After researching nearly 100 tents, talking to tent designers and tent-pole manufacturers, and sleeping in a total of 51 tents on 12 weekend camping trips over seven years, we've concluded that the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent is the best car-camping tent for two people, and the Kelty Wireless 6 is the best choice for most families.
Whether you're thinking of hitting the road or staying close to home for your next car-camping adventure, you and your loved ones will need a comfortable place to sleep.
A full rain cover, two vestibules, and an extra-sturdy pole structure make this the best choice for families who want to get outside in any weather. It's the most expensive of our picks, though.
A full rain cover, two vestibules, and an extra-sturdy pole structure make this the best choice for couples who want to get outside in any weather. It's pricey, though, and unless the other couples' tents we recommend, it doesn't include a footprint.
This dome-style tent has nearly vertical walls, high ceilings, and a single vestibule the size of an actual mudroom. It's also straightforward to set up, and it is made with sturdy, light materials. It's expensive, but you get value for your money.
Great for backyard overnights, this simple dome-style tent is for anyone who doesn't want to spend more than $150 on a tent but also doesn't want to buy another one next year. It has a partial rain fly, but only one door and no vestibule.
With nearly 60 square feet of floor space plus two large vestibules, the Tungsten 4 is roomier than our top-pick tent for couples. It also costs more, though, and is less forgiving of a careless set-up.
Spacious and easy to pitch, this dome tent also has other features most families need: two large doors, roomy vestibules, and an affordable price. The tradeoffs: bulky fiberglass poles and flimsy stakes.
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent is the best car-camping tent choice for couples. It has everything you need for three-season camping, with the bonus of being light enough to double as an occasional backpacking tent. Although it's designed to accommodate three people'hence the '3' in its name'we found that at 42.5 square feet, the tent is more comfortable for two, plus gear and maybe a medium-size dog.
A classic polyester dome tent, the Mineral King 3 uses two high-quality pre-bent aluminum poles, which maximize head and shoulder space, making this tent feel less cramped than other dome tents we tested. Two large doors provide easy entry and exit, and a vestibule'that's camping speak for 'mudroom''outside each door adds significant sheltered storage. The Mineral King 3 has a full rain fly, which you can roll up halfway or completely remove for epic stargazing. It also comes with a groundsheet (aka footprint) to protect the tent floor.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThe Kelty Wireless 6 is a spacious tent that is easy to pitch, and it offers solid weather protection and durability for a reasonable price. Like the Mineral King 3, it has a simple, dome-style design that maximizes livability and minimize headaches. With 87 square feet of interior space, plus 28 square feet of vestibule space, the polyester tent fits four adults comfortably, or two adults with two or three children, with plenty of room to store gear and muddy boots. (As its name indicates, it's meant to house six people, but we wouldn't recommend that.) The Wireless 6 has two large doors and a full rain fly.
Like most tents we saw in its price range, the Wireless 6 uses cheaper materials: Its poles (two, plus a 'brow' pole that supports the two vestibules) are fiberglass, and its stakes are too light for their size (two bent during testing). Unlike the competition, this tent is functional, durable, and a joy to inhabit in most weather conditions. (We did notice that the fly took longer to dry than others we tested; don't put it away while it's still damp, or it'll mildew.) It packs into a duffle with a handy shoulder strap and weighs about 17 pounds'manageable for most people across short distances. As with most six-person tents we've seen, this tent's footprint is sold separately.
Though the Marmot Tungsten 4-Person Tent lacks the Mineral King 3's adaptable fly, which makes access and protection from the elements such a breeze, the Tungsten 4 provides more living space and equal protection against the elements. A full rain fly with easy-attach color-coded clips covers the tent body and adds two large vestibules. Like the Mineral King 3, the Tungsten has aluminum poles that are connected at the top (for lightning-quick pitching) and pre-bent, which increases the dome tent's headroom. With pentagonal doors and a fly scaffolded by two brow poles'as opposed to the Mineral King 3's single one'this tent provides excellent shielding from multidirectional wind and rain, providing you follow the setup instructions faithfully.
The Tungsten 4's poles are bent at a more acute angle and closer to the ground, which, we discovered, can cause the tent to collapse in windy conditions if you don't attach the poles to the fly using the Velcro tabs running under the seams. You can also set up the tent without the fly while retaining some privacy, since the tent body has a high polyester wall on one side. Like the Mineral King 3, this tent comes with a footprint.
The best-selling Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent has a footprint larger (100 square feet) than that of our top-pick tent for families, but it felt smaller because it has a lower ceiling, no vestibule, and only one door. Nevertheless, it still comfortably accommodates four people, and it's a roomy choice for two. This no-nonsense tent is intuitive to set up, has mesh on the top halves of two walls, includes a partial rain fly that's easy to put on and stake out, and feels cheery inside and out. (We don't recommend the smaller version of this tent for couples who might actually take it on the road; it was just too flimsy in our tests.) Also note that this tent does not come with its own groundsheet. Coleman says that the tent doesn't need one, probably because its floor is a crinkly (though tough) tarp-like polyethylene, not a taped-seam polyester as in our other picks.
