Family Tent

tonkota · 03-17-08, 08:27 PM

Dang, I thought I knew what I wanted in a tent, but I have been looking and looking and now I don't know.

What about some of these brands?
Ozark Trail (we have an air mattress and stove by them and like the quality)
Eureka
Coleman (WTF happened to these guys?)
Wenzel
Swiss Gear
Texsport
Wenger
Cabela's
And there are some that I have no idea....

What we want in a tent is:
1. Tall enough to stand in
2. Two rooms, privacy is nice
3. Big enough for two air mattresses
4. Last more than a couple years
5. Rain proof

We try not to go camping during rainy weather, but its happened before and we were glad to be dry in our little tent. We currently have a 6x10 dome and a budget of ~$200.

EDIT: Added links to some tents

crushr · 03-17-08, 09:23 PM

Of the brands you listed, Eureka and Cabelas are the only two I would consider.

Brentbba · 03-18-08, 09:36 AM

I've been very impressed with the quality and longevity of my Eureka. It see's action almost every month with my scouts. It's six years old and in great shape. Mine is not a condo as it's only 10x10 and you're looking for something larger.

VETTE60 · 03-18-08, 10:49 AM

North Face "Trailhead 8" best tent I've owned. lifetime warranty, aluminum poles, huge, 6-3" and I stand up straight in it.

tonkota · 03-18-08, 11:56 AM

The North Face does make some nice stuff, too bad that it is twice what I want to spend right now.

The Eureka tents are nice, I think with the 10x10 we may be happy enough. Who the hell just sits in the tent anyway?

The other tent that I am seriously considering is this Columbia Cougar Flats II

At $250 it's a little over the budget though.

Thanks for the input guys.

Corbet · 03-18-08, 04:41 PM

No offense but saying we try not to go camping in the rain is like I try not to get a flat while driving. It happens.

I'm of the opinion as to not skimp on your tent unless you want to end up back in your cruiser or the nearest hotel when the weather gets bad. A quality tent lasts a long time if properly cared for.

But of the vendors listed Cabela's and Eureka are probably the "best".

You did not indicate how many people your trying to get in it. But I'm assuming a family sized. I seriously consider something from TNF, Sierra Designs, Mountain Hardware, etc...

Generally a good place to shop: Family Camping Tents from Backcountry.com

archie · 03-18-08, 05:02 PM

you could afford a more premium brand of tent if you bought used. The best thing about buying used is that you could still sell it for the near same amount you bought it if you didn't like it at the end of the season. If it was a good enough price for you to buy used then it will be also to somebody else. It gonna end up dirty anyway. try craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums . There was a thread about family tents before so a search might provide more info.

tonkota · 03-18-08, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corbet

No offense but saying we try not to go camping in the rain is like I try not to get a flat while driving. It happens.

I'm of the opinion as to not skimp on your tent unless you want to end up back in your cruiser or the nearest hotel when the weather gets bad. A quality tent lasts a long time if properly cared for.

But of the vendors listed Cabela's and Eureka are probably the "best".

You did not indicate how many people your trying to get in it. But I'm assuming a family sized. I seriously consider something from TNF, Sierra Designs, Mountain Hardware, etc...

Generally a good place to shop: Family Camping Tents from Backcountry.com

No offense taken. I meant that if its raining, I'm not going to pack up and go camping on purpose in the rain. If it does rain, we usually stick it out.

I've been watching for used tents also. Haven't found one yet. I'm planning on selling our old one. It's been good, but I hate crouching over and the wife gets a little claustrophobic. I'm going to stop by Cabela's tonight after I meet up with Woody and some others for dinner.

EDIT: I guess I should say that our old tent has been excellent in the 5 years we have owned it. It's some no-name brand like North Crest or something. We got it at Shopko (like Wal Mart) for $50. We stayed dry when it rained, I just hate hunching over.

EdsCruisin · 03-18-08, 08:32 PM

I believe Eureka is an excellent tent too. I got a family one at Dick's pretty cheap (under $100) that has attachable internal walls to make 3 rooms, and sleeps about 8 packed in. It is over 6' clear in the center area and has three doors, one with a built in door mat. My only gripe is that the two end doors do not have storm flaps over the zippers, which allowed rain to seep in through the zippers. Otherwise the tent is great.

crushr · 03-18-08, 09:08 PM

I too, prefer the high end brands like Sierra Designs (I used to shop at their factory store in berkeley - now gone), North Face (I still shop at their factory store in berkeley) and Mountain Hardwear (used to work next door to their corp office in Richmond.) My current favorite tents are from Marmot/Mountain hardwear. That said, all of those brands are generally overkill for fair weather family camping.

