Camping

Best SUV And Truck Tents (Reviews & Buying guide)

suv tent

Looking for a quick answer? We recommend the SportZ SUV Tent with Screen Room as the best option.

While it’s true that tents were once limited to ground setup, the popularity of SUV tents is on the rise and we’re all for it!

Whether you’re taking off on a long road trip or planning for a camping weekend, you need a handy tent to give you a reliable shelter on the go.

Today, we’ll be reviewing the following 7 best SUV tents and covering all the ins and outs of how to choose the perfect tent.

Top 7 SUV Tent Reviews

SportZ SUV Tent with Screen Room

SportZ SUV Tent with Screen Room
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The SportZ SUV tent offers all the features you need to transform your vehicle into a full-blown camping base.

This tent is the best choice if you’re planning to set off with a group of friends. It has an extra-large design measuring at 10 × 10 × 7.25 feet. This is enough room to accommodate up to 6 or even 7 people at once.

Another impressive aspect of the SportZ SUV tent is how much space you can get out of it. Besides the extensive trunk area, there’s also a 7 × 6 feet floorless screen room where you can set up chairs or keep some gear.

This is also a freestanding tent, so while you can attach it onto your vehicle like an SUV tent, you can also make it into a ground tent by simply removing the vehicle sleeve.

As for the construction, this SUV tent adopts steel and fiber poles to ensure stability and durability. The GoBe Dry system allows for maximum protection from rain, while the floor is bathtub style to enhance waterproofing.

The SportZ SUV tent is made of sturdy polyester fiber. It’s easy to set up within minutes and it includes 3 mesh windows to support adequate ventilation.

PROS

  • Lots of space
  • Highly waterproof
  • Ample ventilation
  • Strong construction
  • Extra screen room

CONS

  • On the heavier side

Napier Backroadz SUV Tent

Napier Backroadz SUV Tent
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The tent is equipped with 3 large mesh windows to provide adequate ventilation for cooling and refreshing air influx inside the room. They also serve to keep out annoying insects at night.

The design is also quite spacious, measuring at 9 × 9 feet to accommodate up to 5 adults. The 7-foot headroom allows you to move freely around the tent without having to bend your back.

The Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is constructed from polyester taffeta fabric, offering a stylish design and a sturdy performance. It comes with an additional storm flap for better protection during harsh weather.

The large door allows easy access into the tent, while the sleeve is built to fit all SUVs, CUVs, and Minivans. Once you remove the vehicle sleeve, the tent simply becomes a standalone ground tent.

If we had to pick one bone with the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent, it’d be the tie-downs since they aren’t exactly reliable.

PROS

  • Extensive ventilation
  • Additional storm flap
  • Fits all sorts of SUVs, CUVs, and Minivans
  • Lightweight
  • Great for families

CONS

  • Tie-downs can be better
  • Waterproofing can be improved

Rightline Gear 110907 SUV Tent

Rightline Gear 110907 SUV Tent
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This tent features a universal fit, which means that the vehicle sleeve can connect to any SUV, Minivan, Jeep Wrangler, pick-up truck, or wagon. The inside of the tent includes upper and lower sleeve straps so you can easily adjust it to perfectly fit your car.

The Rightline Gear SUV Tent offers highly effective protection against rain, with a waterproof rating of 2000mm that’s far superior to any standard tent. Moreover, the sloped design directs water to slide away from the car as well as the tent canvas.

As for the size, this tent itself provides enough space to accommodate 4 adults. It comes with a rainfly, a carry bag, and a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.

PROS

  • Superior water resistance
  • PE bathtub floor eliminated the need for ground trap
  • Glow in the dark zipper
  • Easy to store
  • Universal fit

CONS

  • Can be a hassle to fit

Napier Sportz Cove 61500 SUV/Minivan Tent

Napier Sportz Cove 61500 SUV/Minivan Tent
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A more compact and economical alternative to the previous family-sized options, the Napier Sportz Cove 61500 SUV/Minivan Tent is a perfect choice for a solo getaway or a trip with a small group of friends.

This tent is made of premium-quality polyester taffeta fabric to guarantee a long service time throughout the years. The large polyester mesh screen also ensures durability, adequate ventilation, and protection against bugs.

The tent offers a secure fit around most small to medium-sized CUVs and SUVs. Additionally, it features more than 2 feet of awning attachment to provide a decent area of shade where you can set up a couple of camping chairs.

The Napier Sportz Cove SUV Tent is easy to set up, transport, and store away. The included carrying bag makes the task even simpler. At an affordable price, this tent is a wonderful choice if you’re on a tight budget.

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Through ventilation
  • Great for solo adventures
  • Affordable price

CONS

  • Limited tent space

Hasika Multifunction SUV Tent

Hasika Multifunction SUV Tent
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If you’re mainly concerned about versatility, the Hasika Multifunction SUV Tent is definitely the solution. It serves as a handy shelter for all sorts of outdoor activities such as camping, boating, and sports events.

With a universal attachment mechanism, you can rope this tent to any SUV, MPV, hatchback, truck, and sedan. It has a convenient humanized design that allows you to adjust the height of the outboard end to suit your privacy requirements, even if you want all the way to the ground.

It also very durable thanks to the Ripstop 210T polyester fabric construction combined with 19mm poles and sturdy stitching. It provides a large area of shade, extending up to 76 square feet or more. This means it’s spacious enough to cover a table, a few chairs, along with some gear.

There’s a large mesh side window that delivers good ventilation underneath the shelter, as well as air vents in the peak for efficient air circulation.

PROS

  • Multipurpose use
  • Adjustable height
  • Durable construction
  • Budget-friendly

CONS

  • No flooring

Ozark Trail SUV Tent

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The Ozark Trail SUV Tent offers all the basics to make your getaway more comfortable at a bargain price.

It’s designed to be compatible with various models of both Minivans and SUVs, with a big interior to accommodate up to 5 adults. The headroom gives you sufficient space to stand and move freely around the tent.

It offers ample storage solutions including a ‘media’ pocket inside the tent to keep your electronics safe, as well as multiple compartments and pouches to hold your essentials.

The Ozark Trail SUV Tent comes with a mud hat attachment to boost interior cleanliness and a removable rain cover for maximum protection. Moreover, this is a standalone model so you can set it up independently from the vehicle in case you need to drive off the camping site.

Given its lower price, you shouldn’t expect the tent to last for years or withstand harsh conditions, but it still makes a good option for families on a budget.

PROS

  • Compatible with a wide range of vehicles
  • Comes with mud hat attachment and detachable rain cover
  • Multiple storage pockets
  • Very affordable

CONS

  • Lacks ventilation windows
  • Not the most durable option
  • Could use some instructions

DAC Full-Size Truck/SUV Tent

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This tent offers a snug fit over your vehicle, so it leaves no room for insects to make their way inside. You can adjust the door panels up and down to regulate ventilation as you please or go for privacy.

The DAC Full-Size SUV Tent will fit any SUV or large vehicle as long as it has a tailgate that at least 58 inches wide. It’s also compatible with flat back and high back camper tops, making it quite handy.

This tent is easy to install and it has 2 mesh windows to boost airflow. It comes with a coated polyester construction and a carry bag for convenience.

PROS

  • Sturdy build
  • Good ventilation
  • Fits flat back and high back camper tops
  • Fits over airfoil or carrier bag
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Not for vehicles with an external read mounted tire

What’s an SUV Tent?

Also known as a hatchback tent, an SUV tent is basically a regular tent that’s been tweaked so it can attach onto the back of your SUV, Minivan, Jeep, truck, or any other variety of large vehicles.

Just like any regular tent, an SUV camping tent is designed to provide extra space where you can sit, sleep, and seek shelter. It’s a way for you to go on camping or road trips without giving up the convenience of home.

SUV tents are usually equipped with a funnel-like attachment that you fasten onto the backside of the vehicle. Depending on the design of the tent, you can either sleep in the cargo area or in the tent itself.

Typically, a truck tent will have some sort of hatch for direct access into your vehicle so you can make use of the air conditioning or heating system, power small electronic devices, and seek shelter in the interior of the vehicle during bad weather conditions.

How Does an SUV Tent Work?

As we mentioned above, a truck tent attaches to the back of just about any large vehicle.

This is possible through the connection of Velcro straps or Bungee cords around roof racks and wheel arches. However, some tents models use magnets to attach on the sides, which means they don’t require roof racks to be compatible with your vehicle.

Still, you’ll need to stake the truck tent to the ground as you’d do a conventional ground tent. You may also need to reinforce stability using guy cords where necessary. For extra security during poor weather, some models include additional storm flaps.

You may be wondering whether or not you can use an SUV tent on its own without attachment to a vehicle. Well, the answer is probably yes.

You see, most truck tent models can be separated from the vehicle and used independently. These models are called free-standing or standalone tents, which are capable of supporting themselves just like a regular tent.

Why Buy an SUV Tent?

Some people are hesitant about buying an SUV camping tent for their vehicle, that’s until they realize the full spectrum of benefits such tents can offer. Here are some of the reasons you can use a truck tent.

Extra Space

This may seem like an obvious point, but you’d be surprised by the number of people who underestimate the convenience of having extra space away from the luxury of home.

With an SUV camping tent, you get to sleep on the ground or in the trunk of your vehicle. Having both sleeping options is particularly important when you’re on the road with a larger group of people. You’ll probably need every bit of space to accommodate them, making an SUV tent a valuable resource.

Added Comfort

Again, with the option of sleeping in the trunk of your car or on the ground outside it, you can choose whatever spot feels more comfortable.

Protection Against Weather

When compared to a standard tent, you’ll find that SUV tents provide better protection against rain and wind. Moreover, these tents are equipped with mesh windows to ensure proper ventilation on hot summer days.

Easy Access

SUV tents offer plenty of room for you to keep all your gear within reach, so you can easily access them whenever you need to. This applies to anything placed in the tent itself or located inside the vehicle.

Possible Detachment

The fact that most SUV tents can be used on their own as regular tents, makes them a win-win deal. You can use your tent even if you don’t bring your car. It’s also pretty convenient if you need to drive off for some reason but still want to keep your camp intact.

How to Choose the Best SUV Tent?

When shopping for an SUV tent, there are some factors you need to consider so you can make the right purchase.

Size

The size of the tent is a crucial aspect of your choice. Not only do you need to pick a suitable size that accommodates the number of people you’ll be sharing this tent with, but you should also think about how well it’ll fit over your vehicle.

Luckily, SUV tents come in various sizes so you pick the most suitable size. Be sure to carefully check the sizing specifications of the tent before sealing the deal.

Material

Choosing an SUV tent made out of sturdy materials is key for reliable performance outdoors.

Typically, manufacturers use polyester and nylon blends since they offer impressive endurance with repeated use and high resistance against rips and tears. Such fabrics are also lightweight and easier to clean.

As for the framework of the tent; steel, aluminum, or fiberglass are all solid choices. Fiberglass, in particular, is great for campers on a budget.

Ventilation

Of course, you want an SUV tent with adequate ventilation to keep you cool on hot days and provide a fresh stream of air to keep alive on any day!

So, look for a tent equipped with multiple mesh windows to allow clean air inside while keeping insects outside.

Waterproof

Finally, the best SUV tent should deliver the highest possible degree of waterproofing.

Obviously, the level of water resistance will vary from one model to another, so you’ll need to look at the waterproof rating for better insight. The higher this rating, the more efficient the tent is in blocking out water.

Wrap Up

If you’re looking for the best SUV tent that offers plenty of room, ample ventilation, and superior waterproofing, then go ahead and check out the SportZ SUV Tent with Screen Room.

Another wonderful option for big families is the Napier Backroadz SUV Tent, offering decent ventilation and sturdy construction for overall reliable performance.

However, if you’re in the market for a more affordable SUV tent, then we highly recommend the Hasika Multifunction SUV Tent. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also durable, adjustable, and can be used as a shelter for the whole family.

CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent Review

Just the thought of going camping with the family can have a stress-relieving effect on you, from the anticipation of freedom to the adventure that you get to experience. However, it can be quite difficult to go camping with a large family if you don’t have the right tent for it.

If you’ve been in the market for a commodious camping tent, you probably heard of the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent and how it provides large-space camping at its finest. Does that really hold true or is it just an overhype? Our review of the product will help answer that question.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Cabin Tent

  • Floor System – The floor system of your tent should be made out of waterproof material in order to prevent water from entering the tent. The floor must also be entirely seamless so that you, your family, and everything that’s inside your tent doesn’t end up wet.
  • Seam Types – You want to make sure that the stitches that are holding different parts of your tent don’t have visible holes. In that case, a seam sealer is needed. There are tents that feature heat-sealed seams or double-stitches in order to ensure a tight seal.
  • Tent Poles -The poles of the tent are what determine its stability and whether it can hold its own against severe weather conditions. The three most common pole types are steel, aluminum, and fiberglass poles. Each type varies in terms of strength and weight.
  • Ventilation – One of the things that can ruin your camping experience is hot air because when it condenses, it can wet the interior of your tent, and that can render it useless. For you to prevent this from happening, look for a tent that boasts effective ventilation.
  • Zippers Quality – When inspecting a tent that you’re interested in buying, you should be paying attention to the quality of its zippers. Are the zippers constructed from heavy-duty materials that can handle frequent use? Do they have seams that can allow water entry?
  • Guy Lines – If you’ve never heard of guy lines, they’re structures that help pull your tent outwards in order to stretch it. You need to make sure that your tent has guy lines. Often times you’ll find the guy lines sewn on the sides of the tent or on the rainfly.
  • Rainfly – Think of the rainfly as an umbrella that helps keep your tent safe from the rain. With that mind, you need to look for a rainfly that comes all the way down, rather than a rainfly that only covers the rooftop. It must also be rugged enough to endure heavy rain.

Main Features of CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Apart from being a sizeable 9’x14’ tent that offers 126 square feet worth of living space and 78” worth of headspace, the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent boasts an impressive array of neat features. The following section is dedicated to drawing attention to some of the tent’s features.

H2O Technology

The camping experience can be interrupted unexpectedly by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow, but with the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent, you don’t have to worry about such abrupt interruptions, thanks to the incorporation of H2O technology.

Basically, the tent is made of water-repellent fabrics that are designed specifically for use in wet weather conditions. In addition, the tent features rain-resistant window/door seals sealed seams that help keep the interior of the tent with everything and everyone inside dry.

The CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent also comes with a removable, fully-taped rainfly for your convenience. When camping in warm weather, you can easily remove the rainfly and appreciate the panoramic view that the mesh windows and ceiling have to offer.

Immediate Setup

One of the best attributes that the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent boasts is that, as its name implies, instant in its setup. Setting up this tent shouldn’t take any more than 60 seconds. You’re also going to love the fact that such a large tent only requires only one person to be pitched.

But how exactly does the tent manage to be deployed that fast? Well, this is because the tent is equipped with telescoping tent poles, which means that each segment of a pole slides right into the former section. The sections slide out of each other like a telescope when the tent is set up.

It’s also worth noting that the tent comes with a pre-assembled frame, which means that you’re not going to have to put much effort into setting up. Further, you won’t need any extra tools to fit it. You just unpack the tent, unfold it, extend it, and then step right inside of it.

Dividable Space

Privacy can be of great value in a tent, especially for situations like changing clothes. It’s also a much-appreciated feature if you’re going camping with your partner and you’re looking to enjoy some personal time together. The good news is that this tent from CORE offers you that option.

The CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent features room dividers that allow you to divide the tent’s interior into individual rooms and sleeping spaces. The divider can be removed with ease when it’s not in use to create one large interior. This is a feature that isn’t present in a lot of tents.

Adjustable Vents

The walls of the CORE 9 Instant Cabin Tent feature adjustable air vents that allow for cool air to be pulled in through the lower vents while hot air is pushed out of the tent and through the mesh ceiling. You can find these vents right above the tent’s floor by a few inches.

Moreover, the vents are adjustable, which grants you the ability to control how strong the airflow is and how high or low you want the temperature inside your tent to be. If you’re camping in hot weather, you’ll find this feature to be very beneficial as it helps reduce the temperature notably.

Mesh Ceiling

The CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent features a mesh ceiling that’s see-through, so you’ll find it easy to enjoy the sky and your surroundings when the weather is balmy without having to step out of the tent. When it gets colder, you can pop on the rainfly to keep the tent warm and dry.

Another thing that the mesh ceiling helps with is protection from irritating insects like mosquitoes or other stinging pests. Just imagine being able to stargaze and feast your eyes on the magic of nature while laying inside of your tent with your family and you’ll see why this is the tent for you.

High Durability

While this is more of an attribute than a feature, we still feel the need to shed some light on how durable this tent is. It’s made of heavy-duty materials that grant it remarkable strength, meaning that you don’t have to worry about collapsing under extreme weather conditions.

However, there’s a bit of a gripe to all of that strength, and that gripe is the tent’s weight. This is a notably heavy tent, which can turn off a lot of people. But on the bright side, the weight of this tent ensures great stability, which is something that a lot of tents on the market tend to lack.

Social Proof

We’ve scoured the internet looking to see if users are as fond as we are of the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent or not, and the vast majority of the reviews we’ve found seem rather positive.

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Alternatives

Not quite fond of the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent? Well, there are a few alternatives that might meet your needs and budget. These products are:

CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent

The CORE 12 Person Instant Cabin Tent is the larger version of the CORE 9 Person, measuring at 18′x10′. As you might have guessed from the name, this tent is capable of accommodating up to twelve individuals, making it a perfect tent for extra-large families and groups of friends.

Unlike a lot of multi-room tents available on the market, this tent doesn’t feature tunnels or extra patios, granting you one massive room space. It also comes with room dividers that allow you to divide it into separate rooms for privacy purposes. This tent costs just a little over the CORE 9.

Coleman Prairie Breeze Lighted Cabin Tent

The Coleman Prairie Breeze Lighted Cabin Tent is one of the largest cabin tents on the market. It can accommodate larger families of up to nine individuals while granting each person enough space to feel comfortable, as the unit measures at 14′x10’x7′.

One of the things that makes this tent so great is the fact that it can be set up with ease by just one person. Setting up the tent shouldn’t require more than 20 minutes. In terms of pricing, the tent costs just about the same as the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent.

Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 8-Person Tent

The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent is yet another exceptional alternative to the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent. it’s one of the toughest and most durable four-season tents out there. You can take it along on any outdoor expedition and it will suffice beautifully.

The exterior of this tent is made out of Hydra-Shield, which grants it great breathability, strength, and watertightness. The silicone finish and the tight-weave stitching also help make the keep it safe from harsh weather conditions. Sadly, this tent costs triple the cost of the CORE 9 Person.

Conclusion

The CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent is the perfect pick for larger families that struggle to go camping together. It’s commodious enough to accommodate up to nine people, rugged enough to withstand the toughest of weather conditions, and practical enough to offer great enjoyment.

If the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent doesn’t strike you as the tent of your dreams, then you may want to check out the Coleman Prairie Breeze Lighted Cabin Tent. To check out the CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent, click here.

Best Tent Fans For Cool Summer Camping

tent fan

Camping fans will keep your tent cool and guarantee that your outdoor experience will be more fun. We chose the Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor High-Velocity Floor Fan as our best option because it’s made of durable metal and lasts for long.

Going camping in summer? Although it is an interesting experience, feeling too hot will ruin it for everyone. In this article, we’ll review some of the best camping fans on the market to help you pick the right one. We’ll also answer a few questions to make your job easier while you’re shopping for the best product.

Camping Tent Fan Reviews

A fan helps you stay cool in hot weather. But when you’re going camping, you’ll have limited or zero access to electricity which means that using a traditional fan isn’t possible. Check out this section for our most recommended tent fans.

Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor High-Velocity Floor Fan

Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor High-Velocity Floor Fan
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No matter how hot it feels outside, this durable battery-operated bat fan will make things better thanks to its rugged metal frame and strong DC brushless motor. It’s available in 3 different sizes so you can pick the one that suits your needs. It comes with a 7800mAh rechargeable battery and can also be connected to a charger if you’re spending several days away from home.

Regardless of the size you choose, all models come with a metal handle to make your job easier when you’re carrying this fan around. The angle of the fan is easy to adjust to guarantee the best experience whether you keep it inside or outside the tent. It is IPX4 certified for splash resistance so it’s an excellent choice for outdoor use.

Whether you choose to use it in the morning or at night, this fan is almost silent so you can enjoy the most comfortable experience. The 10-inch model tilts in 360 degrees while the 12 and 16-inch models tilt in 120 degrees. The 10-inch model weighs 8.38 pounds so it’s heavier compared to other models.

Customizing the airflow is easy using a sturdy knob. This can also be used to maximize battery life if you don’t want to recharge the battery. The LED lights will tell you about the battery life remaining so you can control the way the fan functions.

The battery charges in 2 or 3 hours and lasts for about 24 hours, but only if you run it at the lowest speed. This fan is more expensive than other models on the market.

PROS

  • Well-built fan with a rechargeable battery.
  • Tilting angle.
  • Splash-resistance for outdoor use.
  • LED lights to show battery life remaining.
  • Adjustable airflow.

CONS

  • More expensive than other models.

OPOLAR 10000mAh 8-Inch Rechargeable Battery Powered Clip on Fan

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Featuring a long-lasting 10000mAh battery, this outdoor fan is an excellent choice for camping trips. The battery can’t be removed for more safety. It features 2 a USB-C port and a Micro-USB port for fast charging. The camping fan is available in 2 different colors.

There are 4 different speed settings that you can choose from depending on your needs. The 8-inch blades circulate wind faster than other models. There’s a special energy-saving mode that you can activate when you’re spending a long time away from home.

The battery powered fan fully charges in 6 hours and can be used while you’re charging. It features a 3-inch clip opening so you can secure it to various objects like a branch or a camping chair. It operates quietly so it won’t keep you uncomfortable while you’re sleeping.

Adjusting the head is easy so you can enjoy air from multiple angles. It weighs 1.72 pounds so it’s an excellent choice for camping and backpacking because it won’t bother you as you’re moving from one spot to another. When used at the lowest speed setting, the fan will last for approximately 24 hours and the time drops significantly as the speed increases.

PROS

  • Lightweight camping fan.
  • Adjustable head.
  • 3-speed settings and an energy-saving mode.
  • 3-inch opening to clip onto any object.
  • Multiple charging options.

CONS

  • Needs to be charged regularly.

REENUO 4400mAh Camping Fan with LED Light

REENUO 4400mAh Camping Fan with LED Light
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Outdoor enthusiasts will love how versatile and practical this camping fan is. It can be used to keep you cool inside your tent and features LED lights so you can spend some quality time at night. This fan is energy-saving as the light uses only 4 Watts and the fan operates quietly at 30.3 decibels.

Adjusting the wind speed is possible because there are three different speeds available. You can also adjust the angle up and down so you enjoy the cool air from all angles whether you’re sleeping or standing. The built-in hook will help you hang it inside the tent or on a branch. The fan weighs 11.4 ounces.

The sturdy chassis makes this an excellent choice for outdoor use because the fan is made of durable materials. It comes with a 4400mAh charging battery that can last for 4.5 up to 40 hours depending on the speed. If you use the LED lights only, the battery will last up to 440 hours.

Using a 100 cm USB charging cable, this fan can be connected to a car adapter or a mobile phone charger. This mini-size fan is made of heavy-duty ABS materials so it won’t break if it drops to the ground.

As a bonus, there are 2 sponges at the back that can be used for aromatherapy or to repel bugs when you’re camping. This fan is excellent value for money because you won’t have to pack a separate lantern but the motor isn’t as powerful as other models on the market.

PROS

  • Lightweight portable camping fan with built-in LED lightning.
  • Low and high-speed settings.
  • Built-in hook for various mounting options.
  • Adjustable angle.

CONS

  • Not as powerful as other models.

Treva 10-Inch Portable Desktop Air Circulation Battery Fan

Treva 10-Inch Portable Desktop Air Circulation Battery Fan
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This portable 10-inch fan can be used when you’re away from home because it’s well-built and convenient to use. It comes with a rechargeable battery so you can use it while spending a day outdoors or while camping in your tent.

It’s quite compact so it won’t confuse you while you’re carrying your camping gear. It also comes with a handle so you can easily move it around. This fan is made of plastic so it’s lightweight weighing only 2.33 pounds.

The patented blade-design guarantees that the fan will last for longer while providing good airflow. It’s energy-efficient so you can enjoy your fan for longer. You can adjust the speed to different settings, both running without noise so you can use it while sleeping.

You simply need to buy 6 alkaline batteries to keep your fan running. However, after a while, you’ll have to replace them, so it’s recommended that you always keep an emergency set with your camping gear. If there’s a power source nearby, you can use the fan’s adapter.

Tilting this fan isn’t possible. You should add the cost of the batteries to the overall cost of the fan.

PROS

  • Lightweight, affordable and portable camping fan.
  • Runs on alkaline batteries or while connected to a power source.
  • 2-speed settings.
  • Built-in handle.

CONS

  • Batteries need to be replaced often.
  • Tilting the fan isn’t possible.

Gazeled Super Long Lasting Battery Operated Fans for Camping

Gazeled Super Long Lasting Battery Operated Fans for Camping
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If you’re looking for a compact camping fan, then this should be on the top of your list. This 5-inch fan is designed to keep you cool when you’re spending time away from home thanks to its powerful motor. It works with 4-D cell batteries that you should buy separately and can be easily packed for a camping adventure.

There are three-speed settings available and still works at below 50 decibels so you can use it while you’re sleeping or meditating. Moreover, there is a unique timer feature that you can set for 1, 3 or 5 hours so you don’t have to wake up to turn off the fan which makes that the batteries will last for longer. You can also adjust the angle in 180 degrees to stay cool all day long.

Don’t worry if you’re spending several days away from home because the fan lasts for 214 hours on low speed, 46 hours on medium speed, and 14 hours on high speed. It can also be connected to a mobile power bank or car charger using the USB cable. This versatile camping fan is also compatible with NiMH batteries, carbon D batteries, and alkaline D batteries.

Featuring a built-in handle, this camping fan is an excellent choice for outdoor use because you can easily carry it around. It weighs 1.15 pounds so it won’t drag you down when you’re hiking or backpacking.

You might need to find a way to secure the battery cover to prevent the batteries from falling while using the fan. It tends to heat when running for a long time, so you should shut it off when this happens.

PROS

  • Compact and lightweight camping fan.
  • Three-speed settings.
  • Compatible with several batteries and can be powered by a USB cable.
  • Built-in handle.

CONS

  • The battery cover keeps on falling.
  • The fan overheats when running for several hours.

OPOLAR Mini Portable Battery Operated Travel Fan

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Being on a tight budget doesn’t mean that you should feel hot while spending time away from home. This portable fan rotates at 3200 RPM to keep you cool in hot weather. It features low, medium and high-speed settings without being too noisy so you can use it in your small tent while camping.

The fan comes with a 2200mAh battery that can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. It’s one of the lightest models on the market as it weighs 7 ounces. It also comes with a practical bag where you can keep it and carry it while indulging in your outdoor adventure.

Featuring internal and side LED lights, this fan will also create the perfect ambiance in your tent. The lights are also bright enough to use inside the tent when you’re camping at night. You can use the USB cord to recharge the fan by connecting to a car charger or a laptop if you don’t want to use the battery. Using the fan while it’s plugged isn’t recommended as it tends to run slow.

PROS

  • Compact and affordable fan.
  • Lightweight design for camping adventures.
  • 3 different speeds.
  • Internal and side LED lights.

CONS

  • The fan tends to run slow when it’s connected to the charger.

Why Should You Buy a Tent Fan?

Using a fan at home is quite common as it circulates the air in the room creating a cool breeze. However, you might not have thought about adding a tent fan to your outdoor gear before. Here are some reasons why you should buy the best tent fan before you embark on your camping adventure. .

  • Spending too much time in hot weather causes dehydration because of excessive sweating. When you’re camping or backpacking you want to remain in perfect health so you can withstand the physical effort. A cooling fan will help you stay in shape throughout your adventure.
  • Tent fans use little energy. Whether you’re using a battery powered fan or one that connects to a power source, you know that the fan will last for a few days, especially that you won’t be running it all day long.
  • Sleeping while using a fan helps to cool your body off. Lots of people get too hot while sleeping which might deprive them of good sleep. A camping tent fan will help you recharge at night so you can wake up feeling active and energetic for your outdoor quest.
  • Fans are not super noisy but they create some kind of white noise that can actually make you fall asleep faster.
  • Circulating the air inside your camping tent will help get rid of any lingering smells that might annoy you while you’re sleeping.
  • Tent fans can be beneficial in getting rid of flies and mosquitos when combined with an aroma diffuser. Bugs usually prefer hot air.

How to Choose the Best Tent Fan

Most people prefer to camp in summer when the weather is good without having to face storms and snow. However, during summertime, the heat can become unbearable.

Since tents are not made of cooling materials, the weather can be extremely hot inside the tents. You will definitely need a tent fan to cool you down. Here are some factors to consider while buying a camping tent fan.

Power Source

You should consider the most available power source for you to enjoy your fan. A 10000mAh polymer rechargeable battery can be easily charged using a micro USB or USB C charging port. These fans can work between 6 and 24 hours after being fully charged in 6 hours.

2200mAh 18650 batteries can work up to 40 hours depending on the fan speed. They can be recharged via USB. Some fans are equipped with one battery, while others are equipped with two of these batteries so they will last for a very long time.

4400mAh batteries can work for 10 to 30 hours. Lithium-ion 3600mAh batteries provide good performance and long duration. They can last up to 26 hours depending on fan speed.

