Submitted by FromOroWithLove t3_zzhtkh in BuyItForLife

Looking to invest in a good quality tent for a family of 4.

Our kids are still young, so this will be a tent that is exclusive to car camping and hope to use for years to come. We also aren't looking for a 4 person tent (ie. a tent that sleeps 4 people but no room for anything else).

Live in Ontario, Canada to give an idea of climate. Won't be used in winter, but likely used spring and fall as well as the summer months.

Anyone have any experience with the above or any recommendations?

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spacefeioo t1_j2bwnnj wrote

We always used a Eureka timberline 2 person for the kids and a second tent for mom & dad. These tents have space for a bag as well as your sleeping bag, but if you really want to spread out you could use the four person size for two. They’re durable tents (I have also used the outfitter version with a camp/outdoor ed center where they’re used with middle schoolers week in and week out)

Edit: I’m still using the same tent from when I was a kid, nearly 30 years later. Seriously! I’ve replaced the bungee cords for the side tie-outs, as the originals turned sticky, and got some new stakes, but otherwise it’s in great shape.

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jinxintheworld t1_j2c39ef wrote

If you are willing to take care of them, most of the canvas tents are going to last you a life time. But if not, or you don't want the weight or the hassle, I've heard really good things about the REI tents, for light weight and durability.

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Alternative-Staff811 t1_j2c8lz3 wrote

Most of the major brands have repair programs. Big Agnes for example has a list online of what they charge to replace a zipper or tent pole. In your position, I personally would look up top rated 6 person tents or maybe go with two 2/3 person tents. Read through some articles and narrow down the list based on budget and the repair policy listed on the manufacturer website.

Maybe something also to consider would be ease of set up. I had a Coleman at one point that was super easy to fold out. No poles in sleeves or anything like that. I also had one that required guy lines to set up that was a huge PITA. If you got kids running around, an easier set up would be convenient.

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andrwoo t1_j2c9heq wrote

I second this recommendation. I absolutely live my Kodiak tent. Have had it for 6 years now, used many times, and it still looks new. I suggest spending the little extra and get the VX model. The ability to open all walls to screens is awesome. I also have their sleeping bag. Best bag ever. Very large, warm, and comfortable. There is plenty of room to move your legs around. I've been in 22°F and warm as can be. It's definitely a car camp set up. Heavy. But I can easily set it up all by myself.

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kelvin_bot t1_j2c9idv wrote

22°F is equivalent to -5°C, which is 267K.

^(I'm a bot that converts temperature between two units humans can understand, then convert it to Kelvin for bots and physicists to understand)

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RJFerret t1_j2cfjg5 wrote

Taking care of any tent is the important part. Obviously no sparks near it.

But don't wear shoes inside, do use a ground cloth underneath and avoid sharp surfaces beneath. Be kind to zippers, don't yank/rush them.

After use, clean it out before packing up, and make sure to dry it out completely before storing.

Even cheap nylon tents from the 1960s are as good as the day they were bought.

PS: If needed, seam sealant too.

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a_gift_for_the_grave t1_j2cljw4 wrote

I snapped a pole in a crazy windstorm after 6 years of heavy use and MSR sent me a new poles and fly. More money up front but going on 10 years with that amazingly light tent.

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1hewchardon t1_j2e2nt0 wrote

I’ve got a couple of Stout brand canvas bell tents that I will pass down to my son when I’m gone. Can’t say enough good things about them, they stood up to 50mph winds in the desert, extreme dust storms at burning man, a week of heavy rains and stayed dry inside. The only drawback is they’re heavy AF at around 100lbs. Don’t go for the cheaper knock offs, the build quality is inferior.

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grindermonk t1_j2e60sa wrote

MEC Frontenac is a great family tent. We’ve had ours for 14 years now.

It is hexagonal, and It is classed as a 4+ person tent, so it can handle 4 adults like a four person tent in the central square, with room for two kids or dogs or a ton of gear in the triangular spaces on the sides.

It’s also very solid in windy conditions, and has a full cover rain fly.

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wordofmouthrevisited t1_j2eauos wrote

REI Kingdom with the garage vestibule. We use is car camping with three kids probably 10-12 nights a year. We have a series designs 4 person dome we use for back country camping that I’ve had for 19 years. I retreat the waterproofing and Seam tape occasionally

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canadianpatriot1 t1_j2fd8mm wrote

My rule of thumb has always be that a 4 person tent is really only good for 2 people with gear. That said I’ve had the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 8-Person Tent for years and it’s held up well. I also live in Ontario and use it primarily the same way you’re describing spring to fall. I have used it in the winter before and it’s also been fine. Very stable in the wind. It’s no canvas tent but it’s lighter and set up is pretty straight forward.

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