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Cold weather 8 person family tent
- Thread starter Yo Mama
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2011
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- 1,287
No tent is insulated so they are all do about the same as far as temps go but the better quality tents hold up much better in wind and rain. Which definitely helps in the sleeping department. Also you should know the difference between 3 season and 4 season tents. 4 season tents are meant for snowy conditions and have a waterproof tub. They are usually quite a bit more money than a 3 season tent. Wenzal makes 8 person tents in your price range as well. Good luck in your search.
Bronco
Moderator
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- Feb 25, 2000
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- 7,602
I agree with Willy. Assuming the tent comes with a rain fly - and you'd be hard pressed today to find one today that doesn't - then all tents are pretty much created equal when it comes to dealing strictly with cold temps. The primary exception to this rule is the big, outfitter grade tents that can accommodate a stove. But, of course, those are insanely heavy and you'd need to add a digit to your budget to afford one.
So what you're really paying for in a tent, as the price tag heads north, is the durability and quality of construction that enhances the tent's ability to withstand harsh wind conditions (and, to a lesser extent, heavier snow loads). You will often see quality tent manufacturers rate their tents on a two, three or four season scale. Assuming, as your post implies, that you plan on camping in the winter, then you're going to have a very difficult time finding an eight person tent that's actually rated for four season use anywhere near $150. Thus your choice becomes either sticking to your budget, buying a light duty tent and hoping that you never get caught in a blow, or saving up for something that can stand up to inclement conditions.
So what you're really paying for in a tent, as the price tag heads north, is the durability and quality of construction that enhances the tent's ability to withstand harsh wind conditions (and, to a lesser extent, heavier snow loads). You will often see quality tent manufacturers rate their tents on a two, three or four season scale. Assuming, as your post implies, that you plan on camping in the winter, then you're going to have a very difficult time finding an eight person tent that's actually rated for four season use anywhere near $150. Thus your choice becomes either sticking to your budget, buying a light duty tent and hoping that you never get caught in a blow, or saving up for something that can stand up to inclement conditions.
One of the factors you should consider when choosing a tent for colder weather is the material used for the tent poles. Fiberglass poles will get more brittle in the colder temps and tend to break. Aluminum is the way to go. Some of the Kelty tents come with aluminum poles but will be pushing a bit over your target price.
There are a lot of cheap tents out there these days. If this is just to use a couple of times, it doesn't really matter. You might have a hard time finding a quality tent that meets your specifications for much under $400. If you want to stay in the camping game, it might be more economical to by two smaller tents; you can probably get a little better quality for a little less cash.
There are a lot of cheap tents out there these days. If this is just to use a couple of times, it doesn't really matter. You might have a hard time finding a quality tent that meets your specifications for much under $400. If you want to stay in the camping game, it might be more economical to by two smaller tents; you can probably get a little better quality for a little less cash.
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2004
- Messages
- 570
We've been camping in a Coleman Weathermaster 10 for a number of years and it's held up well. Lots of camping in the Northwest meant damp conditions and mid-30 degree mornings. Like others have said it isn't insulated so a good sleeping bag and pad are a must. Just waterproof the seams and it should last a good long time. Also consider if an 8 person tent is big enough -- ours is a 10 and fits two adults, two teens, and a dog with some room to spare but I sure wouldn't want to cram 10 people in there. And give some thought as to whether you want to be able to stand up in the thing as the cabin-style are much taller than the dome-style tents.
TLR
Gold Member
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- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 1,573
Define cold weather. Your cold weather may be warm spring weather for us in Iowa. I've seen more subzero days then above zero this winter. That will make a difference in recommendations.
You also need to take into account the percentage of open netting and how the fly covers the tent. For real winter camping you really need a full coverage fly and a way to close up the tent to wind. That's one reason why single wall tents are still popular in mountaineering. My MSR and REI tents have the ability to zip up all of the window screening. They will work for me in winter camping because I can seal them well against the wind. The coleman that I bought from walmart as a cheaper camping tent (used to do island camping in Fl. and the salt water was brutal on tents) can't be used much past the mid 40's because two sides of the tent are almost completely mesh and even though I can get the fly just about to the ground it's impossible to trap any heat in and keep the wind out.
You also need to take into account the percentage of open netting and how the fly covers the tent. For real winter camping you really need a full coverage fly and a way to close up the tent to wind. That's one reason why single wall tents are still popular in mountaineering. My MSR and REI tents have the ability to zip up all of the window screening. They will work for me in winter camping because I can seal them well against the wind. The coleman that I bought from walmart as a cheaper camping tent (used to do island camping in Fl. and the salt water was brutal on tents) can't be used much past the mid 40's because two sides of the tent are almost completely mesh and even though I can get the fly just about to the ground it's impossible to trap any heat in and keep the wind out.
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2000
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- 554
While it isn't $150 there are military surplus tents that do have a liner (insulation) and with a stove set up will keep you warm in the coldest conditions. Tough as nails and great for deer camps etc