Unlike most mid-range brands, (like coleman), Eureka has managed to keeps its quality high while maintaining reasonable prices. And, FWIW - Eureka makes tents for the US military:

Eureka! Military Tents

They have a few factory second family tents at their website:

COPPER CANYON 1312 Product

COPPER CANYON 1512 Product

N!ERGY 1310 Product

COPPER CANYON 10 Product

N!ERGY 1210 Product

tonkota · 03-19-08, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crushr

I too, prefer the high end brands like Sierra Designs (I used to shop at their factory store in berkeley - now gone), North Face (I still shop at their factory store in berkeley) and Mountain Hardwear (used to work next door to their corp office in Richmond.) My current favorite tents are from Marmot/Mountain hardwear. That said, all of those brands are generally overkill for fair weather family camping.

Unlike most mid-range brands, (like coleman), Eureka has managed to keeps its quality high while maintaining reasonable prices. And, FWIW - Eureka makes tents for the US military:

Eureka! Military Tents

They have a few factory second family tents at their website:

COPPER CANYON 1312 Product

COPPER CANYON 1512 Product

N!ERGY 1310 Product

COPPER CANYON 10 Product

N!ERGY 1210 Product

Wow, thanks for the links.

bigndn · 03-19-08, 11:00 AM

Consider going canvas:

I have a Kodiak, which I believe is a knockoff of Springbar and I love it!

Here's the one I have. Talk about easy and fast to set up/takedown!!!

6055 Kodiak Canvas Tent - 6 Person 10 x 10 foot with Hydra-Shield?

sundaypunch · 03-19-08, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonkota

The other tent that I am seriously considering is this Columbia Cougar Flats II

We have the regular Cougar Flats model and it is a great tent. We have only used it a couple of times and haven't had it out in the rain or high wind yet. It seems to be a well made tent for the price.

It looks like the II model has been updated a bit. You can probably find the non-II model cheap on ebay if you keep your eyes open. I got ours last year for $125 and it was in perfect condition.

cajun65 · 03-19-08, 08:11 PM

I camped in a Cabela's tent this weekend. Two rooms, sleeps about 6 and the best part was that I could stand up in it (I'm about 6'3"). I can't remember the model number/name though. I'll check.

tonkota · 03-19-08, 09:21 PM

Thanks guys. I bought this tent:

Eureka 1312

Now I need to go camping and mountain biking pretty soon.

wct49 · 03-27-08, 07:13 PM

your gonna love the 1312 we have the 1512 and really like it.

roamingaz · 03-27-08, 07:29 PM

You already got a tent but I am suprised no one mentioned Kelty, they are a awesome brand. I have the trail dome 6 I bought off Ebay new in the box for only $97 shipped!! , only one room but plenty of space and I am 6'2" and can stand up with plenty of room. I also bought a Kelty carport awning check out their website , these things are a great invention.

tonkota · 03-28-08, 07:40 PM

Our tent showed up. I took the box off of it but unfortunately I am too sick to lift it and it is snowing so even if I wasn't sick I can't set it up to try it out.

Corey · 03-28-08, 07:53 PM

Hey, we got snow this side of the state today too, but it did not stick around my place.

I setup a new tent today too out of boredom, but it is not a sleeping tent

The Pett system came a week ago.

The tent sets up in about a minute.

Ducks · 03-29-08, 01:15 PM

REI Hobitat

REI Hobitat 6 Tent from REI.com

roamingaz · 03-29-08, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

Hey, we got snow this side of the state today too, but it did not stick around my place.

I setup a new tent today too out of boredom, but it is not a sleeping tent

The Pett system came a week ago.

The tent sets up in about a minute.

I just bought a Pett also,they are pretty cool, definetly a hit with girls in my family.

pint · 03-29-08, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wct49

your gonna love the 1312 we have the 1512 and really like it.

I'm getting ready to buy the 1512 myself for my family of 5, plus a dog and lots of stuff. Can't wait!

sseaman · 03-31-08, 09:28 AM

You can buy some of the lesser brands, they are usually fine, probably a little heavier, but if you arent backpacking this isnt a huge concern. I have a Eureka tent for backpacking and it has done great for the last 15 years

sundaypunch · 04-01-08, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

Hey, we got snow this side of the state today too, but it did not stick around my place.

I setup a new tent today too out of boredom, but it is not a sleeping tent

The Pett system came a week ago.

The tent sets up in about a minute.

Aren't those made for outside use?

