Updated: 01 Nov 2011

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Introduction

We tested 7 small family tents to find which ones will keep you dry.

A good tent can mean the difference between fun and a disaster. Our test found that some tents keep you drier than others after 2 nights of wind and rain. 

We also assessed the comfort of the tents, how easy they were to put up and take down, and explain what to look for when you're choosing a new tent.

Models we tested

This report contains test results and recommendations for the following small family tents:

What to look for

If you're considering buying a tent, here's what to consider.

• Assembly instructions permanently attached to the carry bag are particularly handy when you haven't put up the tent  for a while.
• Poles should be aluminium or fibreglass for durability – and to make assembly foolproof they should be joined together by elastic shock-cords running inside them.
• Pegs should be a good length (at least 20cm) and thickness (about 5mm). They should be made of steel – plastic ones break more easily.
• Guy ropes should be easy to adjust to length when pegged out.
• A large strong carry bag is essential. The tent shouldn't be too tight a fit in its bag – once you’ve used it, it’ll never roll up as compactly as it did originally .
• Look for taped and sealed seams, or seams with double stitching. If you can pull the material on either side of a seam and see through the stitches, then it’ll let water through.
• A one-piece bathtub floor that goes a few centimetres up the sides before it joins the walls can help stop water from getting inside the tent.
• Good ventilation will stop condensation collecting on the inner walls. Look for roof vents and windows that face each other (to allow cross-ventilation). Mesh windows will let air through while keeping out bugs.
• Doors at each side (as well as the front) of the vestibule are convenient – and they keep rain and wind out while maintaining ventilation and easy access. Doors that roll up rather than to the side are handy because they can also be pegged out as awnings.
• Internal storage pockets, a power-cord entry, and a hook on the roof for hanging a lamp are also useful features that make living in the tent more comfortable.

Helpful tips

• Set up the tent and see how everything works before taking your tent on its first trip. This will also show whether you've got everything you need!
• Buy a few spare pegs and guy ropes – take them with you (just in case).
• It’s a good idea to use an extra groundsheet under the tent floor to protect it from sharp stones. It's cheaper to replace a groundsheet than a tent floor.
• On your return home, make sure the tent’s thoroughly dry and clean before packing it away. This prevents mould from developing while the tent’s stored.