Lela Stratton
Coleman Sundome
Kelty Outback Tent Grey
Mountainsmith Morrison
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I know, we have all thought about it. Finally making plans for that grand outdoor trip and inviting your family and/or friends. Then you realize that you need a tent and you are broke. Or at the very most, you do not have enough disposable income to invest in one.
Enter cheap but very reliable tents. These brands ensure that it does not cost you an arm and a leg to finally tick off outdoor activities off your bucket list. They may not necessarily cost the 3-figure price of high end tents but they are equally if not more efficient.
These tents come in various colors and types to suit a wide range of needs from size to functionality. Best of all, however, they are more than pocket-friendly and come highly recommended by most of their users.
This article will look at some of the best brands there are in the market and narrow down your choices to a maximum of five. Fewer choices will help you concentrate on the specific aspects you are looking for and make a sound purchase. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Best Cheap Tent List
Fortunately, without dividing your charge, you have more than enough Acoustic Guitar Under $500. In this case, too, we are going to compare five different brands of Acoustic Guitar for less than $500, so you can think of yourself in terms of their characteristics.
1
Coleman Sundome
Starting us off on this list is the Coleman Sundome 2 Person Tent. This two-person tent is made by one of the most famous manufacturers in outdoor equipment. It has a rather standard build for a tent but some of the aspects that compromise its structural integrity make it seem a little overpriced.
Although, as stated above that this is a two-person tent, once you step into it, you will soon realize that there is actually more than enough space for the two designated occupants. It measures 7 by 5 by 4 which makes this tent, dare I say, roomy.
One of its most impressive features is definitely the process of assembling and disassembling the tent. Everyone who has gone camping knows how tedious it is to put one up and fold it up after use but with this tent, these procedures are almost seamless.
The Coleman Sundome is most definitely one of the most cost effective tents and is priced reasonably among other cheap tents. Moreover, it is fitted with a rainfly to boot which when employed improves the water-resistance of the tent by a whopping 33%.
Despite its high acclaim, some of the users have complained about its quality claiming that it the material used is of poor quality which may affect the overall performance of the tent. The fact that it has a single door also prompts complaints and recommendation from the users.
Pros
Cons
2
Kelty Outback Tent Grey
Kicking us off at number 2 is the Kelty Salida Tents. It is arguably one of the most common and popular models of camping and backpacking tents of all time. This comes from the fact that it is not only pocket-friendly but it is also incredibly easy to use which is especially attractive for first time users.
It is one thing to make the process of set up smooth and fast but an entirely different thing to make this process effortless as this tent does. You’ll be amazed by how easily you manage to put up the tent and disassemble it in record time.
Even with tents that are designed to fit into backpacks particularly for backpackers, the unit can be troublesome and probably even heavy but not with this specific tent. It is easy to work with and carry, with particular mention going to its even foldable poles which enhances convenience.
Whereas this tent is sure to cost you that much more than some of the other products detailed in this article, you will realize that there is sufficient cost justification to the benefits. This is a tent that boasts of great quality and still falls within the range of relatively cheap tents.
Pros
Cons
3
Mountainsmith Morrison
At number three is the reliable MountainSmith Morrison tent. Sporting a similar look to its counterpart tents, such as the Rei passage line known for its rectangular shape, 2 doors and crossing poles, this tent manages all of that functionality for half the price. Would you believe it!
This may not seem like much to get you sold on this specific tent but when you will be carrying a big chunk of metal poles and polyester up a steep slope, you will wish for an easier load. This tent is as light as it gets with regard to weight and most likely the lightest unit in the market.
Whereas this tent lacks some interior aspect of livability because it lacks a top bar for the roofing which would in turn make the walls more vertical, it has the advantage of being designed with a much roomier dimensions. This gives it more floor space for what it lacks in wall space.
The cost of this tent will hardly dent your pocket or bank account but you should know it is not one of the cheapest brands there is; far from it actually. But once you come to the realization that you will be getting more interior space for such a light product, you will want to spend that little extra.
