Best Tent for Family Camping (1 Viewer)

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I bought a Springbar last year
http://www.springbar.com/
Ended up with the Traveler 5 for myself and 2 small kids (wife won't camp!)
I have slept in everything from poncho's to modular marquee's (and still prefer 5 Star hotels if someone else is paying!)....if you don't have to carry it on your back...the Springbar is an excellent option I think. Made in the USA as well. There is nothing wrong with Asian stuff .. some great lightweight tents....but Springbar has quality and your money gets to stay at home.
 
AJP said:
I bought a Springbar last year
http://www.springbar.com/
Ended up with the Traveler 5 for myself and 2 small kids (wife won't camp!)
I have slept in everything from poncho's to modular marquee's (and still prefer 5 Star hotels if someone else is paying!)....if you don't have to carry it on your back...the Springbar is an excellent option I think. Made in the USA as well. There is nothing wrong with Asian stuff .. some great lightweight tents....but Springbar has quality and your money gets to stay at home.
Click to expand...
x500. I used to work for the company. I just can't say enough. Made in Salt Lake City, Utah, for over 40 years. The Family Camper should suit your needs well. Not cheap, but we all know the best stuff isn't cheap.

The above Cabel's/REI?etc. are okay, but the Springbars are phenomenal. They used on on Everest as a base camp tent (the Family Camper)
 
PHBeerman said:
My wife gets mad at me about tent maintenance. After I return from a trip, I set the tent up in my yard and clean it with mild detergent and let it dry for a couple of days. I clean inside, and outside. And then I clean the bottom of the tent. My Kelty is 14 years old and looks brand new. It has probably been slept in over 150 times.
Click to expand...

I have a Kelty that is at least that old. I too am anal about cleaning my gear after each trip. Dirt kills camping gear.


OT. IH8 external frame cabin tents. They are a PITA to set up/break down. Nothing spoils a camping trip like starting out hasseling with tent set-up. IMO the only time they are worth the effort is if you plan on staying put for a few days, say a week or so. For weekend trips I'd stick with a big dome tent. We just gave our big cabin tent with screen porch away to Good Will, and I was glad to see it go.
 
Well, I purchased my new tent this morning.

pinewflg.jpg
 
What's that monkey cost?
 
And how long does it take to setup/take down?
 
spressomon said:
And how long does it take to setup/take down?
Click to expand...

I will let you know when I get it. I read the instructions on line and I am guessing that the wife and I will be able to set it up in 10-15 minutes. Which is not bad. My biggest concern is the funky fan door. But I was not concerned enough to not buy the tent.
 
Do yourself a favor, if it came with those whimpy plastic stakes, toss 'em and go get some 10" steel spikes. You'll be glad you did.
 
splitshot said:
Do yourself a favor, if it came with those whimpy plastic stakes, toss 'em and go get some 10" steel spikes. You'll be glad you did.
Click to expand...


Ditto. I love the're "Unbreakable"..."Lifetime Warranty" claims for those 'miracle' plastic POS stakes. Mine never made made it past the first tent rising! Steel is the way to go...unless it's in soft dirt or sand...
 
NorCalDoug said:
dude...that sucka looks huge.

I'm looking forward for your review...
Click to expand...


Heading out in the morning to try it out. I will write a review next week.
 
TroutRunner said:
Check out http://www.rei.com/product/693151. Its the base camp 6. Plenty big and setup to handle the elements as well.

I've got the base camp 4 and it is superb.

TR
Click to expand...

How is this tent in the heavy weather? I'm looking for a replacement for the old coleman that can sleep 5 (adults + 16, 10 and 8). Will it be big enough to throw a couple of cots into for the adults?

Thanks.
 
Took the tent out for the first time this weekend was treated to the typical Idaho weather patterns. Friday sun shine and cool with a brisk wind. Saturday hot and still during the day and a storm rolled in at night. The tent performed beautifully. Set up took my wife and I about 15 minutes, everything is straight forward and easy to set up. We were able to fit 2 queen sized air mattresses and a portable crib across the tent and had a 3X12 section of floor space totally empty. The tent did come with the crappy plastic stakes, but I have ordered MSR groundhogs as replacements. I did experience one failure on the tent. The corners attach to the frame with metal hooks, and one broke. I have already contacted Eureka and they are sending me out a replacement. The tent kept up high and dry in the nasty rain and even performed better than my friends REI Hobitat 4. This is due to the rain fly that can be set to cover 3 of the 4 sides completely. In other reviews of this tent, people have not liked the "Fan Door” I however loved it. I do need to alter the bottom to completely seal the tent from possible wandering critters, but this is acceptable due to the convenience of having a door that my 3 year old can open and close by himself without problems. If you have kids, this door is the only way to go. The tent is heavy, and it takes up about 12"X12"X36" stored, and it is difficult to find a semi flat surface for a 10'X12' tent. In the end, I could not be happier with this tent. If you have a family and don't mind transporting a large tent, I would recommend you buy this.
 
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