What To Look For
Large tents are beneficial for families and large camping parties because they provide a lot of space, which can sleep several people, and it also saves the expense of purchasing and carrying multiple tents which can get annoying during camping or hiking trips. Look for tents that have a 7- or 8-foot ceiling, internal storage space, waterproof seams and walls, lightweight construction materials such as nylon and aluminum and mosquito screens to keep bugs out. Choose a tent that sleeps one larger than the number of people you intend to place inside the tent for additional room and comfort. Hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com recommends the Kelty Mantra 7 Tent as a spacious large tent suitable for families, large groups or extra storage. This tent can sleep up to seven people. Woodall's.com recommends the Hooligan 4 tent for four people for its light weight and quality materials.
Common Pitfalls
One problem that is easy to run into with larger tents is weight. Large tents can weigh more than 20 pounds, which is a difficult weight to carry during hikes or even when biking. Some larger tents also are difficult to set up. Try to choose tents that have easy setup for a happier camping experience. Many larger tents are also not capable of handling harsh winter temperatures, so if you plan to camp in the winter, try to purchase a tent that is designed to withstand freezing winds and icy conditions.
Where To Buy
It is possible to find inexpensive large tents in many different locations, most easily in the spring and summer. However, the best places to find quality large tents is at camping or sporting supply stores. REI has a varied selection of larger tents with prices ranging from low to high. Dick's Sporting Goods is another store that offers a large variety of tents at different price points. Both of these stores offer excellent sales throughout the year.
Cost
Large tents can be quite expensive. Expect to pay no less than $200 for a quality large tent. Most larger tents range from $300 to $500, depending on the brand, retailer, size and features that the tents contain. Some tents have optional attachments that drive the price up. The Kelty Mantra 7 Tent costs around $300. The Hooligan 4 costs a little more than $100.
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