Replaceable alkaline batteries perform quite well but need to be replaced regularly. Solar-powered tent fans are the ultimate choice if the weather is sunny. They ensure that your fan will keep on going so you don’t have to replace the batteries. The problem is that the fan won’t work when there is no sunlight.

Electric tent fans are the best choice when you have electricity. You just plug them into an electric outlet and they will be more powerful than the battery-operated models.

Weight

Just like the rest of your outdoor gear, you should make sure that your tent fan is lightweight. This will allow you to carry it comfortably when you’re spending time away from home. ABS fans are usually quite portable so they won’t drag you down when you add the fan to your camping gear.

Metal fans are heavier but they’re more durable. However, most camping fans come with a built-in handle so you can easily carry yours to set it up wherever you like.

Fan Speed

The fan’s blades run and cut through the air pushing the hot air downwards and replacing it with a cold breeze. The faster the blades go the cooler the place will be.

But the weather temperature changes so you will need a fan with various speeds to adjust it according to the temperature. You can also reduce the fan speed to avoid the noise while you’re sleeping or to save the battery. A faster speed will drain the battery faster.

Running time

Some battery-operated fans can run 3 to 6 hours while others will run up to 40 hours. You should think about the running and charging time before you pack a camping tent fan for your upcoming camping adventure.

Running at high speeds can drain the battery faster, so you should look for models with different speed levels and adjust the airflow according to your needs. Think of any other extra features like LED lightning and decide whether you need to keep them on or not. They will also affect the running time of the fan.

Blades

The blades can be made of metal and they move large amounts of air making them the most efficient choice. Nevertheless, they are heavy and dangerous around pets and children. They can harm you if you place your finger against the moving blades.

Some models have a protective screen to be safer to use. Other blades are made of plastic and they are very efficient outdoors and lighter in weight, yet they can break easily.

Another good option is foam blades, especially around children and pets. Being soft, they provide less circulation so they are less efficient. They won’t work if the weather is extremely hot.

Noise

When you’re camping, you want to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in nature. If the fan is so annoying it can deprive you of sleep.

Taking a good look at the fan blades can give you a good idea about its noise level. Foam and plastic fans have minimal sound. Metal fans can make a louder noise although they’re more durable.

You can also adjust your fan speed while you’re sleeping to minimize the noise. Some people don’t get annoyed by the noise and actually find that the noise helps them sleep better.

Durability

Although durable camping fans can be really expensive, you will need a heavy-duty fan to be used outdoors. You don’t find yourself without a fan during the hot night which can ruin your whole camping adventure.

Investing in a sturdy camping fan is a big plus because it will last for long. ABS plastics are usually used in camping fans because they’re durable without being extremely heavyweight. If you’re looking for a strong fan that can withstand a few drops, you should look for a model that features a metal frame.

Extra features

During camping and other outdoor activities, you will need to carry fewer items. Some fans come with a built-in LED lantern. Those are very beneficial in giving you a strong light source inside your tent without needing to pack a separate light source with you.  

Conclusion

Adding one of the camping fans will immediately improve your outdoor experience because you can chill, sleep or meditate without feeling too hot. We chose the Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor High-Velocity Floor Fan as our top choice because it’s made of durable metal and built to last. This is an excellent choice for camping trips because it is splash-resistant and charges pretty fast.

If this camping fan is too expensive for you, we recommend that you take a look at the REENUO 4400mAh Camping Fan with LED Lights. It comes with built-in LED lights so it’s extremely practical to use when you’re sleeping in a tent. It can last up to 40 hours to keep you cool as long as you choose to stay away from home.

The Best Camping Chair for Your Bad Back

Camping can be a revitalizing adventure, but with a bad back, you might not be able to enjoy it fully. The last thing you want when you’re in the great outdoors is constant discomfort.

The best camping chair for bad back can help put you at ease and our top choice is the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger Chair. We’ve collected eight others for you to scope out and there’s a little something for everyone.

In this article, we’re going to review the following camping chairs for bad back:

Product Reviews

We’ve pulled together hours of careful research to bring you a list of the best camping chairs for bad back:

Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger Chair

Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger Chair
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Weight capacity: 350 poundsMaterials:  Polyester

Timber Ridge brings us a zero-gravity camping chair that offers several recline positions to help you get cozy. It can hold up to 350 pounds, as well, so regardless of your size, you should find a suitable reclining option. These positions lock into place with an easy-to-use lever, so the chair shouldn’t pop out of place and surprise you.

The sturdy, steel tube framing supports the polyester seat with ease. Do make sure that you protect it from the harsh sun or any rainstorms, though. On the upside, the non-slip markings along the bottom of the frame make sure it stays in place.

This chair’s seating is fully padded for comfort, including a pillow for your head and extra lumbar cushioning for your back that’s removable. The wooden armrests compliment the overall design and there’s a mug holder for convenience.

You get four colors to choose from including camouflage, earth, blue and navy.

PROS

  • High weight capacity.
  • Bungee design for flexibility.
  • One-year manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Plenty of cushioning.
  • Non-slip feet.

CONS

  • Avoid harsh sun or rain.

STRONGBACK Elite Camping Lawn Lounge Chair

STRONGBACK Elite Camping Lawn Lounge Chair
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Weight capacity: 300 poundsMaterials: 600D polyester

If you’re suffering from lower back pain, this award-winning chair could fit the bill. It’s created specifically for this issue and made to align your posture in the process. This will help keep you upright and feeling at ease.

The chair can be transported hands-free, thanks to the carry bag that comes with dual shoulder straps.

It features a heavy-duty 600D polyester fabric that’s thick and resistant to wearing and tearing. There are mesh insertions along the back and seated portion that’ll come in handy in hot weather when you want some ventilation.

Its frame is black and made from a powder-coated durable steel material that’ll hold up against rust and decay over time.

There are steel armrests with comfortable covers and a cup holder to boot. The no-sink feet will stop the chair from dropping down into the soft ground. These little extras can make a difference when you’re roughing it.

Do make sure that you try this chair out before taking it camping. Various consumers report that the frame failed after one or two uses.

PROS

  • High-quality polyester.
  • Carry bag with shoulder straps.
  • Award-winning.
  • No-sink feet.

CONS

  • Customers report that the frame’s welding is poor.

Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair

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Weight capacity: 300 poundsMaterials: Textilene

This camping chair is a highly-popular option, oversized by design at around 5.3-inches wider than most available on the market. Choose from a pretty burgundy color or beige, among other options.

The company uses a high-quality Textilene fabric that contains a mix of polyester and PVC. You’ll often see it used for garden furniture and this indicates it’s made to withstand a variety of conditions. A bungee system supports the seating area, offering some give when you’re lounging.

A durable powder-coated steel frame is plenty strong enough, according to the company. This might be in question, though, as some unhappy customers said the chair collapses in a moment’s notice.

The recline options are easy to click into place with the locking mechanism. One of the best things is that you can lean all the way back, elevating your feet. This helps relieve any pressure after a long day on your feet.

You can also adjust the headrest to your preferred position by sliding it up or down. Unfortunately, this is about as fancy as it comes with this chair. There’s no cup holder, arm covers or carry bag to our knowledge.

PROS

  • Long-lasting fabric.
  • Folds down to a mere 6.3 inches.
  • Locking system for recline.
  • Adjustable headrest.

CONS

  • No extras like mug holders.
  • Frame durability is questionable.

KingCamp Camping Chair

KingCamp Camping Chair
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Weight capacity: 350 poundsMaterials: Oxford fabric

This typically looking camping chair has that slouchy, sink-in style and can support up to around 350 pounds in weight.

The company claims there’s added lumbar support, but it looks to be on the meager side, compared to some others on our list. This indicates you’ll have to use a bit more of your own power in keeping yourself upright.

Among other commendable features is a cooling pocket that holds up to three cans of your preferred beverage. Another side storage unit is large enough for a few magazines and there’s also space behind the head area to keep things, as well.

If you like having all your goodies within arm’s reach, this chair could make you happy in that regard.

Similar to some other models, the materials include a heavy-duty polyester fabric and steel tube frame. It’s also lightweight and foldable, weighing in at 11.3 pounds and comes with a carry bag that features shoulder straps.

PROS

  • Simple to fold and store.
  • Padded armrests.
  • High weight capacity.
  • Cooler bag and stash pocket.

CONS

  • Lacking head and neck support.

AmazonBasics Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair

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Weight capacity: 300 poundsMaterials: Textilene

AmazonBasics brings us a zero-gravity outdoor chair with a double-bungee support system that lines the seated area. This helps remove any pressure while you’re suspended and reclined, offering a weightless experience. A padded headrest and contoured armrests provide comfort.

It’s made from that Textilene fabric that should hold up over time, whether in rainy conditions or on super sunny days.

The powder-coated steel frame is said to add to the overall durability of this chair, but like some of the others, users disagree. Yet again, there are reviews of this portion breaking after a few uses and sending the person to the ground. On the other hand, others have had a positive experience with it, so it may not be doom and gloom.

Do keep in mind that there’s a limited one-year warranty included. If something does happen, contact the company right away. Make sure to keep your paperwork on-hand and don’t procrastinate.

Color options include navy, beige, blue and burgundy.

PROS

  • Padded headrest and contoured arms.
  • Weather-resistant fabric.
  • Double-bungee system.
  • One-year warranty.

CONS

  • The frame may break easily.

Marchway Lightweight High Back Camping Chair

Marchway Lightweight High Back Camping Chair
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Weight capacity:  300 poundsMaterials:  1000D polyester

This is one of the lightest chairs on our list, coming in at 3.7 pounds. That doesn’t make it poor quality though, as it features one of the thickest materials. The 1000D ripstop polyester will hold up in the rough outdoors and shouldn’t get caught up on anything.

There’s a breathable mesh fabric throughout to help dispel any heat in the summer months, so you won’t be stuck to your chair when it’s time to stand up.

To enjoy it in nature, though, you’ll have to assemble it each time you arrive to your destination because it isn’t foldable. The components will fit into a backpack, though, so it shouldn’t be too big of a nuisance to carry along.

An aluminum alloy frame comes constructed from an aircraft-grade material, making it sturdier and more reliable than other options out there.

Do keep in mind that it’s not adjustable, either. What you see is what you get and it’ll be suitable for the taller folks among us, with its high backrest. There’s a sponge sleeve along the head portion and lumbar area for extra support.

Abrasion-resistant, anti-slip feet should hold this camping chair firmly in place, regardless of the ground below.

PROS

  • High back portion.
  • Very lightweight.
  • Cushioning at head and lumbar.
  • Ripstop 1000D polyester.

CONS

  • Assembly required for every use.
  • Not adjustable.

Core Equipment Folding Camping Chair

Core Equipment Folding Camping Chair
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Weight capacity: 300 poundsMaterials: 600D polyester

The quilted and cozy nature of this chair says “comfort” upon first looks, thanks to the 600D brushed polyester that the company labels as “soft touch.” This feeling is what you want when you’re taking a break in the middle of your active day outdoors.

Extras include an oversized cup holder and storage pocket for your essentials that you may require when relaxing. Prop yourself up on the padded armrests, the chair will help you sit upright. Unfortunately, there are no recline options.

Another downside here is that some reviewers claim this chair gets overly hot. There’s no mesh involved in the design and it may be a better option for the colder months.

It comes with a carry bag, fashioned with straps and the chair weighs in at 12 pounds.

PROS

  • Quilted, comfortable material.
  • Oversized cup holder.
  • Carry bag with straps.
  • Gear pocket.

CONS

  • Material isn’t breathable.

Timber Ridge TRFCH011LA Camping Chair

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Weight capacity: 300 poundsMaterials: 600D polyester

The company constructed the frame from heavy-duty steel and the “duck legs” are connected along the front, providing added stability. They’re also adjustable in height, so a variety of users can find their sweet spot here.

You do have the option to recline, but some customers found this feature wasn’t enough to help ease back pain. We recommend that you try it out upon purchasing to make sure it’ll be comfortable for you.

It’s fully padded throughout with a 600D polyester, accompanied by contoured plastic armrests. Don’t expect additional features because there’s no headrest or storage pockets.

There’s a one-year warranty against any defects. This gives peace of mind in case something creeps up during that time.

PROS

  • Strong frame and footing.
  • Spacious seat.
  • One-year warranty.
  • Fully padded.

CONS

  • Some found it’s not sufficient for easing back pain.
  • No additional features.

AmazonBasics Padded Zero Gravity Chair

AmazonBasics Padded Zero Gravity Chair
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Weight capacity:  350 poundsMaterials: Oxford fabric

This AmazonBasics chair is quite similar in design to the other option, but this time it comes fully padded for extra comfort. Do be aware that there’s no mesh included, so it could quite warm in the summertime.

Another downside to the additional padding is that it adds to the weight of the chair. This one comes in at a whopping 21.8 pounds, making it the heaviest option on our list. It does, however, fold down to a compact size.

You get the additional features like a cup holder and padded headrest. The contoured armrests aren’t padded and some might find that annoying. An oxford cotton fabric comes in attractive designs, all striped, with different colors available.

The base is made from durable steel and larger individuals have noted that it holds them quite well. You’ll be able to relax with ease when it’s time to prop your feet up, given the recline options.

PROS

  • Padding throughout.
  • Zero gravity system.
  • One-year limited warranty.
  • High weight capacity.

CONS

  • Large and weighty.

Buyer’s Guide

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Finding the best camping chair for your bad back entails focusing on the specifications that matter most to you. That could be recline options or extra lumbar support, among other features.

We want to help you get the most out of your purchase, so why don’t we look at what these chairs have to offer:

Chair Types

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By now, you already know that there are many types of chairs out there from simple designs to more luxurious options:

Minimal

If you’re working with a limited budget, you can find affordable chairs that are still comfortable to use. Maybe the cost isn’t so important and you’re just a straightforward kind of person.

Basic chairs will offer an upright position, possibly with some extra padding around the head area and be easy to fold.

Two great options here include the Marchway chair and the Core Equipment. The former comes with a high back and mesh included for ventilation. The latter features a quilted seat for comfort. Both are easy to store and lightweight.

Regular

You may want to take it up a notch and go for something with recline options. This presents a variety of positions, depending on your needs at the time. They may come with additional features such as a mug holder or a padded head or back area.

The Caravan Zero Gravity caters to those who want the bungee design. This allows you to feel suspended and you have recline options to boot. There’s additional support at the head and lumbar, too.

Luxurious

Are you looking to go all-out for your camping experience? Finding a chair that features high-quality specifications is possible. Not only will you want plenty of support, but you could be on the lookout for extra bells and whistles, too.

Our top choice would be suitable for those craving luxury. It features the zero-gravity design with ample padding and cushioning. This includes lumbar support and a removable, padded headrest. The recline positions lock into place safely.

Bad Back

Studies show that almost 80 percent of adults suffer from back pain. This is due to poor posture, minimal core strength and desk jobs, among other issues.

There are two main components you’ll want to keep an eye for when it comes to the camping chair for your bad back:

Lumbar Support

The lumbar region is what’s referred to as the lower back. Any injury or pain in this area can affect the muscles, nerves, or the discs. This is why camping chairs for bad backs often add extra cushioning in this area.

The Strongback Elite chair is just one example of this.

Padding

Extra padding leaves you feeling better supported and comfortable. A good option for this includes the AmazonBasics Padded option, as it offers padding throughout the entire chair portion.

Armrest and Footrest

Most camping chairs feature your basic plastic armrests, while some are contoured in design and others offer padding. If the latter is important to you, opt for something like the KingCamp.

Not all chairs feature actual footrests, but all of the zero-gravity options do have space for calves and footsies. Our top choice, the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity, would fit the bill.

Weight and Capacity

One thing about venturing into the great outdoors is that you’ll always have a significant load to carry. This is why many opt for a lightweight camping chair. The Marchway weighs just 3.7 pounds.

Depending on your size and those traveling in your group, you may want a chair that can hold a significant amount of weight. All the chairs on our list range between 200 and 350 pounds, while the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity fits the latter capacity.

Material and Durability

The last thing you want is your chair falling apart on you. As you can see from our reviews, this problem mainly occurs with the framing. Opt for a frame with positive feedback, as even the most durable materials may not hold up under weight.

Are you looking for a fabric that’ll last? Many on our list have durable seat materials that are suitable for life outdoors. This includes a high denier count polyester, such as 600D or 1000D.

Another great material is Textilene fabric. You’ll find this on both the Caravan chair and the AmazonBasics non-padded variety.

Warranty

Most chairs are limited to one or two years maximum and will cover any defaults in material or design.

Overall Comfort

This will depend on personal preference, your size and more. Are you on the taller side and do you have trouble finding chairs because of it? Opt for one with a higher back, such as the Marchway.

If cushioning is more what you’re looking for, something like the Core Equipment chair could serve you well with its filled-quilt padding throughout.

Shade Coverage

Some camping chairs come with this option to shield you from the sun. Often, it’s available for purchase separately. To our knowledge, none of the chairs on our list offer this feature.

Protect Your Back

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The best camping chair for your bad back will offer you enough support and comfort to enjoy your time in the great outdoors, unphased by your condition.

Most chairs on our list have a variety of features worth raving about from the head and lumbar support to their packability.

If we had to choose a top favorite, though, the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger Chair steals it for the win. We have a knack for the suspended design and putting our feet up. There are recline options that lock in place and extra support at the back and head. The 350-pound capacity and an array of color options don’t hurt, either.

Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

The best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis are numerous, but if you’re in a rush, our top choice goes to the Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX.

Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition with horrible heel pain that worsens with time if you don’t find great support. Do you enjoy living an active lifestyle? It’s crucial to act fast and invest in proper footwear to help you revel in the outdoors pain-free.

In this article, we’re going to review the following hiking boots for plantar fasciitis:

Top 9 Hiking Boots and Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

We’ve scoured the internet and pulled together a well-crafted list of the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis.

Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX

Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX
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Materials:  Gore Tex, textile, leatherWeight:  Approx 2.6 pounds, depending on size

These high-quality Salomon boots come  in an assortment of colors including green, brown and black. Half sizes are available for a closer fit.

These boots come with an array of features for comfort and support, starting with GoreTex fabric throughout for the ultimate waterproof protection. The ergonomic tongue should feel cozy with wear and further keep moisture out of your shoe.

A proprietary Contragrip sole offers traction below and the 6-inch shaft should support your ankles sufficiently. For those that worry about sprains or strains, these should keep you stable on your feet.

The protective rubber toe cap further enhances the safety features of this boot, in case you bump into a rock or other unforeseen object.

One of the only downsides is that some complain it comes up narrow. You may need to order up, or at the least, give them a good trial indoors, before committing to the purchase.

PROS

  • Gore Tex waterproofing.
  • Excellent traction.
  • Rubber toe caps.
  • 4D stability.

CONS

  • Narrow sizing not suitable for everyone.

Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II

Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II
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Materials:  PU-coated leather, suede, meshWeight:  2 pounds

Newton Ridge Plus II are mid-range, lightweight, inexpensive hiking boots.

They feature a 5-inch shaft with a 0.5-inch lug along the bottom, offering traction throughout and ankle stability, as well. Another supportive feature includes the reinforced heel and toe barrier, keeping you safe on both ends. The midsole offers plenty of cushioning for those long hikes.

A seam-sealed waterproof construction does appear promising, but some have noted that they don’t always hold up when the heavy rain comes.

These could withstand a drizzle and on the plus side, they’re breathable with the included mesh material.

Color options for this boot include brown, navy and black.

PROS

  • Lightweight.
  • Affordable price.
  • Different widths available.
  • TECHLITE midsole.

CONS

  • Some reviews state they’re not waterproof enough.

Merrell Men’s MOAB 2 Mid

Merrell Men’s MOAB 2 Mid
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Materials: Suede leather, meshWeight: 2 pounds, 4 ounces

If you’re looking for the longest-lasting pair of waterproof boots, these may not be for you. Many state that they’re not waterproof enough and that the sole could separate after a few long hikes. With that said, others seem to have worn them for ages, so this could be a matter of poor care.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The Vibram outsole provides ample traction for rough terrains. If you’re looking for superior comfort, there’s added heel and arch support, which are both areas prone to hot spots.

On the inside, you’ll get an EVA contoured footbed made to form in line with the sole of your foot. You shouldn’t get too sweaty either, thanks to the breathable mesh lining throughout.

A closed-cell foam tongue helps keep moisture and debris out, which should rest softly against your ankle.

PROS

  • Vibram outsole.
  • Breathable mesh.
  • Superior heel cushioning.
  • EVA contoured footbed.

CONS

  • Durability might be in question.

Merrell Men’s Accentor

Merrell Men’s Accentor
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Materials: Suede, mesh, fabricWeight: 2 pounds, 6 ounces

Merrell brings us yet another hiking boot, that while offering some standout specifications, could fall short on quality long-term.

Let’s look at the positives first, including the unique antibacterial lining, which is especially useful for those that suffer from sweaty feet. There’s a breathable mesh upper that’s rather essential for hot, summer hikes, too.

The company incorporates another EVA footbed here and it’s removable to boot (pun intended). If you wear orthotics and need them on the trail, this footwear could be a good option for you.

Merrell didn’t leave out its air cushioning either and you’ll find it in the heel for added stability and shock absorption. The sticky outsole should also come in handy where stable footing is concerned, as well.

On the downside, many complain about quality issues such as insoles flattening out quickly and eyelets coming off. These little details may not seem like a big deal, but if you want your boots to last, it’s something to keep in mind.

PROS

  • Sneaker-style.
  • Breathable construction.
  • Antimicrobial lining.
  • Removable footbed.

CONS

  • Lacking quality.

Timberland Men’s White Ledge

Timberland Men’s White Ledge
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Materials: 100 percent leatherWeight: 2 pounds

Timberland is a brand synonymous with outdoor clothing and footwear. These hiking boots aren’t only great for keeping your feet dry, but you’ll look stylish in the process.

The company uses a seam-sealed construction throughout the 100 percent leather boot for protection against water. This footwear also features rust-proof hardware for the lacing system, which should hold up in the face of moisture.

Comfort is covered, as well, from the padded collar to the removable, dual-density and anti-fatigue footbed. The EVA foam midsole is compression-molded, so it should fit just right to the shape of your foot.

A pull loop at the back will come in handy when it’s time to slip the boots on. The shaft measures up to around 4.75-inches high, offering decent ankle protection, but it’s not the highest on our list.

PROS

  • Excellent durability.
  • Waterproof.
  • Anti-fatigue footbeds.
  • Molded EVA foam insole.

CONS

  • Inserts might be disappointing.

Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid GTX

Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid GTX
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Materials: Synthetic leather and meshWeight: 2 pounds, 4 ounces

The Moab 2 Mid boot is safe for rainy weather, thanks to the GoreTex membrane and closed-cell tongue that’ll keep both moisture and debris out.

The Vibram sole presents resistance to slippage on rocky terrain and your toes will stay protected, too, with the help of the rubber cap upfront. Added heel and arch support offer comfort for the remainder of your foot. You can also remove this EVA contoured footbed if you’d prefer to wear your orthotics instead.

Mesh along the upper portion should provide a substantial amount of breathability, in case you’re hiking in warmer seasons.

Out of all the options on our list, this boot takes the cake where styles are concerned. You have an array of browns to choose from, along with black and blue.

PROS

  • Gore Tex waterproofing.
  • Protective toe cap.
  • Vibram sole.
  • Out-of-the-box comfort.

CONS

  • The sole might wear out easily.

Timberland Men’s Chocorua Trail

Timberland Men’s Chocorua Trail
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Materials: 100 percent leatherWeight: 2 pounds

These Timberland boots meant to be comfortable straight from the box, with a low 1-inch heel and shaft that measures around 5-inches high.

There’s a fully-gusseted tongue that’ll keep anything out that you don’t want in. This includes moisture and various debris such as pebbles. You shouldn’t have a problem with water reaching other parts of the boot, too. A GoreTex membrane lines the inner with 100 percent waterproof leather on the exterior portion.

The rust-proof hardware around the lacing won’t corrode after being exposed to inclement weather conditions, either.

This company includes an EVA midsole and footbed for ultimate comfort during long hikes on the trail. They’re labeled as anti-fatigue, so you won’t feel every bump and bruise along the way.

PROS

  • Stylish design.
  • Gore Tex membrane.
  • Anti-fatigue EVA midsole.
  • Rust-proof hardware.
  • 100 percent leather.

CONS

  • Might require new laces quickly.

Keen Men’s Targhee II Mid

Keen Men’s Targhee II Mid
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Materials: 100 percent nubuck leatherWeight: 2.4 pounds

Waterproofing doesn’t always come with breathability, but it does with Keen. This brand is a well-known name in the outdoor world and the company brings us this boot for rough, wet terrain.

The boot’s upper portion is made from Keen’s waterproof leather and there’s a proprietary, breathable membrane to keep the inner side dry, as well.

An ESS shank offers support throughout, while the mid-cut height protects your ankle against twists and turns. The aggressive 4mm outsole offers serious hikers and climbers plenty of traction here.

When it comes to comfort and durability, however, many claim that the boot won’t hold up. If you’re interested in light hiking from time to time, this footwear could serve you fine. For enthusiastic weekend warriors, you might want to opt for something else.

PROS

  • Padded collar and tongue.
  • Easy to pull on.
  • Secure lacing system.
  • Breathable waterproofing.

CONS

  • May need to size up.

Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0

Vasque Men’s Breeze 2.0
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Materials: Nubuck leather, meshWeight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces

This lesser-known company brings us a hiking boot that offers up another chance to hit rough terrains. The Vibram outsole is aggressive for uneven areas and thermoplastic plates throughout provide added support and stability.

When it comes to joint protection, this boot’s shaft measures higher than most on our list at 6-inches high. Around the front, you have a gusseted, padded tongue to keep out little bits and bobs that could find their way into your footwear.

You won’t suffer from uncomfortable inners, either, starting with a breathable, yet waterproof GoreTex membrane. The shock absorbing EVA midsole is a major advantage when you don’t want to feel everything under you.

A wicking mesh lining will keep your feet fresh and dry, while the dual-density footbed provides extra comfort. This returns energy to your feet when you’re on them all day.

These could be a perfect choice for those with narrow or regular-width feet. If you’re on the larger side and happen to have wider footsies, make sure you give them a spin before committing.

PROS

  • Gore Tex waterproofing.
  • 100 percent leather uppers.
  • High shaft for ankle support.
  • Pull-on loop.

CONS

  • May be uncomfortable for wide-footed individuals.

What to Consider When You Have Plantar Fasciitis

While plantar fasciitis is a condition that requires rest and proper care, sometimes, you just need to be outdoors. You must wear shoes that offer plenty of support and comfort, so you can enjoy mother nature with ease.

As long as you’re not putting the muscles in your feet under too much strain, hiking can be beneficial. Walking helps, as you need to strengthen your feet and reduce the chance of the condition getting worse.

Certain stretches and exercises can help your recovery

Footwear to Avoid

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With plantar fasciitis, you also want to look at the footwear you should avoid:

  • Stiletto heels: Raising your foot into an unnatural angle puts a strain on your plantar fascia. We know they look pretty, but that doesn’t cut it.
  • Flip flops or ballet flats: This footwear offers zero arch or heel support, which is the opposite of what you need.
  • Worn out or brand-new shoes: Worn soles and shoes that are stiff are both hard on plantar fasciitis. For newly-purchased footwear, give yourself a chance to wear it in slowly before taking up a whole day in them.

What to Look for in Hiking Boots

They come with different features and some of this boils down to your preference. Keep the following in mind:

Support and Stability

The best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis will be those with excellent support.

Ankle and Arch Support

This includes a stiff, tall shaft to protect the ankle area. If you’re looking for the tallest shaft available, our top choice (Salomon Quest) fits the bill with an option that’s 6-inches tall.

While Merrell has its downfalls where long-term quality is concerned, their comfort features come out on top. These boots offer additional arch support where other footwear falls short. This helps distribute any pressure across the foot and keep you balanced.

Fit

Too loose and you won’t be steady in your boots, but overly tight could lead to other problems like hot spots and blisters.

Some boots offer half sizes to help you achieve a more custom fit and the lacing system will make a difference, too. Look for laces that cinch up easily and stay securely in place. The Keen Targhee boot offers this feature.

Footbed and Cushioning

Keep an eye out for cushioned or contoured footbeds that provide relief from the bumps you’ll encounter when on your feet.

We’d recommend any of the Merrell boots here because they provide air cushioning along the heel. The brand’s EVA footbed molds to the shape of your foot, as well. You shouldn’t feel uneven in your shoes.

Materials

Walking along rough terrains can certainly beat your shoes down and you don’t want your boots falling apart after a few hikes. Here are a few materials to look for:

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Sole

Many boots feature a rubbery Vibram outsole, or other proprietary options, with differing levels of traction. If you’re hitting a wide variety of terrains, you’ll want deep lugs to help keep you steady on your feet, regardless of the ground below.

The Salomon boot comes with a branded Contragrip sole, giving you high traction on rocky areas. To our knowledge, these soles hold up over time, as well.

Exterior

For the uppers, synthetic options, such as polyester and nylon, are easier to break in, lighter weight and dry faster than your other options such as leather. The primary downside is that they’re not water-resistant.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting waterproof variety, 100 percent leather will be your way to go. These boots will be heavier, and more costly, but you’re paying for durability, after all.

We’d like to recommend the Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX here because it comes in at a happy medium. These boots feature leather, synthetic and mesh materials offering the best of all worlds.

