Looking for a sturdy tent.

Midget · May 11, 2015

Hey All,

I'm going camping in a few weeks and am looking for a sturdy tent.

The requirements that I'm concerned about at the moment would be:

- sturdy/reliable
- keeps mosquitoes out
- good water resistance
- fits 2 people

to be honest, I'm not really sure what other attributes are to be considered. I will have time to put the tent up, so i don't need a pop-up tent or anything.

Alternatively, I would also consider a truck bed tent if the price is right and it fits the aforementioned attributes. I have a Toyota Tacoma dual cab, short bed.

Any advice?

thanks!

Rhinoknives1 · May 11, 2015

Fire retardant is very important as well!

I would look Google Tent Toyota Tacoma.

Great truck by the way. I just bought a 2015 access Cab 6" foot bed in February and love it!

Midget · May 11, 2015

thanks Rhino.

I saw the tacoma truck tents -- i just don't know if they're any good.

Midget · May 12, 2015

this is exactly what i need:

because i likely have that same tonneau.

does anyone have any idea what brand (if any) this cover/canopy is?

EDIT:

aw these seem to look like they are custom builds

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tonneau-tent.24328/

Bob W · May 13, 2015

If you don't have to carry it, the Eureka Timerline tent is available in "Outfitter" grade. The 4-man model has plenty of room for two large people and keeping gear in out of the rain. The two-man tent is perfect for one person and clothes duffel.

Even the standard grade tent is high quality and lasts for years. A few years of daily use, or many many years of occasional use.

Manufacturers website: http://store.eurekatent.com/timberline-series

------------
I've considered those truckbed tents before. What puts me off the idea is having to pack up every time I want to take the truck for a drive and leave the campsite. Also, you'd be limited to camping only in places that are vehicle accessible.

fast14riot · May 16, 2015

+1 for Eureka. I have a eureka that's going on 15 years old and is in fantastic shape. I also agree, get a tent rated for one more person (at least) that you plan to sleep.

-X

ignatius · May 26, 2015

Second endorsement for the Eureka Timberline. Great tent, and meets/exceeds your needs as you listed them.

gadgetgeek · May 26, 2015

since it doesn't sound like you are planning on carrying it, you might want to look at 4-6 man basecamp style tents, most of them will have enough head-room to nearly or totally stand up in. the Big Agnes bighouse 4 is the kind of idea I'm thinking of. Those are a bit on the spendy side if you trick them out, but even the coleman tents in that sort of range aren't bad. In this sort of case, you get thicker fabrics which will give you durability without adding too much to price, since the thinner stuff is more expensive.

littlehoot · May 27, 2015

Bob W said:
If you don't have to carry it, the Eureka Timerline tent is available in "Outfitter" grade. The 4-man model has plenty of room for two large people and keeping gear in out of the rain. The two-man tent is perfect for one person and clothes duffel.

Even the standard grade tent is high quality and lasts for years. A few years of daily use, or many many years of occasional use.

Manufacturers website: http://store.eurekatent.com/timberline-series

.

this. get no other, this tent will last you forever, relatively easy to erect, maintain, and is relatively lightweight for size

Midget · May 27, 2015

i'll look into the eureka one, thanks all!

i actually bought a truck-bed specific tent but installed it once to test and am not so jazzed about it. it's a neat novelty but i'm not sure if it's so reliable for the long term.

RevDevil · May 27, 2015

The golden rule for buying a tent is that "2 is one, and 1 is none". This refers to the amount of room you have to stow your gear inside the tent with you. Think rain, bugs, etc. A one man sized tent is fine, if you are sleeping and have no other gear with you, or don't mind your bag/pack/tools being outside in the elements. Fire proof ratings are nice, but common sense is better, leave some distance between the tent and the fire (especially in summer time). Whatever size you get, make sure you have at least some room to move around and aren't bundled up like a caterpillar in a cocoon.