Photos by the author
What To Look For
Hobitat 6: Very easy access. Two doors, one is on opposite side.
Comfort. Simplicity of set-up. Space. Those are the three most important characteristics of a family tent. These days, many of the top tent manufacturers are offering tents designed for family camping. Recognizing that more and more families are heading into the back country for a weekend or even longer, there are now more larger, taller and durable tents designed just for family camping.
Better large tents now come with at least two access openings. Lots of ventilation is good--especially for family camping and if the family dog is part of the crew. A rainfly that provides both storm protection and maintains ventilation is important as well.
Floor space is very critical. Experience shows that tent manufacturers tend to base tent capacity on everyone being really good friends stacked like sardines. In reality, experienced family campers prefer a tent that provides more advertised capacity than there are family members. Look for storage spaces--a tent attic, pockets in the wall, a vestibule that is included or an option. In the photo, the red circle shows the full size of the door, over 5' diameter. The small blue circle is the only place the door is attached. It's a near 360° opening.
Another option that is really necessary is a ground cover. While an ordinary tarp can work just fine, the fitted "footprint" is a good investment because it is designed to protect the tent from the ground and will also buffer cold and wet conditions.
Check out tent construction. Seams should be double sewn and sealed on both the inside and the outside. The tent fabric and screening should have some heft. Zippers need to be large and coated for easy opening and closing. The zipper tabs should be large, easy to grasp, and easy-to-find in the dark. Many quality tents have bright colored zipper tabs or colorful, even glowing, pulls attached to the tab. Some family tents come with "room dividers" or even "rooms" that open off of the main area.
The REI Hobitat 6 is a great tent for four people, a dog, and gear. It has an 8-by-10-foot floor and is a 6 feet 6 inches high. And of course, as a "Hobit"-tat, is has round doors...large round doors.
Common Pitfalls
Tent layout. Black is manufacturer method, color is real life.
1. Underestimating size is the most common pitfall. Tent manufacturers tend to indicate capacity by the width and length of a sleeping bag. The reality is that there needs to be space between the sleeping bags to get in and out of the tent. And while an extra foot or two is nice at the head or foot of the bag for clothes, most families travel with clothes, books, and portable electronics. It's nice to be able to separate the bulky material from the easily accessible.
2. Lack of convenient storage will drive a camper as crazy as an unreachable mosquito bite. Many tents today offer compartments for keys, sunglasses, eyeglasses, toiletries, and even places to hang lanterns. Ensure the tent you're considering has these features. Some of the taller tents will even include a "tent attic" that makes good storage for hats and wallets.
3. A tent height that's too short. The better family tents now have center heights of six feet and more. While it may not matter to the kids, for adults, the ability to stand up in a tent and not have to crawl out the door makes it a lot easier on knees and legs. The taller tents also have much larger doors. The REI Hobitat 6, for example, has a door about 5 feet high by 5 feet wide.
4. Inadequate ventilation. Whether it's hot outside or cold, ventilation is important in a tent. A well-designed family tent should have a good airflow. The Hobitat 6 has full door screens and tent-length vents at floor level and eye level that are about 18". With the rainfly installed, the vents are protected from wind and rain, but still allow fresh air to flow inside.
5. Tents hard to set up. Testing the tent setup in the store or at home before hitting the road will spare you frustration at the campsite. Many family tents require two people for setup. A one-person setup will speed tent completion, a benefit if it's raining upon arrival. REI redesigned the Hobitat 6 in 2009 to allow one-person setup and fewer tent poles.
6. A rainfly that does not adequately protect the tent. The rainfly should nearly touch the ground to protect from ground-splash as well as direct rain. The rainfly ensures that the old "touch-the-tent-and-it-leaks" is a thing of the past. It also helps hold in heat in cold weather, and protect tent occupants from wind and dust.
7. Inconvenient packaging. Family tents can weigh from 35 to 50 pounds. Something rarely considered is how the tent is packed for travel. Some tents may just come with a large stuff sack. Better quality tents come with a compartmentalized duffel bag, or some manufacturers are actually designing the carrying case like a backpack. After all, it has to be carried from the car to wherever the tent is being set up. That's a lot of weight to pack even a short distance.
Where To Buy
The Hobitat 6 without the rainfly. (Photo courtesy of REI)
Grocery superstores, drugstores, sporting-goods and warehouse clubs all sell family tents. There is significant diversity in price, quality, service and durability. Experienced campers tend to invest the extra dollars and purchase tents from dedicated recreation stores, like REI, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops and local merchants. The extra cost is often made up in service, quality, and support should something go wrong with the tent. Specialty stores and sporting goods retailers will also have an experienced sales staff that can answer questions about the tent that's right for family needs and camping style. Some stores will try and sell an "extended warranty." Don't waste the money.
Cost
Family tents are surprisingly reasonably priced for the size and capacity. Better-quality tents can be purchased from about $250 up to $600. There are cheaper family tents on the market, but they are cheaper for a reason: lack of quality workmanship or materials. A good tent that is well-maintained can last 10 years or more. A poor-quality tent might not make it through one season.
Comparison Shopping
Before shopping for the tent, read reviews on sites like Trails.com and even at various retailers, like REI.com, Sports Authority, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela's. Make a list of how the tent is to be used. Some good questions to compare:
How many people will normally be camping? Any pets in that group?
What seasons, locations, and areas will be visited most often? Tents are rated as two-, three-, and four-season.
How large is the floor area, and do the angles of the walls affect actual floor space?
How tall is the tent at the doors? In the center?
How large are the doors?
How much ventilation is available?
What kinds of storage are in the tent?
What kind of storage is designed for the easy-to-lose sunglasses, keys and wallets?
How is the tent maintained?
How many people are needed to set it up?
How long does it take to set up?
What is the warranty and is there a satisfaction guarantee during the first months?
What type of service is available?
Accessories
The footprint or ground cloth is a necessary accessory. These are designed for the tent and cost between $35 and $70, depending on the size of the tent and manufacturer. It seems expensive to add one when an ordinary tarp can suffice, but the sizing of the footprint helps keep water from getting between the footprint and the tent. Tarps not sized correctly can actually help water build up under the tent floor.
Some tents have a vestibule attachment. This feature provides extra shelter from wind or storm at the doors to the tent. Some are designed to provide shelter for shoes or backpacks.
Insider Tips
Forty years of camping in a number of different tent styles help guide experience in buying a new tent. Domes and tents with rounded features have more room and are more wind resistant than angled tent design. Room dividers are really not worth the trouble of setting them up. If you're camping companions need a room divider, they really need a separate tent. Include a tent sponge, small dust pan and brush, and tent emergency repair kit that are stored in the tent when its in its pack. A nylon hammer for tent stakes is a great addition and usually fits in the tent pack. Always stake and rope the tent no matter how nice the weather forecast.
