What is the best family (6-8) person tent out there?

[cheapie]

What is the best family (6-8) person tent out there? (aka: a solicitation for help from BI)

we have a 4-person LLBean tent. we absolutely love it. we've had it since 99 and can't say enough about how easy it is to set up, its durability, and the waterproofing. :thumbup:

however, we now have 2 kids and will be working on a third shortly and need a bigger tent. we also got a nice queen-size air matress that takes up a considerable amount of room and don't want to feel squished inside the tent.

we are interested in the 8-person ll bean tent. however, we would like to explore other options before buying it.

the ll bean tent (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=36538&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3884&cat4=1096&shop_method=pp&feat=ssdpb1096)

http://cdn.llbean.com/products/sporting_gear_apparel/36538/images/M36538_Blue.jpg

any ideas? it HAS to be fully waterproof, durable, and very high-quality. there's scarcely anything worse that sitting in a ****ty-leaking tent wishing you had spent a mere $100 more to be comfortable and dry.

[nickel]

cheapie is working on a third? :gle:

GO CHEAPIE! GO CHEAPIE! GO CHEAPIE!

then again.....i think he is always working on it ;)

[cheapie]

WILL be working on a third shortly


we're just practicing right now. :cool:

[baggio248]

If you are looking for the best and you plan on expanding your family and maybe camping on Everest:
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/www/images/style/mainPhotos/0182m.jpg
capacity 15
weight 46 lb 1 oz / 20.9 kg
price $4,500.00

or
http://www.thenorthface.com/media/gear/catalog/A557_feature.jpg
Capacity: 8
Weight (Standard): 47 lbs.
Price: $5,000

But more realistic:
http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/regular/chips/706051_6194.jpg
Capacity:6-8
Price:$399
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47693197&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1

http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/regular/chips/693151_7430.jpg
Capacity 6
Price $349
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47612030&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1

Here is the website that has a list of about 10 that are 6+
Here (http://www.rei.com/online/store/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&storeId=8000&categoryId=4500538)

[blueindian]

is weight or packed-up size a factor?

[cheapie]

is weight or packed-up size a factor?


packed size is a factor. we have to find room for it in the van when we go camping so i don't it to be huge. i will NOT be hiking with it so weight's not really a concern. within reason of course. i'm not a huge north face fan. mainly b'cuz they went mainstream a few years ago and now their stuff (clothes) don't seem to be as good. i like mountain hardwear gear. they don't make any large tents tho'.

[baggio248]

Ever since Norht Face went main stream, their products have slipped in quality. I am a huge Mountain Hardwear person. I have tons of stuff by them. They are really expensive, but well worth it. I have the Windstop Fleece and it is the best thing ever. As far as clothing go I think MH is the best and Arc'Terx is up there too. REI stuff isn't too bad either. Usually cheaper and almost as reliable. They have a good return/warranty policy too.

[blueindian]

here's one if you want some mad luxery, but it does weigh 72 lbs. I'm always thought this would make a killer car camping tent. I've spent many a night in Eureka! tents with never a bit of moisture:

http://www.eurekacamping.com/luxury.asp
http://www.eurekacamping.com/images/tents/large/condo.jpg

campmor (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=46020&memberId=12500226) has it on sale for $700



on the other end of the weight specturm is the Sierra Designs Bedouin 6, which can be had for about $300. It only weighs 16 pounds packed, giving you some other options for how to use it, ie overnight mountin biking trips with 3 other dudes (only 4 lbs/person). Sierra Designs makes bomber equipment.
http://www.sierradesigns.com/cgi-bin/driver.pl?index=1355&conf=tent_show_04

http://www.sierradesigns.com/tents04/images/1355d.jpg

Also, check out the Kelty Mantra 6. Kelty makes some pretty good tents, and usually at a fair price. I don't know how much this one is...never seen it for sale but I can find it. This is also a light tent.

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/index.cfm?fuseaction=Tents.Home

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/Images/Products/Tents/ACF29E.jpg


The LL Bean tent you have picked out looks pretty decent too, and there is certinaly a lot to be said for the fact that you have have good performance from your current model. The only thing I'd say about it is that for a similar size tent both the Kelty and Sierra Designs ones above weigh significantly less which is something I'd have to consider even if I thought I'd only use it for car camping. (I'd like to have the option of a hiking/biking/canoe trip with it)

I can tell you that if it were me and I wanted a tent exclusivly for car camping I'd be all over that Eureka! tent. If your interested I can probably help find some reviews on it for you but I'm not gonna spend the time if your not at all interested for one reason or another.