03-17-08, 08:27 PM	#1
tonkota IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Spokane, WA TLCA# 14154 Posts: 1,256 Blog Entries: 4	Family Tent Dang, I thought I knew what I wanted in a tent, but I have been looking and looking and now I don't know. What about some of these brands? Ozark Trail (we have an air mattress and stove by them and like the quality) Eureka Coleman (WTF happened to these guys?) Wenzel Swiss Gear Texsport Wenger Cabela's And there are some that I have no idea.... What we want in a tent is: 1. Tall enough to stand in 2. Two rooms, privacy is nice 3. Big enough for two air mattresses 4. Last more than a couple years 5. Rain proof We try not to go camping during rainy weather, but its happened before and we were glad to be dry in our little tent. We currently have a 6x10 dome and a budget of ~$200. EDIT: Added links to some tents __________________ A Ron Using one cruiser to go mountain biking, and the other to collect dust. 2F-E Article McNamara gear writeup Last edited by tonkota; 03-17-08 at 08:42 PM.

03-17-08, 09:23 PM	#2
crushr IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 483	Of the brands you listed, Eureka and Cabelas are the only two I would consider. __________________ I do more before 6 p.m. than most people do all morning.

03-18-08, 09:36 AM	#3
Brentbba On the Golf Course! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA TLCA# 13420 Posts: 4,813	I've been very impressed with the quality and longevity of my Eureka. It see's action almost every month with my scouts. It's six years old and in great shape. Mine is not a condo as it's only 10x10 and you're looking for something larger. __________________ Brent '94 White LC; Kaymar Rear Bumper w/tire carrier; Hanna Sliders; ARB winch ready Front Bumper; Slee Transfer Case Skid Plate; Revo 285's, OME 850/863 Heavy 2" lift, INTI Rack; Warn M12000 Winch, Snorkel; Sputnik! TLCA Member #13420; KI6SGO

03-18-08, 10:49 AM	#4
VETTE60 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Pollock Pines,CA Posts: 596	North Face "Trailhead 8" best tent I've owned. lifetime warranty, aluminum poles, huge, 6-3" and I stand up straight in it. __________________ '84 FJ60 TPI 350 NV4500 SPRUNG 4.88's ARB's 37'S 30 spline Longs toy box... built not bought '03 dodge cummins oil burner crew cab kid hauler...bought not built FDNY in memory. RFB 343 "Let no man's ghost return to say his training let him down"

03-18-08, 11:56 AM	#5
tonkota IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Spokane, WA TLCA# 14154 Posts: 1,256 Blog Entries: 4	The North Face does make some nice stuff, too bad that it is twice what I want to spend right now. The Eureka tents are nice, I think with the 10x10 we may be happy enough. Who the hell just sits in the tent anyway? The other tent that I am seriously considering is this Columbia Cougar Flats II At $250 it's a little over the budget though. Thanks for the input guys. __________________ A Ron Using one cruiser to go mountain biking, and the other to collect dust. 2F-E Article McNamara gear writeup

03-18-08, 04:41 PM	#6
Corbet IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Durango, Colorado TLCA# 15340 Posts: 880	No offense but saying we try not to go camping in the rain is like I try not to get a flat while driving. It happens. I'm of the opinion as to not skimp on your tent unless you want to end up back in your cruiser or the nearest hotel when the weather gets bad. A quality tent lasts a long time if properly cared for. But of the vendors listed Cabela's and Eureka are probably the "best". You did not indicate how many people your trying to get in it. But I'm assuming a family sized. I seriously consider something from TNF, Sierra Designs, Mountain Hardware, etc... Generally a good place to shop: Family Camping Tents from Backcountry.com __________________ Rising Sun 4 Wheel Drive Club Member 1976 FJ40, A project with little progress. 1985 FJ60, SBC 350, Ranger Overdrive, OME, 33" MT/R, SafariGard bumper with T-max winch. 1997 FZJ80 40th Anniversary, locked and now on 33"s Last edited by Corbet; 03-18-08 at 04:48 PM.

03-18-08, 05:02 PM	#7
archie IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NW side of chicago Posts: 1,051	you could afford a more premium brand of tent if you bought used. The best thing about buying used is that you could still sell it for the near same amount you bought it if you didn't like it at the end of the season. If it was a good enough price for you to buy used then it will be also to somebody else. It gonna end up dirty anyway. try craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums . There was a thread about family tents before so a search might provide more info. __________________ 88 fj62 w 209k 94 80series 167k

03-18-08, 08:32 PM	#9
EdsCruisin IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Baltimore Posts: 369	I believe Eureka is an excellent tent too. I got a family one at Dick's pretty cheap (under $100) that has attachable internal walls to make 3 rooms, and sleeps about 8 packed in. It is over 6' clear in the center area and has three doors, one with a built in door mat. My only gripe is that the two end doors do not have storm flaps over the zippers, which allowed rain to seep in through the zippers. Otherwise the tent is great. __________________ __________________________________________ '00 LC '05 4Runner V8 "A mind is like a parachute - It only functions when open"

