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The best tents for sleeping outside, from backpacking models to family-friendly shelters.
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Over the past two years, weve put 24 tents to the test.
This includes everything from affordable, heaviercar campingoptions to high-end, ultralight models favored byserious backpackers.
The sleeved pole design is trickier to set up than clips.
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It has a 41-inch peak height and nearly 30 feet of interior space, all in a 3.5-pound package.
Split between two people, thats not bad.
The only thing wed change is the sleeved pole design.
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Only one door makes entry and exit a little crowded.
The steeply sloped sidewalls reduce shoulder room.
Its now made with the updated Osmo fabric, which has increased durability and recycled components.
It has a narrower footprint that fits into small campsites, plus the convenience of a small packed size.
We didnt feel cramped during our tests, but for longer outings, you might want more space.
The 40-inch peak height might feel short to taller campers.
But it does make a good frontcountry tent or option when you arent hiking too far.
Though durable, its still not the absolute lightest two-person tent on the market.
The fly extends out from the entry for added protection for yourself and your gear.
We found the tent poles to be sturdy, but flexible enough to position easily into the hubs.
An eight-person tent takes up a lot of room at a campsite.
Looking for a summer home that travels with you?
Look no further than this immense, 108-square-foot tent with more than six feet of head room.
The ventilation was outstanding, and we never felt stifled or too stuffy during the day or overnights.
A 24-pound, four-person tent is overkill for a lot of people.
This is an investment piece built to last, but best for frequent campers.
Nemos popular Dagger line is like a more spacious, wider version of their streamlined Hornet.
This tent collects more condensation than similar models.
The poles are pre-bent to help with a fast setup, and they clip into place easily and securely.
Did the tent keep out inclement weather?
Was the ventilation adequate to reduce condensation buildup?
Even better if the tent floor has a higher material weight.
For longer trips, we actually recommend bumping up in capacity.
Look for good shoulder room, reliable weatherproofing, and two doors for two-person models.
Frequently Asked Questions
A PU-coated nylon or polyester will be the most affordable material for reliable waterproofing.
No matter what you choose, confirm the tent is seam sealed and DWR treated.
Many backpackers and campers will choose to put a tarp or footprint under their tent.
This can help increase the lifespan of your tent and prevent abrasion and tears in the floor material.
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