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Family Tent Reviews – the Ultimate Guide to 3 of the Best Family Tents Availbale Today

Have you always wondered what other camping enthusiasts claim are the best family tents available today? For this article, we chose not to feature just one tent that may be considered the absolute best of them all. We instead chose to focus on three key aspects that compel people to deem a specific tent as the best option. As such, we featured three different family tents, each of which gets high marks for one of those three aspects. Besides, it’s not likely that you’ll come across a single tent that gets the highest possible marks in all three categories. Family tents—and even other kinds of tents, for that matter—are designed and manufactured differently to accommodate people’s various preferences.

  Fortunately, you can still find out what customers have been saying about the three family tents featured here and then decide for yourself which one comes the closest to what you truly need if you happen to be in the market for such a tent. You need not worry as these family tent reviews don’t talk about three different tents that were chosen at random. These tents were selected after careful deliberation that included several other options.

    The Best Price – Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Tent

  Before we move on to discussing the featured tent with the best price, it is imperative to stress that a family tent that is labeled as having the best price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s also the cheapest one available. As is often the case, budget-priced alternatives made by little-known manufacturers easily break apart since they are not really capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor use. Instead, best priced in this case means having a lower price than those of the majority of competitors while possessing the minimum capacity, durability, and portability (which includes ease of storage) expected of a family tent.

For the best priced family tent, we decided on the Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Tent, which is currently sold through Amazon.com for $134.68.

  With a 17 x 10-foot floor area and a 6-foot center height, the Red Canyon Tent provides adequate space and headroom, making for a comfortable camping experience for 8-person groups and especially for smaller groups. There is even a built-in Variflo adjustable venting system and a cool air port that can help you control interior air flow, in effect allowing you to control the temperature as well. That means the inside of the tent can be nice and warm even with the low nighttime temperatures in the outdoors. There are even dividers that you can use to easily convert the tent into a 3-room dwelling if you so wish.

  This tent weighs only 21.5 pounds, and it together with the poles and stakes can be easily folded and packed. This means you can bring all of it with you without adding considerably to the bulk that is already in your backpacks.

  The Red Canyon Tent also has Coleman’s patented Weathertec System in the form of coated polyester fabric, leak-free seams, waterproof floors, and a wind-resistant frame. This is to ensure the tent stays upright and you and your companions are as safe and as dry as possible should you encounter unexpected inclement weather during your camping trip. However, it is not advisable to take this tent and go camping during the wet season as it offers very limited protection in case of moderate to heavy rainfall.

  To sum it up, the Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Tent is proof that a tent that is spacious, highly portable, and designed to provide the safest possible camping experience can also be affordable.

Check Price on Amazon

  The Most Popular – CORE 9 Person Cabin Tent 14’ x 9’

  For the most popular family tent, we searched for the ones with the highest customer ratings and the ones with the most customer reviews posted on Amazon.com. This is because we believe both of these factors are key indicators of a product’s popularity. The family tent that rates high in both departments is the CORE 9 Person Cabin Tent 14’ x 9’.

Core 9 Person tent

This is a rather big tent that can accommodate 9 people as its name implies, thanks to its 14 x 9-foot floor space and 78-inch center height. The space is also big enough to fit two queen-size air mattresses for greater comfort for the occupants when out in the wilderness. It even comes with wall storage pockets so that some of your camping essentials can be properly stowed out of the way instead of kept on the tent floor where they are at risk of getting damaged.

  Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this tent is that it can be set up in just 60 seconds, though putting the rainfly in place will add to the time it takes to put everything together. The additional time is of little concern, though, as the minimum setup time means campers can quickly get settled in as soon as they find the ideal spot.

  There is only one noticeable drawback of the CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent. If the tent is used in an area notorious for humidity, the multiple windows and mesh roof, which otherwise help facilitate air flow during days of cooler temperature, could make the inside of the tent hot and stuffy.

  Regardless, it’s spacious and very easy to set up while having negligible flaws. It’s no wonder the CORE 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent is such a highly sought-after family tent.

Check Price on Amazon

  The Tent for the Pros – Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6

  In selecting the best family tent for this category, we looked more closely at choices that have been hailed for durability as these imply the ability to remain fully functional even after years of heavy, repeated use. Our search brought us to Big Agnes, a brand known for durability, and their Flying Diamond 6-person 4-season tent.

Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6

    The Flying Diamond 6 boasts of a strong fabric body and pole structure, giving it reasonable weather protection. Standing room is limited to only 5 feet and 6 inches, but that is an acceptable tradeoff as tents with lower profiles have less risk of being swept away by strong winds. The tent has two rooms of different sizes, the smaller one being ideal if you bring your kids along with you whenever you go camping.

