Family Camping Tent

[CalebClick]

Me and the family have started tent camping for our family vacations. We often will camp places for just a night or two and then bump on to the next spot. Currently we have been using a 9x8 Kodiak flex bow and I absolutely love it (well most everything about it). But the one area of concern is with it being canvas, if it rains one night, I have to wait the next day for it to dry out before we take off to our next spot. That being said, I’m wanting to compliment our flex bow with some type of waterproof tent that is quick to set up and that can be put up damp while we bounce around to our next camping location. What non-canvas 6 person tents do y’all recommend? TIA!

 

[PNW bow hunter]

What’s the issue with just moving the canvas tent to the next camp spot, even if it got wet in some rain?

Putting a tarp over the top of a canvas tent also makes a noticeable increase the temperature inside the tent. All the warm air doesn’t go right out the top. That would also keep the canvas from getting as wet in the rain.

I think you should just buy a tarp, not a tent.

 

[AK Troutbum]

A 6 person Cabela's Alaska Guide Dome has worked very well for our family throughout the years. It's not too difficult to set up and is very storm worthy as well.

 

[TXCO]

I use the new model of the cabelas alaska guide tent and have also done the alaknak. Both were great for car camping and arent nearly as heavy. The porch is nice too. Mine is 20 lbs and I can fly with it or even horse packed each in.

I agree you could get by with a tarp over it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ODB]

What’s the issue with just moving the canvas tent to the next camp spot, even if it got wet in some rain?

Putting a tarp over the top of a canvas tent also makes a noticeable increase the temperature inside the tent. All the warm air doesn’t go right out the top. That would also keep the canvas from getting as wet in the rain.

I think you should just buy a tarp, not a tent.

Was kind of thinking this same thing. I have a Kodiak and if I were only moving, not storing, I'd just pack it up, move it, and set it back up.

 

[bracer40]

I second the moving a wet Kodiak. There’s no harm in packing and moving a wet tent. Going to be heavier is all.

 

[Ucsdryder]

The Coleman pop up (ez up) are damn nice for camping. Less than 5 minutes up and down.

 

[CalebClick]

So with moving a Canvas tent wet, how long is too long before I get it back out? I’m an east coast guy and we are driving west for a month this summer. So there are days it could potentially be put up wet for like 12 hours. What is the threshold for how long I can store it wet?

 

[rogerdoger]

We got the Big Agnes Big House. Try and find it on sale if you can because they are pricey. But you can get an awning set up to store gear or hang out while kids are sleeping or hang out in a storm. The rain fly will also set up on its own for a sun shelter.

 

[butcherboy]

12 hours is nothing. I had mine down in my basement wet for about a week before I unfolded it to dry out. I don’t recommend this but it was fine. Use a ground cloth and a tarp over the top. Kodiak sells a cover for the top to fit their tents. Doesn’t matter what tent you have if you put it away wet for travel. Wet is wet. I use my 10x14 a lot and find it a little small for 5 of us and a dog. I also put a pop up awning out for just relaxing under, eating, etc. I would much prefer a converted cargo 8x14 or 8x20 trailer.

 

[5MilesBack]

So with moving a Canvas tent wet, how long is too long before I get it back out? I’m an east coast guy and we are driving west for a month this summer. So there are days it could potentially be put up wet for like 12 hours. What is the threshold for how long I can store it wet?

I wouldn't worry about it for a day or two. I've had my canvas wall tents up for days in rain every day. September 2013 was wet, wet, wet.......it rained more than I saw the sun for two weeks straight.

 

[Theringworm]

We have what would be comparable to the Big Agnes Mad House 8, but ours is a 3 season tent. We have had it for 12 years. It’s been phenomenal and Big Agnes customer service has been amazing. Just recently replaced all of my tent poles. Only cost me $25.

 

[insanelupus]

https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/p/bags-and-gear/camp-shop-829877/wawona-8-tent-NF0A8BDW

We had been eyeballing this tent and when it went on sale picked it up for about half price. Reviews were great so we gave it a shot.

Used it one trip last year, but it was awesome, everyone (me & wife on one side, two teenagers and one of their friends on the other side) was impressed with the tent.

It's perfect for 4 adults and a little room for sundries.

 

[MuleyFever]

I just pack mine up wet. If I am going home then I open it up in the garage to dry.

 

[grfox92]

We have a big Eureka 8 man dome tent that I got at Scheels. It's super basic but has been used a ton and holds up well.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[Unbreall836]

I spent nearly four years in the UK and had many joint camporees with the UK scouts. If rain is a concern, they make the best tents for it. Do a Google search and look for the ones with the tub-like bottom. Good luck!

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Definitely no issue putting it away wet as long as it doesn't stay out away wet. Having said that I'll second the recommendation for the Alaskan Guide tent, but I'd go with the 8 man because it'll pack away smaller and lighter than your Kodiak anyway so the extra space will be a bonus. I have a 10x14 Kodiak and a 6 man Alaskan Guide and there are many trips we take the AG, namely when we know there will be high winds or lots of rain. The vestibule to enter the AG keeps the inside dryer, silly flap the Flexbow has isn't nearly as protective.

 

[displacedtexan]

Yeah, another vote for just packing it up wet.

 

[TSimons9]

https://www.rei.com/product/241349/nemo-aurora-highrise-6-person-tent?sku=2413490001&store=&CAWELAID=120217890019725171&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=112140758332&CATCI=pla-357676648254&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2413490001%7C357676648254%7CNB%7C71700000062011460&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7979068557&gbraid=0AAAAAD_DTlyzmznuhI17IY3RSqNgLoqGo&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ubABhDIARIsAHMighaEU5xeYAkfoUnQ6nPFkoJYE813cQLtHGcA9DMBIBouzZSaGMAsRnkaAk-0EALw_wcB