Interior

Do you find yourself sweating a lot while hiking? You’ll want a breathable lining on the inside of your boot, while some even offer antimicrobial treatments. The Keen boot provides an inner membrane that’s not only waterproof, but features sufficient airflow, as well.

Waterproofness

Not everyone needs a waterproof boot but for those that do, pay extra attention as many customers complained that this feature doesn’t always present as advertised.

A fully waterproof boot offers protection along the outside and the inner portion. Closed-cell or gusseted tongues and collars are important too, as they keep moisture from leaking in through the top portion.

The Timberland Chocorua wins here as it provides 100 percent waterproof leather on the outside, a GoreTex membrane on the inner and a gusseted tongue up top. Furthermore, the rust-proof hardware, such as the eyelets, ensures these pieces hold up in the face of rain.

Weight

Plantar fasciitis sufferers can benefit from hiking shoes that are lightweight. There’s less strain on your calf muscles this way, which can impact your feet in return. You won’t feel as if you’re lugging around bricks, either.

One of the lightest boots on the list is the Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II weighing in at around 1 pound per shoe.

What’s the Right Pair for You?

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Everyone is different and the level of pain you feel when walking is also a personal thing. If you don’t want your condition to worsen, finding a pair of hiking boots you can wear for long periods is essential.

You may not find a boot that hits every feature you’re looking for, so you need to prioritize here. Is added support and cushioning the most important thing? All of the choices brought to us by Merrell feature ample comfort.

Maybe you hike regularly in wet conditions and if this is this case, a durable waterproof option is essential. Both styles from Timberland could fit the bill.

Lastly, you don’t want to suffer from overly heavy boots that’ll weigh you down. When you’re shopping, make sure to look for a lighter pair, such as those from Colombia. Some manufacturers list the weight for one shoe or both together, so make sure to check this and don’t get confused.

Wrap Up

The best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis will feature a stable support system, both inside and out, and be on the lighter side. You’ll need to strike a balance here since extra features ultimately come with additional weight.

We’ve chosen the Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX as our number one choice because it weighs in at around 1.3 pounds for each boot. They aren’t the heaviest, nor are they the lightest, but they do offer sufficient stability. This comes in the form of a Contragrip outsole and a 6-inch shaft, among other features.

The Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II has to be our second choice as it’s one of the lightest options on our list at 2 pounds per pair. They’ll be less waterproof than the option above, but again, you’ll need to pick and choose what’s essential.

The Best Canopy Chair for Outdoor Camping

canopy chair

It’s great to be outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and scenery. Sleeping under the stars is an experience everyone should try at least once in their life, especially for the health benefits. Being comfortable while camping is important, and you’ll find our list of great canopy chairs very useful.

There’s plenty of choice if you’re looking for the best canopy chair for outdoor camping, but if you’re pressed for time and want to get out there, our top choice is the Swimways Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair.

In this article, we’re going to review the following canopy chairs:

Top 7 Canopy Chairs

We’ve done all the hard work for you, so sit back and take a look at our list of the top seven best canopy camping chairs.

Swimways Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair

Swimways Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair
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Materials:  Powder-coated steel frame, breathable fabricWeight:  11.24 pounds

Are you looking for the best foldable chair with canopy that’s durable, breathable, and offers UV protection? Kelysus provides a product that ticks all these boxes, and more.

Whether you’re camping, watching events, hanging out in the backyard or tailgating, the patented sun canopy provides excellent UV protection.

Manufactured using powder-coated steel, the frame locks into position for both sun and shade. When you’re ready to head home, this camping chair with shade folds down and converts into a carry case. There’s a durable snap-lock buckle and shoulder strap for increased portability.

It can support up to 250 lbs, and the oversized seat doesn’t cut into the back of your legs.

When it comes to features, there’s an integrated large cup holder. An O-ring has been added for improved stability, so you don’t have to worry about spilling your beer when sat around the campfire. In addition, a bug guard and weather shield can be purchased if you need extra protection while enjoying the outdoors.

This product is available in navy or gray, so you’re not going to stand out like a sore thumb.

There have been comments about the quality of the construction, but generally, customers are giving this canopy camping chair a big thumbs up.

PROS

  • Adjustable sun canopy.
  • Provides 50+ UPF protection.
  • Becomes its own carry bag when folded.
  • Breathable, ergonomic, mesh seat.

CONS

  • Some reviews mention problems with poor construction.

Folding Zero Gravity Recliner Lounge Chair

Folding Zero Gravity Recliner Lounge Chair
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Materials:  Steel, mesh, Textilene fabricWeight:  20.5 lbs

There’s nothing quite like a bit of comfort when you’re enjoying the great outdoors. This zero gravity chair has it in bucketloads. The main factors here are the adjustable canopy to shade you from the blazing sun and an adjustable headrest to help you relax to the max.

If you haven’t heard of zero gravity chairs before, you’ve got to try this one out. The design emulates the weightlessness experienced in space, or so they say. The chair easily glides into the zero gravity position from upright. With your legs in an elevated position, you can experience several wellness benefits.

One aspect of this chair that makes it stand out has to be the accessories tray. If one cup holder is never enough, this one’s got two, a phone holder and a slot for books, magazines, or a tablet.

You can leave this zero gravity canopy chair out in all weathers thanks to the high grade, all-weather Textilene fabric. It’s been designed not to fade or suffer from a buildup of mildew. It also boasts over 80 percent sun protection.

The all-weather fabric and the frame are held together with heavy-duty elastic cords and a double bungee system. These provide comfort and support, and the cords can be replaced, adding to the versatility.

PROS

  • UV-resistant construction.
  • Lockable reclining system.
  • Adjustable canopy shade and headrest.
  • Detachable accessory tray.
  • Double bungee system seats.

CONS

  • A little on the heavy side.

Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair

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Materials:  Steel, polyesterWeight:  10 lbs

Not all camping chairs aren’t renowned for being comfortable; however, this canopy chair from Quik Shade breaks the mold. It’s made using a sturdy steel frame and boasts a high-arched back and wide 22.5-inch seat.

There are two fabric and mesh cup holders, which is more than the average chair, and a handy side pocket. You can keep your snacks close to hand, a magazine for reading, or use it as storage for your smartphone or tablet.

The fabric used for the construction of the chair is 300 x 600D polyester fabric that’s water and stain-resistant, making it perfect for use in all weathers.

Maximum sun protection is also a feature of this camping chair with shade. It boasts an adjustable MAX shade canopy. This can be lowered, raised or tilted so that you’re always in the shade.

It comes complete with a carry bag, making it easy and convenient for your camping trips, or to take along to any sporting events.

PROS

  • Fully adjustable canopy.
  • High-arched back and wide seat.
  • Water and stain-resistant fabric.
  • 2 cupholders.
  • Sturdy steel frame.

CONS

  • Poor stitching along the seams.

Alpha Camp Chair with Shade Canopy

Alpha Camp Chair with Shade Canopy
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Materials:  Steel, polyesterWeight:  14 lbs

There’s a lot about this folding camping chair made by Alpha Camp that makes it stand out from the crowd. To begin with, its anti-rust hammer tone powder coating steel frame provides a stable construction.

It’s also able to support up to 350 lbs due to the extra supporting tubes on the bottom. A leg tube diameter of 0.9 inches guarantees quality and user safety.

Users of this type of chair often complain that there’s only one cup holder, but this model passes the test with flying colors. Not only are there two holders, one is large enough to hold a 32-ounce drink.

In terms of sun protection, the polyester sun canopy in the up position promises 50+ UPF sun protection. This means you’ll be able to stay cooler in the shade and out of the sun’s harmful rays.

This popular camping chair with canopy is available in four striking colors:

It packs away into a carry bag, so you can carry it over the shoulder or place it in the trunk of your car. A word of caution on this, though. Some customers have complained that the chair isn’t too easy to get back into the bag.

PROS

  • 50+ UPF sun protection.
  • Overall weight capacity of 350 lbs.
  • Anti-rust coating.
  • 2 cup holders.
  • Padded armrest.
  • Oversize frame.

CONS

  • Problems getting chair back into the carry bag.

GCI Outdoor Waterside Sunshade Folding Chair

GCI Outdoor Waterside Sunshade Folding Chair
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Materials:  Aluminum, steel, nylon mesh, polyesterWeight:  9.9 lbs

Made from lightweight aluminum and steel, this folding camping chair with sunshade from GCI is a good middle-of-the-road product. It’s only got one cup holder, however, which for some, is a big downside.

You can rotate the SPF sunshade from front to back, and it collapses flat if you feel like enjoying the sun’s rays for a while.

It’s relatively easy to fold flat for storage and ease of carrying, but some customers have had problems should the folding mechanism get dirty. Despite this, the included carry bag has an extra-large mouth to make packing and unpacking much quicker.

Comfort is provided by an extra-wide seat and a broad backrest. These combine well with the hard armrests, making getting out of this camping chair extremely simple.

PROS

  • Rotating sun shade.
  • Lightweight aluminum and steel frame.
  • Wide seat and backrest.
  • Solid armrests for extra support.
  • Wide-mouthed carry bag with backpack straps.

CONS

  • Folding issues when the mechanism gets dirty.

Bravo Sports Four Seasons Shade Chair

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Materials:  aluminum, polyester fabricWeight:  5.2 pounds

Bravo Sports brings a lightweight shaded camping chair to the market that’s easy to open and fold away. For those times when you don’t want to fuss around trying to put your chair together, or need to sit down quickly, this is a great solution.

The design of this outdoor camping chair ensures shading from multiple angles thanks to the canopy covering the sides slightly.

There is, however, a downside to this design. Some users have reported issues with it when the wind whips up. To counter this, you can adjust the canopy height by pulling on the back poles.

The chair is available in both red and blue, and because of its construction, it’s lightweight at just over 5 pounds.

Ease of transport is an important factor to look for, and this popular chair comes with its own carry bag and shoulder strap.

PROS

  • Blocks sun from multiple angles.
  • Easy to use and store.
  • Ergonomic design.
  • Cupholder.
  • Carry bag.

CONS

  • Canopy is unreliable in winds.

Sport Brella 3-Position Recliner Chair

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Materials:  Steel, polyesterWeight:  13.5 lbs

Rather than manufacturing just another foldable chair with canopy, the company has added an umbrella. It’s a cool addition and makes this chair look a little funkier than the average camping chair. It has a three-way swivel for perfect positioning and a metallic undercoating for improved sun protection.

You can position the recliner so you can lay back or nap, offering excellent comfort levels. To add to this, a detachable footrest is included.

Everything can be close to hand when you’re relaxing in your camping spot. Refreshments, snacks, something to read and your devices are always close at hand thanks to the cup holder, storage pocket and built-in insulated pocket. There’s even a built-in bottle opener.

Weighing in at just under 14 pounds, this lightweight recliner chair is easy to carry around. Also, the steel construction folds up easily into the carry bag.

PROS

  • Sit up, lay back, or nap positions.
  • Detachable footrest.
  • Full-coverage umbrella.
  • Insulated pocket, cup holder, and storage pocket.
  • Strong, yet lightweight.

CONS

  • Poor build quality.

What to Consider When Buying a Canopy Chair

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Ideally, the chair has to be functional, well-constructed, have lots of extra features and be comfortable. Being able to fold flat and carry easily are also important, especially if you’re camping far off the beaten track.

Canopies

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The purpose of the canopy is to protect you from the sun. Being able to move it as the sun moves across the sky will save you from moving your chair and losing the view. The GCI Waterside Sun Shade is a good example of this — you can fully rotate the canopy from front to back.

As well as being movable, the shade also has to offer as much SPF protection as possible. Most of the chairs in our list promise 50+ SPF, however, the Sport-Brella promises 99.5% protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Something else to consider is whether the canopy is removable — there may be days when you’d prefer to spend some time enjoying the benefits of the sun.

Ease of Transport and Setup

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If you’re looking for a chair to take camping, ease of transport is essential. You might not be driving your car to the final destination, so having to lug a heavy chair can make your trip more tiring and stressful.

Ideally, you need a chair that’s going to be light to carry but is as robust as possible. The two extremes in our list are the Bravo Sports option, weighing a little over 5 pounds, and the Zero Gravity recliner at over 20 pounds.

Being able to set the chair up quickly has to be an essential feature. There’s nothing more frustrating than a chair that requires an instruction manual or one that’s made up of several components.

With this in mind, The Bravo Sports chair is our winner. You can put it up in seconds, which is just what you want when you’re desperate to put your feet up.

Features

When it comes to buying a camping chair, having a sunshade is an important feature, but there are lots more you can choose from. Cup holders, pockets, footrests, and pillows are by far the most significant, especially if you’re looking for convenience and comfort.

Cup Holders

Most camping chairs have at least one cup holder, but be on the lookout for two. There are even chairs that take convenience one step further with a removable accessory tray. Part of relaxing is having everything you need close to hand. Once you’ve sat down, you don’t want to have to keep getting up.

The Zero Gravity recliner is a good example as it has somewhere you can store two drinks, magazines, smartphone, tablet, and other small items.

Let’s not forget the Sport Brella with its insulated pocket, cup holder, and a zipped pocket that can hold up to four cans of your favorite beverage. There’s also a bottle opener included.

Pockets

Look for a chair with as many pockets as possible. It’s good to be able to store all your essentials, beer, magazine, tablet, and snacks included. The Quik Shade, for example, has a handy pocket and a cup holder. It’s large enough to hold several beers or your electronic gadgets.

Footrest

Camping chairs aren’t known for being the most comfortable to sit in, but that’s not the case for the chairs on our list. A footrest is one feature that can add to the comfort, and there are two chairs in our list that have one. Being able to put your feet up adds to the relaxing experience.

The Sport-Brella has one that’s removable, while the Zero Gravity chair’s footrest is a permanent feature. You can lay the chair right back and feel like you’re floating on air.  

Fabric

The most common fabrics used for canopy chairs are polyester and nylon. Both are lightweight, wick moisture away and dry quickly. Mesh is another popular material for manufacturers, for the same reasons.

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When looking for a camping chair, it’s advisable to check the stitching along any pressure points. If the quality of the stitching isn’t so good, you might fall through the seat of the chair after using it a couple of times. This has been a reported issue with one chair in our list, the Sport-Brella.

Checking the stitching on the armrests is also worth doing because this type of chair tends to fail around the cup holders.

Frame

A camping chair should be, first and foremost, lightweight. Nevertheless, you don’t want to have to compromise on durability, either. Most people are going to be prepared to sacrifice a certain amount of comfort for a chair that’s easy to lug around.

Frame construction tends to be steel or aluminum, sometimes a combination of both. Steel is strong, while aluminum is much lighter.

As a general rule of thumb, a chair that weighs in at less than 15 pounds should be fine for transportation. Anything heavier, and you’d better plan for a location that’s close to where you can park.

The material used in the frame’s construction also affects the weight capacity. Most of the chairs we’ve featured can withstand a weight of up to 250 pounds. The Quik Shade can hold 225 pounds, but the winner is the Alpha Camp Chair with a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds.

ALSO READ: Top Camping Chair For Heavy Persons

Final Thoughts

The best canopy chair for outdoor camping is one that offers comfort, maximum UPF protection, easy of use, and stability. It also has to be light to carry, but not flimsy.

The Swimways Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair comes in at number one because it has all these features. The canopy is removable and doubles up as a carry bag, and it has an oversized seat for added comfort.

Our second choice is the Folding Zero Gravity Recliner Lounge Chair. The thing that lets this chair down is its weight. Coming in at 20.5 pounds, it’s not a chair to be carried long distances. Apart from that, this canopy chair has all the important attributes and more.

The Best Tent Under $100 For Budget Camping in 2024

budget tent

Do you like to go camping on the weekend? Are you a regular music festival fan? Choosing a cheap tent doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. We’ve considered all the crucial factors, such as weight, materials, space, size, waterproofing, and durability and narrowed the list down to our 11 best camping tents under $100.

There are hundreds of tents in this budget range to choose from, but if you just want to know what the best of the best is, it’s the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent.

In this article, we’re going to review the following camp tents under $100:

Product Reviews

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
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Materials:  Polyester, poly taffeta, aluminumWeight:  4.2 lbs

If you’re a solo camper, this ALPS tent has plenty of features to ensure maximum comfort. From the durable poly taffeta floor to the polyester fly, you’ll get protection in all weathers. The seams of the floor and fly are factory sealed, and the extra-large zippers ensure you stay snug and warm.

One of the outstanding features of this one-person tent is its ease of assembly. It’s lightweight and freestanding, which also means you’ll have no problems moving it around.

The walls are mostly mesh, making it cool in the summer, but the added fly provides extra protection should the heavens open or for those cool summer nights.

The tent is available in a combination of colors: blue/green, gray/navy or clay/rust. You won’t have to worry about standing out like a sore thumb and scaring all the wildlife away.

The only real downside of this cute little tent is that it only sleeps one person. If you like to camp with your partner, you’ll have to get real cozy or use separate tents.

PROS

  • Freestanding.
  • Lightweight aluminum construction.
  • Water-resistant.
  • Quick and easy assembly.
  • Extra-large zippers.

CONS

  • Designed for one person.

Coleman Sundome Tent

Coleman Sundome Tent
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Materials:  Polyethylene, polyester, fiberglassWeight:  9 lbs for the 4-person tent

The Coleman Sundome is a very basic budget tent, but it’s great for family outings. There’s a range of different models available, depending on the size of your camping party.

This is another fine example of a freestanding tent. It’s easy enough to put up and take down, but why bother when you can lift it and move it to a new location? The company has sewn the assembly instructions into the carry bag, which is a feature we’ve never seen before and is certainly a useful one.

For ease of entry, there’s a large ‘D’ style front door that leads into a space large enough for between two and six people.

A WeatherTec system uses welded corners, covered seams, and a bathtub-style polyethylene floor ensures the water stays out and your belongings stay dry. The coated polyester fabric for the walls and the fly add further protection against wind and wet weather.

Large window mesh vents on the roof provide ventilation, and a ground vent allows air to circulate further. You’re able to stay cool and comfortable all night because the air is pushed up and out of the tent.

One feature this model has, which is usually found on much larger tents, is the electrical access point to run AC power into the tent. Use it to charge up your gadgets stored in the interior storage pocket.

PROS

  • 2/3/4-person options.
  • Less than 15 minutes of setup time.
  • E-port for access to electrical power.
  • Storage pockets.
  • WeatherTec system.

CONS

  • Problems with seams tearing.

Coleman Instant Setup Cabin Tent

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Materials:  Polyethylene, taffeta and polyester mesh, steelWeight:  18 lbs

Who would’ve thought you could get a four-person tent for under $100? Coleman has come up trumps with its Cabin Tent. You have two options with this style of tent. One is the basic model, and the second includes a screen room, which adds a 9 x 4-foot space to the tent.

The big selling point for this style of tent is the instant setup system. It comes with pre-attached poles, which means you can be set up and ready to relax in less than 60 seconds. You get to enjoy every moment of your camping experience to the max, rather than wasting precious time getting the tent ready.

Another interesting feature is the darkroom technology that blocks out 90% of the sunlight — no more rising with the sun. Stay in bed and keep enjoying those z’s long after the sun has risen. It also reduces the internal temperature by up to 10%.

PROS

  • Four-person capacity.
  • Set up in less than 60 seconds.
  • Long-lasting use.
  • Darkroom technology.
  • Spacious.

CONS

  • Lacking ventilation.

ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2-Person Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2-Person Tent
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Materials:  Polyester, poly taffeta, fiberglass, aluminum, steelWeight:  7.5 lbs

The second tent on our list from ALPS Mountaineering is the Meramac 2-Person Tent. It weighs in at just 7.5 pounds, making it easy to carry whatever the terrain. Yet again, this is a freestanding tent, so you can move it around to ensure you get the right positioning.

Assembly isn’t overly complicated, so even if you have to take it down and move location, it’ll be back up again in no time. This is thanks to the freestanding, fiberglass poles that also feature shock cords.

This might be considered a budget tent, but ALPS Mountaineering has’t skimped in the additional features. Included in the price are:

A polyester fly with a 1500mm coating provides an awning over each door, which resists water and UV damage. Also, the floor material is made using 75D poly taffeta, which should provide excellent protection from moisture. That being said, some customers have complained that the floor is not up to the job.

This tent has not one door but two — one to the rear and one at the front. This means you don’t have to crawl over your bedfellow to get in or out. You can also tie back the doors for blow-through ventilation.

PROS

  • Freestanding.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Breathable walls.
  • Awnings over each door.
  • Two doors.

CONS

  • Problems with waterproofing.

Winterial Single Person Personal Bivvy Tent

Winterial Single Person Personal Bivvy Tent
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Materials:  Polyester, aluminumWeight:  3.3 lbs

This bivvy tent from Winterial is designed for those who prefer a spot of solo camping. If you relish this kind of adventure, you’ll be extremely impressed with this tent.

Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, you’ll have no problems carrying it over any terrain. The three rope bundles and 14 stakes also mean you can secure it almost anywhere.

As you’d expect, assembly is easy because of the two-hoop design — one person can have it put up in no time.

This Winterial Bivy Tent has been designed to be used for three seasons of the year — the rainfly provides full coverage, but it’s not enough to keep you warm in the winter. It does, however, have a ventilated roof mesh to help keep you cool in the summer. The large zippered door can also be tied back for added ventilation.

PROS

  • 3-season tent.
  • Lightweight.
  • Two-hoop easy assembly.
  • Includes rope and heavy-duty stakes.

CONS

  • Poor quality construction.

AmazonBasics Tent

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Materials:  Polyethylene, polyester, fiberglassWeight:  8.4 lbs

They might have called it the AmazonBasics, but this tent has a lot going for it. The space is very generous with a 4.9-inch head height and floorspace measuring 9 by 7 feet. It’s possible to squeeze four people into this area.

The ventilation is excellent, even when the fly is being used. It has a back window and cool-air port for optimum airflow. The sides of the tent also provide excellent privacy, at the same time as allowing for a view of the stars.

Assembling the tent doesn’t take very long. Simply put the shock-corded poles together, slide them through the pole sleeves and lift them to stand the tent up.

This tent is extremely waterproof with a 1000D polyethylene bathtub-style floor, rainfly and walls made using polyester fabric. The seams are also well-constructed and welded to reduce the chances of moisture finding its way in.

PROS

  • Accommodates up to four people.
  • Smooth setup.
  • Reasonable center head height.
  • Water-resistant.

CONS

  • Weak fiberglass poles.

Wenzel Pine Ridge

Wenzel Pine Ridge
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Materials:  Polyester, polyethylene, fiberglassWeight:  11 lbs

You get plenty of bang for your buck with the Wenzel Pine Ridge tent. The floor size is 10 x 8 feet, and it’s 4.8 feet at the center, so don’t expect to stand up straight. The downside for some may be the fact that it weighs 11 pounds, which doesn’t make it overly portable for any hiking trips.

That being said, there are plenty of other features, one of which is the integrated light-reflection system. You’ll have no problems trying to find things in the dark. Place a headlamp or flashlight into the gear loft and the tent magically fills with light.

Meshed windows and roof let in lots of fresh air and natural light, or you can lie back and gaze at the stars of an evening.

“D” doors are used to help keep out the elements. Two doors and the room divider also mean two groups can share one tent without encroaching on each other’s space.

Some customers have reported issues with the construction of the zipped windows and doors, but it doesn’t seem to be a common complaint.

PROS

  • Large floor area.
  • Built-in electrical access port.
  • Good value for money.
  • Light-reflection system improves ambient light.

CONS

  • Poor-quality zipper construction.

Mountain Trails South Bend Four-Person Tent

Mountain Trails South Bend Four-Person Tent
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Materials:  Polyester, polyethylene, fiberglassWeight:  7 lbs

This four-person tent from Mountain Trails weighs in at just 7 pounds. This makes it easily portable for those long group hiking adventures.

Setting up the tent can take just a few minutes, so you don’t waste all of your first camping day erecting the accommodation. All the pieces fit together nicely thanks to the shock-corded poles and pin and ring system.

The tent comes complete with an integrated carry bag that turns into a mud mat, which you can use at the tent entrance.

Exiting and entering the tent is easy because of the large D-style door. Extra features include a utility pocket and gear loft.

Such light construction does make it a little unstable in windy weather, but what this really means is that the tent can move slightly. It can also get cooler insider when the wind cuts through the light fabric.

PROS

  • Space for up to four people.
  • Easy installation method.
  • Very lightweight.
  • Steel poles for durability.

CONS

  • Poor stability in windy weather.

Toogh 3–4 Person Camping Tent

Toogh 3–4 Person Camping Tent
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Materials:  Polyester, fiberglassWeight:  8.5 lbs

This Toogh camping tent has a unique hexagonal design, which creates a spacious inside for four people, as long as the group comprises two adults and two children. If it’s just adults using the tent, there’s only enough room for three, and for some, this might still feel like a squeeze.

For a minute camper, the pop-up design will take less than a minute to erect. Less-experienced campers might take a little longer, but it shouldn’t take more than five minutes.

The ventilation in this tent is excellent. You can tie the doors back to allow optimal airflow. Additionally, there are mesh windows that allow a breeze to flow through.

The 210D Oxford fabric and silicone coating used in the construction ensure you stay warm and dry inside. There have been a few reports of problems with the waterproofing, but you can overcome these with extra proofing spray.

It weighs in at 8.5 pounds, which some might consider on the heavy side if you’re going hiking, but when compared with other tents of the same size, it’s very lightweight.

PROS

  • Dual doors.
  • Stable design.
  • Excellent waterproofing.
  • Easy and quick to assemble.

CONS

  • Tight fit for four people.

Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent

Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent
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Materials:  Polyester, polyethylene, fiberglassWeight:  7.8 lbs

The most noteworthy feature of this four-person tent from Coleman is the WeatherTec system. This patented design includes welded floors and inverted seams. The polyethylene bathtub-style floor further improves its waterproofness.

It’s a tent that’s easy to put up and down because of the shock-corded fiberglass poles. It’s not, however, considered freestanding because it requires extra staking.

The shape that Coleman has chosen is very functional and works very well in windy weather. Another good feature of the design is the covered vestibule area — it works well as a dry spot for storing muddy boots or your hiking gear.

Something else unique to this Coleman tent is the pin-and-ring system, which helps to keep the corner poles secure. This makes it far more secure than other tents that promise to be freestanding.

PROS

  • Fully covered vestibule.
  • Pin-and-ring system for added stability.
  • WeatherTec waterproofing system.
  • Highly portable.

CONS

  • Only one entrance door.

Wenzel Alpine Three-Person Tent

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Materials:  Polyester, polyethylene, fiberglassWeight:  8 lbs

If you’re looking for an inexpensive tent for two people, this tent from Wenzel is perfect. It’s marketed as a three-person tent, but what that really means is three children or one adult and two kids. This is all down to the pentagon shape — the quoted dimensions are from the longest points of the shape.

While this tent is basic, you can’t expect more from one at the lower end of the price range. Nevertheless, it has a large D-shaped entrance door, a small loft for your possessions, and good ventilation.

When it comes to waterproofness, you’ll stay dry inside, even in the harshest of rainstorms. No extra covering is necessary; the rainfly works adequately enough.

PROS

  • Good ventilation.
  • Easy entry and exit.
  • Quick and simple setup.
  • Great value for money.

CONS

  • Not very spacious.

What to Consider When Buying a Tent for Less Than $100

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If you have a limited budget and you’re limited to looking for camping tents under $100, there are compromises you must make. What features you’re prepared to compromise on is a personal thing. To help you decide, we’ve broken them down into six categories.

Compromises to Consider

A cheap tent shouldn’t mean you have to settle for a lemon. That being said, there are some areas in which you might have to settle for less.

Weight

The right weight for your tent depends on when you will use it. Do you plan to take long hikes and need somewhere warm and dry so you can get a good night’s sleep? If this is the case, the one-person tents from ALPS and Winterial will be perfect.

Our list also includes tents that are much heavier. They’re not suitable for carrying on your back, and so you need to be traveling in a car.

The weight of your tent can be a vital consideration when you’re considering all the other things you need to pack for your hiking trip.

Materials/Durability

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The quality of materials is especially important if you want your tent to last the test of time. Most use polyester and polyethylene in the construction, both of which are fairly durable and able to withstand tough weather.

Cheap doesn’t have to mean poor quality. Your camping trip isn’t going to be much fun if your tent rips, the zippers keep getting stuck or the fiberglass poles break when you’re putting the tent up.

There are a few tents we’ve reviewed that have no reported issues in this area. They include the ALPS Mountaineering, Coleman Instant, Mountain Trails and the Toogh options.

Weatherproofing

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What would be the point in a tent if it didn’t offer a certain amount of protection from the weather? The truth of the matter is a little different, and this is one area where you’ll have to compromise.

It’s possible to get around less than perfect waterproofing by using some kind of waterproofing spray. The ALPS Mountaineering Meramac is a fine example. Some extra covering on the floor might also be helpful.

Size

Talk about the size of a tent and it’s almost the same as discussing the space. The right size for you is one that allows you to be comfortable. The level of required comfort differs, whether you’re hiking or going away for the weekend with a group of friends.

You also need to bear in mind that a four-person tent doesn’t necessarily mean four adults. It could mean two adults and two children or just four children. As well as sleeping space, you should also be looking for a tent with additional space for storing all your gear. This is especially important if you’re camping in a group.

Floor

In many of the tents that we’ve featured, there have been issues with the quality of the floor, such as with the ALPS Meramac.

A solution to get around this is to use a tarp or tent footprint under the tent. It will cost you extra, but is there a price you can put on keeping dry when camping?

Space

One thing to remember is that if you want to stay within your budget, the larger your tent, the more compromises you must make. These will be in stability and durability.