Ever since Norht Face went main stream, their products have slipped in quality. I am a huge Mountain Hardwear person. I have tons of stuff by them. They are really expensive, but well worth it. I have the Windstop Fleece and it is the best thing ever. As far as clothing go I think MH is the best and Arc'Terx is up there too. REI stuff isn't too bad either. Usually cheaper and almost as reliable. They have a good return/warranty policy too.


I agree that NF quality may have slipped on certain items, but certainly not for the whole lineup. For instance the Mountain Light (which I now call the Frat Light due too it's popularity amongst Chapel Hill college kids) Jacket used to be bomber, and for most it still is. But that moved the production and change the design to lower cost and as such it's not rock solid like it used to be.

Some items, like their tents, are still great. I have a Roadrunner 2 which still leaks NO water after being run over by a truck...while it was set up. If that ain't bomb proof I don't know what is.

And for items like Windstopper Fleece most folks will find no perceivable difference between any of the brands since the magic is in the fleece, which is made by Maulden Mills.

[Airencracken]

How old are your kids? If they're old enough (8ish) they could have their own little tent a couple feet away from yours... More flexibility...

[cheapie]

lol. my kids are 2.5 years old and 6 months. not quite old enough to be by themselves.

bi, i'm not opposed to the eureka. that rain fly worries me. i camp in north carolina, utah, and michigan a lot. it rains every single time i'm in michigan or north carolina. seemingly monsoonlike every freakin' time. is eureka a good brand?

[cheapie]

wow. i like the kelty. i found it for $346.50. The TNF Trailhead 8 is pretty sweet also. i haven't found a great price on it yet. i want to sell my ll bean one first. doubt i'll get much though. i paid around 175 for it. i hate to get rid of it but i don't need 2 tents. well, i do but i want a backpacking tent so i don't need three tents. :rolleyes:

[oblongmelon]

here's one if you want some mad luxery, but it does weigh 72 lbs. I'm always thought this would make a killer car camping tent. I've spent many a night in Eureka! tents with never a bit of moisture:

http://www.eurekacamping.com/luxury.asp
http://www.eurekacamping.com/images/tents/large/condo.jpg


heheh the Eureka company is about 5 miles from my house :) Every spring they have an ENORMOUS SALE ..they also sell Old Towne canoes very cheap during the sale..they just got a few lucrative government contracts..I remember when this place was a tiny place just selling to the general public. Between them and Dicks Sporting goods-they are putting Binghamton on the map :)

[Burzhui]

i likes my coleman :)

[blueindian]

bi, i'm not opposed to the eureka. that rain fly worries me. i camp in north carolina, utah, and michigan a lot. it rains every single time i'm in michigan or north carolina. seemingly monsoonlike every freakin' time. is eureka a good brand?

Yes, Eureka is a good brand. They don't really have the "Rep" that a company like Kelty or Mountain Hardwear, but they're solid. I've spent some dry nights in weather that would have broken lesser tents to be sure.

I hear ya about that rain fly...it looks a little non traditional to me as well. It appears to have some more that zips too it...why they don't show a picture of that is beyone me. I'll see if i can find some reviews.

While that kelty is pretty slick, keep in mind it will be a little more difficult to set up as compared to the Sierra Designs because of the pole configuration. You could probably set up the Sierra Designs with just one person in a pinch, I doubt that for the Kelty or the Eureka.

[Nija]

wow. i like the kelty. i found it for $346.50. The TNF Trailhead 8 is pretty sweet also. i haven't found a great price on it yet. i want to sell my ll bean one first. doubt i'll get much though. i paid around 175 for it. i hate to get rid of it but i don't need 2 tents. well, i do but i want a backpacking tent so i don't need three tents. :rolleyes:


My stupid g/f wants me to buy a stupid tent for her so she can go out in the stupid sun, with stupid nature and have stupid fun.

Can you tell I'm excited? :rolleyes: PM me for about how much you might want. . .


stupid girl....

[Burzhui]

My stupid g/f wants me to buy a stupid tent for her so she can go out in the stupid sun, with stupid nature and have stupid fun.

Can you tell I'm excited? :rolleyes: PM me for about how much you might want. . .


stupid girl....


man camping is 133t :) . YOu should really get into it.... now come on go be one with nature... pee on a rock!

[oblongmelon]

camping is so much fun...especially when you build fires big enough to melt a radio 50 feet away! and what tastes better than food cooked and eaten in the out of doors-just bring your bug spray and a poncho incase it rains! oh-and for extra coverage-string a large tarp over the top of your tent like an awning-works great if your waterproofing isnt the best.

