Five Things to Consider Before Buying an Extra-large Tent
Modern designs and materials make it easier than ever to accommodate the entire family outdoors.
Sometimes bigger is better, especially when you’re planning on bringing a crowd along on your next camping trip. And more can be merrier, as long as your tent is up to the job. Supersizing a tent gives everyone a little more elbow room, makes the nights more comfortable and helps folks keep personal gear more organized. More and more people are spending nights under the stars, and tent makers have responded with great models of extra-large tents. Design touches such as shade awnings and integrated front door mats make group tenting more convenient while cutting edge amenities such as power cord ports make it more fun. When you’re ready to bunk down with a small crowd, here are five things to think about when choosing an extra-large tent.
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Setting up an extra-large tent can be a challenge, but new tent designs with hub attachments or umbrella-like pole configurations make the job much easier. Conventional pole systems are more rugged and less likely to jam or fail. But for occasional use, it’s hard to beat an extra-large tent with an easy pop-up design.
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When you’re stuffing adults, kids, dogs, and all their stuff into a single space, the ability to organize personal gear is a huge plus. Look for net pockets and gear lofts that will keep items like smartphones, headlamps, and spare socks off the floor.
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If you’re in an area where rain is common—or if you want to make sure your tent will stay you dry in a sideways rain—look for a tent with a rainfly that covers not only the top but all sides of the tent nearly to the ground. Many large tent rain covers only extend across the roof, or partway down the sides.
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The slope of a tent’s walls impacts the inside usable space in a big way. If you’re looking for maximum interior space, don’t just look at the size of the floor. Look for near-vertical tent poles. Those designs hold the sides of the tent close to straight up and down, opening up the usable interior space.
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Several bodies inside a tent will warm up the interior, so look for great venting options in a large tent. Multiple screen doors help, as do interior roof vents that pop open on the top or sides of the tent. Look for tents that allow you to roll up or stake out the rainfly so airflow is unimpeded. The more mesh in the tent walls, the better.