Pros
Cons
4
Eureka Spitfire 2
At first glance, the Eureka Spitfire 2 may not appear as the most reliable or ideal camping tents what with the cramped appearance. Make no mistake, however, because this tent is actually one of the top of the line cheap camping tents
This tent is fitted with mesh panel that make up its walls which keeps insects, bugs and other animals out while letting in some much needed breeze from the outside in. Most campers can agree with me that when the weather gets too balmy, any cool air you can get is a much appreciated reprieve.
Moreover, this tent has two doors as opposed to the singular door that inhibits locomotion to and from the tent and as you can imagine, is very annoying not to say cumbersome. The two U-shaped doors ensure that you can all move freely without running the risk of tripping another.
One of the few main concerns raised with this tent is the price which is slightly higher than that of other units available in the market. While you may meet some dealers who may give you an amazing discount on the original price, be prepared to cough up a little extra dime.
Pros
Cons
5
Alps Mountaineering Lynx 2
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 is yet another popular unit of budget tents available in the market. With its sleek make, pocket friendly price range, ease of setting up and disassembling, this type does not cover you only money-wise but also in regard to functionality and versatility.
Despite the fact that there is no crossbar for this tent, there is still more than enough space because the tent boasts of 90 by 60 by 46 inches in dimension. This is ideal for up to 4 people to fit in comfortably whether sleeping or moving about.
One exceptional quality of this tent that you will largely appreciate is the plenty of storage space. There are a total of up to eight zippers which lead to storage pockets, gear lofts, different size stake compartments, two doorways and guy ropes.
This is by far the most expensive unit detailed in this article but I assure you that every dime spent on this tent is worthwhile. Fot the neat freaks who love to store everything in a designated area, then this is the tent just for you. It is also a little heavier than other units.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Cheap Tent
You must wonder what prompted me to settle down on these five units when there are a dime a dozen available in most outlets. This is easy. I made this list based on the market trends and customer feedback on some of the cheapest brands available coupled with
Value
This is a no brainer. If you have a list dedicated to seeking one item in particular, it stands to reason that you want every item on that list to exhibit certain properties and expect that these properties are manifested in the item that you eventually settle for.
You do not necessarily have to pay a hefty amount for a tent that offers similar or negligible value for your camping experience. If anything, this article clearly shows you that you can shoot for 200 or even 100 dollars and still have a camping experience you will live to talk about.
Size
This is not simply in reference to the amount of interior space your preferred tent has to offer but also the storage space. This is not to say that interior space is not integral; after all it determines how many occupants can fill a tent but other aspects of size ought to be considered as well.
This also does not mean that you are now gunning for a tent that will offer you a walk-in closet kind of experience but at the very least, it should bear some semblance in that it is fitted with some spaces to store some of the equipment to make your experience that much better and tidier.
Ideally, the tent should have enough room for you and other occupants to stand, sit, move around and sleep freely without feeling too cramped or in some extreme cases, claustrophobic. However, even fully standing up is not that big of a deal because tents are used predominantly for sleeping.
However, please bear in mind that placing such a great premium on interior space can cramp things such as comfort and weight because the more the space the tent has to offer, the bigger the tent and vice versa, if you prefer light packing, pick a sizeable tent focused on mainly sleeping.
Capacity
Capacity goes hand in hand with size because the bigger the size the more capacity the tent has to offer. If you are a dedicated serial solo adventure, a single capacity tent should suffice. Nevertheless, the two-person tents are more popular what have you got to lose anyway?
The two-person capacity tents generally have a much better grasp on the fine balance between interior space within the tent and the weight of the tent when carrying it. Some may be a little heftier but you may never know when you have got company in one of your trips.
There are also the three and even four-person tents that offer an almost deluxe ambience and experience. They are generally the heaviest but most suited for those travelling in groups of threes or fours especially if you can only afford to carry a single tent for the group.
The large capacities also come in handy when you have lots of gear and there is need for a lot of space for storage so that you can keep the equipment safely away from sleeping bags. This also helps make the tents tidier.
Longevity
You most definitely want to make sure that you procure a tent that not only suits your needs and budget but just as importantly, one that is almost guaranteed to protect you from weather elements and other external influences and still withstand the test of time.
When thinking of durability, you can use two approaches. One is the ultra-light tents that are incredibly and obviously easier to carry around and two, the sturdier; powerful albeit heavier options that seek to give you a mini shelter kind of safety.
