Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

[Bingo]

I am looking at the Browning BigHorn family tent and the Kodiak Canvas tent, had a coleman for over 10 yrs which was O.K. but leaked a lot. I want a tent that we can use for sleeping, playing cards and keeping dry in rain storms. The Browning isn't real expensive so I was just curious whether it would be a good choice for a family tent. Won't be getting one until next year since the Summer is over or about over, if anyother advise on a large family tent I'd appreciate it, I'm looking at spending around 500 to 600 max for a good tent that won't leak and is nice and roomy. Also is indoor and outdoor carpet O.K for the tent floor to keep it from wearing out?

[MacGyver]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

If anyone wears out the floor of a Kodiak, they're doing something seriously wrong. They're the heaviest floors I've ever seen on a tent, something akin to an industrial truck tarp. I have a roll of cheap indoor/outdoor carpet that I put down, but that's just to keep the floor clean.

Competitive Edge Products consistently has the best prices on Kodiak tents. They also occasionally run specials where you get a free ground tarp (that's also super heavy).

[Bingo]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

If anyone wears out the floor of a Kodiak, they're doing something seriously wrong. They're the heaviest floors I've ever seen on a tent, something akin to an industrial truck tarp. I have a roll of cheap indoor/outdoor carpet that I put down, but that's just to keep the floor clean.

Competitive Edge Products consistently has the best prices on Kodiak tents. They also occasionally run specials where you get a free ground tarp (that's also super heavy).

Would the Kodiak be good for hot Texas weather?, I've heard that they are hotter in side. However I've always believed you get what you pay for. I want a tent that I don't have to worry about going bad in a few years. Are there any other good water proof cabin tents that would hold up as good as the Kodiak?

[Force10JC]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

I have looked extensively at the Browning and feel it is a solid choice for a family camping tent. That said I have also looked extensively at the Kodiak and feel it is superior to the Browning. If you can afford the extra cost, I would buy the Kodiak. Note that I do not actually own either tent.

[markkee]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

With the link that Mac sent, dropping a little more than $400 for a tent that will last for years makes sense. A cabin rental runs a family of 4 over $100 a day. Give me a canvas tent in the woods and I am happy.

@MacGyver, about how much do you think your tent cost/use? Maybe a quarter?

[MacGyver]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

With the link that Mac sent, dropping a little more than $400 for a tent that will last for years makes sense. A cabin rental runs a family of 4 over $100 a day. Give me a canvas tent in the woods and I am happy.

Actually, for a family of four, I would say the 10x14 Kodiak would be the best bet. More than $400, but still worth every penny, in my opinion.

@MacGyver, about how much do you think your tent cost/use? Maybe a quarter?

LOL So far it's cost me $125 per trip. I've only had it out on four trips, all in cold weather, because it's the only tent I have that's safe to use the heater in.

[markkee]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

LOL So far it's cost me $125 per trip. I've only had it out on four trips, all in cold weather, because it's the only tent I have that's safe to use the heater in.

Good excuse to camp more!

I had an old Eureka Timberline that I used everyday on a 80 day cross country bicycle trip that cost less than $1 per day. I continued to use the tent another 10 years before I gave it away to a church youth group.

My father has an old canvas tent stuffed up in the rafters of his garage that he bought in the 60's. Do you have to open them up every year to prevent rotting?

Between the squirrels and mice who knows?

[Sparky]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

I got the Kodiak Canvas Tent 6041VX 10x14 about 2 years ago and after about 28 trips it is still awesome. Normally just my son and I but sometimes the wife and daughter go; those times the Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Cot Bunk Beds greatly help saving space. I bought it from competitiveedgeproducts.com on sale (can't remember how much) but definitely not the $750 it currently shows. The two down sides are that it is heavy and bulky but by far the best tent I have owned.

[05Kingquad700]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

I am starting to change my mind about my Kodiak. I camp in the Rocky Mountains, so the stakes only lasted a couple of years, before I had to upgrade them. I had to change out the clips that are used as guy line tensioners. I had one of the spring rods snap on my while I was camping. Turns out they knew about the defect. If you have the black ones, then you have the upgraded version. If you have the silver ones, you have the old ones. This year, I have had to replace the guy lines and the stake bag has ripped apart at the bottom and is currently held together by duct tape.
I fully expected this tent to last me 20 years, and we are only a 1/4 of the way there. The tent body is in good shape though.

[Bingo]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

Hey, thanks for all the input...I hate making decisions on equipment that cost a decent amount of money, it will probably take me a good 6 months with research and research and find the best durable and rain proof tent that will fit our family needs. Of course there is my wife who does the financial business in the house who will let me know how much I want to spend. I've always believed you get what you pay for, if you spend a 100.00 you'll get a tent that will last a few short years and maybe get you wet during rain storms, then spending 1,000.00 or more that will last a lifetime, and of course this could be very well reversed depending on how well they are taken care of. Ive been reviewing mainly on you tube which does show a lot of videos on many good quality tents and good reviews. I've looked at the Black Pine Pinecrest Turbo 22' x 10' tent which looked awesome but the price is around 800.00 or more but would be an awesome family tent.

