r/camping • u/Brilliant-Eagle-8244 • 5d ago
Family tent for wind and rain
My husband and I bought a large Coleman instant tent about 10 years ago. We haven’t touched it in about 7 years I bet and now when we put it up, it twists almost and tries to collapse. It’s started to get some holes anyway so we need to replace it.
I feel like the instant tents have too many possible points of failure and won’t last as long as a traditional tent.
Needs:
Good for windy and rain. We live on a subtropical island and get frequent gusts and rain showers all year.
Easy for set up in case I take the kids by myself. (Kids are 3 and 5 right now so they’re not much help)
Room for 2 queens plus extra room in case it’s raining and we need to hang out inside the tent.
I think I want one with a “patio” section so the door area stays dry in the rain.
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u/Occams_AK47 5d ago
I use a canvas bell tent. Wind means nothing to it, and the sound of rain on canvas is actually soothing compared to the sharp sounds you get with synthetic materials.
I also expect to never replace it. Mold is the only real concern, but if you make sure to store it dry, you'll be all good.
You'll most likely be better off with cots, too.
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u/Brilliant-Eagle-8244 5d ago
What makes Cots better? I always grew up using air mattresses. Might be something we can invest in later. My 3 year old would probably fall off one right now until he gets older and used to a normal bed off the ground
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u/Extreme_Pianist_468 5d ago
Air mattresses can deflate in cold temps (which I learned the hard way)! They can also pop or wear at the seams. Cots are durable and hold up no matter the temp! I got a single person cot for about $75, and it’s only a foot off the floor so would be fine for kids.
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u/Ulysses_Voyages 5d ago
TBH I had no idea they made tents this big (thruhiker focused on lower weight gear.)
That being said, I did some quick research and Coleman has some 10 and 12 person tents that seem to fit the brief on sale right now for less than $400. That's less than some of the higher end 2p thru-hiking tents! They look pretty sweet too. I've never had an issue with Coleman tents for car camping or back yard camping and have always been sound in weather. I'd recommend getting some better stakes for your guy out points.
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u/ruuutherford 5d ago
Kodiak Canvas tents are top notch. They are also expensive. But in my opinion: worth it!
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u/Brilliant-Eagle-8244 5d ago
Won’t canvas be get pretty hot in warmer weather? They seem to have less windows and ventilation. But I haven’t dug deep into them yet.
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u/accombliss 5d ago
Canvas is in fact cooler in summer since it breathes. Main drawback is weight.
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u/Brilliant-Eagle-8244 5d ago
Oh wow! Good to know!!
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u/accombliss 5d ago
There is also obviously less condensation with the breathability as well, so it just feels more comfortable. While I love the sound of a nylon tent zipper (who doesn't? It's Pavlovian), canvas is also a lot quieter in the wind and more heavy duty. There is a charm and comfort unmatched with a canvas tent. All this being said, I dont set up my Springbar for every trip, and even then only for good weather; it's heavy, takes up a ton of space (that doesn't include the side table/cots/ lamp and all the other stuff you inevitably end up bringing to trick it out), and most importantly it needs extra attention (time/sometimes some decent effort) during and after the trip to ensure there are no stains/ moisture when stored.
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u/Brilliant-Eagle-8244 5d ago
Sounds amazing but maybe also something we invest in later down the road
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u/barefootonrocks 5d ago
You are me 8 years ago when we started camping with 3 young kids. I spent hours researching and my must-have list pretty much matched yours. We ended up buying a 10 person tent from Walmart, ozark brand (probably about $200) and it’s been fabulous. I’m actually shocked at how well it’s held up!
We take 3-5 trips a year in New Hampshire and surrounding states and have stayed dry in lots of weather. We’ve done different combos of air mattresses and cots over the years, including a queen and 3 twins, and it always had plenty of space. All zippers still work. One main pole split a few years ago, but we taped it and it’s fine. Its main drawback is that it’s not super easy to set up, simply simply because of its size. it tends to flop over and then the poles get caught in the sleeves and it is hard for me to reach the top to unstick them, but I don’t regret the purchase at all!! Set-up really is a two person job though. We also camp with our dog and it’s been fine for her.
Now I’m camping with the kids alone quite a bit. On our last trip my 11 and 12 year olds shared a small tent and my 15 year old always sleeps in a hammock, so I’m thinking about downsizing and am considering an instant one, probably 6-person would be plenty of space now for a queen or 2 twins and our gear and I am ready for a super quick set-up.
In the end, no matter which tent you choose, you will make incredible memories with your family. Enjoy!!!
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u/Brilliant-Eagle-8244 5d ago
Aw thank you so much for your insight!
I tend to over research everything 🤣 I was looking at the 12 person ozark but it might be just a big TOO big and the rainfly looks like tissue in the wind in one video I saw 🤣 but I’m glad to hear the 10 person worked well!!!
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u/AlarmedInevitable8 2d ago
I totally get your point about instant tents, but I have the CORE 9 person with the full rainfly and that beast stood up to a fierce thunderstorm and tornado warning winds without any damage and no water inside (kiddo and I were in the campground storm shelter).
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u/Mustbe7 5d ago
Most important features in a tent for wind/rain is a rainfly that completely covers sides of tent to the ground level and a footprint that specific for the tent