Take into account that the classification of a tent doesn’t mean you can comfortably sleep that amount of people and store all your gear.

Final Thoughts

The best tent under $100 for budget camping has to be the one you’re comfortable in, especially if you’ve spent all day hiking. It also has to be waterproof, have adequate ventilation and be easy to put up.

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent ticks these boxes, which is why it’s at the number one spot. The only downside is that you’ll struggle to fit a family of six inside.

Coming in a close second is the Coleman Sundome Tent that can fit two, three, four, or six people inside. The reason we’ve relegated it to the number two spot is that there have been some reported problems with tearing seams. It’s also a little on the heavy side, especially if you choose the six-person option. 

Best 14 Person Tent For Extra Large Groups and Families

If you’re in a rush because you’ve got something planned, our top choice goes to the Ozark Trail Base Camp Cabin Tent.

We’re constantly being told it’s good to be outdoors as much as possible, both for our mental and physical health. Camping out as part of a larger group is always going to be more fun than on your own. To make the experience a positive one, it helps if you’ve got the best 14-person tent.

In this article, we’re going to review the following 14 person tents:

14 Person Tent Reviews

We’ve done all the legwork so you can get on with planning the rest of your group vacation. This well-researched list of the best 14 person camping tents is as follows:

Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent

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Materials:  Polyester, polyethylene, fiberglass, steelWeight:  47.4 lbs

If you’re looking for a 14-person camping tent with a shared space, this tent from Ozark will feel like home. Ozark designed the tent in the shape of a plus-sign, and it takes up a massive 20 by 20-foot plot.

A common area in the center of the shape is surrounded on all four sides by separate rooms, each with their own entrance. These rooms also have two windows each, for improved visibility and ventilation.

There is, however, a minor flaw to this layout. It means you have to go through one of the sleeping areas from the shared area in the middle to get outside. One way to get around this issue is to use three of the rooms and keep the double-doored room as a spacious entryway.

Other features that get this tent to the top of our list include mesh storage pockets in each room, an E-port for easy extension cord access, and a media pocket, gear loft, and two gear hammocks.

You might think a tent of this size would take a lot of putting up, but the consensus is that it takes two people just 20 minutes. This might be because the pole elbows come pre-attached, so there’s no hunting around for various parts.

To provide stability during windy conditions, guy ropes act as additional stake down points. That being said, a few customers have mentioned that this tent isn’t overly stable during bad weather.

PROS

  • Extra-roomy with four separate rooms.
  • Four separate entrances.
  • Covered inside area for eating.
  • Easy to put up.

CONS

  • Doesn’t fare well in bad weather.

Tahoe Gear Manitoba Family Outdoor Camping Tent

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Materials:  Polyethylene, polyester, steel, fiberglassWeight:  37.9 lbs

From the outside, this group tent from Tahoe Gear doesn’t look like it’ll fit 14 people. The floor space is smaller than the tent we’ve placed at number one, but the dimensions of 20 by 17 feet still allow ample room for up to 14 persons. There are only three rooms, but each has its own window.

The design of the tent is a T-shape, with two rooms either side of the double-door entrance and one extra room opposite.

This is another tent that’s quick to set up thanks to the easy-assemble shock cord poles. A factory-sealed rainfly has to be added over the top for additional waterproofing.

Tents made from polyester are great for both warm or cool weather. There’s no reason to restrict your outings to just a few short months of the year with this material.

If your group is comprised mainly of adults, you’re bound to appreciate the extra headroom in the center of the tent. The 6-foot center height means that most adults can enter the tent without stooping.

There are a few extra features that come with this 14-person camping tent, notably a welcome mat where the group can leave their soiled shoes, interior mesh pockets for valuables, windows that zip shut, and power slip.

PROS

  • Generous 6-foot center height.
  • Good water-resistance.
  • Added welcome mat.
  • Detachable room divider for privacy.
  • Excellent waterproofing.

CONS

  • Small floor space.

Tahoe Gear Carson 3-Season 14-Person Cabin Tent

Tahoe Gear Carson 3-Season 14-Person Cabin Tent
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Materials:  Polyester, steel, fiberglassWeight:  62.4 lbs

You can say a lot of good things about this tent from Tahoe Gear. Like the Tahoe Manitoba, it’s well-made and reasonably priced, but there’s even more. If you want the best 14-person tent on a budget, you can’t go far wrong with this one.

The design has three inner rooms that lead off the front entrance and screen room, and each has its own door to the screen room and the central space. The central space doubles-up as a living room and has a very generous height of around 94 inches.

The screen room at the front is also around 94 inches, but unfortunately, there are no panels to this area, apart from a fly.

Construction materials include polyester with taped seams to keep the weather at bay. The vertical poles are made using powder-coated steel, and the roof poles are shock-corded fiberglass. Not only will this make the tent last longer, but the corded poles make assembly much quicker.

What knocked this tent from the top of the list is that it’s very complicated to put up. The assembly instructions aren’t very informative, and many of the poles aren’t clearly marked. All that aside, once you’ve put it up a couple of times, it gets much easier.

Additional features include a tent trolley carry bag, power slip near the door, large zip windows, and solar shield to reflect sunlight and keep the tent cool.

PROS

  • Three separate rooms with their own access.
  • Covered entrance.
  • 7-foot center height.
  • Solar shield to reflect sunlight.

CONS

  • Complicated to set up.

Fortunershop Family 14-Person Cabin Tent

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Materials:  Polythene, polyester, steel, fiberglassWeight:  53.7 lbs

This is the best 14-person tent from Fortunershop. It’s made in onto our list thanks to the cool and funky design. Four doors provide a separate entry and exit to each room, and there are 12 windows for excellent visibility.

The taped seams provide excellent protection from the wet weather. You won’t have to worry about waking up in a damp sleeping bag or your gear getting wet.

The floor size is more than ample for 14 people, coming in at 20 by 20 feet. The center height is 78 inches, which means adults don’t have to spend all day crouching down. The central area also has a mesh room so you can enjoy your evenings together gazing at the stars.

Up to five queen air mattresses can fit comfortably into the three rooms, but you can also use it as one big room by tying back the dividers.

For easy access to an extension cord, there’s an E-port. Each room contains two pockets, so you can keep your possessions safe. There’s also a handy drinks holder.

PROS

  • Up to four separate rooms.
  • Separate exit and entry doors.
  • Generous floor size.
  • Quick setup time.

CONS

  • Heavy.

Ozark Trail Spring Lodge 14-Person Cabin Camping Tent

Ozark Trail Spring Lodge 14-Person Cabin Camping Tent
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Materials:  polyester, steelWeight:  44.95 lbs

If it’s a reasonably priced tent you’re looking for, then the Spring Lodge Cabin tent fits the bill. When it comes to budget tents, it’s surprisingly spacious. There might only be two rooms, but there’s the option of turning the screen room into an additional sleeping area.

For superior weather protection, the rainfly is seam-taped, but you can also roll it back to keep cool on hot summer nights.

One nice addition that seems to be a common feature with Ozark tents is the mud mat. There’s nothing worse than having nowhere to put your muddy shoes before heading indoors for the night.

The cabins each have divider curtains for privacy and multiple pockets for storage. To allow for extra room, there are two separate storage closets. This means you don’t have to clog up the sleeping areas with your larger gear.

Additional features include a slot to support the majority of electronic devices and a port to fit a power cable into the tent.

PROS

  • Fully floored screen room.
  • Two storage closets.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Screened-in porch.

CONS

  • Only two sleeping rooms.

What to Look For When Buying a 14-Person Tent

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Camping as a group can get very stressful if there’s not enough room. Space is one of the most crucial elements when choosing a 14 man tent, but there’s much more to it than that.

The main factors to take into account when choosing your 14-man tent are:

  • Ease of setup.
  • Comfort features.
  • Gear features.
  • Materials.
  • Climate and seasons.

Ease of Setup

Pitching a tent that’s big enough to house up to 14 persons won’t be easy. We’d be lying if we said it is. All that aside, most of the manufacturers in our list have done everything they can to make it easier.

Color-coded poles, lightweight components, assembly systems that are simple and shock-corded poles all help reduce the time it takes. Our number one tent, the Ozark Trail Base Camp Cabin Tent, takes things one step further by including pre-attached pole elbows. If you’ve ever been camping before, you know how frustrating it can be to search around for the right parts.

There is a small downside to ease of construction, and that’s the additional bulk some of these easy systems take up.

Freestanding or Not

A common feature of many modern tents is that you can pick them up off the ground and move them. There’s no need to take them down and put them up in a new location. Specially designed tent poles are used to hold up the tent, and tent stakes aren’t a requirement.

The tents on our list are all freestanding, although they might not be as easy to move as a much smaller tent.

Comfort Features

There’s no reason you should rough it just because you’re camping. A few creature comforts can make any tent feel luxurious. The Ozark Trail Base Camp Cabin tent is by far the roomiest, but the Tahoe Gear Carson 3-Season tent comes a close second thanks to the 7 feet of headspace.

Space

Multiple rooms are an obvious advantage of this type of tent; some even include cabinets and separate communal areas. There’s only one our list lacking in space, and that’s the Tahoe Gear Manitoba Family Outdoor Camping Tent.

It’s worth pointing out that manufacturers base a 14-person capacity on the number of sleeping pads that can be placed on the floor. Don’t expect to house 14 people sleeping on airbeds.

Entrances

A tent can’t have too many entrances, as long as you can securely zip them up. It’s also a good idea for entering and exiting not to interfere with other resident’s comfort.

This is one small downside of our number one tent, the Ozark Trail Base Camp model. If you make use of all four rooms and the communal area, you have to go through one of the rooms to get out.

Windows

Having numerous windows means more ventilation and light. Make sure the windows also protect from the elements with mesh plus zippered panels.

Gear Features and Storage

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If you take lots of camping gear with you, it’s useful if there’s somewhere you can store it. While these group tents are spacious, keeping all the gear in your sleeping quarters isn’t ideal.

The Ozark Trail Spring Lodge Cabin Camping Tent has two storage closets, a screened-in porch and fully floored screen room. That should be plenty of space for any gear you’ve brought with you.

Keep in mind that a 14-man tent can still suit a smaller sized party. In fact, in this instance, you can use the extra sleeping areas to store your gear.

Materials

With so many people using the tent, you want the construction to be of the highest durability and to withstand the elements.

Waterproofness

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For the best possible waterproofness, you need a tent with a thick floor and wall material, waterproof material and strong stitching in the seams. These will help your tent last a long time and be water-resistant.

The best materials for waterproofness include polyester and polyethylene. Neither of these synthetic materials need a special waterproof coating.

Durability

To help keep the tent in good condition, reinforced floors, zippered doors and large windows, and the use of high-durability materials is essential. Cotton and canvas are the best materials for durability, but they tend to be very heavy.

Most modern tents are manufactured using polyester or nylon. To improve their water resistance, you’ll often find coatings such as acrylic, polyurethane, or silicone.

Climate and Seasons

Tents of this kind are generally designed to be used during two or three seasons. Camping out in the depths of winter is not what they’re designed for. The height of the summer might also be ruled out unless your tent has a solar shield to reflect the sunlight, as the Tahoe Gear Carson model has.

Benefits of a 14 Person Tent

The most obvious benefit of a tent of such proportions has to be the size. Aside from this, there are several other advantages to choosing a tent with such capacity:

  • Gear space.
  • Elbow room.
  • Height.
  • Extra features.

Space for Gear

A 14-man tent has enough space to fit all a large family or a group of friends. Not only that, there’s typically space to stow any gear you might bring along.

A Little Elbow Room

14 people sharing one space might feel claustrophobic if it wasn’t for the extra elbow room afforded with a tent of this magnitude. The Ozark Trail Base, Tahoe Gear Carson 3-Season, and the Fortunershop Family Cabin tent all have an additional communal or screen room for extra space.

Height

If your group mainly consists of kids, then head height might not be a concern. On the flip side, if your group is made up of mostly adults, extra headroom would be appreciated. The tent with the most headroom is the Tahoe Gear Carson 3-Season option — 7 feet should be enough for anyone.

Extra Features

Additional features that make camping a little easier include E-ports, so you can use power cords for lamps, chargers and other electronic devices. Mesh pockets come in very handy for keeping small things safe.

Screened rooms are also a good addition. They can be great places to relax undercover, as well as being used for extra storage or an area for a dog bed.

A Quick Round-Up

The best 14-person tent is the one that includes plenty of space, ample headroom, four rooms and a communal space, and plenty of large windows for ventilation and light.

The Ozark Trail Base Camp Cabin Tent ticks all these boxes. Its construction is also of a high quality. The plus-sign design means that are four rooms with one communal area in the middle, and it provides 235 square feet of living space. There’s also a media pocket, gear loft, and two gear hammocks for any gadgets you care to bring along.

Coming in a close second is the Tahoe Gear Manitoba Family Outdoor Camping Tent, although some might consider it on the small side. There are, after all, fewer rooms than with our number one choice. That being said, there is a generous 6.5-foot center height, making it easy for you to move around inside. 

Best 2 Person Cot For Comfortable Camping In 2024

2 person cot

Camping cots are a type of bed that collapses for easy transporting. They’re here to make your sleeping arrangements a lot more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.

They’re best for recreational camping or where you don’t hike from place to place, and if you just want to cut to the chase, our favorite is the Cam-O-Bunk with Organizers by Disc-O-Bed.

In this article, we’re going to review the following camping cots for two persons:

Best Double Camping Cots

Having suitable sleeping arrangements while camping is essential, which is why we took extra care when choosing our top six. By following our criteria further below, we sieved through the mass to find the best.

Cam-O-Bunk with Organizers by Disc-O-Bed

Cam-O-Bunk with Organizers by Disc-O-Bed
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Maximum weight capacity:  500 poundsItem weight:  36 poundsDimensions:  35 x 79 inches

This amazing cot by Disc-O-Bed is an innovative bunk bed design, where one cot sits above the other.

If you’re looking for something versatile, this is it — you can use it in various ways for different purposes. The compact size even makes it fantastic in the back of a camper van if you’re traveling by car. You can alter the setup in these cases, creating either a bench or two single cots.

The construction is sound and shouldn’t budge. It consists of rust-resistant, ultra-strong steel that can safely accommodate 500 pounds per single cot, making the total capacity 1,000 pounds total. As a finish, the steel is powder-coated for added durability and look.

Each cot includes high-grade polyester that’s water-resistant and easy to keep clean. For your comfort, Disc-O-Bed utilized contoured support, which means that there are no hard middle braces across the bed. Instead, the material stretches according to your body, creating a soft surface without you needing a mattress.

The cots each measure 35 inches wide and 79 inches long, which should be ample. To the side, you’ll have organizers for your equipment. Also, the bed is straightforward to assemble without using tools.

PROS

  • Versatile bunk bed design.
  • High weight capacity.
  • Comfortable cot.
  • Storage compartments included.

CONS

  • Very heavy.

Camping Cot Air Mattress and Pump Combo by Coleman

Camping Cot Air Mattress and Pump Combo by Coleman
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Maximum weight capacity:  600 poundsItem weight:  41.2 poundsDimensions:  78 x 59 x 22 inches

Sometimes, a cot just isn’t comfy enough, especially for recreational camping. This bundle from Coleman provides you with a camping cot and air mattress.

The cot is exceptional and has a steel frame that can support up to 600 pounds. To each side, there are built-in tables with cup holders that you can use for small lamps or books.

The air bed is wonderful, too. It’s a coil design, which conforms to suit your better, providing outstanding support. Coleman made sure that it wouldn’t leak through its factory-testing process to ensure firmness all night.

It opens up as a queen-size camping cot, measuring 78 by 59 inches with a 22-inch height. It keeps you well above the cold ground, and the bed and mattress are foldable for storing when not in use.

You can customize the mattress as you’d like. It comes with a removable, zippered cover that you can change as needed.

Included in the bundle is also an electric pump. It’s battery-powered, which is perfect for the outdoors. Note that the pump requires four D-cell batteries, and these aren’t provided.

PROS

  • Durable cot frame.
  • Airtight mattress.
  • Coil design that adjusts to the body.
  • Side tables on the cot frame.

CONS

  • Very heavy and cumbersome.
  • Using the cot without the mattress is uncomfortable.

Tent Cot with Rain Fly by Kamp-Rite

Tent Cot with Rain Fly by Kamp-Rite
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Maximum weight capacity:  500 poundsItem weight:  42 poundsDimensions:  85 x 55 x 59 inches

Having everything in one package is fantastic when camping — this tent cot is innovatively designed, combining a sleeping cot with a tent for protection.

This oversized tent cot is very robust — it’s composed of a heavy-duty steel frame and durable Denier nylon.

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to set up — despite its complicated look, setting it up won’t take all day. The tent is roomy as well and includes a set of spreader bars that work to expand it, thus optimizing your interior space.

We’re amazed by the versatility, too. If you don’t want to use the cot, you can simply detach the tent and sleep in that, or vice versa. Included are also a roller-wheeled carry bag for the bed and a separate container for the tent.

The tent itself isn’t half bad. It consists of no-see-um mesh on the windows and doors, preventing even the tiniest pests from sneaking inside. The windows and doors feature heavy-duty zippers, and the cot will keep you off the ground, protected from cold, moisture and insects.

PROS

  • Two-in-one package.
  • Durable frame.
  • High-quality tent.
  • Easy to assemble.

CONS

  • Carry bags aren’t water-resistant.

EZ-Bed Air Mattress with Frame by Ivation

EZ-Bed Air Mattress with Frame by Ivation
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Maximum weight capacity:  450 poundsItem weight:  48.9 poundsDimensions:  79 x 61 x 24 inches

If you want full comfort, then we can only recommend the air mattress and frame from Ivation.

With a built-in pump, the mattress inflates automatically, which takes less than four minutes. The pump features different settings, allowing you to choose the firmness of the bed. You can pick between plush, medium or firm.

Another neat feature is the self-deploying frame. All you do is unzip the bag, plug it into an outlet, turn it on and then walk away. Within minutes, your bed is ready—excellent if you have impatient children with you.

The bed has fairly standard dimensions. It measures 79 by 61 inches and keeps you 24 inches above the ground. The airbed can support up to 450 pounds, but it’s considerably heavy, weighing in at 48.9 pounds.

Fortunately, the duffle bag included for transport has wheels. This way, you won’t have to break your back getting it from the car to the tent. On top of this, the bed deflates completely, making it easy to transport to the campsite.

PROS

  • Easy to transport.
  • Built-in automatic pump.
  • Self-deploying design.
  • Maximum comfort.

CONS

  • Seams are fragile.

Portable Two Person Double Folding Camping Cot by Outsunny

Portable Two Person Double Folding Camping Cot by Outsunny
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Maximum weight capacity:  300 poundsItem weight:  24 poundsDimensions:  49.2 x 79 x 15 inches

With a lightweight design, this two-person camping cot from Outsunny is excellent for backpackers. The double bed is a portable design, which is quick to fold and transport.

The cot weighs approximately 24 pounds and folds into a compact package measuring 38.2 by 5.9 by 7.5 inches. Included is a carry bag so you can quickly wrap it up when you’re ready to go. The cots measure 49.2 inches in width, 79 inches in length, and they’ll keep you 15 inches above the ground.

This model is a side-by-side design with a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. It’s not the highest weight limit, but that’s a sacrifice for portability.

For materials, Outsunny used 600D PVC Oxford fabric, which is incredibly durable as well as water-and-tear-resistant. The frame features sturdy powder-coated steel with attached feet, providing some much-needed stability, even on uneven surfaces.

PROS

  • Lightweight design; easy to transport.
  • Included carry bag.
  • Durable materials.

CONS

  • Low weight limit for a two-person cot.
  • No setup instructions included.

Camping Cot Double 2-Person by KingCamp

Camping Cot Double 2-Person by KingCamp
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Maximum weight capacity:  550 poundsItem weight:  35.5 poundsDimensions:  85 x 55 x 19 inches

KingCamp has the perfect double cot for couples who need some extra room. The bed is wider and longer than the others on our list.

The bed measures 84.5 inches in length and 55 inches in width. Now, KingCamp admits that due to the middle bar, snuggling up with each other isn’t that comfortable. Because of this, it recommends that you use an air mattress.

Made with heavy-duty steel, the frame can hold up to 550 pounds. To support you, KingCamp utilized 1200D Oxford fabric, which is extra thick for higher durability.

In each corner of the cot are elastic bands to secure a queen-sized air mattress. This ensures that even during a wild night, the mattress isn’t likely to fall off the cot.

Another fantastic point is that it’s easy to transport. The cot folds down into a 45.5 by 11.5-inch package. KingCamp also includes a carry bag that features both two wheels and a handle. The bed weighs approximately 35.5 pounds, so it’s relatively light when compared to others.

PROS

  • Long and wide.
  • Durable fabric and frame.
  • Elastic bands to hold air mattress.
  • Relatively light and easy to transform.

CONS

  • Pungent smell puts buyers off.

Considerations for the Best Double Camping Cot

Ease and Speed of Setup

The gear you bring on your camping trip must be easy to use and assemble. You don’t always have several hours to get your bed ready, and a complicated model is a recipe for frustration. 

Sadly, though, not all two-person camping cots are easy to assemble. We highly recommend that you look for a foldable design where assembly is minimal. With these, everything is already intact, and all you do is unfold it. It may take you a couple of minutes.

An excellent idea is to test the cot at home before you leave. Open it up and familiarize yourself with how it works. Then, when you arrive at the campground, you’ll look like a pro, and you’ve saved yourself a lot of tears.

Materials

With camping cots, we usually see two materials for the frame—steel or aluminum. For single beds, which aren’t supposed to accommodate two adults, aluminum is fine. However, for double cots, it’s best to aim for steel.

Steel is incredibly durable— it’s over two times denser than aluminum. A good steel frame won’t bend or warp when under pressure, as aluminum might do. With that said, the biggest con is how heavy it is.

Manufacturers will usually tell you about the frame materials and how much weight they can bear. Keep in mind that, if you’re looking for a portable cot, be prepared that you might have to sacrifice strength for portability. If you’re backpacking, it’s not ideal to drag a heavy bed with you, so you may have to opt for aluminum.

For the cot material itself, most manufacturers use either polyester or nylon. There are several types, and some are more durable than others. For this, however, durability generally comes with a higher price tag.

Airbed Mattress or Not?

Not all dual camping cots are comfortable to sleep on since many include middle bars for extra strength. If you’re either too tall or short, they’ll poke you all night — not fun!

For those with that middle bar, it’s probably best to invest in a compatible air mattress, too. Some manufacturers, such as KingCamp, recommend that you use its cot with an air bed for extra comfort.

Other cots, for example, the Cam-O-Bunk model we’ve chosen as our number one, have a particular fabric. This conforms with your body as you lay down, creating an almost hammock-like bed, and they’re very comfortable to sleep in.

Still, whether you should use an airbed mattress or not is entirely up to you. You may want to consider how you’re traveling. If you’re going from spot to spot, it’s probably best to leave the mattress at home. But for recreational camping, the added softness and comfort are highly appreciated.

Cot Weight

The camping cot weight should reflect on how you’re traveling. If you’re going backpacking, the weight of the bed should be a top priority. Loading up more than you can carry is a set up for failure and a sore back.

For recreational camping, where you won’t move between campgrounds, the cot’s weight has less significance. Perhaps consider how far you’d have to transport it from the car to the tent. Fortunately, some of the heavier models come with a duffle bag with wheels to alleviate transportation problems.

Extra Features

Originally, camping cots were the bare minimum — the next best thing from a sleeping bag, keeping you off the ground. Nowadays, many include features and gadgets to make your experience a lot better.

It, again, depends on your vacation and what your needs are. Many cots include extra storage spaces, pull-out tables and cup holders. Some even transform into a tent, like the Tent Cot with Rain Fly Kamp-Rite.

Others will also allow you to alter their design. A great example is the Cam-O-Bunk with Organizers by Disc-O-Bed — the cot can transform into a bench and a bunk bed.

If you’re going to sleep in a tent, you can easily stick to the bare minimum and save some cash. However, if you’re going to sleep under the stars, consider something with additional features, like a compatible tent.

Size

When it comes to size, focus on both the length and width.

Buying a cot that’s too short for you or your partner is extremely uncomfortable. Having your feet hang off the end and a metal frame poke you in the tendon isn’t ideal.

Most camping cots for two have a standard length of 79 inches. You may get lucky and find a longer one if needed.

For the width, it’s crucial that your shoulders aren’t broader than the frame. If so, the steel material will dig into your body, making you very uncomfortable. Furthermore, if you tend to move around while you sleep, you’re likely to fall out or push your cot-buddy over the edge.

Before you buy, measure yourself and then choose a few extra inches. For the width, it’s always an excellent strategy to go as wide as possible. Lastly, make sure you measure your tent — there’s no point in buying such a cot if it can’t fit in your accommodation.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Top Rated Camping Cots You Should Buy In 2024

Weight Capacity

Surprisingly, some two-person cots have a very low weight limit. This isn’t good, especially when two grown adults are using it.

A higher weight capacity also means durable materials that are likely to last longer. With the weight limit, it doesn’t hurt going as high as possible. This way, you’re sure it can safely accommodate you and your partner.

Remember that a higher weight capacity likely means a heavier product — take this into account when considering maximum load for traveling.

Conclusion

Investing in the best double cot for camping is a fantastic idea for ensuring comfortable living while away from home.

The clear winner of today is the Cam-O-Bunk with Organizers by Disc-O-Bed — it’s outstanding, versatile and sturdy, with the versatility being a feature the competitors don’t match. It’s also suitable for both adults, couples, friends and families.

For the runner up, we chose the Coleman Camping Cot for its included airbed-style mattress. It has some handy extras but didn’t quite match up to the versatility of our top choice.

When looking for the best camping cot for two, aim for something that’s easy to set up and take down. One that consists of durable materials and has a high weight capacity is a good focal point. Then consider the size and whether you can go big or if you’re tight on space.

Best 12 Person Tent To Fit You All

camping tent for twelve people

Whether you’re towing along your family, or hosting a getaway with friends, choosing a roomy 12 person tent is an excellent choice. Regardless of how many people have to share it, you’ll have ample room to stretch your legs.

With this in mind, we’ve gone with the NTK Super Arizona GT for its roominess and excellent durability.

The best 12 person tents come with extra compartments than smaller models, providing excellent privacy. This works out fantastic, whether you have kids or are camping with friends.

In this article, we’re going to review the following 12 person tents:

Best Tents for Twelve People

A high-quality tent is imperative when going camping, so we took extra care when selecting the best 12 people tents. Taking into the key features further down, we managed to find our top seven.

Super Arizona GT up to 12 Person Tent by NTK

Super Arizona GT up to 12 Person Tent by NTK
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Dimensions:  6.9 x 10.2 x 20.6 feetWeight:  39.77 pounds

NTK’s Super Arizona GT tent is perfect for families or couples who travel together. It offers spacious accommodation where up to 12 people can fit effortlessly.

When you first walk into the tent, you’ll notice how roomy it feels. You get 6.9 feet of headroom, two doors and three windows to bring in some natural light.

NTK included a detachable room divider. Attaching this inside the tent instantly creates two separate quarters for privacy. Around the tent’s interior are spacious utility pockets and a loft for gear storage, adding to this tent’s utility.

The tent is durable, too — NTK made sure it would protect from rain and sun. Covering it, you’ll have a rainfly composed of a double layer of polyurethane laminated polyester and a water column. This combination makes it fully waterproof and UV-resistant.

The interior consists of a layer of ultra-thin polyester no-see-um material — a special insect net preventing even the smallest creepers from entering.

For the frame, there are fiberglass rods, and to make the set up easy, you’ll have an aluminum pin-and-ring system. Lastly, the floor is a heavy-duty, anti-fungus polyethylene that works to keep water and moisture out.

PROS

  • Spacious 6.9-foot height.
  • Included detachable room divider.
  • Rain and UV protected.
  • Heavy-duty floor.

CONS

  • Included storage bag is fragile and small.

Prescott 12-Person 3-Season Family Cabin Tent by Tahoe Gear

Prescott 12-Person 3-Season Family Cabin Tent by Tahoe Gear
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Dimensions:  6.5 x 10 x 20 feetWeight:  31.6 pounds

The Tahoe Gear Prescott is a three-season tent, measuring 20 feet by 10 feet. If you’re taking the whole family on a trip, this tent is it.

On the inside, you have a spacious 200 square feet surface where up to 12 people can sleep comfortably. To maximize your sleeping space, Tahoe Gear recommends that you place all the sleeping bags at the center — you’ll then have room in the front and back for gear.

It’s an oval-shaped tent, so you don’t get the roomy L-shape, but the high ceiling makes up for that. At the tallest point, the roof reaches 6.5 feet, allowing almost anyone to stand up straight. Once erected, on all sides are large windows, bringing in natural light.

For the body and rainfly, Tahoe Gear used sturdy 190T polyester and a 1,200mm coating to make it rain and UV-resistant.

The setup is straightforward with shock-corded fiberglass poles.

PROS

  • Large interior and high center ceiling.
  • Durable body and rainfly.
  • Large windows.
  • Easy to set up.

CONS

  • Floor tears easily.

Gateway Deluxe Cabin Family Camping Tent by Tahoe Gear

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Dimensions:  7 x 12 x 20 feetWeight:  39.6 pounds

If you’d like luxury while away camping, have a look at this tent by Tahoe Gear. It’s a weather-resistant tent, complete with a few surprises. We particularly like the panoramic view with windows all around, even on the roof.