[Sparky]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

Kingquad, sorry to hear about the issues. Mine did come with black spring rods and I never used the guy lines that came with it, I swapped to Nite Ize Figure 9 Tent Line Kit.

[a65hoosier]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

I am looking at the Browning BigHorn family tent and the Kodiak Canvas tent, had a coleman for over 10 yrs which was O.K. but leaked a lot. I want a tent that we can use for sleeping, playing cards and keeping dry in rain storms. The Browning isn't real expensive so I was just curious whether it would be a good choice for a family tent. Won't be getting one until next year since the Summer is over or about over, if anyother advise on a large family tent I'd appreciate it, I'm looking at spending around 500 to 600 max for a good tent that won't leak and is nice and roomy. Also is indoor and outdoor carpet O.K for the tent floor to keep it from wearing out?

Hi Bingo and Welcome to the Forum!

Since you have until next summer for your tent purchase...you have plenty of time to consider several options, research different tents, and, after deciding on possible brand/models...lurk and wait for a sale before you make your purchase.

That said...I'm going to ask you several questions which might help guide your search and also allow us to assist you. I'll also run some of my thoughts/opinions past you.

What type of camping do you like to do? (established campgrounds, etc.)

What seasons do you generally camp? (summer only? 3 seasons? In the future, do you see yourself expanding your camping window?

How long do you generally stay at a site? (do you stay for a week in one spot, weekend only campers, stay a couple of nights..then move to the next site, etc.)

What do you use for keeping off the ground while sleeping? (pads, air mattress, cots)
Will you continue to use that method of keeping off the ground or at sometime in the future, you might make a change (say from air mattress to cots)? That might change the equation as to what tent to get now...if you think you might change your sleep method in the future....perhaps the tent you select should accomodate that change and the space/size needs that change might entail (ie. cots require more vertical walls).

Have you considered getting the kids their own tent to sleep in...with you and the spouse in another separate tent? At your kid's current ages and adding another year by next summer, a separate tent for them to hang out in and sleep in would provide you all some additional privacy. You can still all gather to play cards in one tent during rain events, but for sleeping/clothes changing/etc, you'll gain privacy. The "2 tent solution" also usually means easier set-up and tent placement on certain campsites because you no longer have to pitch a giant tent with it's huge footprint. Takedown and rolling up is also quicker. Also, slightly smaller tents generally have more wind and storm resistance/integrity due to their smaller side profiles. By smaller tents, I am thinking a 10x10 6 person tent and a 4 person tent for the kids. Or two 6 person tents. etc. Just a thought.


I do not own a Kodiak tent or the Browning tent you mentioned. The Kodiak has a nice following here on the forum and is generally given high marks. I'm not sure I would want a Kodiak if I was packing up every other night to move to a new campsite due to the weight...but for a "set it and forget it" camptrip of several days plus duration...it is a very nice tent. It also is really good at handling the different seasons. I will leave the detailed pros/cons of canvas tents to the experts that have real life experience with them. They are a little different animal than the standard nylon/poly style of tents I am familar with.

In my opinion...there are better tents out there than the Browning Bighorn. It is a 10x15, very tall tent supported by only 3 fiberglass poles. In the event of a serious wind storm, that large tent with a tall vertical side profile just isn't adequately supported by those 3 fb poles. The rainfly does not extend down very far and I cannot find any waterproof rating specs for the walls and fly material (even on Browning's site). Not a good sign.

What could be a suitable tent in lieu of the Browning that has a track record? Take a look at Eureka's Copper Canyon series and their upgraded but very similar in size/layout/style Jade Canyon series. The Copper Canyon has been around for awhile and there are several forum users here that have them and are pretty pleased with their performance. Eureka Copper Canyon and Jade Canyon comes in a 4, 6, 8, and 12 person sizes. These are overall much beefier than the Browning.

Of course there are numerous other poly/nylon tents in 6 and 8 person sizes that are made by well known manufacturers that offer quality materials, excellent workmanship and lifetime warranties. Look at Big Agnes (Flying Diamond 8p & 6P Series), REI (Kingdom 8P and 6P), Marmot Limestone (8P, 6P, 4P) and Halo Series (8P and 6P), Cabelas Alaskan/Instinct Series, EMS, Sierra Designs, Kelty, Nemo, Easton, Mountain Hardware, Mountainsmith, Eureka, Alps Mountaineering, etc. These all generally make fine tents (some models are better than others).

You DO have time to really think through your options, decide on the materials and dimensions in a tent that suits your camping style and season...and still get a good sale/deal after you've narrowed it down.

I know....lots of stuff and questions for you. Keep us posted and ask questions.

Take care

Brian - a65hoosier

[NYCgrrl]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

Hi Bingo and Welcome to the Forum!

Since you have until next summer for your tent purchase...you have plenty of time to consider several options, research different tents, and, after deciding on possible brand/models...lurk and wait for a sale before you make your purchase.

