Why it’s a good idea to read reviews before buying
The days are long gone when getting a tent meant buying some canvas and slinging it over a ridge pole.
I grew up in an era when tents were pretty much like that, which meant not many choices over which to agonize.
These days, tents come in a multitude of choices and are specialised to cater for a vast range of outdoor activities.
They are contructed from sturdy lightweight material and provide shelter and privacy in all conditions.
Whether you’re a hiker looking for a tent that’s compact and light, or a family person looking for space and comfort at a favorite holiday site, the choices can be overwhelming.
Tent reviews can take the pain out of deciding what’s right for you.
If you are looking to buy a family camping tent, then the two main styles to look for are the cabin tent and dome tent.
Dome tents are a top pick for many because of their light weight and they are among the easiest tents to put up and take down. They are ideal for the first-time or inexperienced camper.
For example, check out the budget priced Coleman Sundome 4 person tent.
Cabin tents are the way to go if you plan to settle in one area for an extended period of time.
Grab a coffee and take a few minutes to look around this site to see what is on offer.
Coleman Instant Tent 8
- At around $200, represents value for money.
- Sets up in less than 5 minutes, and is very roomy.
- Entry doors at front and rear, and zip down divider in middle.
- Made from quality, heavy duty material.
- All seams are taped, so there is no need for a seam sealer.
Read our detailed review to help you decide whether to buy, just click here.
Coleman WeatherMaster 10
- A quality, inexpensive large tent.
- Sealers are not required.
- Walk from end to end without having to bend over.
- Super easy to set up.
- Color coded poles and the instructions sewn into the storage bag.
Read our detailed review, to help you decide whether to buy, just click here.
Coleman Red Canyon
- Arguably one of the best value-for-money tents.
- Double zippers on door lets power cord in. No large gaps for bugs to enter.
- Tub floor helps prevent flooding from below.
- Practical gear net that hangs from the ceiling
- Easy to set up.
Read our detailed review, to help you decide whether to buy, just click here.
Eureka Copper Canyon
- Well built, reliable and value for money.
- Completely mesh screened roof and four huge closeable windows for great ventilation.
- The sturdy metal poles are steel cable corded.
- Cabin-like vertical side walls lets you use every inch of space.
- Easy to erect, you can put it up by yourself in about 10-15 minutes.
Read our detailed tent review, to help you decide what to buy, just click here.
Swiss Gear Montreaux Family Dome Tent
- Designed to sleep 10 persons.
- Easy to set up.
- Dutch D-style door.
- Roomy, and can be divided into two separate living areas.
- Weatherproof welded polythylene floor.
Read our detailed review, to help you decide whether to buy, just click here.
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-person Tent
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe Tent
- Premium grade modern canvas for guaranteed durability.
- Lofty ceiling height, eliminates stooping.
- Two large D-shaped doors, for ease of entry and exit.
- Flex-Bow system design for an easy set up tent.
- A tent that will last for decades, with proper care.
- Rugged construction makes this a 4 season tent.
Read our detailed review to help you decide whether to buy, just click here.
Big Agnes Flying Diamond 8 Tent
- Designed as a 4 season tent.
- An easy set up tent, despite its size.
- Color-coded poles, and clear instructions.
- Meshed ceiling and side panels for superb ventilation.
- Two separate entrances.
- Large, secure waterproof rain fly.
Read our detailed review to help you decide whether to buy, just click here.
Some things to consider before making your final decision
- How many people will likely be sharing the tent space?
- Is the tent just for sleeping in, or hanging out in during the day?
- Do you intend to store lots of equipment, like packs, coolers or camping furniture?
- Will the tent need to be carried over a considerable distance to the camping site?
- Apart from minimum space for each sleeper, do you want to allow for more elbow room?
- Is sufficient room to stand and walk around important to you?
- Are you a fair weather family camper or want to be prepared all seasons and terrain?
The above tents recommended by tentreviewshq would be classified generally as three-season tents.
They are a top choice for car campers, setting out in summer, early fall and late spring. The vast majority of family campers would be more than adequately served by these three season tents.
They are all quality products designed to withstand wet and windy conditions.
These three season tents are easier on the wallet than those designed for violent alpine and winter conditions.
Four season tents are much heavier and more expensive because they require extra poles and exceptional durability to withstand violent winds and heavy snowfall.
Family campers are usually not pitching their tents in the depths of winter and are able to choose large tents for a relatively small outlay.