One night during testing, for example, clouds loomed in the distance with clear skies overhead. After we pitched the tent, the Mineral King 3’s adaptable fly let us leave half the mesh dome uncovered. At the first sign of rain, it took only a few seconds—and a quick hand stuck outside the tent—to unfurl the fly and secure it for a dry night’s sleep. When we awoke, we could roll back one part of the vestibule, make coffee, and watch the sky lighten even though it was still raining. 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.
If the tent you buy doesn’t come with a footprint (two of our recommended tents, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 and the Marmot Tungsten 4, do), we recommend purchasing a companion footprint, if one is available. A footprint doesn’t take up much space, is relatively inexpensive, and is much easier to repair or replace than a tent bottom if it tears. Versatile and user-friendly, it’s a valuable addition to our camping gear. (It’s also perfect for tailgating.) With an expansive shade area of over 110 square feet, it provides ample entertaining space or a spot to hang out away from the hot sun or during an unexpected rain shower. It’ll keep you dry, thanks to the robust waterproof rating of 3000mm.
The tent is constructed of breathable mesh for the tent body and canopy, providing excellent ventilation and insect protection during camping. The tent floor and fly are made from 68D polyester taffeta with a 1500mm coating, ensuring waterproof reliability even in rainy weather. In terms of how the two tents feel, the Marmot Tungsten 4 is more geared toward hunkering down and providing stalwart defense against wind, rain, and sun. In contrast to the Mineral King 3’s triangular vestibules, the Tungsten 4’s vestibules are trapezoidal, opening via a central door with protected areas on either side. This design does a better job shielding the tent from incoming—and sideways—wind and rain. 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.
Explore our range and find the best tent for your next big adventure. When testing the Kelty Caboose 4 SUV Tent, it proved to be the ultimate camping companion. The Caboose name is fitting ozark trail instant cabin as the tent connects to the rear of your vehicle, thus adding another “room” to your SUV. Kelty further extended the space by placing an awning between the tent and vehicle.
Not only will it withstand almost any weather conditions, it should last for many camping trips and years to come. While it’s bulkier than other SUV tents—especially when compared to smaller awnings—the KampKeeper is a game-changer for quick pop-up shelter on the go. The multiple storage pockets ozark trail shower tent inside the tent were a big hit with everyone in our family, helping us to keep our camping essentials organized and within easy reach. While it’s not the most inexpensive option, the Kelty Caboose 4 is easily the best choice for family camping adventures and well worth the higher price tag.
Seek tents with mesh windows, doors, and vents to promote airflow while keeping insects out. Ensure it provides enough room for sleeping, storage, and other camping activities. Some models offer multiple rooms or partitions for added versatility. Ensure that the tent is designed to fit your specific SUV model. Check for compatibility with your vehicle’s dimensions, including height, length, and width. Look for features that enhance your camping experience, such as storage pockets, gear lofts, and integrated awnings.
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. Its fly extends into a huge front vestibule that can store large items like bikes, or even accommodate a table and chairs. Adults over 6 feet tall will ozark trail shower tent be able to walk upright inside this tent—which has almost-vertical walls that can easily accommodate beds, cribs, and cots—as well as in the vestibule. And this tent is easy to set up and pack down, especially considering its size. As with most six-person tents, the Wawona 6’s footprint is sold separately.