It also costs more, though, and is less forgiving of a careless set-up. Easy to set up and pack away, the Mineral King 3 is a lightweight, two-door tent with a generous footprint and a sturdy dome shape. It’s worth highlighting that despite the advertised dimensions of the 10×10 Ozark Trail, because this is a slant leg shelter the top only measures 8×8.
These include sidewalls, weight bags, and a host of other great add-ons that can really increase the use and versatility of the canopy tent. Perhaps our two favorites are camping tent additions that connect to the frame of the shelter and leverage the stability of the 10×10 frame to support a camping tent ozark trail canopy tent structure. The weight of this Ozark Trail is lighter than most of the same size alternative steel frame canopy tents, coming in right about 29 lbs. From a positive perspective, the lightweight design increases portability which is certainly important in carrying the tent to its intended location.
If you’re in the market for a SUP, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Standup Paddleboards to compare some options. Choose your vessel and dive into the crystal-clear Missouri waters for the aquatic adventure of a lifetime. From tranquil river tubes to spacious rafts and sleek kayaks, your perfect river journey awaits. Our shuttle service will whisk you to the start and welcome you back with open arms.
Being protected from the suns harmful UVB rays is probably why you wanted a canopy tent in the first place, and this Ozark Trail tent meets all criteria in this department. The one complaint we have is that there is no vents in the fabric at the peak to release the build up of hot air under the canopy. Most new tents incorporate this ventilated canopy design to increase airflow and reduce the trapping of hot air, helping to keep those in the shade cooler and more comfortable. She’s a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversaw recent air mattress testing. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a B.S.
You can secure the fly to the poles with Velcro ties underneath the fly, so that the extra lines anchored the whole tent, not just the thin protective fabric, but we only needed to do so in very windy conditions. When the fly is fully deployed, the tent has two vestibules, which provide additional gear storage and also help ventilate the tent in inclement weather. And in a stroke of design brilliance, a small loop sewn into the top of the fly makes it possible to roll up one half of the fly, exposing the full mesh canopy while still providing shade and privacy. It’s natural to focus on the quality of a tent’s rain fly—you need that piece to work when the skies open up.
For this guide, we focused on tents that suit the most common terrains you’re likely to encounter when car-camping—grassy lawns or clearings, beaches, dirt campsites, and basic platforms—in spring, summer, and fall. We’re not looking at tents designed for such specialized activities as mountaineering, backpacking, or winter camping, though some of our recommendations have cross-over potential. One thing we love about Ozark Trail canopy tents are the accessories that can be added to the shelters.
Most of the tents we tested came with basic L-shaped stakes, which tended to spin around in the soil and slip a line. Throughout all our testing, we wanted to know how it felt to be inside the tents for long periods of time. If we had to spend a day in the tent during a storm, would it be comfortable? After first removing the models that failed the structural tests, we slept, watched the stars, and ate our meals in all of the tents, as well as planned hikes from them. It is also important to consider the way in which the tent poles attach to the tent.
These push locks get very difficult to use over time, especially if the tent is used on the beach and exposed to sand and saltwater, causing rust build up. Many newer tent brands like EZ-Up use revolutionary thumb lock sliders or larger easy to release buttons, which are a much better user experience when setting the canopy up or taking it down. With the push buttons you need to worry about pinching fingers or not being able ozark trail canopy tent to release the button when it gets rusted, which is never a pleasant experience. The legs extend to give the top peak a height of about 8’10” which will be plenty of headroom for anyone underneath. We typically see pyramid frames built with flimsy trusses and thin struts and reinforced (if you want to call it that) with cheaply made plastic joint connectors, and unfortunately this 10×10 Ozark canopy is no different.
Taller air mattresses (often dubbed “double-height”) tend to receive higher comfort ratings in our tests. Taller air beds around 18 inches tall will feel more “bed-like” and are easier to get on and off of, especially for those with mobility issues or bad knees. Even in Georgia’s mostly shallow rivers, river camping involves a lot more risk than a night in the Appalachian forest. So, don’t forget your personal flotation devices (PFDs), and bring a helmet and throwbag if entering the whitewater.