  The biggest downsides to this tent are the $700 price and the setup time of 15 minutes as reported by a number of users. However, those are to be expected of a family tent that was built with durability in mind. You end up paying a lot more than you would for most other family tents, but if you get to use the same tent again and again for many years, then cost should become less of an issue for you.

  Check Price on Amazon

  Parting Advice

  Whatever qualities you look for in a tent, you cannot deny that price, popularity, and durability are all important factors that could influence one’s decision. Moreover, what we regard as the best tents are likely to be viewed by other people any number of ways depending on their experiences and preferences, so don’t treat this guide as an absolute authority on the traits that a family tent must have. At the very least, this should encourage you to do some research and come up with your own top three based on other key factors that you feel are just as important

  from Wildzilla http://www.wildzilla.com/blog/family-tent-reviews-the-ultimate-guide-to-3-of-the-best-family-tents-availbale-today/

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Backpacking Tent Reviews for Newbies. A Guide on What to Look for in a Backpacking Tent

Summer is the best season of the year. It provides the opportunity to experience great adventures, especially for people who love the outdoors. You can choose to spend your day strolling at the beach or even go hiking.

  For some, summer is the time of the year to go backpacking. Yes, backpacking has become a trend now not only to youngsters but also to adults who are in the prime of their lives.

        If you are too stressed with work, a few days of backpacking will help you find inner peace and regain your balance to be able to come back home feeling a lot more refreshed and energized. Read on to find our guide on how to chose the best tent for your backpacking needs as well as our top recommendations for tents that fits on a backpacking camping trip.Use the links in the Contents section to jump ahead.

Contents:

Why Backpacking?

Backpacking Tents Basics

Backpacking Tents Reviews

  Why Backpacking?

Today, most people are into backpacking because it provides the opportunity to have a well-deserved vacation without draining your bank account. It is both adventurous and exciting, making it the best vacation for people who want to escape the notorious and repetitive cycle of everyday life. To add to the low-cost travel, it is now becoming a trend for backpackers to bring their own backpacking tent.

  Yes, backpacking tent is the best option if you want to experience the wilderness at its finest. To top it off, not only do you get the most genuine backpacking experience but you also save on lodging expenses on all your trips. There is no need to stress out in looking for a hotel where tourists flock, making it too crowded which eventually makes the vacation not as quiet and peaceful as you planned it to be. Having your own backpacking tent provides you peace of mind, knowing that no one can bother you while you rest under the moonlight.

  Before you get excited on taking that backpacking trip, keep in mind that there are certain things you need to know first in order to successfully find the best backpacking tent that you will need to bring on your next backpacking adventure. If you are not familiar when it comes to choosing the right backpacking tent that will fit your needs, don’t get anxious because we have the information you need in order to successfully find the best backpacking tent, so keep reading on.

If you are eager to read our recommendations for tents, click here.

Backpacking Tent Basics

  Weight – First thing you need know is the general weight requirement for a backpacking tent. Of course, you don’t want to be bringing an awfully heavy tent on your backpacking journey as this will strain your back and will prevent you from enjoying your trip. What you need to look for is a backpacking tent that generally weighs about 2.5 pounds. This is the recommended weight for a tent if you are planning to carry it on your own.  However, if you are backpacking with a group, you will need a bigger tent that will weigh a lot heavier. There is nothing to worry because you can split the poles, tent, and rain fly among each backpacker so you don’t bear the entire tent on your own.

  Price – Price is the second most important thing that you should consider when looking for your first ever backpacking tent. Remember, price does not necessarily define the sturdiness and quality of a backpacking tent. When in doubt, ask around. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales person or someone you personally know that is fond of backpacking tents to find out the cheapest and durable one that fits your budget. A typical backpacking tent that fits 2 persons would cost you about $19 to $59, depending on the brand and materials used.

  Material – Next thing you should consider when buying a backpacking tent is the material. Nylon is probably the cheapest and most durable material for a backpacking tent. It is strong and has proper ventilation on the inside because of the gaps in in between the fibers of the tent. This, however, becomes a problem during rainy days because water can pass through the gaps of the woven fiber. Therefore, it is highly suggested to use coated nylon with polyurethane so that you keep yourself dry during heavy rains.