The North Face Wawona 6 costs $200 more than the Wireless 6, but if you can swing the price, the tent offers a superior combination of livable space, smart design, and durable, high-quality materials (aluminum and heavy-duty polyester and mesh). Its fly extends into a huge front vestibule that can store large items like bikes, or even accommodate a table and chairs. Adults over 6 feet tall will be able to walk upright inside this tent'which has almost-vertical walls that can easily accommodate beds, cribs, and cots'as well as in the vestibule.
We also appreciated the tent's construction, which combines good ventilation (the upper part of the canopy walls are mesh) with campsite privacy (those mesh bits are covered by the fly, which reaches only halfway down the tent on the back and sides). And this tent is easy to set up and pack down, especially considering its size. (It comes with a carrying bag equipped with duffle-style handles.) You're unlikely to find a similar-sized tent that matches the Wawona's quality and features for less money'most comparable tents we tested cost much more. As with most six-person tents, the Wawona 6's footprint is sold separately.
Car campers who plan to brave miserable weather will appreciate the extra strength and protection of the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent. The main bodies of our other picks are structured with two main poles with added support from smaller brow poles. The Base Camp, by contrast, has four full-size aluminum struts woven throughout it, somewhat like a basket, plus an additional brow pole that frames the front entrance and supports the larger of the two vestibules. The Base Camp also offers more privacy compared with our other picks'with or without the rain fly. Our other favorite features are the tent's two wide doors, which you can open halfway from either direction or open fully (you can tuck the doors into 'roof pockets' to keep them out of the way), turning the tent into a useful beach tent or sun shade.
Families who regularly pitch their tent in rainy locales need a wind-fighting tent with a good-size vestibule for storing wet shoes and gear, as well as a full rain fly for added weather protection. With almost 45 feet of vestibule space and four stability-enhancing criss-crossing poles, the next size up of REI's Base Camp, the Base Camp 6 Tent, offers the best combination of space and features among the six tents we tested that fit those criteria. A footprint for each model is sold separately.
Your tent is your home, so choose wisely. Photo by Dhvani Shah
A shelter is one of the most important pieces of gear you can own, but choices can feel overwhelming. Don't worry ' we're here to go over the best options for what's right for you. By Sandra Saathoff
Home is where your tent is! Whether car camping or backpacking, our shelters are our base, the spot where we lay our weary heads for the night. There are so many to choose from ' sold by both big-box stores and cottage industry designers ' that it can be overwhelming. Not to fear ' we're here to take a look at the major options, so you have a place to start the next time you're in the market for a shelter.
Tents come in two basic varieties. A free-standing tent can stand up whether it has stakes in the ground or not. A trekking pole tent requires stakes. So, why the difference? It basically comes down to weight.
A free-standing tent includes the tent fabric and poles, which give the tent its structure. Stakes are generally added to keep the tent in place. Free-standing tents come in a variety of sizes and can get quite fancy, with separate rooms and integrated lights for car campers. They can also be minimalist and lightweight for backpackers.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Changyuan.
A trekking pole tent, on the other hand, uses a hiker's trekking poles to help in the pitch. The stakes are an integral component, providing support and tension to keep the fabric in place. This can cut quite a bit of weight from the setup. These tents also come in various sizes and a number of designs. The need for stakes can be challenging, depending on the ground at your campsite. In rocky soil or sandy soil, it can be difficult to keep stakes in the ground. This issue can be mitigated by the use of different types of stakes or well-placed rocks.
Be mindful who will be using a tent before you invest. You, a partner, or even a pet. Photo by Sarah MacGillivray
A single-walled tent is a light, easy-to-put-up tent that, instead of having a separate rainfly, uses its material properties to keep the occupant dry.
Double-walled tents come with a separate rainfly. In addition to the rain-shedding properties, the fly allows for more airflow, meaning less condensation inside the tent.
A hybrid design uses a partial rainfly connected to a single-walled tent. Often the inside walls are mesh netting, allowing for good airflow, while the rainfly also acts as the vestibule or can be rolled up and attached to the tent wall to allow good airflow in dry weather.
Picking the right tent can help you have a more comfortable and easier time on your next night under the stars. Photo by Chris Moorhead
The big three for backpacking are silnylon, silpoly and Dyneema.
Silnylon: Short for silicon-coated nylon, silnylon is used in many light-weight backpacking tents. Its strong suits are durability and waterproofing, though seams do need to be sealed. Silnylon is hydrophilic, meaning it absorbs water in a downpour, but I've camped more than one night in an extreme downpour and my silnylon tent has never leaked.
