We also don’t recommend this tent for high winds because although all the poles are steel, Ozark Trail uses a thin-walled alloy that can bend under stress and plastic hubs that we wouldn’t trust in serious storms. As far as fairweather shelters go, however, this one may be the best value in terms of livability for your money. Plus, there are room dividers so you can create up to 3 rooms for separate sleeping spaces. Again, Ozark Trail tents are mainly fair weather camping tents (so you won’t be hiking into the backcountry with them) which means weight and packed size aren’t a big priority.
First, although this is an instant tent, the unique layout and integrated awning make setup a little more involved than most. Second, the tall vertical walls and “L” shape make it about as far from aerodynamic as they come. Do NOT phone in the guyline portion of set-up (regardless of the weather) or you’ll risk damaging the tent. Finally, the material of this shelter is noticeably higher quality than many Ozark Trail tents, but the 68D polyester is still not as thick as we’d like. No Ozark Trail tent is perfect, but as far as full-size family camping tents go, this is the one to beat.
It’s a cool tent all around, but our favorite feature has to be the 360-degree views delivered courtesy of this yurt’s giant mesh windows. There are three of these large floor-level windows along the walls of the tent, plus the giant mesh doorway that can be left open in good weather. Ozark Trail 9 Person Instant Tent comes with all the necessary ingredients you need for camping comfortably, and its quick pitch time mixed with the screen room provides attractive ozark trail canopy tent features for a lot of campers. First, if you are not a fan of setting up tents (or manual labor in general), this one can be pitched in one or two minutes. This means its highly likely you will get to your campsite sometime after the sun has gone down, making for pitch black conditions. With the elimination of mozzies and other nasties, it makes your relaxation even more sweet, as you don’t have to worry about itchy bites or douse yourself in bug spray.
Also included with the tent are 18 steel stakes that secure the structure firmly to the ground. Even with all the aforementioned features, the interior of the tent has a few more to increase your comfort level. With our reliance on technology these days, Ozark has included an e-port that can be used to run power into the shelter if your campsite has it.
We love the center height, at 7 feet and with a cabin design, it creates these huge interiors that feel like a house when you’re inside. Then when you’re inside its got a ton of cool features that help group camping and support the extra gear you’ll be taking. We also think it’s one of the more spacious 9 person models on the market, with large space able to fit multiple large mattresses. With most instant tents this model goes up in mere minutes, and folds down just as quickly, so the convenience of using a fastpitch tent is evident. The tent itself is nice and roomy, and boasts a 6-foot peak height to make changing clothes a drama-free endeavor. The Ozark Trail 9 Person Cabin shares the same shortcomings as the other discount cabins found in the Ozark Trail lineup, most notably being its weather protection and durability.
The space is large enough to fit 2 or 3 zero gravity chairs as well as a small table, has full mesh on every inch of it, and a large T door for easy access. In the conclusion of this Ozark Trail 11 Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent review, I would stress its main bonuses, the back room which is a really useful space, and the awning. The instant setup is also something very useful and suitable for people who change the camping place frequently.
While that one commands a higher price tag and slightly bigger dimensions, the Ozark Trail 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent is a more budget-friendly tent, with an equal amount of family-orientated features. Chances are, though, you won’t want to spend half your trip setting up your tent. Manufacturers have found clever ways to make tent setup easier, including attaching the poles to the material so there are no pieces to assemble. Some family tents can be erected as quickly as 60 seconds, especially once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Shawna Newman is the editor-in-chief of Active Weekender, a website that provides resources — from gear recommendations to beginner tips — to people looking to plan outdoor adventures.