Looking for tent advice

[smokeyyank]

So the days of my Ozark trail 4 person Chinese tent aka 2 person sardine sack are over. Had a baby a few months ago and need to upgrade to something that is bigger. I've been digging around and looking at some options but was wondering what you guys use or would recommend. This will be 100% a car camping tent so weight and size aren't a major issue.


Right now the leader in my choice is a blackpine sports 210.
http://www.blackpinesports.com/turbo-lite


A few things I need.
-Not a big footprint, 8x8 or something close would be ideal.
-Has to be able to fit my queen air mattress and a rock and play. 3 humans total. We have 2 dogs but they are tiny and end up in the sleeping bags with us.
-Need a Vestibule, doesn't have to be huge
-Has to be able to hold up to Colorado elements. Don't need a 4 season but needs to hold up to rain and wind well.
-Would like to stay under $300
-I would like standing room but not 100% necessary.

I've also considered

http://www.cabelas.com/product/campi....uts?slotId=14

https://www.rei.com/product/894015/r...kingdom-4-tent

Any advice is appreciated!

[David_Bricker]

I've used Eureka tents for many years. They're inexpensive, but generally hold up quite well. This are real tents, not the WalMart woven nylon crap.

The offer a large variety of sizes. I have a 10 x 12 that has two doors and a vestibule. It's held up to 50 mph Death Valley winds, and survived.

https://eurekacamping.johnsonoutdoor...268.1514950582

David Bricker / SYR

[David_Bricker]

Eureka also has an outlet store. I have bought several tents from the Outlet, and have found them in great condition, with no operational issues.

http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eure...0&dept_id=3068

David Bricker / SYR

[smokeyyank]

Awesome, thanks for the input. That Jade tent looks like it might be worth looking at.

[David_Bricker]

I have somewhat of the Jade's predecessor. Mine is 12x12, with a minimum height of 7'3", and over 8' at the peak. The walls are nicely vertical, so you get full use of the floor space. Judging at the price point of the Jade, it's probably not quite as stout as my Space II, but that was $450 20 years ago. It will still be light years ahead of the WalMart crap. And the outlet stuff is a tremendous deal.

If you camp in must rain, you might consider the Tetragon 8. It's a 10x12, but a bit shorter, yet still standing room. The rainfly covers the windows better. It's also better suited for higher winds. I have one of the earlier Tetragons that came in a 10x14 size, and it's been through some rough stuff in Death Valley, with minimal issues.

Also, I live 30 miles from Eureka's headquarters, and they sometimes have stuff in the Outlet that isn't on the website. I'd be happy to go look for you, if you're interested.

David Bricker / SYR

[smokeyyank]

Originally Posted by David_Bricker

I have somewhat of the Jade's predecessor. Mine is 12x12, with a minimum height of 7'3", and over 8' at the peak. The walls are nicely vertical, so you get full use of the floor space. Judging at the price point of the Jade, it's probably not quite as stout as my Space II, but that was $450 20 years ago. It will still be light years ahead of the WalMart crap. And the outlet stuff is a tremendous deal.

If you camp in must rain, you might consider the Tetragon 8. It's a 10x12, but a bit shorter, yet still standing room. The rainfly covers the windows better. It's also better suited for higher winds. I have one of the earlier Tetragons that came in a 10x14 size, and it's been through some rough stuff in Death Valley, with minimal issues.

Also, I live 30 miles from Eureka's headquarters, and they sometimes have stuff in the Outlet that isn't on the website. I'd be happy to go look for you, if you're interested.

David Bricker / SYR

My worry with something bigger than 8x8 will be setting it up. Most times we just trail camp and most places we've gone haven't been friendly to the bigger tents. Sometimes it was a battle setting up the current 4 person tent.

Standing room would be a plus, but really one of the lower priorities. Quality, quick set up and room are really what I need.

No need to venture out there, I appreciate the offer though. I'll keep scanning and see what else pops up. Thanks again!

[Heavyopp]

I have this -- https://www.amazon.com/Snugpak-92894.../dp/B00ICRGO9O

It's extremely well made but no standing room -- Will fit your queen sized mattress and child stuff -- as long as your mattress is low

search -- "snugpak the cave"

[smokeyyank]

Originally Posted by Heavyopp

I have this -- https://www.amazon.com/Snugpak-92894.../dp/B00ICRGO9O

It's extremely well made but no standing room -- Will fit your queen sized mattress and child stuff -- as long as your mattress is low

search -- "snugpak the cave"

Cool, thanks for the info. I do like the double entrance.

[smokeyyank]

Well got a smoking deal on a Big Agnes Tenlsleep Station 6.

https://www.bigagnes.com/Tensleep-Station-6_3

Meet all me requirements and plus side BA is a CO company. Thanks for all those that chimed in

[need-a-bow]

That big Agnes tent looks awesome. I only need room for 1 or 2 at the moment but looks great especially for longer camping trips where you might be set up all weekend or more. I'll have to look for a deal to pop up on one of those but glad I stumbled across this thread.

[smokeyyank]

Originally Posted by need-a-bow

That big Agnes tent looks awesome. I only need room for 1 or 2 at the moment but looks great especially for longer camping trips where you might be set up all weekend or more. I'll have to look for a deal to pop up on one of those but glad I stumbled across this thread.

I was debating between this one and the Marmot Halo 6. Price ended up steering my choice. eBay is where I found this one. I'll see how it holds up this season. So far just set up it up the basement to see the size. It is nice and big with plenty of room, and that was without the vestibule. I'm 6'1" and can easily stand in the middle. Set up our queen air mattress with the pack and play for the mini-me and didn't feel crammed at all. I managed to set it up myself so fairly easy considering the size (and the space I had to work with).