For this testing process, I focused on three four-person tents in my backyard. I live in a remote part of Alaska where the weather changes fast, so these tents went through 40-mph wind gusts, heavy rain, blazing sun, wet snow, ice, and even moose brushing up against them. OL contributor Theo Harris also tested instant tents, only his were set up in central Wisconsin. We both assessed the ease of setup and breakdown, durability, how they stood up to the elements, and any special features. The included footprint adds additional value to this well-constructed tent. The mesh is 40D polyester, the tub floor is 68D ripstop polyester, and the poles are DAC Pressfit aluminum.
And this tent is easy to set up and pack down, especially considering its size. (It comes with a carrying bag equipped with duffle-style handles.) You’re unlikely to find a similar-sized tent that matches the Wawona’s quality and features for less money—most comparable tents we tested cost much more. As with most six-person tents, the Wawona 6’s footprint is sold separately. A full rain fly with easy-attach color-coded clips covers the tent body and adds two large vestibules. Like the Mineral King 3, the Tungsten has aluminum poles that are connected at the top (for lightning-quick pitching) and pre-bent, which increases the dome tent’s headroom.
You should also expect tent poles and stakes to perform just as well as regular a tent. They shouldn’t break or bend easily and should ozark trail instant cabin stand their ground in windy conditions. This instant tent’s key traits are its simplicity, ease of setup, and affordability.
The interior is spacious, with 40 inches of headroom at the highest point, and there are large windows that are lovely for stargazing. Whether you want to head south for the winter or are planning a month-long summer getaway in the mountains, Vacasa has a vacation rental for you. Our long-term vacation rentals span from coast to coast and offer extended stays all year long. Escape the winter doldrums in Destin or Panama City Beach, Florida.
The separate fly, which covers the upper half of the tent, uses a third, shorter “brow” pole to form protective peaks over the door and the back window. In our tests, an experienced camper took only about six minutes on the first try to set up the tent body alone and stake it out. ozark trail instant cabin Getting the fly placed and staked properly took about five more minutes. 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.