A Different Best Tent Question: Windy Beach Camping Texas

[dhmc03]

I am looking for a true 3 man tent for beach camping Texas Padre Island National Seashore (PINS). For those not familiar, here are the conditions it needs to handle:

- wind! 20-30 mph not uncommon
- sugar soft sand
- humid and WARM. Temps anywhere from 40 to 80 degrees F
- occasional rain

ventilation and wind stability are highest priority. Weight is NOT a factor. It does need to pack small enough to fit in a bay boat hatch though.

I typically used kamp rite tent cot, but am tired of the bulk (3 cots takes up entire truck bed).

Im interested in hilleberg kaitum 4, but wondering if thats too hot? Would be able to use it as a base camp on nw fishing trips too

Msr hubba lt 3 … but question its ability in wind

Others? Let me hear your opinions please

 

[schmalzy]

My experience is a little bit dated, but I’d strongly suggest looking at a floorless option. If not, you will never get all of the sand out of that tent. Ever.

I’ve camped on the beach a decent amount and honestly felt best when in a camper shell/vehicle, but obviously harder to do a base camp situation.

I use one of these base camping and like it. Not going to say it handles wind flawlessly but no issues in 20-30 gusts when staked properly. Being able to run it floorless is essential imho. These vent really well.

Hub Tents

Easy, 60-90 second setup times for Hub 4XL, Hub 4 Double and Hub 6XL. Completely waterproof, insulated walls, and integrated door. Quick-pitch design with pop out hubs. Removable floor and optional rainfly create a versatile tent for any occasion whether you need a camping tent, basecamp shelter...

gofsr.com

EDIT: May be tough to pack in a hatch of a bay boat. I’d honestly want something big enough to stand up in though if you’re wanting to make it a base camp and hangout in to get out of sun.


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[HairyScandinavian]

Heck no to floorless at PINS, end up with a million skeeters and a rattlesnake in there with you not to mention chiggers. Also with some wind that sand blows into the tent and you end up covered in sand.

OP we liked the Alaskan Guide tents for heavy unobstructed winds, without the fly they ventilate OK. Smaller is your friend on the beach though if you don't want to have to use dead man anchors for all the stakes which takes a lot of time. We used a lot of tent cots back in the day so we could move easily as needed. The most comfortable I've been was in a small size full mesh Slumberjack tent, they're built well enough to handle normal SE winds but a storm might be questionable so have to watch the weather. Again shorter and smaller is your friend out there, two small tents for buddies will be far superior to one larger tent, you want to be lower down out of the wind.

 

[nomadicbohunk]

I used to basically live in a tent due to work. My wife did too. I also grew up on the plains and we camp a lot on the ocean now like what you're talking about. I know real wind in a tent. The best tent I had for wind lasted for literal years. It was an old 4 season Kelty. I finally had to retire it as the sun had made the fly too warped and all the ends were worn through.

Just an FYI, these 20 year old mesh anchors I have work the best in soft sand. IDK who makes something like them now. They're just mesh flat things with nylon webbing on the outside and two big loops.

Now we generally use a carbon pole hubba hubba, but it's not the best in wind. I mean it works, but I'm worried when it gets over 40-50mph and I am pushing out with my hand In general terms, we've found aluminum beats carbon in wind by a lot. Also, find one where the poles don't clip on. You want one where they are in a fabric tunnel. That makes a huge difference with deflection in wind. I'm pretty sure Marmot halos are like that if you want to see what I'm talking about.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

^pole sleeves are definitely a bonus if you can find something well ventilated with them..

 

[peterk123]

Tube style tent like those made by hilleberg. Those hillebergs can take a beating. Mine had been out in 25mph + winds. I'd also look for stakes for soft sand. I'm sure someone makes them. And a big no to floorless.