Spacious is a generous word for this Tahoe Gear tent. You’ve got 7 feet of head clearance in most locations. The walls are tall, allowing you to move about freely without bumping your head or rubbing shoulders with others.

The body consists of a durable 1,200mm polyester fly, finished with fly seams. It protects you from both hot and cool weather. On top of the fly, the solar shield deflects sunlight, preserving a cool temperature inside. In addition, the polyethylene binding floor provides a water-resistant surface, keeping you and your gear safe.

If it should get windy, like on one of our most recent trips when we nearly blew away, you can secure the fly with heavy-duty ropes, which are secured from the inside.

Included in the bundle are thorough instructions as well as a carry bag.

PROS

  • Roomy interior.
  • Multiple windows for visibility.
  • Weather-resistant material.
  • Waterproof floor.

CONS

  • Fragile poles.

12-Person Extra Large Straight Wall Cabin Tent by CORE

12-Person Extra Large Straight Wall Cabin Tent by CORE
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Dimensions:  7.1 x 11 x 16 feetWeight:  41 pounds

If you’re searching for a tent that feels more open and spacious, Core has a fantastic example here. The 12-person straight wall tent gives you a roomy floor space of 16 feet by 11 feet with a 7.1 feet ceiling. You can easily fit four queen-sized air mattresses or several sleeping bags in there.

Core offers you two entrances — T and D — one at the front and the other in the back. This comes in handy when you pull up the space divider, as it gives each room more privacy.

When you remove the rainfly, you’re opening up a mesh ceiling, giving you a large sky window. This, along with the side windows, gives you a panoramic view of the surroundings.

Still, if the weather should get worse, the rainfly features H2O Block Technology, keeping you dry inside. On the warm days, however, the advanced ventilation system will draw in cool air from the ground. When it’s colder, close the vents to preserve the heat inside.

The exterior consists of 86D polyester with a 115 gsm polyethylene floor. The tent comes with 22 stakes to keep it grounded.

PROS

  • 360-degree windows.
  • Spacious interior.
  • Room divider and two entries.
  • Water-repellent rainfly.

CONS

  • Difficult to assemble.

Two Room 12 Person Tent with Side Entrance by CORE

Two Room 12 Person Tent with Side Entrance by CORE
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Dimensions:  6.7 x 10 x 18 feetWeight:  40 pounds

For summer campers, we suggest you have a look at this 12 people tent from Core. With a removable rainfly, you can enjoy a panoramic view, perfect for stargazing on a warm summer’s day.

To help you get through the hot summer, Core included an advanced ventilation system. This consists of vents near the floor that draw in cool air while pressing the heat out through the mesh ceiling. Don’t worry; when the weather is cold, you can close the vents, preserving the warm air inside.

For those who have less experience with tents, you’ll love the next feature. Core made sure the tent is effortless to set up — it comes with a special ten-leg pole design. The poles are pre-attached, so all you do is lift the tent, extend the legs and it clicks into place.

The interior of the tent is roomy. You’ll have a 6.7 by 10 by 18 feet floor plan where 12 adults can sleep comfortably. In the middle, you can zip up the room divider, giving you two private areas, each with their own entrance.

Core also made sure that no water seeps in by heat sealing the seams from top to bottom.

PROS

  • Advanced venting system.
  • Panoramic views.
  • Waterproof rainfly.
  • Easy setup.

CONS

  • Some of the zippers tend to snag.

Copper Canyon 12-People Tent by Eureka

Copper Canyon 12-People Tent by Eureka
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Dimensions:  7 x 12 x 14 feetWeight:  38.75 pounds

If you’re heading out with friends and are looking to preserve your privacy, we highly recommend the Copper Canyon. Eureka has your privacy in mind by including two rooms in this 12-people tent.

Included in the bundle is a detachable divider curtain that transforms the Copper Canyon into a two-room tent. The interior feels spacious with almost vertical walls, so there’s plenty of room for cots or airbeds. In all, you’ve got 7 x 12 x 14 feet of space, so it isn’t the largest tent in this feature, but it’s still spacious.

A remarkable feature is the E! Power Port, which allows you to bring an electrical power cord into the tent. You can use it to charge your phone or lights. This combines well with multiple storage options with pockets and gear lofts.

Another aspect that we appreciate is the six large windows. These provide a 360-degree view as well as natural cross-tent airflow. When you need privacy, you can zipper them closed.

The Copper Canyon tent is easy to set up. It features a clip, pole sleeve and a ring/pin assembly that’s straightforward, even for a tent novice. The only issue we’d like to mention is that it’s not 100 percent waterproof.

PROS

  • Room divider included.
  • Spacious floor and height.
  • Electrical power cord port.
  • Large windows.

CONS

  • Rainfly not fully waterproof.
  • Poles are rather fragile.

12-Person 3-Room Instant Cabin Tent by Ozark Trail

12-Person 3-Room Instant Cabin Tent by Ozark Trail
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Dimensions:  6.8 x 16 x 16 feetWeight:  61 pounds

For campers who don’t have hours to set up their camp, we found this 12-people tent from Ozark Trail. With a super easy setup, Ozark Trails boasts that you can have it ready in under two minutes. Perhaps this is a bit of a long shot unless you’re an expert, but it’s nonetheless a straightforward process.

All the poles come pre-attached, so all you need to do is open and extend. Once unfolded, you get to see just how spacious it is. Ozark Trail promises a 6.8-foot central height with windows on all sides.

The interior can easily fit three queen-sized airbeds or up to 12 sleeping bags. You can divide the floor using two room dividers, giving you three separate spaces total.

You can comfortably camp out during the summer thanks to the ventilation system. Inside, there’s a vent near the floor, drawing in cool air from the ground. You could also fit an air conditioner.

Also included are a rainfly and carry bag. To keep moisture out, the manufacturer used fully taped, factory-sealed seams. This combines well with the durability of the 6-inch thick, tub-styled material floor.

PROS

  • Effortless to set up.
  • All-around windows.
  • Room for three queen-sized airbeds.
  • Moisture-proof.

CONS

  • Not enough storage compartments.

What to Consider When Finding the Best 12 People Tent

Ease of Setup

One of the most crucial points to consider when choosing a tent is how easy it is to set up. A complicated setup means lots of frustrations.

When it comes to tents, you’re generally met with a choice between freestanding and non-freestanding.

The tents on our review list are non-freestanding. Some, including the Two Room Tent by Core, are specially designed to make set up easy. It works similarly to a freestanding tent, but with the security of stakes.

Freestanding Tents

Freestanding tents are those that don’t require any stakes in the ground. They have pre-attached poles, making them easy to set up. Because there are no stakes, you can easily pick them up and move them. However, they aren’t as safe in windy conditions.

Non-Freestanding Tents

Non-freestanding tents are the old-fashioned ones, where you’ll need ropes or cords attached to stakes that secure them to the ground. They’re generally more weatherproof and are lighter to carry. They can, however, be cumbersome to set up.

Comfort Features

Tent Size

With tents, you’ll have to provide the sleeping arrangements, for example, a sleeping bag or air mattress.

So when it comes to your comfort, the focus on the size. Even though all the tents we feature can house 12 people, not all are equally spacious. If you’re going to travel with several people, you need extra room.

Think about what you’re using to sleep in — are you bringing queen-sized air mattresses or simple sleeping bags?

Amount of Rooms

It may sound crazy if you aren’t used to large tents, but many do offer two to three rooms. The manufacturer will include a room divider that you can attach in certain areas for more privacy.

Sometimes, they’ll give you one large space and a smaller one, which is excellent if you’re hauling extra gear. If you’re traveling with coupled friends, we highly recommend looking for room dividers. This way, everyone can have their private space without being totally separated.

Windows and Views

Tents can often feel confined and closed off, so having a window or two helps open up the space.

Fortunately, most 12-person tents come with large windows. Many even have a mesh window on top, like the Gateway Deluxe Cabin from Tahoe Gear, allowing you to watch the night. During the day, you can enjoy the fresh air and daylight.

If, however, you choose a tent with a mesh roof, ensure that it includes a rainfly, or that you can find a compatible one. Mesh won’t protect you from rain or strong winds.

Ventilation

If you’re planning on camping out during the summer, look for a good ventilation system. If the tent has windows, then that’s fine. However, some include a special design, where vents pull cool air in from the ground. It then pushes out the heat, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

Keep in mind that heat exhaustion can easily occur, especially after a day walking in the sun.

Gear Storage Features

Having a designated spot to place your gear is excellent when living in a tent. Sadly, it’s not always fulfilled — not all tents include pockets or other places for equipment.

During your search, pay attention to how many pockets and storage spaces the tent offers. Some, such as the Copper Canyon tent from Eureka, offer a suspended storage “loft,” which is a mesh pocket extended from the ceiling. These are fantastic for storing items, including pillows or clothes.

Weatherproof

The best weatherproof tents are those that include a protective layer keeping you safe from rain and UV rays.

Many 12-people tents have something called a rainfly. This is an additional layer that you attach to the top to protect the interior.

To avoid waking up in a puddle, look for durable, waterproof floors. Some tents have a tub-styled floor, which is fantastic for keeping the moisture out. But, of course, always be smart about where you place your tent.

Climate and Seasons

Do you need a tent that you can use all year round, or are you only going to travel during specific months? Not all tents are suitable for winter use — all on our list are best suited for three seasons: summer, autumn and spring.

Benefits of a 12-Person Tent

Space for Gear

With a 12-person tent, you’ve lots of room to spare, even if there are 12 of you. These tents often have individual storage compartments or even entire rooms dedicated to gear.

A Little Elbow Room

You don’t have to be traveling 12 people to enjoy this type of tent. They’re usually recommended for folks who enjoy having that extra elbow room. They add some luxury to camping since you have a mini house to live in.

Tall-Person-Friendly

12-people tents almost always offer ample head clearance — most will give you at least 6.5 feet.

A little pro tip: look for vertical walls if you want extra height. Vertical walls automatically give you more height than slanted ones.

Extra Features

Many 12-person tents come with a few extra features. These generally include one or two room dividers, panoramic views, advanced ventilation systems and spots for electrical cords to enter the tent.

Conclusion

Whether you’re going away with a group or love your elbow room, a 12-person tent is a fantastic investment. Today’s clear winner is the Super Arizona GT up to 12 Person Tent by NTK because not only does it offer space, but it’s weatherproof and durable, too.

For our runner up, we chose the Tahoe Gear Prescott for how easy it is to set up and large windows for that panoramic viewing. It’s also one of the most visually attractive 12-man tents on the market.

When choosing your tent, consider how much space you’ll need — some tents are more spacious than others. Combine this with the extra features and especially whether it’s weatherproof.

The Best Heavy-Duty Camping Chair For Big Guys

If you’re a camper pressed for time, we’ve chosen the Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler by Coleman as our winner due to sturdiness and the abundance of features.

Camping chairs are essentials to have—whether you’re going camping or not. They’re great for taking to open-air events and ideal for getting comfortable at a BBQ. As with all the gear we use outside, though, durability is a must. So is strength, and frankly, not all camping chairs can handle a big guy or gal.

To ensure robustness, you must look for the best heavy-duty camping chair. Our mission today is to walk you through 10 top camping chairs and help you make the perfect choice.

In this article, we’re going to review the following heavy-duty camping chairs:

The Best Heavy-Duty Camping Chairs

We used our search criteria (you can read about that below), then we scoured expert sites to ensure the contenders are worthy of a spot. So let’s have a look.

Portable Camping Quad Chair by Coleman

Portable Camping Quad Chair by Coleman
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Steel frame325-pound weight limitPolyester seatChair weighs 7.75 pounds

The top spot on our list goes to the Portable Camping Quad Chair from Coleman.

To support the extra weight, Coleman uses a sturdy steel frame construction. The seat is wide, measuring 24 inches. This ensures full stability and ample room for you to sit back and relax.

If you’re anything like me and enjoy a cold drink after exploring the trails, then the next feature is much appreciated. Inside the armrest, Coleman made sure to include an insulated pouch that can hold up to four cans.

To your other side, you have a cup holder and a side pocket for storing a book, snacks, your phone or other gear you need.

The seat collapses effortlessly, making it easy to transport in the included carry bag. Lastly, you have four fantastic colors to choose from.

PROS

  • High weight limit of 325 pounds.
  • Wide, cushioned seat.
  • Insulated pouch for drinks and a mesh pocket.
  • Easy to fold.

CONS

  • Difficult to get into the included carry bag.

King Kong Chair by ALPS Mountaineering

King Kong Chair by ALPS Mountaineering
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Steel frameWeight limit is 800 pounds600D polyester materialOverall weight 13 pounds

If you’re looking for a camping chair with a high weight limit, scroll no further. This one is fit for King Kong—it’s one of the most robust constructions on today’s list.

It can support up to 800 pounds, and with a seat that’s 30 inches wide, there’s ample room. It’s constructed from 600D polyester, which is thick and durable.

The downside to this high load capacity and solid construction is the considerable weight of approximately 13 pounds.

To the sides are cup holders and pockets for all your essentials. At the back, there’s an additional pocket, which is the perfect size for storing larger belongings.

The chair is super comfy, too, and you can adjust the armrests to suit your preference.

Included is a convenient carry bag that’s easy to use and will keep the chair safe during storage. What’s more, you can choose between three stylish colors of blue, red or khaki.

PROS

  • Can support up to 800 pounds.
  • Comfortable and durable polyester fabric.
  • Carry bag included.
  • Two cup holders and three pockets.

CONS

  • Heavy to carry for a “portable” chair.
  • It might be too tall for short legs.

STRONGBACK Elite Heavy Duty Camping Chair

STRONGBACK Elite Heavy Duty Camping Chair
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Steel frameWeight limit of 300 pounds600D polyester materialOverall weight, 11.9 pounds

For those of us who suffer from back problems, a camping chair with sufficient support is crucial. Strongback includes a frame-integrated lumbar support system. The design works to conform to the natural curve of the spine, which prevents slouching.

It’s an award-winning chair, backed by a two-year warranty. There are four color options, even a neat camo design.

The chair consists of a heavy-duty 600D polyester seat and a black powder-coated steel frame.

Strongback recommends the chair for people who are 5 feet 8 inches or taller. Don’t worry, though; there’s also one for shorter people. The seat sits 18 inches above the ground, and from the ground to the tallest point, the chair measures 35.5 inches.

It’s also effortless to fold and carry with you, a feature I’d have appreciated on my last trip.

Lots of gear and a heavy and cumbersome chair equals a tired camper. Luckily, the Strongback Elite weighs a reasonable 11.9 pounds and folds into a compact package, ready for the included backpack-style carry bag.

PROS

  • Ergonomic backrest.
  • Wide, comfortable seat.
  • Excellent for tall individuals.
  • Easy to fold and transport.

CONS

  • Low weight limit.
  • Cup holder is rather small.

Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping Chair

Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping Chair
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Steel frame300-pound weight limitRipstop polyester fabricOverall weight, 9.5 pounds

For campers who love to go on hikes and need a portable chair, we highly recommend this one by Kijaro. It offers superb comfort and is effortless to take with you on the trail. Allowing you to stop, rest and gaze at the amazing views.

It weighs slightly under 10 pounds. When you lock it, you’ll have the carry strap ready to throw it over your shoulder, and you’re off.

Once you’re at your location, unlock it, and sit down. The chair provides optimal comfort—its no-sag design prevents that uncomfortable hammock seat that often leads to backaches. Instead, it will support you in all the right places.

To each side are mesh cup holders for your drinks. Additionally, you’ll have a zippered organizer and mesh pockets for your small stuff.

There’s an abundance of color options—11, to be exact. All include ripstop polyester fabric, which has a high resistance to wear and tear.

PROS

  • Lightweight.
  • Carry bag included.
  • No-sag seat design for optimal comfort.
  • Cup holders and pockets.

CONS

  • Not suitable for beach use—sand gets in the nuts and meddles with the locking mechanism.

Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair

Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair
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Steel frame250-pound weight limitNylon mesh fabricOverall weight, 3.8 pounds

Whether you’re going on a hike or looking for a comfy chair for the next cookout, Coleman’s got you covered. The Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair is compact yet offers quite the durability.

The chair is excellent for medium to tall people—the seat sits 18.1-inch above the ground. Coleman used nylon mesh fabric, which provides fantastic ventilation on hot days. With a width of 21.3 inches, it isn’t the broadest, but the comfort makes up for it.

Cup holders are essential on a camping chair, and of course, Coleman included one. The mesh holder is suitable for an average can, though it may be too small if you’re using a koozie. To each side are comfortable armrests.

The heavy-duty steel frame, which comes with a one-year warranty, supports the seat. It folds effortlessly for portability, and won’t take up much space in the trunk. You can always use the sling bag when you’re traveling on foot.

Sadly, this option can only accommodate up to 250 pounds, which is lower than most others on our list. But, as it only weighs 3.8 pounds, it’s also the lightest.

PROS

  • Comfortable seat with ventilation.
  • Excellent height for long legs.
  • Heavy-duty steel frame.
  • One-year warranty.

CONS

  • Lower capacity at 250 pounds.
  • Narrow seat.

Camping Folding Chair by Timber Ridge

Camping Folding Chair by Timber Ridge
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Aluminum frame300-pound weight limitPolyester fabricOverall weight, 9.5 pounds

Timber Ridge offers a fantastic camping chair for folks who are spending time by the lake or in the backyard. It’s an excellent chair with lots to offer, and with a weight capacity of 300 pounds, it’s perfect for today’s list.

This option has a high, 23-inch back, topped with a soft headrest. To the sides are durable ABS armrests that offer outstanding comfort due to their thick foam padding. The seat, however, is narrow compared to the others on the list, measuring only 20 inches in width.

A unique aspect of this product is how it folds. It’s not the typical umbrella-like mechanism. Instead, it merely collapses together in a square shape. Timber Ridge includes a carry bag to help with transportation.

It’s also lightweight—at roughly 9.5 pounds. The aluminum frame contributes to its lightness, without compromising stability. Included is a one-year warranty.

You have two color options to choose from, blue and green. It’s an outstanding chair, perfect for some outdoor leisure on a lazy Sunday.

PROS

  • Lightweight aluminum frame.
  • Comfortable seat.
  • High back and headrest for support.
  • Carry bag included.

CONS

  • The seat is narrow.
  • Not a compact fold.

ALPHA CAMP Mesh Canopy Camping Chair

ALPHA CAMP Mesh Canopy Camping Chair
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Steel frame300-pound weight limitOxford cloth and mesh materialOverall weight, 14 pounds

When camping in the summer, having a refuge from the sun is highly appreciated. This camping chair by Alpha Camp comes with a compatible overhead canopy that provides up to 50 UPF sun protection.

This product is oversized and super comfy. When unfolded, it measures 36.6 inches by 23.6 inches and can accommodate a weight of up to 300 pounds.

Everything screams summer comfort. It includes several panels of mesh, making the seat breathable, with natural ventilation coming through.

Alpha Camp used durable steel with an anti-rust hammer tone finish, which stands up effortlessly against outside elements, including rain and moisture. The legs are thick, ensuring both stability and sturdiness.

For your comfort, it includes padded armrests, a cup holder and smart storage for your phone.

PROS

  • Canopy included.
  • Broad seat.
  • Heavy-duty materials.
  • Cup holder and storage pocket.

CONS

  • Very heavy for camping purposes.

Fireside Chair by Browning Camping

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Pro-Tec steel frame300-pound weight limitPolyester and mesh materialOverall weight, 11.6 pounds

For comfort at the BBQs over the summer, Browning Camping has an option worthy of a look. The Fireside Chair delivers a sturdy Pro-Tec, powder-coated steel frame, suited with durable fabric. It can accommodate a person weighing up to 300 pounds.

The chair folds conveniently into the 7 inches by 45 inches carry bag and weighs just 11.6 pounds. It’s easy to take with you on foot to your location.

One thing that’s always bothersome is a chair that gets hot. Fortunately, Browning Camping thought of this and used reinforced mesh at the center of the back to provide ventilation. The backrest is tall, which adds to the comfort by providing head support.

Another pro is the design—the neutral green colors with a pop from the golden logo gives it a stylish finish. You also have the option of a pink logo.

PROS

  • Stable construction.
  • Comfortable seat with ventilation and high backrest.
  • Lightweight and compact fold.
  • Stylish design.

CONS

  • Plastic feet.
  • Cup holder is too small.

ONIVA Big Bear XXL Camp Chair

ONIVA Big Bear XXL Camp Chair
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Steel frame500-pound weight limitPolyester fabricOverall weight, 14 pounds

For my fellow big guys, the Big Bear XXL camping chair by Oniva is fantastic. Whether you’re tailgating or going to an outdoor sporting event, it can easily support a weight of 500 pounds.

Constructed with a broad 24-inch seat, you can sit well back with the 25-inch depth. It’s also a guarantee of some extra legroom.

With a durable steel frame, hinged feet that adjust to uneven surfaces and a seat of sturdy polyester fabric, the Big Bear won’t budge. Backing its quality is a lifetime guarantee.

It’s stylish, too. It sports a two-color black and tan design, finished with complementary stitching on the perimeter. On the side, as well as a cup holder, is a zippered pocket to keep important items secure.

Included in the deal is a carry bag with a convenient strap so that it’s easy to take with you.

PROS

  • It safely supports 500 pounds.
  • Wide and deep seat for comfort.
  • Fantastic two-toned design.
  • Zippered security pocket.

CONS

  • The seating position is a little too upright.
  • Heavy to carry.

Heavy-Duty Compact Camping Chair by KingCamp

Heavy-Duty Compact Camping Chair by KingCamp
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Steel frame300-pound weight limit600D Oxford and mesh fabricOverall weight, 11.9 pounds

The high-performance camping chair from KingCamp brings some luxury to the outdoors. It’s fit for a king yet compact.

It’s heavy-duty, made with a rugged steel frame that can carry up to 300 pounds, backed by a lifetime warranty. The seat measures 20.5 inches in width with a height of 18.5 inches, sufficient for long legs.

Folding it is straightforward and will only take a minute, although a thorough guide is included.

The star feature has to be the 600D Oxford fabric. This is both durable and water-resistant, excellent for outdoor use.

At the back, you’ll have reinforced mesh, which runs the height and length of the chair. This ventilates, preventing an uncomfortably warm seat.

Other features we love are the padded armrests and the side table so snacks or your iPad can be close at hand. Here, you’ll also find a cup holder.

PROS

  • Durable and water-resistant Oxford fabric.
  • Padded armrests.
  • Side table and cup holder.
  • Mesh backrest and bottom.

CONS

  • The seat sags a bit.
  • Assembly is challenging.

RELATED: Best Camping Chairs with Sun Canopy

How to Find the Best Heavy-Duty Camping Chair

Now that we’ve had a look at our top 10, it’s time for some tips on finding the best heavy-duty chair for you. Here are a few things we deem essential criteria when searching:

Weight and Capacity

When looking for heavy-duty camping chairs, a key component to look for is its weight capacity.

As you’re looking around, you’ll see a broad range— heavy-duty though, is generally between 250 and 400 pounds. One exception is the King Kong Chair from ALPS Mountaineering, which goes up to 800 pounds.

How much weight the chair needs to be able to bear depends on you. We do, however, recommend a high capacity for some peace of mind.

Another thing to be aware of is how heavy the chair itself is. Depending on how you’re traveling, this is a crucial factor. If you’re going on foot, you want something lightweight, the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair, for example.

Armrest, Footrest and Other Features

We all want the most from our camping chairs, and one must-have feature is an armrest. For maximum comfort, or looking to soak up the sun, it’s good to have built-in armrests.

Those that are adjustable, such as the King Kong Chair by ALPS Mountaineering, are fantastic if you want something versatile.

Footrests are rare to find on camping chairs. It’s also a feature not all deem necessary and can be restrictive for taller users.

One feature that most of us do look for, is cup holders. Enjoying a cold drink or your morning coffee in your chair is the dream—so having a place to put it temporarily is fantastic.

Pockets and storage compartments are also great to have, the Portable Camping Quad Chair by Coleman scores high here.

However, we will say that with more features, the price is likely to rise. So prioritize what’s important to you if you have a fixed budget.

Materials and Durability

The materials used and the quality of build determine durability. Cheap frames are sure to crack under pressure, giving you a trip to the floor. You generally have two materials to choose from—steel and aluminum.

For heavy-duty chairs, steel is the best. It’s significantly more durable than aluminum, even with the risk of rust. It generally also has a higher weight limit, which we see with the King Kong Chair by ALPS Mountaineering. The drawback is that this material is heavier, which isn’t ideal for backpacking or hiking.

The textiles used for upholstery are essential to consider. A typical fabric is polyester—it’s sturdy as well as stain and moisture-resistant. Make sure that the density is high for extra sturdiness. Most products on our list are 600D or above, such as the Heavy-Duty Compact Camping Chair by KingCamp.

Some chairs use nylon, which is also very durable, and it’s usually more comfortable against the skin. A con is that nylon absorbs water—not a great feature if it’s raining.

Warranty

A warranty is always good to look for. Some products on our list, such as the Heavy-Duty Compact Camping Chair by KingCamp, include a lifetime warranty.

This is almost a guarantee that the manufacturer stands behind its product and quality. Warranties allow you to get repairs in the event of breakages or faults—remember to register if required.

Overall Comfort

A top priority is being comfortable. We recommend looking for a chair that gives support for your back, for example, the Elite Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair by STRONGBACK. It provides proper lumbar support for the lower back, preventing bad posture.

Chairs without proper support often encourage slouching, which can quickly result in back pain. You may also want to consider the seat’s height—ensure that you aren’t bending your knees excessively when you sit, or your head isn’t lolling over the top of the seat when you recline.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Best Padded Camping Chairs for Bad Back in 2024

Shade Coverage

Chairs with a canopy, such as the ALPHA CAMP Mesh Canopy Camping Chair, are excellent. You get refuge from the sun while still being near to the action. Not all have this feature, so you may have to do an exclusive search.

Conclusion

Finding the best heavy-duty camping chair will ensure that you have a safe and secure outdoor seat whenever required. Even if you don’t need all the extra weight capacity, these chairs are generally more durable.

Our winner today is the Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler by Coleman—it has lots of features and is very sturdy. Our runner up King Kong Chair by ALPS Mountaineering has the highest weight limit of all the products on our list. A staggering 800 pounds!

When choosing the best chair for you, the main considerations are weight, capacity and comfort. If your budget allows, go as big as you can —this generally ensures durability.

Don’t forget about extra features—armrests, cup holders and canopies are the perfect finish to a good camping chair.

The Best Wool Blankets For Camping And Backpacking To Keep You Warm

a man warming up in a wool blanket

Any seasoned camper will know that the best time to get out there is during the colder months. Not only is the weather beautifully crisp, but you’re also avoiding the crowds of other campers. However, before venturing out in the cold, it’s imperative to have the right gear with you.

That’s why we recommend going for the Arcturus Military Wool Blanket if you just want the best of the best.

Sleeping bags are your first shield from the cold, but often you’ll need something more. Today, we’re looking for the best wool blanket for camping.

In this article, we’re going to review the following wool blankets for camping:

The Best Wool Blankets for Camping

Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus

Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus
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Material: Wool and synthetic fibersSize:  64 x 88 inchesMachine washable:  Yes

For the best wool blanket on today’s list, we have the Military Wool Blanket from Arcturus. This is a heavy-duty wool blanket, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The Military Wool Blanket is heavy, weighing in at about 4.5 pounds and has a density of 600 grams per square meter. It’s thick and lovely, capable of keeping you warm through cold weather.

Arcturus used 80 percent wool and 20 percent hypoallergenic synthetic fibers, which aids durability and washability. It’s machine washable if it fits your washer, and you can even tumble dry it on a low-heat setting.

Because of the large amount of wool used in the blanket, it can keep you warm even when wet. Water won’t be able to penetrate, keeping you dry and cozy inside, which would’ve been nice on my last ski trip.

The blanket looks great, too. It’s loom-woven with hems on all sides, finished with contrast lock stitching.

You can choose between three colors — these are military grey, olive green and navy blue. No matter which option you choose, whether you’re going on a picnic or want to get cozy with your partner, the blanket is large, and there’s room for everyone. It measures 64 inches by 88 inches — excellent for any occasion.

PROS

  • Thick, heavy-duty blanket.
  • Machine-washable and tumble dry-safe.
  • Large and roomy.
  • Good-looking with three colors available.

CONS

  • Chemical smell.
  • Sheds in the dryer.

Pendleton

Pendleton
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Material: Wool and synthetic fibersSize:  66 x 96 inchesMachine washable:  Yes

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the other blankets on the list, we highly recommend the Eco-Wise by Pendleton. With the name, you already know you’re getting a high-quality product.

The Eco-Wise blanket is similar to other Pendleton products, except that it’s made with sustainability in mind. Pendleton used only renewable wool and natural dyes, meaning there are no chemicals and a minimal impact on mother earth.

But don’t let the natural dyes fool you — the blanket is vibrant, and the color pops. The twin size, at 66 by 96 inches, works as a cover as well as a throw blanket for spicing up a camper. Also, the edges feature whipstitched finishes, which add the cherry on top — it’s simply stunning.

You have different sizes to choose from as well as colors and patterns. It’s also available in vintage plaid and a stripy glacier.

Besides the sustainability and amazing looks, it’s easy to maintain, too. Pendleton stresses that it’s machine-washable and will continue to hold its soft texture and rich color, even through multiple washes.

PROS

  • Made with eco-friendly products.
  • Vibrant color.
  • Soft and warm.
  • Machine-washable.

CONS

  • Stiff out of the package but softens up after the first wash.

