Big tent help!!

[logans]

I'm needing a large tent for 2 xl cots plus room for kids gear ect. I'm looking at cabelas big horn 3, big agnes flying diamond 8, north face mountain manor 8. Having a real hard time choosing the right one for me. We like to camp from early fall to late spring. Haven't done winter camping because we didn't have the right equipment but I don't think I could get the family to do it anyway. I like the big horn 3 for the space and if I wanted to winter camp I could with it. I"m just worried about warm months ventilation issues. I also like the north face tent but have read a few conflicting reviews about rain and a wind breakage issues. I wonder if the big agnes would meet my needs as far as room goes? Any input from owners of these fine tents would be much appreciated.

 

[logans]

I just came across the springbar and turbo tents. Those are very good options as well.
I have been wondering about a canvas tent. When I was growing up we had a canvas tent. Canvas vs nylon is a big debate.

 

[Moody]

If you are a general fair weather camper, the tents you listed are fine. If you tend to find yourself going out regardless of a predicted epic rain/snowstorm with huge wind gusts sometime during your trip, I would strongly consider the Springbar tents. They last a lifetime and can handle 4 seasons with ease. I currently use 4 different tents and when the family is along, I don't compromise and I take the Springbar. I have the Traveler 5. My .001385 Cents.

 

[UNI]

You could look at North Face Docking System. This tent unit will allow you to add additional rooms as needed. The main unit has roll up/down sides for good/bad weather. There is NO floor in this unit, this allows you to put the main unit over a picnic table if need be or you can use a foot print/tarp for the floor. All the add on rooms have floors, screened doors etc., just like a good tent would have.

Here is a short VIDEO at one of our events, telling about the Docking system.

 

[85CUCV]

We got a Springbar Vagabond 7 this spring and have been very happy with so far. We are a family of 4.

I would recommend upgrading the stakes if you purchase. I'm disappointed with the plastic stakes it came with.

 

[theksmith]

after having been through several REI, coleman, etc family sized tents, we finally made the jump to a Kodiak Canvas tent this year. the sticker shock is hard, but it should last a lifetime. so far, it's an absolutely awesome tent and we love it. we have the 10 x 14 and there's room for our queen airbed, a cot, all our junk, and you could still set up a table even after all that. it's almost identical to Springbar, but you can get the Kodiak at Sportsman's Wharehouse or Cabelas. both brands have some pluses, i like the Kodiak best.

Otherwise I used to recommend REI stuff, but this most recent round of re-designs has resulted in a lot of poorly thought out things and corner cutting.

 

[logans]

Still contemplating the jump to canvas. If it gets wet and we have to pack up and go, it will be hard to set it back up to dry because I live at an apartment complex. It would grow legs and run away very fast.eepwall: I think Ive narrowed down to the big horn 3 - turbo tent - north face manor 8. Leaning on the big horn but need more input from
owners of different mammoth sized tents first.

 

[Squatchout]

No real idea of your price range or intended camping conditions. But if you are like most and are an occasional fair weather camper then maybe take a look at the Eureka Tetragon series. I have a Tetragon 7 and have been out in a few storms and high winds with it and no ill effects at all. I've been using it for about 3 years now for occasional use. It holds 2 cots with room to walk between them though it's usually only me and one cot. I can stand up in it fine. Not bad at all for an inexpensive consumer grade tent. It drys fast as it's mostly screen. Not so warm in cold weather but gets the job done. They come in several sizes and mine is one of the smaller ones. Campmor sells the whole line. Mine is the basic smaller dome but they make a 3 room.

I've had pretty good luck with Eureka tents over the years. If you are into quite a bit of heavy back country camping then you might want something stouter but for 1/2 dozen times a year spring through fall kinda stuff it works well. Price is right.

 

[Moody]

We got a Springbar Vagabond 7 this spring and have been very happy with so far. We are a family of 4.

I would recommend upgrading the stakes if you purchase. I'm disappointed with the plastic stakes it came with.

For what it is worth, they do not use the plastic stakes anymore...they all come with 9" (or 12"?) angled steel stakes now.

 

[nwoods]

Have you considered the big Snowpeak tent? OJ gave it good marks in their (somewhat half hearted) review of family style tents.

 

[logans]

After a long talk last night with the woman, I'm feeling like my $700-$1000 range is out.
She's right, we don't go enough to justify that kinda expense on gear. I will look into the eureka tents. I had looked at them before but was concerned about quality. We only get to go camping maybe 3 times a year because of schedules but I'm wanting to change that. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the input fellows.

 

[dms1]

I just purchased the Cabelas Alaskan Guide 6 man tent and will be testing it out next weekend. This will be used mainly for base camp trips and will be replacing the Eureka Timberline 6 tent that I currently use. The reason I am replacing the Timberline 6 is because it always gets bent poles in high wind situation. I suffered another bent pole (6 Total) on this last Memorial day weekend and decided I needed to try something different. I will still be using my Timberline 4 tent for Expedition type trips where we are moving camp on a daily basis.

 

[dms1]

I just purchased the Cabelas Alaskan Guide 6 man tent and will be testing it out next weekend. This will be used mainly for base camp trips and will be replacing the Eureka Timberline 6 tent that I currently use. The reason I am replacing the Timberline 6 is because it always gets bent poles in high wind situation. I suffered another bent pole (6 to date) on this last Memorial day weekend trip and decided I needed to try something different. I will still be using my Timberline 4 tent for Expedition type trips where we are moving camp on a daily basis.

 

[mil304c]

for the size, quality, and ease, you simply cannont beat the cabelas outback lodge tent for 3 1/2 seasons of camping. i have the 12 x 12, heated with a mr buddy propane heater to take the chill off. it has the easiest setup of any large tent i have been around, when you are setting up solo. it is not a perfect tent, however it is servicable.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Have you considered the big Snowpeak tent? OJ gave it good marks in their (somewhat half hearted) review of family style tents.

I was one of the reviewers in that test. I wouldn't say it was half-hearted at all.

FYI, cots will eventually destroy the tent floor. Maybe even on the first outing.