  If you plan on backpacking during summer or to tropical destinations, backpacking tents made with polyester fabric is highly proposed as it blocks UV rays from the sun, keeping you cool inside the tent during the hottest days. For poles, the choices are endless. From aluminum to fiber glass, the options depend on how much you are willing to shed from your wallet. Poles made of fiber glass are more durable as compared to those made form aluminum, but keep in mind that it will also cost you more.

  Size – You will also need to think about the size of the tent you want to purchase. Are you planning on backpacking alone or do you plan to bring that special someone with you? The sizes of backpacking tents differ, which makes it essential to choose the right size for you. You don’t want to sleep inside a cramped tent so you better check which ones would best fit your body type. If in doubt, go to your local camping/outdoor store and try going inside the tents that they have set-up in their store. This way you get a feel on how you can fit inside helping you decide if the size of the tent is just right for you.

  Remember, you don’t have to compromise the quality of your sleep just because you are staying in a backpacking tent. There are many out there that provide space and comfort in the same way a regular room can. Ease to Put Up – Another thing to look for is the ease of putting up your backpacking tent. This is an essential criteria for newbies in backpacking. You don’t want to end your tiring day getting even more stressed in putting up your tent for the night. Stay away from complicated backpacking tents and go for the freestanding ones. These freestanding backpacking tents are quite handy because you can just pitch them anywhere without having to follow complicated steps. Freestanding tents have a fixed pole system that can be pitched with relative ease. Some of them even have pre-attached poles that you can just extend and secure.

  Doors – The doors on your backpack tent is also important, especially if you are to share your tent with a friend or loved one. If you plan to do so, a 2-door tent is important because it provides two separate entry and exit points for you and your friend. You don’t have to wait on each other because you can both have a separate door on your own.  You can go in and out at your own convenience without disturbing the other person you are sharing your tent with.

  Color – Lastly, carefully choose the color of your tent. You may think that this is not as important but it surely is. You don’t want to attract too much attention outdoors by pitching neon colored tents. It is always safe to go for earth colors like brown or gray, and even camouflage so you blend well with the outdoors. This will prevent the curiosity of wild animals because your tent blends well with the wilderness.

We also have a more thorough guide on how to chose a backpacking tent here

Now that you have an idea what to look for in your first backpacking tent, let me introduce you to some of the products available – from the cheapest to the most popular ones and even those that are used by the pros. Keep on reading on to find out.

  Backpacking Tent Reviews

  The Cheapest

The cheapest backpacking tent you can go for is the one sold by Vicona, which is available on Amazon. This is the most ultra-light backpacking tent, you can get for below 100$ (at the time of writing). It is quite a bargain because the poles are made of Shock-corded aluminum alloy, providing you with a flexible and sturdy frame that won’t let you down on windy days. The tent material is also made of polyester, which is also waterproof. Always look at your local conditions before venturing out. This backpacking tent is definitely a great buy because it can be used during rainy and summer days.

  You won’t get stressed even if there was a sudden change in the weather because you are well-protected from the harshest weather.

  Aside from the impeccable material used, the tent is quite spacious for a backpacker as it has a dimension of 6 x 4 x 5 feet (W x H x D).

  It also has a large door for easier access inside and outside the tent as well as a double zipper for extra protection. This type of backpacking tent can typically fit 2 adults and a child without feeling too crowded.

  Choose this tent if you are just starting out in your backpacking “career” and want an affordable option, a light weight and easy to set up tent with space for two adults.

Or check our Wildzilla Store for more details here.

  The Most Popular and Highest Rated

Now, let’s talk about the most popular backpacking tent. So far, the one I can find in Amazon with the best rating is the Eureka! Timberline 2-tent. This is popular basically because it is a 3-season tent. This can withstand the occasional summer storm and gust of wind. The fabric is a combination of nylon and polyester, making it the best backpacking tent out there. If you are after a four-person tent, then you are in luck because the tent also comes in a family model with space for four persons.

There are great reviews about the Eureka tent because it has proven its dependability to the camping public since 1970. A lot of people are quite impressed with the Eureka tent due to its durability and comfort. Some even testified that it will last you a decade as long as it is properly taken care of.

It is not only lightweight but also spacious. The Eureka! Timberline is quite spacious (7′ 2″ by 5′ 3″ floor; 38 square foot area)  and weighing in at a little more than five pounds (see illustration below). 

The strong feature of the Eureka! Timberline tent is that is can withstand a lot of rain, but keeps you ventilated because of the material and construction.

To sum up: This is more of an old fashioned tent – also; did you see the A-frame? So classic! – but made for duration and long time use. It’s a bit heavier than the average backpacking tent, but that is more than made up for by sturdyness and practical use.