100% Wool Blanket by EKTOS

100% Wool Blanket by EKTOS
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Material: 100% woolSize:  66 x 90 inchesMachine washable:  Yes

For those of you who are on the hunt for a heavy-duty wool blanket, Ektos has one for you. This heavyweight of a blanket is thick and durable, ready for the autumn camping trip.

One exceptional pro about an all-wool blanket is the warmth to weight ratio. Ektos used 100 percent wool when producing the cover — it’s loom-woven and has finished edges to prevent any separating or fraying. Though it’s fairly heavy, weighing in at 5.5 pounds, you know it will keep you warm.

It’s a natural insulator, which works to regulate your body temperature, even when wet. The comfort it promises is also outstanding — Ektos designed it to be non-scratchy and super soft.

The blanket has no added chemicals to keep it fire retardant. Instead, it relies fully on wool’s natural fire-resistant abilities. Besides this, it’s mildew and static-resistant — you can run your socks over the carpet and still not get shocked from the blanket.

What’s more, the blanket is effortless to care for. It’s machine and hand-washable; just keep it on a cool setting.

PROS

  • 100 percent wool blanket.
  • Heavy-duty construction.
  • Super soft and flexible.
  • Easy to clean.

CONS

  • Heavy.
  • Sheds after washing.

Merino Wool Camp Blanket by Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co.

Merino Wool Camp Blanket by Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co.
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Material: Wool, nylon and polyesterSize:  66 x 90 inchesMachine washable:  No

If you’re tall or simply want a large wool blanket, then look no further. The Merino Wool Camp Blanket measures 66 by 90 inches, which is a fantastic size, whether it’s needed for when sleeping or use as a picnic blanket.

The cover is warm and cozy, and is woven using a twill weave — it includes 80% virgin Merino wool, without any recycled material. To enhance its durability, the manufacturer added 20 percent acrylic nylon and polyester in the warp and weft.

We’re really into the look of this blanket. It’s dense thanks to its milled finish, meaning it has an inter-fiber felting and fabric consolidation. The edges have double-stitched polyester threads, and, for that timeless finish, there’s a thick yarn whipstitch running around the blanket.

Three colors are available for you to choose from — grey, olive green and navy blue. Thanks to the weave, stains and smudges are less noticeable, irrespective of which color you choose. However, it’s dry clean only, so it won’t hold up in the washer or dryer.

Despite its massive size and density, it only weighs 4 pounds, which is ideal for camping trips and transportation. It’s also easy to roll up and place on a backpack during a hike.

PROS

  • Fantastic length.
  • Durable weave.
  • Beautiful whipstitch finish.
  • Lightweight and easy to roll up.

CONS

  • Not as soft as other wool blankets.

Twin Wool Camp Blanket with Leather Carrier by Pendleton

Twin Wool Camp Blanket with Leather Carrier by Pendleton
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Material: Wool and cottonSize:  66 x 84 inchesMachine washable:  No

If you’re searching for the best wool blanket for backpacking, Pendleton has something for you. The Twin Wool Camp Blanket comes with a compatible leather carrier, making it easy to attach on a backpack or a bike.

The quality of this blanket is outstanding — it contains 86 percent wool and 14 percent cotton, so it’s comfy and warm, too. The wool blend is water-resistant and heavy-duty, so it’s definitely suitable for outdoorsy living.

Partially why it’s so suitable for backpacking is its smaller size. It’s a twin-sized blanket, measuring 66 by 84 inches. Don’t worry; there’s still ample room to snuggle up and get warm.

Save space in your backpack by using this warm blanket as a pillow in your sleeping bag.

It’s a very vintage-styled blanket, with different colored stripes. Around the edges is a whipstitch binding, giving it that beautiful, timeless look. You can pick between three colors, all of which are earthy and warm.

The included leather carrier strap is rugged, yet stylish, finished off with the Pendleton logo.

PROS

  • Fantastic for backpacking thanks to included carrier strap.
  • Super comfy and warm.
  • Heavy-duty blanket.
  • Earthy, vintage-style look.

CONS

  • Not as flexible as others.

Olive Drab Green Warm Wool Blanket by Ever Ready First Aid

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Material: Wool and synthetic fibersSize:  66 x 90 inchesMachine washable:  Yes

If you’re going to hit the trails, this is an excellent companion — Ever Ready First Aid designed it similar to those issued to the military.

The blanket will keep you warm — it’s designed to trap body heat during extreme weather conditions. If you live in the South, it might be too warm, though.

With a twin-size of 66 by 90 inches, there’s still plenty of room to snuggle up. And, because it’s fire retardant, you can easily sit near the campfire without worrying that you’ll end up as crisp toast.

It contains 80 percent wool and 20 percent synthetic materials, which gives it a soft texture. Thanks to this softness, it’s effortless to roll up. Depending on the size of your backpack, you may need a carrier strap to attach it on the outside, though.

PROS

  • Excellent blanket for backpacking.
  • Soft and warm.
  • Fire retardant material.

CONS

  • Sheds when washing.
  • Distinct smell prior to the first washing.

Heavyweight Alpaca Wool Blanket by Alpaca Warehouse

Heavyweight Alpaca Wool Blanket by Alpaca Warehouse
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Material: Alpaca woolSize:  82 x 62 inchesMachine washable:  No

A soft blanket is always appreciated when away from home, and Alpaca Warehouse delivers. This Alpaca wool blanket is extra thick but super soft — able to keep you warm during the cold camping nights or sat around the fire.

The blanket is made in Peru out of alpaca wool, produced using only high-quality materials. It offers outstanding warmth and strength so that you can use it in various scenarios. It’s also available in three different sizes and colors, suitable for twins, queens and kings — beds, of course!

Alpaca Warehouse designed it as a throw blanket, but it’s ultra-thick, so you can easily use it to shield you from the cold ground. Another thing it prides itself on is the itchless design, so it won’t be like Grandma’s itchy Christmas sweaters.

We decided to showcase the twin size here, which measures 82 by 62 inches. We feel that this is the best size when going camping, especially if you’re hiking.

PROS

  • Very soft and comfortable.
  • Made from high-quality alpaca wool.
  • Non-itchy.
  • More sizes available.

CONS

  • Quality control issues — some blankets have poor threading.

Crater Lake Navy National Park Blanket by Pendleton

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Material: Virgin woolSize:  90 x 90 inchesMachine washable:  No

The Pendleton Crater Lake Navy National Park Blanket contains 100 percent wool and is made in the U.S.

Pendleton is a famous name that brings both modern and nostalgic vibes. It’s been around since the early 1900s, where it’s continued to honor the treasures of America’s National Parks.

One thing we adore about this blanket is the reassurance of quality. With it, you’ll receive a woven label marked with the park name, as well as an image of a natural feature. While this doesn’t impact its ability to keep you warm, we appreciate the Pendleton stamp of style and authority.

The Crater Lake Blanket is a queen size, measuring 90 by 90 inches, making it by far the largest on our list.

It’s dry clean only to protect the delicate wool, and we’re amazed by the style — the navy blue and those rainbow-colored stripes give it a vintage vibe we just can’t shake off. Don’t ruin it by machine-washing it!

PROS

  • High-quality, 100 percent wool blanket.
  • Very soft.
  • Nostalgic style.
  • Pendleton woven label included.

CONS

  • A little thin.

Why Wool Rocks

When it comes to camping blankets, the material that always seems to be the best is wool. Whether it’s a blend or pure, wool blankets provide a range of benefits to the camper:

Naturally Regulates Temperatures

One of wool’s many abilities is to regulate temperatures — you may notice that the blanket feels warm in the winter, yet still comfortable during summer. One study even showed that sleeping in wool clothes and bedding could potentially improve your sleep, as it kept a steady thermal environment.

Wool’s pretty amazing — it works to draw the heat from your body during warm weather and directs it to a cooler area. This, in turn, keeps you cool, even though it’s warm out. In the winter, wool does the opposite, as it now contains the heat around your body under the blanket.

You’ll notice that we’ve featured an alpaca blanket on our list. Alpaca wool is more efficient than sheep’s wool due to its better thermal capacity. So, do consider the Alpaca Warehouse product for this alone.

Hypoallergenic

Because wool is all-natural and, thus, chemical-free, it rarely causes any allergic reactions. Some studies have shown that most people who react to wool are actually sensitive toward lanolin and textile-processing additives.

Water-Resistant

If you’re wet from the rain, the wool blanket will work to absorb moisture before releasing it back into the air. The same happens if you sweat while you’re sleeping.

Because of this, there’s also only a small chance that a wool blanket develops mold or mildew.

How to Find the Best Wool Blankets for Camping

Blanket Weight

One drawback of wool blankets is that they tend to be heavy — some weigh more than 5 pounds, which isn’t ideal when hiking. Of course, this depends on personal preference, but it’s generally better to go with lighter ones. Less weight means they’re easier to carry, and you can always add layers underneath if needed.

Percentage of Wool

Even though there’s the word “wool” in the description, it doesn’t mean the blanket is 100 percent wool. In fact, most blankets are only 80 percent, where the rest will either be cotton or synthetic, such as polyester or nylon.

It’s not exactly a bad thing. Many times, those that are a blend are softer to touch and less itchy. However, you won’t get the full benefits of wool, including temperature regulations, fire-resistance and hypoallergenic material.

Size Does Matter

Before you begin your search, consider how big the blanket should be. This depends on your size and how many people will share it. Twin-sized blankets, around 66 inches by 90 inches, are very standard in wool camping blankets, but you can get the bigger queen and king-sized ones for ultimate coverage.

Itchiness

Itchiness is people’s biggest fear when they hear the word “wool.” Fortunately, most aren’t that itchy. It all depends on the blend of materials and how it’s woven together. High-quality wool blankets, like the Eco-Wise by Pendleton, are super soft, even though they’re 100 percent wool.

Cost

A good wool blanket can easily cost over $100. When it comes to the cost, it’s imperative to remember that it usually means better quality. And when out on the trail, you rely on your equipment, so quality is essential.

However, if you’re simply looking for a throw blanket for the camper, you can easily go with a less expensive choice. But we highly recommend doing your research to ensure it’s right for you.

Durability

In case something should happen, such as extreme weather changes or even just rough conditions, you need equipment you can trust. This will also ensure that the blanket will last for years to come.

Fire Retardant

Pure wool is a natural fire-retardant. The material requires a lot of oxygen to ignite, making it very difficult for it to catch flames. It’s also a lot less likely to melt when heated, as synthetic materials usually do.

However, because many wool blankets contain other materials and the wool has been stretched during production, their resistance to fire diminishes. Of course, they’re probably less flammable than a nylon blanket, but don’t cover yourself and consider it safe during a fire.

How to Take Care of Your Wool Blanket

Although wool blankets are durable, their worst enemy (probably) is the washer. Not many are machine-washable, but fortunately, the material is quite stain-resistant.

Any good brand will give you thorough directions for cleaning and storing to ensure the blanket’s quality. Despite this, there are some general pointers to follow:

Conclusion

Finding the best wool blanket for camping is a guarantee of staying warm and cozy. Our winner today is the Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus; it’s a heavy-duty wool blanket without being too heavy, so it’s easy to transport. For our runner-up, we have the Pendleton Eco-Wise, notable for its eco-friendly creation while providing excellent warmth. It’s slightly larger than the Arcturus winner but just loses out based on it being slightly thinner.

Wool is one of the best materials to choose because it naturally regulates temperature and is less likely to give you an allergic reaction. Still, it’s essential to consider the weight, size and percentage of wool used to ensure you get the best blanket for you.

The Best Hiking Boots if You Have Flat Feet

If you’re in a rush to learn our top picks, we’ve chosen the Vasque Men’s Mantra 2.0 GoreTex Hiking Boot and the Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid-Ankle Boot. Both of these boots offer the greatest combination of affordability, support, and durability.

Flat feet can make any activity painful and hiking can be strenuous even for athletic individuals. But with the proper footwear, there’s no reason that you should suffer while performing your favorite outdoor activities.

When choosing a good hiking shoe, you need to consider the following factors: arch support and stability, materials, waterproofness and weight.

Our top 9 picks for hikers with flat feet include:

Top 9 Choices for Hiking Boots (For Flat-Footed Hikers)

We conducted careful research to bring you the best hiking boots for flat feet and can’t wait to share our results. Let’s get started.

Vasque Men’s Mantra 2.0 GoreTex Hiking Boot

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Materials: leather, GoreTexWeight: N/A

The Vasque Men’s Mantra 2.0 has earned itself several outstanding reviews for its stability and traction. The XSTrek multi-directional lugs prevent slips and slides in the most technical and difficult terrain.

Despite that, this innovative sole technology doesn’t quite improve traction on ice or snow. Be careful that your stability on dry surfaces doesn’t lead to overconfidence on wet ones.

This hiking shoe does prove itself waterproof, though. It keeps feet dry and warm, yet the leather construction is still breathable.

The shoe comes up short when it comes to comfort. Stiff material and a narrow base could be a dealbreaker if you have wider feet. If you plan on long hikes, make sure you break in these shoes first.

If you’re one of the many hikers who are prone to sprains or rolled ankles, the Mantra 2.0 offers superior ankle stability. This is helpful to counter the extreme traction that it provides. You can take this shoe hiking with confidence that your joints will make it home safely.

For a competitively low price, the Vasque Men’s Mantra 2.0 offers a lot of advantages for serious hikers.

PROS

  • Waterproof.
  • Great ankle support.
  • Multi-directional lugs for stability.
  • Budget-friendly.

CONS

  • Stiff material.
  • Poor wet surface grip.

Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
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Materials: Suede, leather, mesh, EVAWeight: 2 pounds, 4 ounces

Merrell’s Moab 2 is a great follow-up product to the brand’s initial Moab hiking boot.

Most shoes take a few days to adjust to your feet, but the Moab 2 provides immediate comfort and a snug, padded fit right out of the box. The superior flexibility and cushioned collar and tongue will get you out on the trail in no time. An air-cushioned heel helps with shock absorption.

Although it’s much more stable than a running shoe, the Moab’s committed to comfort. This makes it more prone to rolling than other hiking boots on the market. The best hiking boots for flat feet have stiffer soles and collars to prevent overpronation.

The shoe does have a new innovative feature: two silicon bands along the interior and anterior sides to add structure and support.

Its Vibram rubber sole remains unchanged, which was a smart decision. It already boasted a long lifespan with superior traction in a wide range of terrains, with 5 millimeters of lug depth.

The leather/mesh construction gives the boot more breathability rather than waterproofing. You can count on this shoe to keep your feet cool but not necessarily dry.

PROS

  • Plenty of traction.
  • Fits as advertised.
  • Outstanding active comfort.
  • Superior flexibility.

CONS

  • Not durable under heavy load.
  • Not waterproof.

Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boots

Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boots
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Materials: Leather, GoreTexWeight: 3 pounds, 6 ounces

The Salomon Quest 4D is another excellent choice in the best hiking boots for flat feet. It’s well-suited for backpacking with heavy loads, with additional sole cushioning to handle the extra weight.

Salomon’s unique ContaGrip soles offer exceptional traction in wet and slippery terrain, making it ideal for winter hiking. Be warned: this breathable boot doesn’t retain heat very well. We recommend thick winter socks if hiking in the snow.

The company boasts about this boot’s durability, but customer reviews disagree with this claim. In particular, the fragile shoelace eyelets appear to be a point of failure for many consumers.

Most buyers generally have great things to say about this boot’s GoreTex waterproofing. Many reviews claim that the Salomon Quest 4D offers one of the driest and safest winter hiking experiences possible.

PROS

  • Accurate fit.
  • No break-in period.
  • Snow/ice traction.
  • Waterproof.

CONS

  • Poor durability.
  • Lacking insulation.

KEEN Men’s Voyageur Hiking Shoe

KEEN Men's Voyageur Hiking Shoe
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Materials: Leather, meshWeight: N/A

The KEEN Voyageur is a reasonably-priced option for outdoor hiking. It’s recommended for its immediate fit and surprisingly roomy toe box.

Toe mobility is an often overlooked comfort issue when evaluating hiking boots. Several users found that it’s so spacious that they had to comment on it. The wide toe box makes it nearly impossible to form those pinky toe blisters that are aggravating while hiking.

This shoe model has great heel support, but its arch support is inferior to other shoes on this list. It’s critical for flat-footed hikers and walkers. The footbed tries to make up for this by increasing the heel cushioning.

This particular shoe lacks durability. Several online reviews featured photos of separated soles and tattered interior lining.

If you’re concerned about traction this brand fits your needs. Multi-directional lugs and torsion stability are both great features on this shoe.

The low price is an appreciated feature, as well, making them easily replaceable when they wear out. This shoe comes in the widest variety of colors and styles. If you’re a fashionable hiker, you’re sure to find a model that matches your attire.

PROS

  • Good heel support.
  • Wide toe box.
  • Fits as advertised.
  • Budget-friendly.

CONS

  • Shoddy interior lining.
  • Poor arch support.

The North Face Men’s Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiking Shoe

The North Face Men's Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiking Shoe
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Materials: Fabric, leather, GoreTexWeight: 1 pound, 15 ounces

The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX is another affordable option with great reviews. Light, cheap, comfortable and durable were the most common accolades.

Although this boot takes some time to break-in, its low cut and flexibility provide great overall comfort. It does have a narrow fit, though. If you purchase these boots, we recommend that you spend several days in them before taking them hiking on the trails.

This shoe was one of the better waterproof options available. They should keep your feet dry with maintaining breathability, thanks to the proprietary GoreTex material.

Note that insoles in this boot were found to provide poor arch support. The design focuses on the comfortable low cut ankles instead. If you have very flat feet, this could be an issue for you.

Still, we can certainly recommend this hiking boot for its light weight and affordability. Weighing in at under 2 pounds, this is a great option for casual hikers with well-formed foot posture.

PROS

  • Waterproof.
  • Comfortable low cut.
  • Lightweight.
  • Flexibility.

CONS

  • Narrow fit.
  • Lengthy break-in period.

Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

Merrell Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
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Materials: Suede, leather, meshWeight: 2 pounds

The Merrell Women’s Moab 2 is a great budget option for casual female hikers. Like the men’s model, customer reviews indicate that this shoe provides a great fit and snug comfort right out of the box.

A disadvantage is that it seems that this shoe isn’t watertight. If you’re planning to go hiking in wet regions, you would be better off with another brand.

A beautiful suede and mesh construction provides excellent breathability, keeping you cool during the hot summer activities. The air cushioning makes the shoe comfortable if you’re planning for long days on your feet.

This cushioning could be insufficient if you’re doing heavy-duty backpacking with large loads. Customers who wore these shoes for that purpose found that the cushioning wore out quickly in those situations.

These shoes weigh in at 2 pounds. This is close to the median weight for men’s hiking boots. Women with smaller feet and less muscle density might consider them uncomfortably heavy.

Despite these drawbacks, the Moab 2 has an attractive price tag and is well-suited for a casual outdoorswoman.

PROS

  • Comfortable and cushioned.
  • Breathable.
  • Reasonably priced.

CONS

  • Insufficient support for hikers with heavy backpacks.
  • Not waterproof.

New Balance Women’s WW1400v1 Walking Shoe

New Balance Women's WW1400v1 Walking Shoe
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Materials: EVA, syntheticsWeight: N/A

New Balance has a strong reputation for shoes that cater to your unique feet. Whether flat-footed, over-pronating, wide or narrow, this company has a model for you. Unfortunately, this particular footwear is in the upper price range for the best hiking boots for flat feet.

Multiple buyers appreciated the superior comfort of these shoes, especially right out of the box. You should be cozy all-day long, without any need for a break-in period.

Although the manufacturer doesn’t specify the weight, online reviews praise its lightweight construction. Suitable for daily use as well as trail hiking, the shoe won’t drag you down.

The soles don’t offer the traction and stability that you might expect from a hiking boot. You’ll find that the treads are less aggressive than desirable, with shallower lugs.

These shoes are warm enough to handle winter hiking and outdoor activity. With Thinsulate insulated linings, they’re proven to keep your toes warm.

Many buyers reported that the shoes didn’t fit as expected, so you may want to try them on before committing.

PROS

  • Superior comfort.
  • Lightweight.
  • Warm insulation.

CONS

  • Poor traction.
  • Not durable.

Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot

Timberland Women's White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot
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Materials: LeatherWeight: 2 pounds, 5 ounces

Despite having a brand name that could command high prices, Timberland brings us a very affordable hiking boot for women. It’s light and comfortable, and the leather design is great for an all-purpose option.

First of all, this boot sacrifices little in the way of comfort and warmth. The all-leather exterior is waterproof and still offers air ventilation. Furthermore, the padding on the tongue and collar are easy on the footbridge and ankles.

Not only is the boot waterproof, but Timberland went the extra mile by making all of the metal fasteners rust-proof. So, there’s no need to worry that those puddles will damage your footwear in any way.

The ankle support is somewhat weak, making this boot suitable mostly for light hiking or daily use. You’ll be impressed with the superior traction provided by the multi-directional lugs and rubber soles.

A few customer reviews have claimed that the boots don’t live up to their expected lifespan, with frequent sole delamination. But for the price, replacement isn’t a deal-breaker for continued comfort and style.

PROS

  • Waterproof.
  • Affordable.
  • Quality material.
  • High traction.

CONS

  • Durability.
  • Poor ankle support.

Merrell Men’s Chameleon 7 Stretch Hiking Shoe

Merrell Men's Chameleon 7 Stretch Hiking Shoe
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Materials: Leather and textileWeight: N/A

The Merrell Men’s Chameleon 7 Stretch is an excellent everyday shoe that also performs well on the trail.

There’s a Vibram TC5+ outsole, offering exceptional traction on both trails and smooth surfaces. This gives the wearer confidence while hiking or just daily walking. Keep in mind this outsole squeaks rather obnoxiously on most indoor surfaces, if that bothers you.

This shoe has excellent breathability, while the leather/textile outside offers decent waterproof protection for your flat feet. The toe box is wider than most other models, which your blister-free toes will appreciate.

One thing that diminishes the exceptional comfort of these shoes is the arch support, which is substantially higher than others. However, for very flat-footed hikers, this is exactly the kind of support you want.

PROS

  • Great traction.
  • Breathability.
  • Comfortable toe box.
  • Magnified arch support.

CONS

  • Weak durability.

Buying Guide

Best Hiking Boots for Flat Feet Recovered

For your convenience, we’ve identified the essential factors in choosing the hiking boots for flat feet.

Looking for further tips? Check out this video.

Support and Stability

Without stable footing, you won’t make it very far in the hiking world. A few factors that play into this are:

Arch and Ankle Support 

Flat-footed customers need solid arch support, especially for hiking. This usually comes through insole materials, but manufacturers often build it into the shoe’s external shape and construction.

Ankle support is another valued quality for hiking shoes. When you’re hiking across uneven or slippery terrain, this will prevent injuries. If you’re prone to rolled ankles or sprains, high-cut boots with stiff shafts will protect you best.

Although they might cause some initial discomfort, the Merrell Chameleon 7 Stretch offers the best for arches. The Vasque Mantra 2.0 provides quality ankle support among the footwear in this article.

Fit

“Comfortable fit” is a subjective quality. Customers with feet of different shapes and sizes might have radically different opinions about a shoe’s fit.

In general, we measure this quality by the roominess of the toe base and the wideness of the shoe body. The shoes reviewed in this article are also rated by how accurately they match with the manufacturer’s advertised sizes.

Most of the hiking boots received great reviews regarding their comfortable fit. The only models that had negative comments were North Face, Vasque and New Balance.

Footbed

A shoe’s footbed is determined by the shape and material used for the insole. Innovative fabrics such as TPU foam or gel padding can provide comfort during long periods of walking.

Additionally, the shape of the insole is what provides most of the necessary arch support for flat feet. The Keen Voyageur and the Vasque Mantra 2.0 both have technologically-advanced footbeds.

Cushioning

The insole and heel formation both contribute to cushioning. This is especially important for heavier hikers, or those with large backpacks.

Newly developed insole materials can improve this feature. Manufacturers also use air or gel pockets in the heel to provide more comfort.

Merrell seems to have the most consistent cushioning and heel support, in both the Men’s and Women’s Moab 2 models. The Salomon Quest 4D is another notable option for this.

Materials

Terrain and breathability are two of many factors that play a role in the best materials for hiking boots. This will be up to personal preference, where you’ll be hiking and what the weather conditions are at the time.

Sole

A rugged, durable sole is critical for a hiking lifestyle. You’ll want to opt for deep lug depth to get that traction on gravel and dirt.

Additionally, the best hiking soles will have multidirectional lugs. These will prevent slippage in every direction, which is a key benefit when walking on uneven ground.

Salomon, Vasque and Merrell Chameleon all have technologically-advanced sole materials. While the Salomon may have the edge on wet surface traction, the Vasque Mantra 2 probably has the overall superior sole that includes multidirectional lugs.

Exterior

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Depending on your personal material preference, any of these shoes might fit you best. Most of them are made with a leather/mesh combination.

The exterior material also determines its waterproof quality. The best shoes in this article feature GoreTex coating on the shoe exterior.

One shoe stands apart from the rest, which is the Timberland White Ledge. It’s the only 100 percent leather option and you can’t go wrong with that.

Interior

The interior of the shoe is what provides a comfortable and warm fit. If you’re planning on doing any hiking during the winter, this is essential. Look for shoes that are well-insulated with soft, comfy material.

You should try to find a hiking boot with a moisture-wicking fabric inside, such as nylon or polyester. During the hot summer, your feet will sweat and this will greatly improve your foot comfort.

The New Balance WW1400 takes the cake in this category, with not only a waterproof inner membrane but Thinsulate insulation inside to keep your toes warm.

Waterproofness

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Nothing is worse than getting your feet wet while hiking. Not only is it cold and uncomfortable, but wet feet can be prone to blisters during long walks.

Many manufacturers waterproof their shoes with GoreTex lining or exterior finishes. This leads the way in weather-proof outdoor materials.

Salomon, North Face and Vasque all included GoreTex waterproofing in their boots and New Balance was the other model that received great reviews for its waterproofness.

Weight

Of course, nobody wants to hike for miles, up steep inclines, with weights on their feet. Many factors contribute to this including dense outer materials, deep lugs and thick insoles, among others.

There’s no good way to tell if your new shoes will be too heavy for you, other than wearing them. But if the manufacturer provides an accurate weight, this is something to consider before making a purchase. All other factors considered, pick a lightweight option if you plan on long, technical hikes.

North Face had the lightest reported weight in a men’s boot, while New Balance had great reviews from female wearers for its lightweight women’s model.

Which Hiking Boot Should You Choose?

If you’re suffering from flat feet and need the absolute best in arch support, we recommend the Merrell Chameleon 7 Stretch. It’s unrivaled among these brands and models.

However, if you’re having trouble committing to your new hiking hobby, and looking for a decent pair at a low price, you can’t go wrong with the Timberland White Ledge. These 100 percent leather boots look great, feel comfortable, fit any lifestyle and most importantly: they won’t break the bank.

Finally, you may have noticed one brand in particular whose name appeared in almost every category. The Vasque Mantra 2 offers solid arch and ankle support, an advanced footbed and insole, and GoreTex waterproofing. The only drawback is their narrow fit.

Time to Hike

As a wilderness-loving man with fallen arches, I understand the importance of quality, comfortable shoes that can take care of my flat feet during long trail hikes.

I’m confident that my next hiking boot purchase will be the Vasque Men’s Mantra 2.0 GoreTex Hiking Boot. I recommend that women go for the Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid-Ankle Boot. Overall, these are the best hiking boots for adventurers in terms of quality, value for your money, and arch-support.

If you found this article informative and helpful, please share it with your friends and family, especially those who love hiking and suffer from flat feet. Foot care advice is free and can improve your friends’ lifestyles.

What Are The Best Energy Bars For Hiking?

hiking energy bars

Energy bars are a convenient way to get energy from food. They are nicely packed with the proper ingredients to fuel your next hike. But not all energy bars are equal. Continue reading to learn more about different types of hiking bars and how to pick the one to fit your demands.

Types Of Energy Bars

Protein Bars

The primary purpose of the protein bars is to provide an easy source of protein to recover and grow muscles after a workout. Since hiking is not considered as an activity to gain weight or muscles, the protein bars shouldn’t be used for it. However, our bodies have a process called gluconeogenesis which converts excessive protein into carbohydrates.

The bars with protein weight of ~20 grams more often than not have an unnatural and unpleasant taste. Therefore, it’s recommended to choose the ones that are close to ~10 grams. They not only taste better but less likely to cause GI distress.

Meal Replacement

From their name, they are intended to be a substitution for a regular meal. FDA has no definition for a “meal replacement“, but usually it refers to a product with 200-300 calories, diversified set of vitamins and a balanced nutrition profile.

Endurance Bars

The main idea is to provide a good source of carbohydrates and electrolytes over a long period. It’s usually done by using complex carbs that are digested over many hours. 

Organic Bars

There is a significant trend in a food consumption to eat organic food, and ​this is where organic bars try to excel. Added protein and artificial sweeteners such as isomaltol, sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup are rejected to be included in the ingredients list.

How to pick an energy bar

In my mind, no matter what promises a manufacturer gives, you should always start with taste. I had boxes of different bars that were eaten for a very long time because they tasted horrible. The last thing you want on a hike is to shovel down your throat the next piece of an awful bar. 

​Next is to define your the price range. The better quality including organic ingredients always lies closer to the high spectrum of 2-3$ per bar. 