With the ultra-light units, you compromise greatly on quality in terms of the structural integrity of the tents. When a blizzard hits or very heavy rains pour, you ran the risk of being adversely affected by such extreme weather elements. It could just collapse.
The sturdier ones offer more protection. Despite their heaviness, they will strongly withstand anything that Mother Nature has to dish out. They are built in a manner that makes them more compact, almost like living in a real house.
You need to go through your options carefully before deciding on either of the two options available. Note that durability is mostly determined by the size and quality of material used in making the tent and the better the quality, it is almost automatic that longevity is a guarantee.
Protection
Above all else, the kind of protection that the tent offers you is very paramount. Your select tent should have the capacity to protect you from all manner of external factors such as adverse weather conditions, bugs such as the notorious mosquitoes and other animals.
You should ask yourself a couple of questions leading up to your choice of tent. Firstly, you need to check the weather patterns of some of the most likely places you are likely to visit or probably even frequent if you have an amazing first experience.
Secondly, please check on some of the wild animals and bugs that are prevalent in the area you intend to have your camping activities. This is why you are looking for a budget tent and not an extremely budget tent that is unusable even after a single scratch from a wild dog.
Season Ratings
This applies in relation to now many seasons in a year you can afford to camp in a particular tent. This is very important for any tent to the point of bumping its score on reliability and protection to its current holding amongst other users.
Three season ratings are the most popular because it means that they can withstand summer, spring and fall and any weather conditions that commonly prevail during these seasons. They can even take a little snow so if you are expecting some snow so be sure to consider this.
Other Factors to Consider.
These are the secondary features that one can definitely do without when camping but play a pivotal role in exhibiting your taste and preferences. This category is style.
A single design flow can put you off as a potential buyer. Tents, despite their hardy appearance, are shockingly very delicate just as umbrellas. In essence, there are just cloths supported by metal sticks that are expected to withstand almost all weather conditions.
As a result, the design of the tent has to be flawless to the very seams in order to do their job accordingly. It is imperative that the design, though varied, to be simple, elegant and appealing. Moreover, other salient features such as multiple doors and storage compartments go a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions of the Best Cheap Tent
How to Find Out the Specs and Customer Ratings of a Tent
This should not be hard. You can simply log into the individual websites and read what the manufacturer has to say about their product and also what their customers have to say about it as well. Moreover, you can pop into a physical shop and make relevant inquiries before settling on one particular unit.
This is important information that many a serious campers or hikers have to know. Even after buying one, look again to confirm the specifications on the package the tent comes in and if it does not meet the specifications as you have gathered, make a report to the manufacturer.
How to Determine Capacity
As elaborately explained above, look at the number of people who intend to take part in the camping experience and the number of tools you are carrying in tow vis-à-vis the space you need to house them all.
The best tent is a 2-capacity even for a solo adventurer because it will feel roomier and you never know when an emergency may arise and someone else will be in need of the extra space or even you may invite someone to join you.
The larger capacity tents are great too for those who camp in groups and acquiring one is most definitely cheaper and more convenient than each member carrying an individual tent. The larger tents also have more room for your gear.
Why the Price Matters
Tents can be a very expensive recreational venture when they want to be. The price of a tent is mostly determined by capacity, size and quality but some are just frivolously expensive. They may cost more than other cheaper brands but are considerably poor in functionality.
There is absolutely no shame in settling for cheaper brands but be wary because cheap can be expensive in the long run. Look at the qualities and ensure that they are just what you are looking for and shop around for the prices.
Conclusion
The number one tent that I recommend to you potential buyer is the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2. It is one of the best budget tents in the market and doubles up in functionality and versatility to boot. It comes with plenty of interior space and is fitted with compartments for easy storage.
It may be the most expensive option among the tents listed here but you can expect to spend a little more for a much superior quality all within 150 dollar budget. If this is not bang for your buck, I do not know what is.
Whatever your decision may be, any unit in this list will more than suffice to make your camping experience and safe and memorable one. Remember to choose one that offers protection, durability and ample space.
All the best!
Check out our top pick, Coleman Sundome (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE)