Or check or Wildzilla Store for more details about this particular, and very classical tent.

  What Pros Recommend

  If you are thinking about doing backpacking on a regular basis, it is essential that you look for backpacking tents that are recommended by the pros. This is because these types of tents can withstand the repetitive use over time and are dependable on all types of severe weather conditions.

Backpacking tents for the pros are quite expensive; that is why it is recommended that you spend a little more time in doing research to find out the best one that will fit not only your needs, as well as your budget.

A 4-season tent is suggested by the pros in backpacking because it fundamentally can stand the heat of the summer, the hardest rain, and the heaviest snow fall.

  One of the best backpacking tent for pros is the Big Agnes Copper Spur Backpacking tent. Big Agnes is a popular brand when it comes to outdoor gears and accessories, which is probably why they offer the best backpacking tents. They are considered experts when it comes to creating the best backpacking tents for pros because they are knowledgeable when it comes to creating the tent that will fit the overall needs of a backpacker. Their Big Agnes – Copper Spur Backpacking Tent is so far the best reviewed tent for pros because it is lightweight at only 5 lbs. for the four person edition and spacious with a floor area of 28.3 ft2. The design is well thought out with a nod to the needs of being able to kneel and move around. The shape is not the classic A-shape, but a more domelike shape which is very resistant and streamlined. To set it up and pitch is quite a breeze, making it the best tent for serious backpackers and hikers alike. The only con for this Big Agnes is that it is quite expensive but given the durability, the price is quite acceptable. No tents from this brand comes cheap.

Or check more details in our little shop.

Final Word

  Now that you have an idea on what to look for in a backpacking tent, the decision to find the one that suits your needs is now in the palm of your hands. Make sure to go for quality backpacking tents. Look around and check several backpacking tents so you can compare them, making it easier to choose which one fits you. It is also essential that you are well-aware on how to properly safekeep your backpacking tent in order to keep it in its prime condition and last for a longer time. Make sure you clean and dry it off before storing in a dry place because the fabric material will easily deteriorate when stored wet.

  Everything you need to know about backpacking tents is now all covered. The only thing that you need to do now is choose the one that will best suit your needs and interest. Don’t just look at one or two tents, explore and get wild. There are infinite backpacking tents out on the market and one of them has your name on it. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore the beauty of backpacking today.

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from Wildzilla http://www.wildzilla.com/blog/backpacking-tent-reviews-for-newbies-a-guide-on-what-to-look-for-in-a-backpacking-tent/

[wildzillacom]

Backpacking tents – introduction on how to choose your first backpacking tent

In this video the guys over at REI, gives a short introduction on how to choose a backpacking tent. In this article I go over the main points in the video and it will be a short and sweet backpacking tents buyers guide.

I really enjoyed the video, because they very quickly go over what to look for.

A backpacking tent is not your average tent for camping. You need to make some tough decisions on what your needs are. More so because you are going to carry the tent your self (duh!). I made some notes about the video below.

      Also look at our top three recommendations for backpacking tents in our “Backpacking tents review” article. It’s our top recommendations for either the beginner on budget, for the pro and the best value overall.

Notes from the video

The three things you should consider when choosing a tent for this type of trip:

Weight

weather conditions

Space

How to account for space Space in the tent depends on floor dimensions as well as what type of poles your model has. Triangular tents are more likely to feel less spacious due to the angular walls. But the upside of this structure is that you get a more compact tent. Remember to take a long hard look in the mirror and have a discussion about personal space before leaving with your traveling companions (if any) about how much space and private space (read: how cosey and close together you are comfortable with).

Ho to account for weather conditions Your skills and determination decides what your needs are. Tents are designed for three or four seasons. If your trips are the occational summer backpacking tour in the country side and you are not hiking high up in the Alps, then go for a three seasonal tent.

Weight – how to account for your pound-by-pound packing Three season tents are lighter and more fragile. Four season tents are more sturdy, but heavier. Again – take a hard look in the mirror and figure out where you want to go on your backpacking trips. This also answers the question: should you look at the easy to erect, but heavier free standing tents? Or the lighter non-free standing tents, that requires a little more skill, or at least that you spend some time practicing putting the tent up and down. The non-free standing tents are lighter.

The rule of thumb is that the tent should be no more than three pounds per person.

I liked the last rule, that made my research so much easier. You can head over to Amazon and check the current selection —-> Click here

Or read our Backpacking tents reviews article.

Gem

Gem

from Wildzilla http://www.wildzilla.com/blog/backpacking-tents-introduction-on-how-to-choose-your-first-backpacking-tent/