The last thin​g is to pick macro ratios: carbs / fat /protein. When you go on a short hike, take a carb-loaded bar. It will provide you with an instant easily digestible energy. For longer hikes, I recommend looking for a higher content of fat. It packs much more energy in 1 gram. After the glycogen reserves are depleted in a liver, it switches to the ketosis and starts producing energy from fat. 

Top Energy Hiking Bars

Clif Bar Variety Pack, Chocolate Chip, Crunchy Peanut Butter

Clif Bar Variety Pack, Chocolate Chip, Crunchy Peanut Butter
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Size: 68gCalories: 240Calories from fat: 45Total Carbohydrates: 44gFiber: 4gProtein: 10g

PROBAR, Original Trail Mix

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Size: 85gCalories: 360Calories from fat: 160Total Carbohydrates: 49gFiber: 5gProtein: 9g

Larabar Gluten Free Bar, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Larabar Gluten Free Bar, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
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Size: 45gCalories: 220Calories from fat: 110Total Carbohydrates: 26gFiber: 4gProtein: 6g

Zing Nutrition Bar, Dark Chocolate Mint

Zing Nutrition Bar, Dark Chocolate Mint
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Size: 50gCalories: 210Calories from fat: 80Total Carbohydrates: 26gFiber: 5gProtein: 11g

Taos Mountain Energy Bar

Taos Mountain Energy Bar
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Size: 62gCalories: 304Calories from fat: 171Total Carbohydrates: 29gFiber: 5gProtein: 7g

Power Crunch Protein Energy, Peanut Butter Fudge Butter Fudge

Power Crunch Protein Energy, Peanut Butter Fudge Butter Fudge
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Size: 40gCalories: 200Calories from fat: 105Total Carbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gProtein: 13g

Bearded Brothers Bodacious Blueberry Vanilla Energy Bar

Bearded Brothers Bodacious Blueberry Vanilla Energy Bar
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Size: 43gCalories: 190Calories from fat: 80Total Carbohydrates: 22gFiber: 4gProtein: 5g

Better Than Coffee Health Energy Bars

Better Than Coffee Health Energy Bars
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Size: 25gCalories: 110Total Carbohydrates: 12gFiber: 4gProtein: 5g

KIND Fruit & Nut, Almond & Coconut

KIND Fruit & Nut, Almond & Coconut
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Size: 40gCalories: 180Calories from fat: 90Total Carbohydrates: 23gFiber: 3gProtein: 3g

Redd Gluten Free Vegan Superfood Energy Bar, Chocolate

Redd Gluten Free Vegan Superfood Energy Bar, Chocolate
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Size: 62gCalories: 220Calories from fat: 80Total Carbohydrates: 34gFiber: 8gProtein: 10g

The Best Tents For Stargazing

camp at night

The best part of camping is connecting with nature and realizing how you’re a small part of a much larger world. For this reason, when I’m out camping, I really love sleeping under the stars by using a tent with a mesh roof. These allow me to take in the vast constellations without all of the light pollution of my home town preventing me from witnessing nature’s glory. These tents aren’t easy to find, which is why, I created this guide to help you to find the best tents for stargazing.

In this article, we’re going to review the following camping tents for stargazing:

Top 5 Stargazing Tents

Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent

Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent
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This tent, which is from Moutainsmith, has a three-season use, which means that you can use it in most adverse weather conditions. In fact, the tent has a bathtub-style floor so that it’s very difficult for moisture to accumulate on the tent’s floor.

For stargazing, this tent is fairly impressive. When the night is clear, all you’ll have to do is remove the rainfly; this provides a fairly unobstructed view of the night sky for the people staying in this two-person tent.

PROS

  • Assembly of the tent is very easy; in fact, Mountainsmith uses color-coding and J-hooks to make it very easy to pitch this tent.
  • It’s designed to comfortably accommodate two people.
  • The tent has a two-vestibule layout. This means that you can store things like shoes and packs right outside the tent without them getting wet.

CONS

  • Despite the fact that this has two vestibules, they are somewhat small.
  • The material could be stronger; it can definitely abrade if you’re not careful.
  • The 7000 Series aluminum alloy Yunan poles can break fairly easily.

Kelty Dirt Motel 2 Tent

Kelty Dirt Motel 2 Tent
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For those looking for a backpack-friendly camping option that lets you gaze at the stars freely, the TN2 from Kelty is an excellent option. It’s very easy to see the sky with the Stargazer Fly. Simply roll the rainfly back, and you’ll be able to clearly see the sky through the mesh material roof of this tent. When the weather turns iffy, you can simply unclip the fly, roll it down, and enjoy the sound of the rain with your tentmate.

PROS

  • It only weighs a little over four pounds, which makes it fairly easy to heft around during your hikes.
  • It folds down very small using Kelty’s Tent Cube storage system, which makes the tent very stowable.
  • The vestibule area is large enough for several items.
  • Kelty’s Stargazer Fly makes this a very versatile tent that can protect you from the elements or roll back to grant access to the night sky.
  • This is a relatively easy to setup tent that has color-coded tent poles and easy to attach the Kelty hook clips for convenience.

CONS

  • For some reason, there’s only one large door on this tent, which means that you may have to climb over your tentmate at night.
  • Water can pool a bit on the roof area since there’s a small space there.
  • Condensation has a tendency to form if you don’t use the guy lines.
  • The instructions for the tent are a bit underwhelming.

Sundome 4 Person Tent

Sundome 4 Person Tent
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If you’re looking for a larger stargazing tent option that will accommodate most families, then this Sundome product may be a good selection for your next trip. I like the fact that it comes in both green and navy colors, and I also like its dome shaping, which really helps against the wind and makes the tent feel a bit more spacious.

Here are several points on this tent that you can use for stargazing; you’ll just have to be sure not to have the rainfly on. For convenience, the tent even has an electric access port, which is a great feature for the kids or if you need to charge your GPS.

PROS

  • This is a spacious tent that can accommodate up to four campers.
  • There’s room enough vertically to almost stand up.
  • It has a door mat, which is perfect for leaving your shoes or boots outside at night.
  • The polyethylene ground sheet has welded seams that will keep the interior of the tent dry and insect-free.

CONS

  • The tent poles are made of fiberglass, which isn’t the most durable or lightest material for your tent.
  • If you’re planning on using an airbed, you may struggle for space.
  • This really isn’t large enough for four full-grown adults.

CORE 9 Person Extended Dome Tent

CORE 9 Person Extended Dome Tent
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For those that want even more space, the Core 9 has you covered. This spacious stargazing tent can handle up to nine occupants who can all experience some excellent stargazing by removing the rainfly. When inclement weather strikes, the Core 9 has features like H2O Block technology that effectively keeps the tent dry. The tent even has hooks and pockets that can easily be used for the storage of smaller items.

PROS

  • This is a great family-sized stagazing tent.
  • It’s very easy to hang things like lanterns off of the internal hooks.
  • It has an electric cord access port, which will let you charge your devices.
  • You can fit several queen-sized air mattresses within the interior.
  • It folds down to a fairly small size.

CONS

  • It doesn’t have a bathtub-style floor.
  • The rainfly covers the screens slightly.
  • he poles are fiberglass.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent
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Our final stargazing tent comes from Big Agnes and is a great tent for three people. This tent is very easy to pitch and pull down, and the tent poles are all color-coded for convenience. The inside of the tent has several cool features like media pockets that let you route ear buds to and from your devices with relative easy. I also liked the fact that this tent has two doors, which means that you won’t have to disturb your tentmates late at night.

PROS

  • It’s made of ripstop nylon, which makes it very durable.
  • It has a very tight pitch, which means that it stands up to harsh weather better than many other tents.
  • The Big Agnes has four total guy points, which helps when you’re securing the tent.
  • It’s easy to setup and tear down.
  • It offers a nice clear view of the sky.

CONS

  • It’s supposed to accommodate three, but really, it’s designed for two adults.
  • The zipper has a tendency to stick.

​What to Look for in a Stargazing Tent

Mesh Location

This should be a major consideration, especially if you want to see the night sky. As these are stargazing tents, they should definitely have a mesh roof somewhere in their construction. In my experience, the tents that have mesh towards the top are best when you want to lay and look up at the sky, but the ones that have meshing along the upper edges can provide a good view as well. In most models, there are rainflies that protect the occupants of the tent from the elements. When the night sky is clear and there’s no precipitation, you can typically remove these and use the mesh as a window to some excellent night sky viewing opportunities.

Ease of Setup

I remember years of frustrated family trips where my dad would get so angry at how hard the tent was to set up securely. These days, many of the major brands like Coleman, Rei, and Kelty have some fairly easy to setup tents, but there are still models out there that can be a pain in the neck. With this in mind, look for tents that have these features so that you can set them up relatively easily.

Typically, I prefer tent poles that are color-coded. These provide a quick and easy way for you to quickly ascertain which pole you’re working with. Additionally, it’s also useful when a tent uses J-hooks or standard tent clips to attach to the poles. As a general rule, if you want a quicker setup, pick a tent that has fewer poles, though you want to have more for increased stability.

Shock-cording is also very useful. This feature ensures that the poles stay together because they have an elastic cord running through the center of each segment of the pole, which keep the poles together. This makes the poles easy to assemble, even when you’re not working with much light.​

Ability to Repel Bugs

I’ve camped and woke up to an arm virtually covered in large bug bites, so I always try to find tents that repel things like mosquitoes and other creepy crawlies. If you’re going to be in a wet and humid area in the summer, then I suggest grabbing a tent with a nice summer screen; these provide good ventilation in the heat and will keep the majority of the insects out of your tent.

If you want the absolute best performance for keeping bugs out, many campers consider no-see-um meshing to be the absolute best. I find that this mesh is usually inherently great for stargazing because this mesh (with a few exceptions) tends to have very small holes that block pests like midges, but will also give you a fairly good view of the night sky.

Tent Size

When you’re going away for several days, it’s important to have enough room for all of your travelmates. Tent capacity is often described very liberally because it’s not taking into account anything other than the bare minimum of space. While a tent may be rated for three tentmates, in reality, with three people inside the tent, you may find it to be a little cramped during your trip.

It’s a good rule of thumb to ignore the idea that a three or four person tent will sleep that number of people. If you want a comfortable experience, I would assume a three person tent accommodates two, a four person tent accommodates three, and so on.

As a matter of fact, some campers suggest going for a tent that is rated for two more people than what you’ll be bringing. This is especially useful if you’re going to be packing bedding, extra baggage, or if any of the tentmates are a little larger.

Additionally, a queen sized air mattress will take up a lot of space, so you’d be better off with a three or four-person tent if you’ll be bringing just one other person. Also, don’t neglect thinking about the vertical space of the tent as well. The last thing you want is for taller tentmates to need to sleep uncomfortably. You’ll also want room for everyone to be able to sit up and move around comfortably inside the tent.

Useful Features

Bathtub-Style Floor

This is a useful feature to have in a tent, when it rains, because this can prevent leaks from occurring. By extending upwards it blocks any pooling water under the tent from actually seeping into the tent.

Fabric

I have a tendency to camp in rough areas, which is why I tend to use tents that are comprised of tougher fabrics so that I don’t have to worry about accidental tears and leaks. Here are a few examples of tent fabrics:

PVC – Polyvinyl chloride is a waterproof material that is used in larger tents. It’s a bit heavier, but it will give you a lot of protection, though it has a tendency to gather condensation.

Polyester – Typically polyester comes in coatings and you can get some good waterproofing out of them. A bonus of polyester tents is that they don’t shrink or get baggy when exposed to rain. In addition, the material will not fade when it is exposed to sunlight, which will ensure that the tent you purchase lasts longer.

Polycotton Canvas – This is a mixture of cotton and polyester. This blends the classic cotton material with polyester, which makes it stronger. It can be coated to resist water as well.​

Nylon – Nylon is a type of fabric that is great for a tent because it does not absorb water that much, which means that if you are caught in a rainstorm, the tent will not leak. In addition, the material is very lightweight, so many smaller tents are made out of this material so that they can be carried easily; making it an ideal tent for when you are backpacking to a specific area to stargaze. The downside to this material is that it can be damaged by the sun, so it may not be as durable as other options.​

Standard Cotton – This is the best fabric to keep you cool during those hot summer nights, but it is not commonly used in tent designs because cotton is a very heavy material that makes tents made out of it inconvenient to carry.​

Conclusion

I hope this guide helped you find your tent. Gazing up at the night sky while camping is amazing and each of these products is excellent for your camping trips. Though, if I was to select a favorite, I think I’d pick the Sundome 4 Person Tent. This tent has a nice amount of spacing for a couple and unique features like the front “porch” area are really nice additions for the average camper. All of this combined can make for a great night of stargazing with your friends and family.

The Best Smartwatch for Hiking in 2024

young woman hiker checking the altimeter on sports watch at mountain peak

Gadgets and the outdoors do not really go that well together. Water, heat, dust, and mud can all wreak havoc on anything hi-tech. But hiking watches are a different breed altogether. They have been designed specifically to withstand the rigors of nature. And they are also capable of handling multiple tasks. The best hiking smartwatch is one that combines the job of a timekeeper with a compass, an altimeter and many other things.

In this article we will review the following smartwatches for hiking:

Top 5 Best Hiking Watches

Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire

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If you want a truckload of features at a slightly reduced price-point, the Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire might be a sound choice. Released in 2015, it has been replaced by the newer Garmin 5, but still packs some serious punch in terms of features. The Fenix 3 is an all-rounder, with sensors that make it a great sports watch as well as a hiking/outdoors watch.

PROS

  • It has a very durable build quality with metal bezel and Sapphire glass.
  • The GPS/GLONASS system is quick and easy to use.
  • Has all the important navigation features like compass, barometer, and altimeter.
  • The full color digital display is capable of showing a lot of data.
  • Despite the presence of the GPS, the battery life is excellent, with some great power-saving options.
  • The watch is waterproof and you can safely go swimming with it.
  • Has a lot of fitness training sensors and “activity tracker” features, including an optional heart rate monitor.
  • Can connect and sync to smartphones/PC with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.

CONS

  • The watch is quite big and heavy, especially with the default steel bezel.
  • There are a lot of settings are configuration options to take care of, with just five different buttons.
  • The screen is quite dark, with visibility issues.
  • The GPS has serious accuracy issues at times, so you may have to depend on other options for navigation.

Suunto Traverse

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After Garmin, Suunto is another big name in the field of smartwatches. The Traverse collection was originally released in 2015 for outdoor enthusiasts, and has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a premium model. But if anything can be said against this watch, it is just that it doesn’t really have any stand out feature. If you want a really solid smartwatch for outdoor use with GPS/GLONASS at a lower price, the Suunto might be a better choice than Garmin.

PROS

  • The Traverse has a very understated and elegant design, with extremely sturdy build quality.
  • It has all the navigation features including GPS, compass, barometer and altimeter.
  • The display has good visibility under all lighting conditions and show a wealth of data in the form of routes, maps, and graphs.
  • It can connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth.
  • There are sensors that record vital signs and workout data, like heart rate, speed, ascent, etc.

CONS

  • Battery life in the Traverse is lower than the competition, especially with GPS turned on.
  • There are also occasional accuracy issues with the navigation sensors.
  • Does not have WiFi.
  • Not suitable for swimming.
  • It does not have a color display.

Garmin Fenix 5

Garmin Fenix 5
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If you want the absolute latest GPS enabled smartwatch from a major brand, the Fenix 5 might be a great choice for you. It is quite expensive, but it features a lot of improvements over its predecessor, the Garmin 3. There are a lot of options to choose from, with three different sizes, each with its own variants. In total, you can choose from at least 14 different variants of the Fenix 5. It is one of the few watches we have reviewed that comes with a dedicated “Hiking Mode.”

PROS

  • There is something for everybody, with a lot of variants to choose from.
  • Excellent multisports features, with activity trackers and specialized modes.
  • 100m waterproof, so you can go out swimming with it.
  • Excellent battery life.
  • Offers both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • The GPS and GLONASS works quite well, with best in class performance.
  • Great display, with good color settings.
  • The navigation sensors all offer quite accurate readings.

CONS

  • The software does have a tendency to freeze up occasionally.
  • Since this is the latest premium model, the price is quite high.

Sunnto Ambit3 Peak HR

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The Ambit3 Peak is another great GPS watch from Suunto. It has all the smart features that you can expect from a watch in this class. It has been around for a few years now, and so you can expect to get it at a reduced price, which is always a good thing. It lacks a color display and dedicated maps function, but it has got its basics right. You get all the navigation sensors in addition to the GPS, along with other activity trackers/sensors as well.

PROS

  • GPS locking is fast and accurate.
  • Battery life is almost comparable to the newer Fenix 5, which is quite good.
  • Silicone band is very comfortable to wear and offers a snug fit.
  • Has dedicated modes for running, cycling, swimming, mountaineering and hiking, among others.
  • It can connect to your phone app using Bluetooth.

CONS

  • The watch is quite big and bulky, and might pose a problem for some people.
  • There are no advanced customization options, in terms of design, strap, etc.
  • The screen in black and white, and the space is quite limited and cannot show a lot of data.
  • Figuring out the button controls is not intuitive and can take some time to get used to.

Casio Men’s PAG240-1CR Pathfinder

Casio Men’s PAG240-1CR Pathfinder
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The Pathfinder from Casio is a bit of an odd one out in this list. It does not have a fully “smart” feature list, and is more of an advanced digital watch with a bunch of useful navigation features. It is also the most affordable watches in our shortlist. If you don’t care about apps, connectivity, and activity tracking sensors, the Pathfinder may be the best hiking watch for you.

PROS

  • It is solar powered, so you don’t have to worry about charging as long as sunlight is available.
  • Has all the basic navigation features like digital compass, altimeter, barometer, and even a thermometer.
  • Rugged and tough build, with stainless steel bezel and mineral glass.
  • Outstanding value for money.
  • Very simple and straightforward device, very easy to use.
  • The display, though very limited, is quite crisp and easily readable.
  • It is water resistant, and can survive the occasional drops and splashes.

CONS

  • Does not have any advanced smartwatch features.
  • There are not connectivity options.
  • No GPS option.
  • The default strap is rather uncomfortable and might need changing.

Hiking watch buying guide

To qualify for outdoor duty, a smartphone watch needs to have several key features. These days, smart watches come bundled with so many different features, it is very easy to get overwhelmed! But the basics are what matters the most, and these include durability, good battery life, an optimal mix of useful sensors, and lest we forget, accurate timekeeping as well! Here is a short overview of some of the features (core and optional) too look for in a hiking watch.

Primary Concern – Durability

An outdoors watch isn’t worth buying unless it is designed to survive in harsh conditions. When it comes to hiking watches, durability pertains mainly to two things:

  • ​How rugged its construction is
  • How impervious its innards are to the elements, like water and dust

Rugged watches will have a very tough and durable strap, and a scratch/shatter-proof lens on its face. The more expensive premium models these days come with special Sapphire glass, like the latest iPhones. Waterproof or at least some level of water-resistant build is essential in hiking and outdoor watches.

Core Sensors – The “B-A-C”

The core functions of a good hiking watch can be be described by the simple acronym B-A-C. It stands for Barometer, Altimeter, and Compass. This trio of gadgets can be considered the holy trinity of outdoor survival and exploration. Any modern hiking smartwatch worth it’s salt will carry these three features without fail.

Barometer

Having this sensor on your watch helps you keep an eye on the atmospheric pressure. This will help you keep on top of local weather conditions and give you an early indication of any abrupt change in weather.

High atmospheric pressure is usually associated with clear skies and sunny weather. Lower atmospheric pressure on the other hand, is more common during overcast and rainy situations. And any sudden drops in temperature is usually a sign of an approaching storm or stormy weather.

Smartwatches with this sensor will give live readings as well as graphs that track the changes in pressure over time. Almost all of them also include a “storm warning” alarm feature, programmed to trigger in situations where extreme drops ins atmospheric pressure happens. A timely alert can help you find shelter before the storms hit.

Altimeter

When you are out in the hills, this sensor will help you know your exact altitude, or height above sea level. An altimeter is a handy device that can help you figure out your position on a map. Smartwatches use two different methods to calculate this, depending on the presence or absence of a GPS function.

In watches without GPS, the traditional method uses atmospheric pressure readings from the barometer to calculate the altitude. But modern GPS-based altimeters are more accurate and reliable than the traditional ones. And unlike barometric altimeters, these are also easier to use, since they don’t require any calibration to function accurately.

Compass

This probably does not require any explanation. A compass help you get your bearings out in the wild. If all else fails, you can always depend on your compass and a map to help triangulate your current location.

Helpful Extras – Secondary Features

GPS

These days, a GPS/GLONASS based systems are preferred as they are very easy to use and provide accurate real time data. But when it comes to smartwatches, GPS comes with its own unique challenges and unavoidable trade-offs.

The feature requires a lot of power to operate, and a watch with GPS will drain its batteries much faster than a watch without it. As a result, many manufacturers opt out of including this feature in their models in order to improve the battery life. Generally, the more expensive, feature packed watches will sport this feature.

Thermometer

Though not a necessity as such, having an accurate grip on the temperature conditions doesn’t hurt, especially when you are doing strenuous activity. When you are out camping in places with extreme variations in temperature, you can use a thermometer to decide the level of protection you need when inside a tent.

Apps, Software, Advanced Connectivity

These are some of the features that you can expect from a smartwatch. The ability to connect to your smartphone or PC can come in handy, during the preparation stage of your hike/trip. You can upload/share route maps, and other important data between your devices. But once you are far away from modern amenities like WiFi or cell phone networks, these features become of secondary importance!

Handy Tips and Hints

  • Always keep a fallback option, a “Plan B” if you will. Gadgets can die, and if your smartwatch fails or runs out of juice in the middle of a hike, you need to have backup options, like a real compass.
  • Don’t depend too much on the GPS. There are always dead-zones out there, where the GPS facility is unable to link to a satellite. This is why it is always better to bring along some actual maps.
  • Keep the batteries fully charged and bring along charging options or extra batteries if you have a GPS function on your watch.

In conclusion, treat your smartwatch as a handy tool that you can use on the go, without having to reach for a map or compass. You should never depend entirely on the features of your hiking watch, no matter how good or expensive a model it is. They are useful, but they may not provide the same level of accuracy/reliability as say, a handheld GPS device, compass or barometer.

The Best Portable Camping Toilets

camping toilet

Camping is one of the best experiences a family can share together. It is a fantastic way to connect to nature, get away from technology, and have a break from the stresses of everyday life. If you have never been camping, now is the perfect time to start and it couldn’t be easier!

One of the main things people always ask is, “How am I supposed to go to the bathroom while on my camping trip?” For many the answer would be: “You simply do your business in the woods.” But for a lot of people, this does not seem safe nor sanitary. The good news is there have been huge developments in camping toilets, allowing you to stay clean while doing your business in the outdoors.

In this article we will be reviewing the following portable camping toilets for camping:

Top 5 Portable Toilets For Camping

Camco 41545 Travel Toilet

Camco 41545 Travel Toilet
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Camco is the first brand known for making high-quality camping products at competitive prices. This specific product, when compared to others on this list, leans towards the cheaper side. You can either choose to buy this product in the 2.6-gallon size or the 5.3-gallon size, giving you plenty of room to do your business. The holding tank is detachable on this travel toilet.

One of the worst things about cheap travel toilets is the smell. There is no way to stop waste from smelling bad, but there are various ways to keep that smell in. The Camco 41545 Travel Toilet has a valve that seals tight, locking in unpleasant odors and protecting against any leakage.

The pump on this travel toilet is a bellows type, making it very easy to use and flush that waste into the compartment. To fasten the tank securely to the toilet, there are side latches equipped in place to make this a fast and easy process.

The Camco 41545 Travel Toilet measures 16.4” by 16.25” by 18.4” and weighs 11.7 pounds when empty. When it is filled up however, it weighs 56 pounds.

The inside of the tank that holds the waste has a slick surface that makes the removal of your waste efficient and easy. The lid on this product also can be closed to transport it easily, but can also be completely removed. This is a huge benefit, especially if you want to do a thorough clean of your product (which we highly recommend).

The material the Camco 41545 Travel Toilet is made out of is ABS resin that is very durable and will not scratch. The width of the seat on the outside measures 12.6”, while the inside of the seat measures 8.4”.

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Very easy to clean
  • Locks in place
  • Does not spill
  • Keeps odors in
  • Affordable price
  • Can be used for little kids’ toilet

CONS

  • A bit small for larger sized people

Reliance Products Hassock Portable Lightweight Self-Contained Toilet

Reliance Products Hassock Portable Lightweight Self-Contained Toilet
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This specific toilet is one of the cheaper options on our list, so if you are looking to save some money while purchasing a camping toilet, this may be the one to look at.

The Reliance Products Hassock Portable Lightweight Self-Contained Toilet is extremely lightweight, making it very easy to take mobile. This is integral for anyone looking to take it with them while they are camping. To keep things smelling fresh and for the device to clean, it comes with an Eco Fresh packet.

The seat has been contoured to increase comfort for the user. There is an inner splash cover on this toilet to diminish any messes you may have, especially if you are using it in a vehicle. There is also a toilet paper holder equipped on it, for easy storage.

The inner bucket of this toilet is removable, making it very easy to maintain its cleanliness. Another product that Reliance makes that is great is their “Double Doodie bags” and this travel toilet is compatible with them.

Once set up, this toilet measures 14.7” x 14.7” x 14” (LxWxH) and weighs 5 lbs. when empty. It has been designed for campers and for people who own a boat and want a toilet on board.

If for any reason you are not satisfied with your product, or there is a defect brought on by the manufacturer, there is Reliance’ 5-year warranty on this product.

PROS

  • Comes with a splash cover
  • Easy to clean
  • Can be used on a boat
  • Comes with an Eco Fresh Packet
  • Toilet paper holder on it
  • Holds a lot of waste
  • Very sturdy, even for bigger people

CONS

  • Need to keep buying bags for it
  • Made of thin plastic

Porta Potti White Thetford Corp Toilet

Porta Potti White Thetford Corp Toilet
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Thetford is known for creating high-end products to take on the go with you. At first glance, Porta Potti is the coolest looking camping toilet. It looks high end and feels high end. The reason we reiterate that it is higher end, is because the price is reflected in that. This toilet is the most expensive on our list, but Thetford is known for that. Whenever examining a product that is more expensive, we want to make sure there are more than enough features to justify that price point.

This Thetford Portable Toilet is very sleek looking with a modern design to look like a toilet at home. The seat height has been placed at a comfortable level, making it great for both short and tall people. The bowl size has been increased when compared to other products, and is able to hold a lot of waste. There is an integrated toilet paper holder, making it easy to get rid of that waste and to always have some on the go with you. Unlike other products, the Thetford Potta Potti is equipped with a battery-powered flush. The controls for this flush are hidden inside the toilet.

There is an indicator on the outside of this product that lets you know when you are going to need to add more fresh water, and when you are going to have to empty the tank. This is crucial, as you never want waste to build up to the point where the device stops working. There is an easy-to-use carrying handle on the water tank, making it simple to fill it up and keep the toilet full and working.

There is also an optional hold down kit available on the Porta Potti White Thetford Corp Toilet. The dimensions of this toilet are 17.5/8” high, 17-3/4” deep, and 15-1/4” wide. The tank can hold up to 4 gallons of water, and can also hold up to 5.5 gallons of water with waste in it. On the average, it is capable of 56 flushes per tank. There is a pour-out spout located on the tank that is easy to use and empty. This is a great way to empty the waste you do not want built up in your toilet.

There is also a cap that can go right onto the pour out valve after cleaning, making it simple to maintain sanitary conditions. This device is also odorless and leak proof to avoid any unwanted messes.

PROS

  • A more high-end toilet
  • Battery powered
  • Holds a lot of water
  • Can hold a lot of waste
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with toilet holder
  • Carrying handle to fill it up
  • Great for all sizes
  • Pour out spout for easy emptying

CONS

  • A bit expensive when compared to others

PARTYSAVING New 5.3 Gallon Travel Outdoor Camping Portable Toilet Potty

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This is a 5.3 gallon travel potty, able to hold a lot of water and a lot of waste as well. The material this is made of is polyethylene of a really high density. This makes it very durable and able to last a long time.

​

There is a fresh water reservoir holder equipped in this portable toilet, that holds a lot of water and will never mix with the waste water. The waste tank is separate and will also hold a lot of waste that you desire.

The seat post measures 14” long and 14” wide. It is built to hold anyone up to 300 lbs., making it great for most people. There are no external connections required with this device, making it perfect for being in the outdoors.

There is a side valve on this product that has a very tight seal, protecting you against any leakage that you do not want. This side valve also locks in odors so this toilet can be around guests, and you will not be able to smell a thing.

As for flushing, this device can easily flush and rinse the entire bowl clean after every time. It is connected to a water pump that releases a fresh stream of water with every flush.

PROS

  • Can hold a lot of waste and water
  • Flush cleans the bowl clean
  • Dumping it is easy
  • Very durable design

CONS

  • The lid on the bottom does not screw on or off easily
  • Easy to mis-screw which will lead to leakage

Thetford 92850 Porta Potti 320P Portable Toilet

Thetford 92850 Porta Potti 320P Portable Toilet
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The 92850 has an easy-to-read indicator on the outside, so you can tell when the tank is empty and full. This can really be a life saver for those of you who want to ensure you empty it when it needs to be.

As for emptying, you want a camping toilet that is easy to empty, there is the exclusive Thetford pour out spout, that is easy to use and gets rid of all the waste you want.

To decrease any form of smell from the waste, there is also a sealed valve to keep the odors in. The seat and the cover can be removed so you can regularly clean them down. It uses a piston pump flush to clean the bowl every time after using.