That said...I'm going to ask you several questions which might help guide your search and also allow us to assist you. I'll also run some of my thoughts/opinions past you.

What type of camping do you like to do? (established campgrounds, etc.)

What seasons do you generally camp? (summer only? 3 seasons? In the future, do you see yourself expanding your camping window?

How long do you generally stay at a site? (do you stay for a week in one spot, weekend only campers, stay a couple of nights..then move to the next site, etc.)

What do you use for keeping off the ground while sleeping? (pads, air mattress, cots)
Will you continue to use that method of keeping off the ground or at sometime in the future, you might make a change (say from air mattress to cots)? That might change the equation as to what tent to get now...if you think you might change your sleep method in the future....perhaps the tent you select should accomodate that change and the space/size needs that change might entail (ie. cots require more vertical walls).

Have you considered getting the kids their own tent to sleep in...with you and the spouse in another separate tent? At your kid's current ages and adding another year by next summer, a separate tent for them to hang out in and sleep in would provide you all some additional privacy. You can still all gather to play cards in one tent during rain events, but for sleeping/clothes changing/etc, you'll gain privacy. The "2 tent solution" also usually means easier set-up and tent placement on certain campsites because you no longer have to pitch a giant tent with it's huge footprint. Takedown and rolling up is also quicker. Also, slightly smaller tents generally have more wind and storm resistance/integrity due to their smaller side profiles. By smaller tents, I am thinking a 10x10 6 person tent and a 4 person tent for the kids. Or two 6 person tents. etc. Just a thought.


I do not own a Kodiak tent or the Browning tent you mentioned. The Kodiak has a nice following here on the forum and is generally given high marks. I'm not sure I would want a Kodiak if I was packing up every other night to move to a new campsite due to the weight...but for a "set it and forget it" camptrip of several days plus duration...it is a very nice tent. It also is really good at handling the different seasons. I will leave the detailed pros/cons of canvas tents to the experts that have real life experience with them. They are a little different animal than the standard nylon/poly style of tents I am familar with.

In my opinion...there are better tents out there than the Browning Bighorn. It is a 10x15, very tall tent supported by only 3 fiberglass poles. In the event of a serious wind storm, that large tent with a tall vertical side profile just isn't adequately supported by those 3 fb poles. The rainfly does not extend down very far and I cannot find any waterproof rating specs for the walls and fly material (even on Browning's site). Not a good sign.

What could be a suitable tent in lieu of the Browning that has a track record? Take a look at Eureka's Copper Canyon series and their upgraded but very similar in size/layout/style Jade Canyon series. The Copper Canyon has been around for awhile and there are several forum users here that have them and are pretty pleased with their performance. Eureka Copper Canyon and Jade Canyon comes in a 4, 6, 8, and 12 person sizes. These are overall much beefier than the Browning.

Of course there are numerous other poly/nylon tents in 6 and 8 person sizes that are made by well known manufacturers that offer quality materials, excellent workmanship and lifetime warranties. Look at Big Agnes (Flying Diamond 8p & 6P Series), REI (Kingdom 8P and 6P), Marmot Limestone (8P, 6P, 4P) and Halo Series (8P and 6P), Cabelas Alaskan/Instinct Series, EMS, Sierra Designs, Kelty, Nemo, Easton, Mountain Hardware, Mountainsmith, Eureka, Alps Mountaineering, etc. These all generally make fine tents (some models are better than others).

You DO have time to really think through your options, decide on the materials and dimensions in a tent that suits your camping style and season...and still get a good sale/deal after you've narrowed it down.

I know....lots of stuff and questions for you. Keep us posted and ask questions.

Take care

Brian - a65hoosier

x2

Define how you want to camp first and welcome to the forum!

[NYCgrrl]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

I am starting to change my mind about my Kodiak. I camp in the Rocky Mountains, so the stakes only lasted a couple of years, before I had to upgrade them. I had to change out the clips that are used as guy line tensioners. I had one of the spring rods snap on my while I was camping. Turns out they knew about the defect. If you have the black ones, then you have the upgraded version. If you have the silver ones, you have the old ones. This year, I have had to replace the guy lines and the stake bag has ripped apart at the bottom and is currently held together by duct tape.
I fully expected this tent to last me 20 years, and we are only a 1/4 of the way there. The tent body is in good shape though.

I'm hearing ya on your concerns yet think that the breakdown parts (guylines, stakes, etc) are what I'd expect to find on any tent no matter how it's made.


Signed,


A Eureka CC user:D :kiss:

[05Kingquad700]

Re: Looking for family tent for two adults, 15 yr. old and 12 yr. old

I'm hearing ya on your concerns yet think that the breakdown parts (guylines, stakes, etc) are what I'd expect to find on any tent no matter how it's made.


Signed,


A Eureka CC user:D :kiss:

The spring rod was something they were honest about. The stakes....well, they don't call them the "Rocky Mountains" for no reason. Tent pole bag and guy line rope, I guess could be expected. But we are 5 years into it. And it has seen a fair amount of use. I don't know, we will see how these next 5 go.