Recommend me a ground tent.

Decided to make the move from sleeping in the bed to going back to a tent. We were considering a RTT, but figure a 4-man tent with cots will be more comfortable for two people and a dog. Since I haven't bought a tent in nearly two decades (been using a 2-man REI tent since 2005), I was hoping some of you could give me some advice.

Needs:

• Big enough for two cots side by side (51" x 75" total).
• At least 60" headroom.
• Sets up relatively quick.
• Good in rain, wind, and snow.
• Doesn't weigh a ton and doesn't eat up a huge amount of bed space.
• Less than $600.

Wants:

• Setup and takedown in less than two minutes.
• At least 72" headroom.
• Pop-out vents.
• Insulated.
• Less than $500.
• Not too brightly colored.

Tents I've had my eye on:

1. Snow Peak Alpha Breeze
2. Coleman 4-Man Skydome w/ Screen Room
3. Coleman 4-Man Peak1
4. Gazelle T4 (despite it being way too damn big when packed)

 

I would loook at some of REI's 4 person tents. I had an REI Hobitat (discontinued) that was great. I now have a Kodiak canvas tent. It's great but probably doesn't meet your criteria (fairly heavy and lots of stakes to drive in).

 

Big Agnus. You'll pay more but they are the roomiest tents I've ever used. And that's a 2 person. I'd bet they're 4 person Copper Spur is absolutely huge.

 

$280 Gazelle T4 Waterproof 4 Person Portable Polyester Outdoor Pop Up Camping or Beach Tent with Removable Floor, Mesh Screens, and Rain Fly, Orange

Gazelle T4 - there is a green version as well (or the T3 which packs up much smaller)

/thread

 

I second REI. Just walk around their showroom and kick some stake poles, so to speak.

Years ago I camped with a Kelty Green River 6 (now discontinued, kelty anything seems to have a short production run). That thing had standing room and could withstand a damn near hurricane. Found it at REI.

 

Got this thing last year, I have used it 5 times, still like new and no matter how drunk you are it will be hazle free to set up.

$110 Pop Up Tents for Camping 4 Person Waterproof Tent Easy Pop Up Army Tents Surplus Tents Military Tents Military Pop Up Tent Popup Tent Camping Easy Up Camping Tents Instant Pop Up Tent Big Green

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RYX1ZL7

I believe it’s a knock off of a front runner model.

 

As you can tell i set it on top of the rest of my stuff, inside the bah I put in a pop up privacy tent(for the porta toilet)

 

Gazelle packs up and down the fastest. We’ve had them all. Sucks to pack the big bag, but man is it quick setting up and tearing down camp. Have a cheap electric pump for the Exped MegaMat Duo and we can be ready to sleep or ready to hit the road in minutes.

 

Unfortunately, the local REI's tent section is a bit limited at the moment (they apparently will be setting up their new camping display in the middle of March, a week after I'll first need this tent). Might make the drive to Berkeley tomorrow to check out the larger store there, though.

The Copper Spur's too low (I want to be able to sit up on our cots without hitting my head on the ceiling), but the Spicer Peak 4 and Bunk House 4 look like they might fit the bill. Thanks!

This was my first choice, TBPH. But the packed size of it (5'7" x 8") is a major turnoff. I'm also not big on the doors being on the corners, rather than in the center. It just seems like that's not ideal when working with cots.

 

I use two REI kingdom cots in mine and it is fantastic. I think I almost have @Bertw192 swayed to follow my lead, maybe he will share his unbiased opinion.

 

You should be able to get what you want for $300 or less. It should only cost more if you’re looking for a 4 season extreme conditions tent meant to stand up to blizzards and such. When you get into 4 season tents the cost goes way up. Few people actually need a 4 season tent. Look for a 4 to 6 person easy or instant set up tent. They go up in a minute or so. I included a pic of a Coleman 6 person easy up tent. A friend of mine has one and really likes it. Goes up quick and easy, lots of room, center height 6’ so you can stand up. I believe they make this in an 4 person also.Except for backpacking I’d rather have more room than less in my tents. Anyway just my 2 cents worth on tents.

 

I've been using a regular Coleman 4 person dome tent for years. Bought it used but new for around $100. It does the job just fine if you can sacrifice the expo points that a name like Big Agnes or Gazelle get you.

 

Shiftpods can be under $600 during sales. I think it meets everything else you’re looking for besides the price. Or just look for a used one. I’ve thought about getting it.

 

Have an REI Kingdom 8 that has been fantastic. Not the best tent if it's going to be really windy but packs down relatively small and my daughters can set it up by themselves in about 10 minutes. Looks like they discontinued these but the REI Wonderland seems to be the replacement.

Switched over to a Kodiak Flex Bow VX 10x14. It's heavy, takes up more room but is easy to set up and is bulletproof. We've fit 4 people in cots (2 kingdom cots (adults) and a disco bunkbed (2 kids) in it with room.

https://www.rei.com/product/202982/rei-co-op-wonderland-6-tent

https://www.kodiakcanvas.com/10-x-14-ft-flex-bow-vx-canvas-camping-tent/

http://www.discobed.com/

 

Aurora Highrise™ Camping Tent (nemoequipment.com)

 

It's the most comfortable camping/sleeping I've experienced.

 

Gotta agree. I can't imagine camping without my Kingdom cots now.

 

I’d recommend the following that I own, both come in 4 & 6 person:

Marmot Halo
REI Basecamp

Not going to setup in 2 minutes, but really anything that does would probably not hold up in weather. I've have both of the above tents in pretty serious weather, fully guyed out they don't budge in sustained winds. The REI Basecamp being a bit more stout than the Marmot Halo due to the pole design.

 

https://kamprite.com/tent-cots/

I have no experience with this exact brand, but I've seen these and am intrigued. Keeps you off the ground. I've seen someone strap one across the bed rails and use it like a rooftop tent, too. Easy fold and store, without the RTT hassle.

Don't know if it fits your bill exactly, but just throwing it out there as a point of reference, not a lot of people know about these.

 

I ended up figuring that the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze and Big Agnes Spicer Peak are likely the best options for us. Due to the slightly taller interior height and better ventilation, I ordered the Alpha Breeze. We'll see how it is once it arrives.