So you talked the kids into a family vacation. Congratulations! Have you told them they will be sleeping in a tent? Okay, don’t worry. They may have more fun than you think. In fact, camping is a fun activity that may bring you all closer together. Whose gonna pass up a night of campfires and S’mores?
There are plenty of tents out there to choose from, ranging in comfort levels, size, durability, and cost. But don’t get overwhelmed. I have picked the best of the best of 2010 to help you pick what’s right for you and your family. Check out the top picks and get ready for an awesome vacation!
Best Average-Size Family Tent: Eureka! Copper Canyon 10
Standing 10’ x 10’, the tent is cabin-style and will easily fit 5-6 people on cots. It features four large windows with toggles that keep flaps open and out of the way. The rainfly offers a clear-panel that’s perfect for stargazing as well as full rain covereage. A hanging-gear loft will help you and the family store your stuff. There’s even a port where you can run an extension cord into the tent.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Good in the rain
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Heavy
Best Mid-Size Family Tent: Columbia CB-9000 Cougar Flat
A good pick for a family of 6-8 people. You can install the room divider to create two separate rooms or leave one large living area. There are two large windows and a gear loft for storage. Other features include a hanging shelf, two cup holders (hanging) and a “clean sweep” floor map allowing for easy sweeping. Another cool feature is a remote-controlled light that attaches for nighttime visibility.
Pros
- Spacious
- Good ventilation
- Sturdy
- Has a light feature!
Cons
- Heavy
- Leaky
Best Dome Tent: Columbia High Trail Family Dome Tent
This was a best seller for 2010, offering room for 8 people! Durable for three seasons, the tent features a room divider which can create two completely separate bedrooms. The tent has four large windows and vents on the sides and roof.
Pros
- Very roomy
- Rainfly and bathtub floor keep tent super dry in storms
- Good ventilation
- Quick assembly
Cons
- Zipper gets caught sporadically
Best Budget Tent: Eureka Copper Canyon 1610
Great for small families, this tent offers two rooms: a floored sleeping area as well as an unfloored screen room for dining (each room is 8’ x 10’). Reviews boast that it's comfortable for up to four adults and it offers good space to stand in/change in. Other models in this series can hold more people but you will have less space for dining.
Pros
- Affordable
- Spacious with high ceilings
Cons
- Heavy
- Flooring is quite thin
- Rain fly does not offer full coverage
Best Cabin Tent: The Northface Trailhead 8
For the family needing space, this 3-room tent is a great pick. It’s highest praise is that it is well-built - able to withstand high winds and rain. The tent also offers well-protected vestibules that cover both doors and add space for gear. The rainfly is also vented offering fresh air.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Full-coverage rainfly with vents
- Great rain and wind resistance
Cons
- Zippers tend to snag/get caught
- Mixed reviews for ventilation (some complain it gets hot)
- Low ceilings on the side rooms