PROS

  • Comes with a flush
  • Locks odors in
  • Easy to clean
  • Cover and seat can be removed
  • Indicator telling you when full
  • Pour out spout is great

CONS

  • More expensive than most

How to choose a camping toilet

When choosing a camping toilet, the first thing you want to look for is cleanliness. Whenever dealing with anything to do with waste, you need something that is going to help you clean it. This can include buying a camping toilet with removable options so you can easily clean the cover. This also means that the camping toilet is equipped with flushing capabilities. This is ideal, so waste does not just sit there under the lid, but that it flushes naturally like a real toilet. Some flushing mechanisms are manual, while others are battery powered.

Another thing to note when choosing a camping toilet is that it keeps odors in. Waste does stink a lot, and you do not want it ruining your experience, especially if you have to keep it in a confined space such as a RV; many of the top-notch camping toilets have the ability to do this. As well, you want an easy way to empty the waste. This can be done by simply buying one with an easy-to-use spout for pouring it out.

Ensure the camping toilet you purchase is leak proof, as you want to avoid waste messes before they can happen. By following these guidelines, you will purchase one of the best camping toilets out there.

Camping Toilet Types

  • Bucket-style toilet is a fancy bucket with a seat cover. It’s cheap and puncture-resistant but requires a flat surface and takes quite a bit of space in a car. Also, it’s easy to move around and flush as any other bucket.
  • Collapsible toilets are foldable constructions with the main goal to seat you comfortably. They don’t provide any means for waste disposal which should be done via attached camping garbage bag. The main benefit is the compactness and relative low price.
  • Flushable toilet are as close as you can get to a normal toilet in your home. The comfort is the king here. There is a waste system built-in which allows flushing and keeps odors inside. However, they are the bulkiest and the most expensive among all types. 

Final Verdict

While we believe all six of the products above are great options, the one that is above the rest is The Thetford 92360 Porta Potti 550E Curve Portable Toilet. However, it is also the most expensive, and we understand that many will not want to spend that much money on a camping toilet. However, it comes with the most features, is battery powered and has a fantastic look. We highly recommend it, and if you want a cheaper option check out any of the other brands.

The Best Camping Hatchets And Axes For The Money

camping hatchet

Going camping in the woods soon? Make sure you get the best hatchet or axe for you trip. Why? You never know what you may come across in those woods and you may very well need one of these tools. Whether it is small shrubs and trees in a nice camping area or you need wood for making a fire, these cutting tools are always good to keep handy. But do you know what type of axe is best for you to use? Do you know how to choose an axe?

Well it’s a good thing you’re here. You will learn all about how you choose these tools and we will provide our top picks from the many products you can find for sale on the market today. Continue reading to get the best information about that axe or hatchet that you are about to buy.

In this article we will be reviewing the following axes and hatchets for camping and backpacking:

Top Hatchets and Axes

Estwing Sportsman’s Axe E24A

Estwing Sportsman's Axe E24A
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If you are looking for a hatchet that has a great blade for cutting, you will love this product from Estwing. It is a beautifully crafted item that is made from American steel. It is made in the USA and they have also placed an amazing leather grip on it. At 1.7 lbs, this hatchet has a great balance and temper. This is definitely a great tool to have with you as you go camping. If you need a hatchet that is very portable because of its weight and size, we highly recommend that you give this product a try. Keep the blade sharpened and we are sure that your cutting tasks will be much easier to complete. The blade of this hatchet comes hand sharpened already to give you a great cutting blade right from the beginning.

When you purchase this axe, you will receive a heavy-duty nylon sheath in the package. This sheath is designed to protect the blade as well as protect you from being harmed by the blade when it is not being used. Remember, that when you use this hatchet, you should always wear safety googles as debris can get in your eyes and cause damage.

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • Made from great materials
  • Comes with a nylon sheath for protection

CONS

  • It is a bit light so it may not deliver much force

CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk

CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk
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This amazing axe by Columbia River Knife and Tool is 2-in-1 solution combining an axe and a hammer in one. Because of how it is designed, there is a hammer head at the top which you can use to pound nails and other things. The blade of the axe is made from a very durable carbon steel, and the handle is made from Tennessee hickory.

This very amazing and durable axe should provide you with many years of fantastic service. And the best part about it is that it is not even expensive. Although it is not the cheapest product that you can find on the market today, it is nowhere near the price of an expensive axe. It definitely seems to be a great value product. If you need an axe that can do more than just chop and cut, you should carefully consider purchasing this one.

PROS

  • It includes a hammer head
  • Made from good quality materials

CONS

  • It does not come with a leather sheath

Husqvarna 13″ Wooden Hatchet

Husqvarna 13
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When you buy this hatchet, you should receive it with a leather sheath that is perfect for storing the hatchet when it is not in use as well as protect you from injury whenever you carry the hatchet around. This hatchet has a decent sized handle of 13” and the handle is curved. With a curved handle such as this, it is often easier to maneuver the hatchet and make larger chops. Weighing just about 2 lbs., it is the perfect size to deliver that good, forceful chop that you want to make in that piece of wood.

The hickory handle and steel blade both contribute to making this axe effective and durable. The head of the axe is even attached to the handle using a wooden and steel wedge. This makes sure that it is properly fastened so the blade should not get separated from the handle even when you chop the hardest wood.

It is the perfect tool to take camping or on a hike because of its small size and ability to get most chopping done effectively. If you are not buying this axe for camping purposes, it will also make a great tool to have for chopping fire wood as well as doing other jobs around the home.

PROS

  • It has a good weight so you can exert a lot of force when chopping
  • Curved handle
  • Made of durable materials

CONS

  • It may be a little heavy to carry around

Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet

Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet
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Included with this Gransfors axe is an axe book and a 20-year guarantee; this is a mere indication of the astounding quality that you will receive when you purchase this item. The entire axe weighs 1.3 lbs, but it can deliver great force to chop, slice or cut wood.

This wildlife hatchet can be used for just about any cutting, chopping or slicing task. As is the case with many axes, you will receive a vegetable-tanned leather sheath for this product when you purchase it.

The handle of the hatchet is just 13.5 inches. It is made of hickory which is a very good type of wood for axe handles. It is durable and helps the user to deliver good force to any chopping task.

PROS

  • It comes with an axe book so you can learn about the axe
  • It has a 20-year guarantee
  • Easy to carry around

CONS

  • There is no wedge on the top of the handle

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
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Small forest axe is made of premium materials and has a healthy price tag. This axe has a 19” handle that is made from hickory. With such a long handle, it is easy for you to exert a lot of force whenever you are chopping or cutting an item. The handle is also curved so that it feels much more natural to hold instead of an axe with a straight handle.

At just 1.5 lbs., this axe is very light so it should not add a lot of weight to any bag that you are carrying around. Although it may be a bit long.

When you purchase this product, you will also receive a grain-leather sheath in which to place the axe.

PROS

  • Premium quality
  • Long handle
  • Curved
  • Light
  • Comes with leather sheath

CONS

  • Expensive
  • May be too long for you

Husqvarna 26” Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe

Husqvarna 26” Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe
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This is a single bit axe, but you can use it to chop or cut just about all types of wood among other things. The axe head is very securely fastened to the handle. In fact, at this price, this axe seems to be pretty well built.

The handle is just under 26” for a greater impact with every chop that you make. The entire axe is made in Sweden and once you purchase it, you should receive a leather edge cover to protect the blade. Remember, as a general rule for all axes, ensure that you grease the blade if you will not be using it for a long while. The grease will prevent any rust or oxidation from occurring so the blade does not get discolored and dull. It is also good to ensure that your axe remains sharp so you do not damage the blade when you are cutting things.

PROS

  • Comes with a leather edge

CONS

  • May be too long for you

Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe

Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe
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Not every axe is easy to use with just one hand. Some are just hard to manipulate because they lack the balance needed to strike accurately; some are just way too heavy so you have to have a firm grip. This axe however, is perfect for using with just one hand. In fact, this is a selling point for this product. The handle is only 17” long. It is especially useful if you want to split small logs. It has a great balance plus a power to weight ratio that helps to maximize the amount of force that strikes any wood that you try to chop.

The axe comes with a lifetime warranty. This is an indication of the quality of the axe you will be receiving. Once you properly maintain it, you can pass this axe down to your children and they may have it for many years to come. This axe is just perfect for quick jobs that you have to do around the yard or in the forest. Moreover, it is not very heavy at just about 2 lbs., making it very portable.

PROS

  • Can be handled with one hand

CONS

  • Not good for big tasks

Schrade SCAXE2 Survival Hatchet

Schrade SCAXE2 Survival Hatchet
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This Schrade axe is very inexpensive but it is very reliable and durable. It has a stainless steel axe head and a handle that is just about 5” long. It is extremely easy to carry around; since it only weighs 1.4 lbs., and is so small, it can fit just about anywhere. Unlike bigger axes, this small hatchet may even fit comfortably on a belt clip.

This axe is perfect for people who love outdoor adventures. It can help to clear pathways in the forest, chop small trees and much more. It even comes with its own sheath.

PROS

  • Budget-friendly
  • Lightweight
  • Comes with sheath

CONS

  • Not good for big tasks

Things to consider

Axe vs. hatchet

A hatchet is a smaller version of the axe. While the axe is typically 22” and longer, the hatchet tends to be a foot long. Because the axe is longer, when you swing it to chop a piece of wood, it tends to exert more force. But an axe tends to be much heavier and takes up a lot more space.

Double bit vs Single bit

The single bit cuts faster but the double bit has more balance and is versatile. Because the double bit has a greater balance, it provides accurate cuts and greater efficiency.

Length of the handle

The longer the handle, the more force with which you can swing, but longer handles mean that the axe takes up more space.

Curvature of the handle

Choose a curved handle if your axe has a single bit. It should feel more natural.

The weight of the head

If this will be your first axe, it is wise to use one that is not heavy (less than 5 lbs). The heavier axes are recommended for persons with experience.

The Best Camping Lanterns In 2024

camping lantern

Camping lanterns are very important if you are going to go camping for a few days, or if you are preparing for a blackout or another emergency where you are cut off from electricity but will need a light.

Because of the instances where you would need or want a camping lantern, many of these will feature and promote how long their lights will last, how durable they are, how bright they are, and how portable and easy to hang they are.

Some of the main features of these lanterns are going to be the durability of the lantern, how long the light will last, how dim or bright a light can become, and how water resistant it is. Durability and the longevity of the light within the lantern are probably the most important features.

There are different light modes for a camping lantern, typically ranging from dim to very bright, although a few have red light modes so it is a bit softer on the eyes. These are nice features to have included with your lantern so that you won’t blind yourself the second you turn it on in the darkness, or so you can very easily light up larger areas. Some lanterns can light areas of up to 30 feet pretty well from a single location. Water resistance isn’t as important, but it is very good in case there is unexpected rain while you are out camping.

Top 5 Lanterns for Camping

AYL Starlight 330

AYL Starlight 330
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The AYL Starlight 330 is an LED camping lantern designed to provide you with bright light covering a large expanse of area. This is done by the reflective convex cap within the lantern, which allows up to 360° of light. This cover can be removed if you want more focused light that doesn’t go everywhere. The bulb within the lantern has an output of 600 lumens, which is pretty close to the highest a light bulb can put out. For reference, a light with 300 lumens is already a bright enough light to set out in the middle of your campsite while a 100 lumen light is perfect for inside your tent.

It comes with 3 different lighting modes: low, high, and flashing. These are easily switched between by cycling the switch for the light modes. High mode puts out 600 lumens and is perfect for a communal space. The flashing mode continuously turns on and to signal an emergency and puts out less lumens in order to preserve power.

Thanks to the hook that is on the bottom of the lantern, you can easily set it up almost anywhere you need a lantern to be. The lantern also has a water-resistant body that comes in a rubber and plastic housing to ensure there is minimal chance of water leaking in.

Even when turned off, the AYL Starlight has a green LED indicator light on it so you can always find your lantern. You will need 3 D batteries in order to use this lamp, which should last for 6 full days. It is also lightweight and easy to carry around as it weighs about .9 pounds and stands at 7.2” tall.

Streamlight 44931 The Siege Lantern

Streamlight 44931 The Siege Lantern
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The Streamlight Siege Lantern can provide light all the way around the lantern in order to better light up the area in which you place it. This lantern comes with red and white LEDs within the light to be used with its five different output modes. Another handy feature in this lantern is the battery level indicator that is built into the on/off button.

The five modes of this lantern are high, medium, low, red, and red SOS. The high light mode provides 340 lumens, still plenty of light output to cover a larger area. The red light mode provides 10 lumens, which is just enough to illuminate a very small area in front of you when walking or to light up a small space within your tent. The red SOS mode flashes so that you can be found in the case of an emergency or signal to others that there is an emergency.

If you decide to use this lantern with the outer globe cover on, you can have it float in the water and it will operate for up to 1 meter of submersion. If you take it off, you can hang it from the D ring on the bottom of the lantern to provide the best lighting for a large area.

There is also a D ring on top of the lantern so you can hang it upright as well. If you choose to not use the D rings at all, it will still stay pretty stable and balanced on most surfaces thanks to its rubber molded base. The handle on top of the lantern makes it easier to carry around with you and can help stabilize it if you decide to place it on its side for any reason.

This 14-oz. lantern is pretty lightweight but requires 3 “D” batteries in order to run. The handle makes for convenient carrying and its size means it is easily stowed away.

Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern

Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern
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The Goal Zero Lighthouse Lantern can be charged three different ways: with solar power, through a USB port, or using the hand crank on top of the lantern. With the USB port, you can even charge your phones or tablets while the power is out or you are out camping. While charging a device, you can also use the hand crank to make sure power keeps going and that your lantern doesn’t run out of power because you are charging something. The hand crank is very slow to charge the lantern, so don’t solely rely on that to charge your lantern and your device.

The lantern also has collapsible legs that fold up against the lantern and can be used as a stand to make the lantern a little taller. The legs are also helpful if you want to ensure that the lantern is entirely stable on the surface you place it on. It sheds 360° of light for you to use, but you can also use only half of the lantern in order to save power and direct your light in a particular direction. The handle and the magnet on the lantern help increase the number of places you can put your lantern. You could also use the legs of the lantern as a way to hang it if you wanted to use the lantern upside down.

It weighs 1.2 lbs., so it is convenient enough for you to carry around and use as a flashlight, if needed. It stands at 5” tall when the collapsible legs are not in use. Its size and weight makes for much more convenient and easier storage amongst your bags or in your closet space with other emergency supplies. The batteries it takes are excusive Goal Zero batteries that have both polarities on each end and can only be bought through their website.

UST 7-Day Duro LED Lantern

UST 7-Day Duro LED Lantern
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The UST 7-Day Lantern has a light that gets up to 310 lumens bright. This isn’t bright enough to light up a large communal area well, but comes pretty close. The lantern also comes with 3 light modes: high, low, and SOS mode. It should run fine on the low light mode continuously for 10 days, or a little over 1 day if it is used continuously on the high setting. SOS mode flashes and should last around a week if that is the only mode used on the lantern during that time.

The rubberized housing of the lantern helps prevent the lantern from breaking easily upon impact when it falls. The rubber also glows in the dark so you can find the lantern more easily. The rubber only really glows well after it has been placed in the light for a while, so it may not be as good after it has been stored away for a while. Rubber also surrounds the on/off button and in between removable components of the lantern, like the battery cover and the lantern’s casing. The LED bulbs are advertised as never breaking or burning out.

At 6.8” tall and weighing about 15 oz., it is very lightweight and pretty compact for easy packing in your bag and hanging around camp. It has a recessed hook built into the lantern base so it can be used as a downlight as well as a standing lantern. This small-sized camping lantern also takes 6 AA batteries in order for it to be used. However, it is not meant to be water resistant; it is simply weather resistant; be wary using it around water.

UST 30-Day Duro LED Lantern

UST 30-Day Duro LED Lantern
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The UST 30-Day Lantern comes with 4 light settings: high, medium, low, and SOS flashing. On the low setting, it is meant to last up to 30 days and puts out about 29 lumens of light. This is enough to light a small space within your tent but may not be enough to read by. On its highest setting, it lasts 32 hours straight with 300 lumens being put out, a perfect amount to light up a larger shared space. The SOS flashing mode will flash the lantern on and off continuously until you switch it off or it runs out of power.

It also comes with a rubberized housing and is water resistant. This means that it can handle a little bit of water but should not be used out in the rain or near a large body of water. The rubber housing makes it much more impact resistant and far less likely it break, even if it is dropped on cement. The rubber also glows in the dark but, like UST’s 10-Day Lantern, it should be in the light for a while before it glows well again.

There is also a green LED indicator that continuously flashes on the lantern that is meant to show you where your lantern is in the darkness. The globe is removable and can be taken off when you are going to use the lantern as a downlight or in order to display the SOS flashing mode better. Removing the globe means that the lantern is no longer water resistant, so be careful when you take it off.

The lantern itself weighs around 1 lb., making it very lightweight and compact for a light that lasts for so long. It takes 3 “D” batteries to use it and also includes a recessed hook on the bottom of the lantern.

AYL Starlight 330

AYL Starlight 330
View on Amazon

The AYL Starlight 330 is an LED camping lantern designed to provide you with bright light covering a large expanse of area. This is done by the reflective convex cap within the lantern, which allows up to 360° of light. This cover can be removed if you want more focused light that doesn’t go everywhere. The bulb within the lantern has an output of 600 lumens, which is pretty close to the highest a light bulb can put out. For reference, a light with 300 lumens is already a bright enough light to set out in the middle of your campsite while a 100 lumen light is perfect for inside your tent.

It comes with 3 different lighting modes: low, high, and flashing. These are easily switched between by cycling the switch for the light modes. High mode puts out 600 lumens and is perfect for a communal space. The flashing mode continuously turns on and to signal an emergency and puts out less lumens in order to preserve power.

Thanks to the hook that is on the bottom of the lantern, you can easily set it up almost anywhere you need a lantern to be. The lantern also has a water-resistant body that comes in a rubber and plastic housing to ensure there is minimal chance of water leaking in.

Even when turned off, the AYL Starlight has a green LED indicator light on it so you can always find your lantern. You will need 3 D batteries in order to use this lamp, which should last for 6 full days. It is also lightweight and easy to carry around as it weighs about .9 pounds and stands at 7.2” tall.

PROS

    CONS

      Streamlight 44931 The Siege Lantern

      Streamlight 44931 The Siege Lantern
      View on Amazon

      The Streamlight Siege Lantern can provide light all the way around the lantern in order to better light up the area in which you place it. This lantern comes with red and white LEDs within the light to be used with its five different output modes. Another handy feature in this lantern is the battery level indicator that is built into the on/off button.

      The five modes of this lantern are high, medium, low, red, and red SOS. The high light mode provides 340 lumens, still plenty of light output to cover a larger area. The red light mode provides 10 lumens, which is just enough to illuminate a very small area in front of you when walking or to light up a small space within your tent. The red SOS mode flashes so that you can be found in the case of an emergency or signal to others that there is an emergency.

      If you decide to use this lantern with the outer globe cover on, you can have it float in the water and it will operate for up to 1 meter of submersion. If you take it off, you can hang it from the D ring on the bottom of the lantern to provide the best lighting for a large area.

      There is also a D ring on top of the lantern so you can hang it upright as well. If you choose to not use the D rings at all, it will still stay pretty stable and balanced on most surfaces thanks to its rubber molded base. The handle on top of the lantern makes it easier to carry around with you and can help stabilize it if you decide to place it on its side for any reason.

      This 14-oz. lantern is pretty lightweight but requires 3 “D” batteries in order to run. The handle makes for convenient carrying and its size means it is easily stowed away.

      PROS

        CONS

          Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern

          Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern
          View on Amazon

          The Goal Zero Lighthouse Lantern can be charged three different ways: with solar power, through a USB port, or using the hand crank on top of the lantern. With the USB port, you can even charge your phones or tablets while the power is out or you are out camping. While charging a device, you can also use the hand crank to make sure power keeps going and that your lantern doesn’t run out of power because you are charging something. The hand crank is very slow to charge the lantern, so don’t solely rely on that to charge your lantern and your device.

          The lantern also has collapsible legs that fold up against the lantern and can be used as a stand to make the lantern a little taller. The legs are also helpful if you want to ensure that the lantern is entirely stable on the surface you place it on. It sheds 360° of light for you to use, but you can also use only half of the lantern in order to save power and direct your light in a particular direction. The handle and the magnet on the lantern help increase the number of places you can put your lantern. You could also use the legs of the lantern as a way to hang it if you wanted to use the lantern upside down.

          It weighs 1.2 lbs., so it is convenient enough for you to carry around and use as a flashlight, if needed. It stands at 5” tall when the collapsible legs are not in use. Its size and weight makes for much more convenient and easier storage amongst your bags or in your closet space with other emergency supplies. The batteries it takes are excusive Goal Zero batteries that have both polarities on each end and can only be bought through their website.

          PROS

            CONS

              UST 7-Day Duro LED Lantern

              UST 7-Day Duro LED Lantern
              View on Amazon

              The UST 7-Day Lantern has a light that gets up to 310 lumens bright. This isn’t bright enough to light up a large communal area well, but comes pretty close. The lantern also comes with 3 light modes: high, low, and SOS mode. It should run fine on the low light mode continuously for 10 days, or a little over 1 day if it is used continuously on the high setting. SOS mode flashes and should last around a week if that is the only mode used on the lantern during that time.

              The rubberized housing of the lantern helps prevent the lantern from breaking easily upon impact when it falls. The rubber also glows in the dark so you can find the lantern more easily. The rubber only really glows well after it has been placed in the light for a while, so it may not be as good after it has been stored away for a while. Rubber also surrounds the on/off button and in between removable components of the lantern, like the battery cover and the lantern’s casing. The LED bulbs are advertised as never breaking or burning out.

              At 6.8” tall and weighing about 15 oz., it is very lightweight and pretty compact for easy packing in your bag and hanging around camp. It has a recessed hook built into the lantern base so it can be used as a downlight as well as a standing lantern. This small-sized camping lantern also takes 6 AA batteries in order for it to be used. However, it is not meant to be water resistant; it is simply weather resistant; be wary using it around water.

              PROS

                CONS

                  UST 30-Day Duro LED Lantern

                  UST 30-Day Duro LED Lantern
                  View on Amazon

                  The UST 30-Day Lantern comes with 4 light settings: high, medium, low, and SOS flashing. On the low setting, it is meant to last up to 30 days and puts out about 29 lumens of light. This is enough to light a small space within your tent but may not be enough to read by. On its highest setting, it lasts 32 hours straight with 300 lumens being put out, a perfect amount to light up a larger shared space. The SOS flashing mode will flash the lantern on and off continuously until you switch it off or it runs out of power.

                  It also comes with a rubberized housing and is water resistant. This means that it can handle a little bit of water but should not be used out in the rain or near a large body of water. The rubber housing makes it much more impact resistant and far less likely it break, even if it is dropped on cement. The rubber also glows in the dark but, like UST’s 10-Day Lantern, it should be in the light for a while before it glows well again.

                  There is also a green LED indicator that continuously flashes on the lantern that is meant to show you where your lantern is in the darkness. The globe is removable and can be taken off when you are going to use the lantern as a downlight or in order to display the SOS flashing mode better. Removing the globe means that the lantern is no longer water resistant, so be careful when you take it off.

                  The lantern itself weighs around 1 lb., making it very lightweight and compact for a light that lasts for so long. It takes 3 “D” batteries to use it and also includes a recessed hook on the bottom of the lantern.

                  PROS

                    CONS

                      The Best Camping Cooler For 2024

                      Have you ever gone camping? If you have, you know that a cooler is a very important item to have. Not only will it keep your drinks and water cool, it will also help to prevent perishable foods from going bad. It really is just a simpler version of a refrigerator.

                      Whenever I go camping, apart from my tent or sleeping bag, my cooler is the most important thing that I bring. Why? Over time I have learned that having fresh food and cool drinks helps to make the camping experience much more comfortable. If you have never been camping before but you will be going soon, don’t forget to bring your cooler with you. Don’t have one? No problem. It’s not very difficult to select the one that is best for your camping needs. With so many amazing features on coolers nowadays, I am sure that you will find it quite useful to have some insight as to the features that are essential in a camping cooler.

                      How to choose the right camping cooler for your next trip

                      When you are looking for a camping cooler, there are 4 very important features that you should look for.

                      Security

                      Security refers to the ability of the cooler to be locked.

                      The material

                      Soft camping coolers tend to be the cheapest. Plastic or metal coolers offer a higher level of durability but usually are more expensive.

                      In this article, we’re going to review the following coolers for camping:

                      Top 5 Coolers For Camping

                      RTIC Cooler (RTIC 20 Tan)

                      RTIC Cooler (RTIC 20 Tan)
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                      If you are looking for a camping cooler because you will be out for a few days before heading back home, this is probably the perfect cooler for you. The RTIC Cooler 20 is robust and solidly constructed. It boasts a seamless roto-molded construction, which is classed as virtually impossible to destruct. The cooler can hold up to 20 quarts or 24 cans including ice, and although it is large, it is not very heavy. Even when it is full, you can easily lift it with the handle that comes attached to it. The cooler is able to keep ice for up to 10 days. It comes in either white or tan.

                      One other feature that you will find handy with this item is the integrated locking system. You don’t have to worry about items falling out as you move it from one place to the other, and if you are out camping, animals won’t be able to get inside. But you still can open and close it with ease, as it has heavy-duty rubber T-latches.

                      If you have never heard of RTIC coolers, you should get acquainted with the brand as this is one of the many amazing products that this brand has to offer. Based on all the features that are in this cooler, it is certainly the best handheld camping cooler.

                      RTIC 20 Soft Pack

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                      As the name suggests, this cooler is made from soft material and is well insulated to keep ice for up to 5 days with this camping cooler. One of the key benefits of the RTIC 20 Soft Pack is that it is very lightweight, making it ideal for those that don’t want to be lugging heavy coolers around.

                      It is ideal for a single person since it may not be able to hold enough drinks or food for 2 persons.

                      With a blue interior and grey exterior, this cooler is nicely designed. It has a strap attached so you can wear it to free your hands; of course, you can also carry it with your hand if you so desire. Take advantage of the exterior pockets on this soft cooler so you can maximize the number of things you place inside.

                      The downside of having a soft pack cooler such as this is that it does not offer the same level of protection as a hard case cooler. This means that there is a higher risk of the contents getting damaged. On the upside, the smaller size and flexibility of the product means that it will fit nicely into smaller spaces.

                      Coleman 120 Quart Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Cooler

                      Coleman 120 Quart Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Cooler
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                      This camping cooler comes with a range of great features along with an impressive size. You can fit up to 204 cans into the cooler, which means that it is perfect for longer trips and camping excursions. Even at temperatures of 90°, it can keep ice for up to 6 days. The cooler utilizes special technology to provide extra insulation for additional ice retention.

                      The Coleman cooler is very sturdy in terms of its design and build. It is made from UVGuard materials, which means that it is protected from the damaging UV rays of the sun. It also comes with a leak-resistant channel drain, comfort-grip handles, and a lid-seat that can support up to 250 lbs. There are 4 cup holders integrated into the lid along with rust-resistant hardware. The cooler uses eco-friendly insulation and is quick and simple to clean.

                      RTIC Cooler (RTIC 65 Tan)

                      RTIC Cooler (RTIC 65 Tan)
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                      The cooler is able to keep ice for up to 10 days, so if you are taking a longer trip it is ideal. With a capacity of up to 65 quarts, this cooler is definitely suitable for long trips.

                      This cooler comes with a number of features, one of which is the integrated locking system. This helps to keep the contents of the cooler safe and protected. In addition, the cooler has heavy-duty rubber T-latches, which provide an easy opening and closing mechanism.

                      The cooler can hold up to 64 cans, but despite its size 19” x 19” x 31.5”, it can still be carried by one person.

                      YETI Roadie 20 Cooler

                      YETI Roadie 20 Cooler
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                      YETI makes a range of high-quality camping coolers, one of which is the YETI Roadie 20 Cooler. This cooler is compact and highly portable with 20-quart capacity and room for up to 14 cans. You will benefit from T-Rex Lid Latches, which are made from heavy-duty rubber. The technology used with the latches means that they are designed not to break.

                      This cooler comes with sturdy roto-molded construction, which makes it virtually impossible to destroy and suitable for all sorts of environments. When it is empty, it weighs 15 pounds, which is a bit heavy but still be transported by one person.

                      You will pay a little more for this cooler than the average standard cooler, but you do benefit from the high quality. This is a cooler that is designed to stand the test of time, so if you go camping on a regular basis, it is ideal. Its durability means that you won’t have to worry about having to invest in a replacement cooler, which will enable you to save money over time.

                      Final Verdict

                      With all these amazing products, it is a bit difficult to determine which one is the best. However, there is one cooler that seems to offer a little bit more than the others. Not only is it the most inexpensive cooler, but it has two unique features that no other cooler has. It can be used as a seat and it has 4 cup holders on the top of the lid. If you haven’t figured out which cooler it is, it is the Coleman 120 Quart Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Cooler. For the price, this cooler seems to have a lot to offer. It checks all the boxes when it comes to features that you should look for in a cooler and then some. This includes its integrated UV protection, which will reduce the risk of sun damage to the cooler.

                      Although it is not a high-end product, it definitely seems like it can measure up to many of the high-end features that more expensive coolers have. You should be able to enjoy many camping trips with the cooler since it has such a durable construction. The only downside of this cooler is that its larger size may make transportation more difficult. However, if you are traveling in a vehicle, this shouldn’t be an issue at all.