Advice on buying a family tent.?

Question

Looking to buy a family tent, i like the look of the big tunnel/dome type tents. does any one have any advice on brands, what to look out for and what to avoid? Its just for general camping nothing extreme! Thankyou.

Answer 1

Y'know, you can't miss with Coleman. But check out Campmor; they have great deals and good vendors, you can't go wrong.

The kind with a room divider are nice. Kids on one side, parents on the other, and useful as a dressing or napping area.

Answer 2

You should get one with separate rooms so that each person has their space. Mine has a big main room and 2 separate rooms which can be turned into another big room if you unzip the divider between them. Ours also has a small "closet" that you can store things in and it has a rain cover and a light that Velcros onto the top of the tent. We bought it from Kmart and so far it has been a really great tent. It's easy to put up, too-that's an important factor because you don't want to have to spend tons of time putting it up. Good luck!

Answer 3

Listen to Shnurrbart, he's been campin'

You'll be happier if you can stand up in yer tent.

Two or three people in a tent is really enough, and that's if everybody gets along.

Use a ground tarp under your tent for it to last the longest.

More tents is better than more people in one tent.

Put a little welcome mat or some such in front of yer tent to wipe yer feet and get a jump on the dirt and whatnot that you bring in.

NEVER put food in yer tent, unless yor want to share with God's other creatures, walking, crawling, and prowling. They WILL come in for chow, They WILL know it's there, And, they don't do zippers, so they WILL make their own door.

Have fun !

Answer 4

I have the REI Base Camp 6 it is a great tent. With REI and their return policy of any time no questions I sleep in it confident of the quality and that they are there for any issues. The tent is expensive but well worth it when you look at the design and smart features.
I looked at the overall size and the vestibule that is good for storage and for keeping bugs out. This tent works for my family and I hope it will work for yours.

Answer 5

While it may seem fun to have everyone in the same tent, actually people are stinky and dirty, snore, argue amongst themselves, and like to have a little privacy from time to time. You might also find your large tent doesn't fit into your campsite very well. And might not be as waterproof or stable in winds as a smaller tent. I would suggest buying a 3 man 3 season tent for every two people and a large screen tent for gatherings and meals.

Answer 6

Get a tent that fits at least 2 more people than will actually use it, otherwise you will be crammed in. Dome tents with rainflys that go to the ground are more likely to keep you dry. Check out campmor.com or rei.com to compare tents before buying.

Answer 7

Spend the money for a good tent if you want to stay dry and keep for a few years. I've always owned Eureka tents and never had any problems with them and they last for years (been using a 6-man Eureka Wind River dome style and a 2-man and 4-man Eureka Timberline A-frame for over 20 years). I agree with having a couple/few smaller tents than one large one. Easier to find spots for smaller tents, set-up, and to keep dry.

Answer 8

The truth my family camps all the time and we spend most of the time outside the tent till sleep time. so buy big and nothing over $100 cause it isn't worth it trust me!

Answer 9

Camping gear in UK is expensive just browse the web. I'm in the the US and take everything with me. I found the Camping and Caravan Club to have good sites. You don't have to join if you only go camping once and awhile. They have some informational shows in the spring that may help you. Check it out.

Answer 10

Always get a tent that has the "flex" ploes rather than the steel "pu-together" poles.