The continuous curve of the dome shape allows for wind to pass over and around it. You can also get a nice cross breeze going by leaving the vestibules open. On sunny days and clear nights, take off the fly and enjoy the sky through the tent’s clear mesh canopy. Some testers, coleman camping chair though, thought the tent was stuffy when the fly was fully closed and the sun was out. Temperatures ranged from the 50s at night to the 80s during the day. To tear it down again, you simply remove those stakes, then push the buttons attached to the red pulls.
The Sundome’s tarp is clearly a budget material, but for what it was, we found it user-friendly. It’s easy to mop up after wet paws and spills, and it doesn’t hold moisture. It’s unlikely to be as durable, though, as the softer, stronger polyester found in our other picks. Measuring 10 by 10 feet, the Sundome covers an area larger than that of our family-tent top pick though its lower roof leaves it with less headroom. We also appreciated the shepherd’s hook stakes that come with the tent. Most of the tents we tested came with basic L-shaped stakes, which tended to spin around in the soil and slip a line.
It’s also straightforward to set up, and it is made with sturdy, light materials. 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. 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. One highlight was all the windows with mesh screens and shades that can be strapped over or rolled up. Not only was the natural light welcomed, but the amount of ventilation resisted any moisture buildup.
The Tungsten 4’s larger size accounts for the higher price tag (about $40 more), but campers who would like that extra room may find the expense worthwhile. 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. 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. The HIKERGARDEN 10-person pop-up tent offers a fantastic camping experience.
But with car camping—the industry term for what most people consider just camping—you’ll likely be parking next to your campsite and unloading. If you won’t be carrying your tent more than a couple hundred feet, more space means more comfort (as well as more room for your stuff). This dome-style tent has nearly vertical walls, high ceilings, and a single vestibule the size of an actual mudroom.
Use the extra stakes and guy-lines provided to stabilize the vestibule as much as you need. Easy to set up and break down, the Coleman Instant 6-Person Cabin Tent with Rainfly allows for efficient time use on your camping trip. The ground vent allows increased ventilation perfect for those hot and humid days. For intense rain, the included rainfly offers extra protection to keep your shelter and essentials dry.
The Tungsten’s two brow poles create an especially effective awning over the tent door, so very little water gets in when someone comes or goes. To test the tents, we first opened them, splayed out their parts, and tried to put them together without consulting the instructions. We assembled and disassembled the tents on all of our testing sites multiple times.
The REI Co-op Base Camp 4 and Base Camp 6 tents have been temporarily phased out for the season. Our Also great picks, the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 and Base Camp 6 tents, have been temporarily phased out for the season. As with the Magellan, I had it set up for two months in all weather.
Setting it up is an absolute breeze; the patented foot sleeves and J-hooks for the poles ensure a secure and windproof assembly. The geodesic structure of the Base Camp tents is built to withstand wind and rain. It has two main that thread through sleeves, stretching between the four corners of the tent. Generally, we like clip-on designs better, since those are easier to put together, but in the case of the Base Camp models, the sleeves add extra tension and stability throughout the tent fabric.
And when it comes to camping, SUV camping has become increasingly popular. It allows you to have all the comforts of home while still enjoying the great outdoors. However, in order to have a comfortable SUV camping experience, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind.