Looking for a camping tent 6-8 people

[thestrangebrew1]

What do you guys recommend? My brother has invited himself to go camping with us and his family needs a tent. Is Coleman still a decent brand? I'm seeing them running around $150-$200 for this size so I guess that's the budget. Not looking for any particular config., but one where they don't have to stoop would be great. What say you?

 

[Newell Steamer]

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-14x10-...ng+tent+family

I would recommend this one though; http://www.amazon.com/Wenzel-Klondik...e+camping+tent, since there is an area to stand/sit in, while getting ready to take off your shoes before moving into the sleeping/relaxing section.

 

[Scarpozzi]

This one is $149
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trai...ps-10/28911609

1. Always buy a bigger tent than the people you have or get 2 smaller tents. If you ever see the sleeping diagrams, you'll know what I mean. They don't leave space for gear or space to stretch out or walk through the tent. If you use air mattresses, you'll want a 10-12 person tent.

2. Don't buy an expensive tent....they all are made about the same and typically leak within a few years. You can get seam-sealer and prolong their life, but useful life for most tents is 5 years...less if not stored properly.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

This one is $149
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trai...ps-10/28911609

1. Always buy a bigger tent than the people you have or get 2 smaller tents. If you ever see the sleeping diagrams, you'll know what I mean. They don't leave space for gear or space to stretch out or walk through the tent. If you use air mattresses, you'll want a 10-12 person tent.

2. Don't buy an expensive tent....they all are made about the same and typically leak within a few years. You can get seam-sealer and prolong their life, but useful life for most tents is 5 years...less if not stored properly.

Yea it's a family of 4 which is why we're looking for a 6-8 person. Should be plenty of room. I'll look into these. Thanks!

 

[shortylickens]

Coleman is shit.
So is Ozark Trail.


If you plan on using it one night and never again, fine.
If you want something that can see repeated use for years to come, go with any other brand.

 

[DesiPower]

Coleman is shit.
So is Ozark Trail.


If you plan on using it one night and never again, fine.
If you want something that can see repeated use for years to come, go with any other brand.

Can you please recommend some, based on personal experience or knowledge/research done in this area? I am looking for one too, and when I saw these brands they did feel shitty, but did't know what were the good ones...

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I have a 4-person Alps Mountaineering tent which is very nice for a single person, if a bit large.

I kind of want one of those folding cot tent things, though.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Coleman is shit.
So is Ozark Trail.


If you plan on using it one night and never again, fine.
If you want something that can see repeated use for years to come, go with any other brand.

Is there a brand you recommend? I'll be buying it for their use, but I'll be keeping it as a backup in case other people decide to come along camping with us in the future.

 

[tynopik]

www.amazon.com/dp/B003CRWL8W/

 

[Ryland]

http://pahaque.com/prodPromontoryXD_v4.asp

 

[Theb]

Can you please recommend some, based on personal experience or knowledge/research done in this area? I am looking for one too, and when I saw these brands they did feel shitty, but did't know what were the good ones...

My dad has 2 REI tents that are 20 years old and the still work great. I have an REI tent that's 10 years old and it still works great. These are backpacking tents that have seen some shit. Our car camping tent is a Eureka. You can't go wrong with either of those. If you go down to REI and tell them what you need they're super helpful.

A Walmart tent will work fine for awhile if you're not worried about bad weather, but just like with all things, you get what you pay for.

 

[Gooberlx2]

I think Kelty makes decent stuff. REI has an 8 person Kelty tent in their outlet.

Here's an ALPS for 6 people, as well as an REI Camp Dome 6.

I had the Camp Dome 2. Really nice, affordable, tent for one person+dog, or two cozy people. Nice materials, easy setup, kept me dry it torrential rain. I returned it after one Summer though as I've gotten into backcountry backpacking and it's too heavy for that. If the Camp Dome 6 is similar in build and quality, I'd say it's certainly a safe buy so long as it's roomy enough for you.

The ALPS and REI tents also get a 20% coupon discount for members this week.

They're all peak height of 6+ ft.

 

[deadlyapp]

I think Kelty makes decent stuff. REI has one in their outlet, plus an extra 20% off coupon for members this week. Makes it $160 + tax.

Here's an ALPS for 6 people, as well as an REI Camp Dome 6.

I had the Camp Dome 2. Really nice, affordable, tent for one person+dog, or two cozy people. I returned it though as I've gotten into backcountry backpacking and it's too heavy for that.

They're all peak height of 6+ ft.

Good find on the Kelty - has a much more extensive rain fly than you will find on most of the walmart etc brands.

 

[shortylickens]

Can you please recommend some, based on personal experience or knowledge/research done in this area? I am looking for one too, and when I saw these brands they did feel shitty, but did't know what were the good ones...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/othe...qid=1400699072



I've had some Eurekas that are quite nice.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Thanks everyone. Will look into these!

 

[Gooberlx2]

Good find on the Kelty - has a much more extensive rain fly than you will find on most of the walmart etc brands.

Yeah, I updated my post that the Kelty isn't subject to REI's coupon discount however (only outlet items ending in $xx.73, apparently), so that takes away from the value...though I'd still say it's a pretty decent price for an 8 person tent with a full coverage fly.

 

[JamesV]

Another vote for Kelty here.

I have a two person tent that has been out in dispersed camps for week long trips, and I love it. Also have a hydration pack and camp pad from them. Really cheap, especially on sale, but seem to last good, and are well made.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

just curious but unless you have really young children why would you want to cram that many people in a tent? just feel like it's easier to sleep when you have own space. parents seperate. kids have their own tents.

 

[Gooberlx2]

just curious but unless you have really young children why would you want to cram that many people in a tent? just feel like it's easier to sleep when you have own space. parents seperate. kids have their own tents.

Some reasons I can think of:
1) Cost. One large tent is likely cheaper than multiple smaller tents.
2) One large tent might fit easier into the car than multiple smaller tents.
3) May be easier to setup and take down than multiple smaller tents.
4) More tents is just more stuff that can break.
5) Space, especially headroom. The larger tents are often built with taller headroom than the smaller tents, which OP stated was important.
6) It's easier to yell at your kids to stop poking holes in the tent's floor when you're in there with them. :awe:

I remember we all slept in the same tent with my folks when I was a kid. 2 parents and 3 kids ranging from 6 to 10. While I had a blast and don't remember it feeling cramped, you may be right and my parents may have an entirely different opinion though.

 

[iGas]

Unless you are an avid camper, otherwise buy the cheapest tent because it is unlikely that you are going to use is more than a couple of times.

IMHO, the best thing to have is be elevated off the cold damped ground. Camping cots.

 

[BoomerD]

http://www.costco.com/tents-shelters.html

 

[Mayne]

you can also dig shallow depressions in the ground to make your hips and neck not be sore as fuck the next morning.

 

[BoomerD]

you can also dig shallow depressions in the ground to make your hips and neck not be sore as fuck the next morning.

I fail to see how this will help a bit...

Looks uncomfortable as hell to me...:biggrin:

 

[Mayne]

Boomer I'm just saying if you don't have inflatable matresses you can do this and place your tent over the depressions to help you sleep.

 

[BoomerD]

Depression is bad...it makes sad people take drugs and stuffs.