[blueindian]

camping is so much fun...especially when you build fires big enough to melt a radio 50 feet away! and what tastes better than food cooked and eaten in the out of doors-just bring your bug spray and a poncho incase it rains! oh-and for extra coverage-string a large tarp over the top of your tent like an awning-works great if your waterproofing isnt the best.

where do you build fires that big?

<rant on>
Folks should not build giant fires like that in 99% of the places that folks go camping. In fact, the only time you should ever build a fire that big is either on private property or on the beach below the tide line. Why? It makes a big arse mess. Fire rings that big are an eye sore and if somone comes along after you and wants to build a reasonable size fire they have to sit you the ashes of the big fire just to be close to the smaller fire. When it rains the runoff from all the ashes kills the surrounding vegetation, particularly any grass or underbrush. It's just a bad idea.

It used to only piss me off when i came across them in the backcountry. (Anyone who does that sort of thing in the backwoods is a certified idiot and should not be allowed back until they do some community service). Now I find that folks are doing this more and more at car camping sites and easy access (< 2 miles) backpacking sites. At one of my favorite places in North Carolina, The Linville Gorge, this problem has exploded. Both at the top of the gorge at the car camping sites and at the bottom there are huge, ugly, messey fire rings. In fact, at the top there is one that is about 12 feet in diameter now. The site that it's in will be usless soon. I'll take a picture of it the next time I'm up there.

</rant off>

Obby, this isn't aimed at you personally. Just what you said reminded me of the problem.

This public service announcement was brought you to by your local outdoor enthusiast.

[cheapie]

we never build one that's bigger than the ring. but my mom and dad want a freakin' fire burning all dayumm day. it's already hot and muggy without the added heat from the fire.
it's comforting

okkkayyy...but it's entirely useless and a waste. :shrug:

[Burzhui]

we never build one that's bigger than the ring. but my mom and dad want a freakin' fire burning all dayumm day. it's already hot and muggy without the added heat from the fire.

okkkayyy...but it's entirely useless and a waste. :shrug:


yea but it makes them feel comfortable... so it's not a probolem


oh yea


Only you can prevent forest fires

[cheapie]

lol. i doubt you could have started a forest fire with a load of napalm. the forest was just steaming wet. it was so humid you could see your breath at 70 degrees.

[nickel]

lol. i doubt you could have started a forest fire with a load of napalm. the forest was just steaming wet. it was so humid you could see your breath at 70 degrees.
ya gots to have a campfire when you are camping. it's not camping without having everything smell like smoke. :P

oh, and you need one for RAOS - random acts of s'mores :D

[blueindian]

ya gots to have a campfire when you are camping. it's not camping without having everything smell like smoke. :P

oh, and you need one for RAOS - random acts of s'mores :D

everything can smell like smoke without a fire
:bandit: :bandit: :bandit:

[Nija]

man camping is 133t :) . YOu should really get into it.... now come on go be one with nature... pee on a rock!


l33t is lame :P

I don't like camping. I don't like bugs. I don't like pooping in the bushes. I can't appreciate nature.

bah.

I can't wait for this world to look like Corusant :D

[baggio248]

I agree that NF quality may have slipped on certain items, but certainly not for the whole lineup. For instance the Mountain Light (which I now call the Frat Light due too it's popularity amongst Chapel Hill college kids) Jacket used to be bomber, and for most it still is. But that moved the production and change the design to lower cost and as such it's not rock solid like it used to be.

Some items, like their tents, are still great. I have a Roadrunner 2 which still leaks NO water after being run over by a truck...while it was set up. If that ain't bomb proof I don't know what is.

And for items like Windstopper Fleece most folks will find no perceivable difference between any of the brands since the magic is in the fleece, which is made by Maulden Mills.

My favorite North Face story is whem my friends wife say the Mountain Light and said she wanted it because it was cute. I have a Mountain Hardwear Ethereal FTX as my shell. I would agree some lines of NorthFace haven't slipped, but you are right about the jackets and some of the clothing. Some of their packs have slipped too, but yest tents and I think sleeping bags are still pretty high quality.

I actually have (had, I can't find it) a Columbia WindStopper Fleece. I actually notice a slight difference between that and my MH one. Other than just the weight. The Columbia one doens't have the Gore Windstop membrane, that has to be the difference. Best money I ever spent on those.

[Airencracken]

l33t is lame :P

I don't like camping. I don't like bugs. I don't like pooping in the bushes. I can't appreciate nature.

bah.

I can't wait for this world to look like Corusant :D

You're ready for it. You already look like a wookie. A shaved wookie...

[cheapie]

i wear my mh jacket all of the time. basically all spring, fall, and winter. there's nothing like it.