03-18-08, 09:08 PM	#10
crushr IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 483	I too, prefer the high end brands like Sierra Designs (I used to shop at their factory store in berkeley - now gone), North Face (I still shop at their factory store in berkeley) and Mountain Hardwear (used to work next door to their corp office in Richmond.) My current favorite tents are from Marmot/Mountain hardwear. That said, all of those brands are generally overkill for fair weather family camping. Unlike most mid-range brands, (like coleman), Eureka has managed to keeps its quality high while maintaining reasonable prices. And, FWIW - Eureka makes tents for the US military: Eureka! Military Tents They have a few factory second family tents at their website: COPPER CANYON 1312 Product COPPER CANYON 1512 Product N!ERGY 1310 Product COPPER CANYON 10 Product N!ERGY 1210 Product __________________ I do more before 6 p.m. than most people do all morning. Last edited by crushr; 03-18-08 at 09:34 PM.

03-19-08, 08:11 PM	#14
cajun65 Chillin' Join Date: May 2006 Location: Down South TLCA# 16685 Posts: 2,899	I camped in a Cabela's tent this weekend. Two rooms, sleeps about 6 and the best part was that I could stand up in it (I'm about 6'3"). I can't remember the model number/name though. I'll check. __________________ Bayou State Land Cruiser Association

03-19-08, 09:21 PM	#15
tonkota IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Spokane, WA TLCA# 14154 Posts: 1,256 Blog Entries: 4	Thanks guys. I bought this tent: Eureka 1312 Now I need to go camping and mountain biking pretty soon. __________________ A Ron Using one cruiser to go mountain biking, and the other to collect dust. 2F-E Article McNamara gear writeup

03-27-08, 07:13 PM	#16
wct49 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: May 2005 Location: sellin tires in Mississippi TLCA# 16386 Posts: 1,027	your gonna love the 1312 we have the 1512 and really like it. __________________ Chris http://cottonlandcruisers.com/ 1976 FJ40, Stereo by Euclid, Team Risher Metal Tech Family Cage, Tuffy consoles, 4inch Hell Creek , 35x1250-15 Hankook MT, Saginaw Psteering, Clutchee sliders, ARB Lockers stem & stern, Orion. 1994 FJZ80, Locked, OME, ARB bumper, IPF, 31575-16 Firestone Dest. MT, very gay snorkel 2005 Chevy Z71 4WD Suburban 2006 Honda Civic (DenMomDeb's sled)

03-27-08, 07:29 PM	#17
roamingaz IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: arizona TLCA# 18816 Posts: 174	You already got a tent but I am suprised no one mentioned Kelty, they are a awesome brand. I have the trail dome 6 I bought off Ebay new in the box for only $97 shipped!! , only one room but plenty of space and I am 6'2" and can stand up with plenty of room. I also bought a Kelty carport awning check out their website , these things are a great invention. __________________ '91 FJ 80 SOLD http://www.roamingazexpeditions.com

03-28-08, 07:40 PM	#18
tonkota IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Spokane, WA TLCA# 14154 Posts: 1,256 Blog Entries: 4	Our tent showed up. I took the box off of it but unfortunately I am too sick to lift it and it is snowing so even if I wasn't sick I can't set it up to try it out. __________________ A Ron Using one cruiser to go mountain biking, and the other to collect dust. 2F-E Article McNamara gear writeup

03-28-08, 07:53 PM	#19
Corey IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Auburn, WA. Posts: 655	Hey, we got snow this side of the state today too, but it did not stick around my place. I setup a new tent today too out of boredom, but it is not a sleeping tent The Pett system came a week ago. The tent sets up in about a minute. __________________ Corey '07 FJ Cruiser, '91 4Runner is gone ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, custom rack goodies, so much more, see my website My Forum - My Website - My Rigs Build-up - Roof Top Tent - Video Of My Penthouse

03-29-08, 01:15 PM	#20
Ducks IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Davis, CA TLCA# 17334 Posts: 1,115 Blog Entries: 2	REI Hobitat REI Hobitat 6 Tent from REI.com __________________ Chad... K7DUX.......1984 FJ60 - Daily Driver......Web Album ................"Non impediti ratione cogitationis" - Conloquium Currus ..

03-31-08, 09:28 AM	#23
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,355	You can buy some of the lesser brands, they are usually fine, probably a little heavier, but if you arent backpacking this isnt a huge concern. I have a Eureka tent for backpacking and it has done great for the last 15 years __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 136k 98 Avalon 138k