tropical storm decided to visit us for a week.

A

[Key-Lock]

How does it stand up to weather? Rain, snow, yada yada yada. My wife and I left GA once because a tropical storm decided to visit us for a week.

A

About 4-5 years ago I was in Cody, WY when they were having tornadoes in Central Wyoming. I had my previous Range Tent set up and the winds were blowing at 60 mph for most of the night. I didn't get much sleep because of the flapping, but the tent held up fine.

As far as snow goes, if you shove on the inside of each wall every once in a while, it'll knock off any accumulated snow.

Rain is not a problem, it just runs right off.

I forgot to mention before that the tent, stakes, and poles pack into a bag that's about 12" dia. x 40" long (more or less).

Hope that helps.

[xcmountain80]

Yes thank you, that is a cool retro type tent.

A

[Fireman78]

The REI Hobitat 4 or Hobitat 6 is an excellent family tent. I'm not sure if the 4 is still availible but I found the 6 here http://www.rei.com/product/777764 I've owned the 4 for several years and I love it.

[fowldarr]

Similar to a story posted earlier I ran a "too big" from a "big box" store tent for several years with my family, I think it slept 12, and cost a little over $100. I think it lasted for 5 years, well worth the money, then the zippers died. So we went shopping, and didn't find anything we liked/could afford when we were shopping. We were still in Idaho at the time, and they decided to close the local sportsman's warehouse. We went over there on one of the last days, and on the bottom of a pile of stuff, was the corner of a box, I slid it out and it was the last remaining tent, happened to be a Kelty Mesa 6. We haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, but I got it for $50.00, and will be using it a lot this summer as we explore our new basecamp of Nebraska.

[john101477]

My wife and I used to use my dad's monstrous Cabelas Alaknak2 deluxe while he always had either the toyhauler or Rv, yeah i know he is a weenie in his older age lol. now that he no longer has either he will always be using it and for us it was really just to heavy and bulky anyways. So with the addition of our daughter (who is wearing a rough terrain shirt today) we find ourselves looking at tents as well. I want something to stand up to the elements - rain and snow, breath, and room for the 2 of us and the kido and the dog. Almost thinking of the big agnes flying diamond 6. looks to have sufficient room, seperated for when Sierra gets older and can sleep seperatly, and of course I hate tents that I can not stand in. also looking at the cabelas extreme teepee but not thrilled with the center pole design. the alaknak worked well but then again it had square corners so the air mattress fit perfect.
Anyone ever have any experience with these two tents?

[Sawyer]

For a big tent, the Nomad tents are bomber.

Wow1: Those are nice!!!! Anyone seen the Snow Peak Land Lock In person? Is the quality worth the price tag? Looking to replace a Big Agnes with something that is going to last for a long time.

http://www.snowpeak.com/shelters/tents/land-lock-tp-670.html


Anyone ever have any experience with these two tents? I know your post is old... but here are my thoughts. I have had the Flying Diamond 8 for a little over a year. There are so many things that both we love about it. However, I am not sold on the quality. It is alrady showing signs of wear in the rain fly where it sits on the poles. I think it is from being exposed to high wind and sand. Just looks like it is going to tear before too long. I will probably return it to REI or at least exchange it and give it another chance. I havnt decided yet. Like I said, I really like the tent. I am just sure it is going to last.

[xcmountain80]

Well I've come full circle so to speak as I do that from time to time. I have a m416 trailer in resto mode right now, I bought a pop up camper for $450 (good shape, tows well and fairly small), I sold my Moss tent on eBay, and now have no tent but do have a pop up. So I'm sort of not screwed, but never envisioned myself as a pop up camper kinda guy, I do have a 13.5 month old and will beginning camping as soon as it cools down. I want to get a BIG RTT from camping lab to mount to the trailer but am still on the fence. I considered fro a second the OZ Tent after sitting in my office and reading OJ and seeing the advertisement. This would fill one need but perhaps create a void somewhere in the universe of my life. Thoughts?


A