Silpoly: Short for silicon-coated polyester, this fabric is a bit heavier than silnylon and less durable, but it is also less stretchy and more waterproof, being hydrophobic ' though honestly, unless you're camping for a week in springtime on the Olympic Peninsula, you probably won't have a problem with either option.
You can see the difference in stretch between silnylon and silpoly more readily. The silnylon tent will tend to relax a bit after setup and you will likely need to tighten the cords a bit for a taut pitch, whereas this should not be necessary with the silpoly tent.
If you're in the market for a new tent, it helps to think carefully about the features you care about most, and what you're willing to pay for. Photo by Rory McMahon
At times you will see combo tents, with silnylon being used for the floor due to its durability and silpoly used for the sides and rainfly to capitalize on its greater waterproofness.
Dyneema: Dyneema, also called DCF or Cuben Fiber, is a very strong and lightweight fabric that has made its way into backpacking tents as well as all sorts of other gear. The fabric is created by laying out fibers in a grid pattern and then gluing them inside a plastic sandwich, resulting in a fabric that is very strong in line with the fibers. Dyneema is low-stretch and low-sag and is rain resistant, though on the diagonal, where the fibers are weakest, there will be some stretch. Tent-makers continue to tweak designs to maximize the fabric's strong points. Dyneema is designed for backpackers wanting the lowest weight tents. Like any, there are some cons of the fabric:
Different materials make specific tents better for certain ecosystems. Photo by Ken Marks
Three-season: For most of us, a three-season tent is the only thing we need. It's designed to protect us from wind and rain, while providing a comfortable shelter for the night. For spring, summer and fall, a three-season tent will likely be exactly what you're looking for.
Four-season: A four-season tent has a more robust design, heavier material, stronger poles and a separate rainfly (a three-season may or may not have a separate rainfly) and it is built to withstand falling snow. But a four-season tent maybe should be called a one-season tent. The weight from all that extra robustness and the clamminess from a more weather-tight design mean that this tent may not be comfortable in the summer. So if you don't plan to camp in snow, you'll likely be fine with a three-season tent.
Doors: Some tents come with one door, some with two. Depending on whether you plan to sleep solo or with a buddy, this can make a difference. Even a single-person tent with two doors can be a luxury, giving you options for setup that can come in handy, including potential for better views.
Ground cloths: Many people consider a ground cloth optional. The benefit is that the ground cloth ' also called a footprint ' protects the bottom of the tent. If weight is a concern, there are lightweight options, including Tyvek and Polycro if you don't want a manufacturer's footprint. Just make sure that the whole thing is under the edge of the tent, or it can funnel rainwater under your tent ' no fun, trust me!
Ventilation ports: A person breathes out up to half a pint of moisture overnight. Without good airflow, fully-closed tents can trap condensation, which can then drip on your sleeping bag or quilt. Many tents have small ports or the ability to set the rainfly so it's not touching the ground. Both options help with condensation by giving air a chance to flow through.
Vestibules: The fabric of most tents covers some ground over the tent door where you can store things like water bottles or your pack and shoes. The size of the vestibule differs by tent design. The vestibule also protects the tent door when entering and exiting in rain, keeping the tent floor drier.
Bathtubs: No, we're not suggesting that you lug an actual tub into the mountains. A bathtub is the bottom of the tent. Many lightweight tents have sides mostly or almost entirely made of netting. This is great for weight savings and airflow, but not so good for staying dry in the rain. That's where the bathtub comes in. The nylon floor extends upward a number of inches, keeping you out of the water, should there be any. It's important to be sure the tent is set up properly, so the bathtub doesn't sag.
Inside ceiling loops: Many tents come equipped with loops inside, and you can tie some cord to store or air out your smelly socks or even hang a light for reading.
A great tent site isn't just about texture or grade ' it's nice to have a view as well. Photo by Aaron Wilson
In the field: A badly placed sharp rock, sharp stick or broken pole can quickly make your home away from home way less cozy. It's a good idea to have a small stash of repair items. Tenacious Tape can quickly repair a tear, duct tape will stabilize a broken pole, dental floss and a needle can fix a rip in netting. More substantial repairs can be done once you're home.
At home: It is vital to care for your tents if you want them ready for action when you need them. This means you need to take the time to clean them and set them up to air out after a trip, even if you think they are dry and clean. Moldy tents are no fun. And zippers with dust and dirt in them don't function well over time. Taking care of rips or tears right after you get home sets you up for a good trip next time. I generally do a decent (but not thorough) cleaning between trips and then a complete clean ' dunking the tent in a tub of water to get all the dirt out ' at the end of the season.
A shelter is one of the larger expenses associated with adventuring. While we can't cover everything about tents and shelters, I hope we've given you some things to consider if you're in the market for one. You owe it to yourself to be well-educated, so you'll be comfortable and cozy in the wild.
For more information, please visit Camping Tent Factory.
This article originally appeared in the Summer issue of Washington Trails Magazine. Support trails as a member of WTA to get your one-year subscription to the magazine.