Camping is one of the most fun ways to introduce your kids to nature at its best and the joy of camping together. Whether you are out with your kids for just a weekend or you are co-camping with another family, a large tent that can take in every one of you is a must. If it was a question of just sleeping, you could buy a couple of smaller ones as well, but it is not just about sleeping. Talking to your family or friends while tucked in your sleeping bags is a fun activity as well. Also, it is much safer to sleep in one tent and covers less space instead of buying multiple smaller ones. You will get less privacy, but it doesn’t matter when you are on a camping trip. For this purpose, a good quality 8-person tent is the best way to enjoy the nights. There are hundreds of 8-person tents available in the market, and deciding on one is ever difficult. To help you find the best tent out there, we have put together a list of some of the best 8 person tents for camping in the market, along with a little buyer guide.
Various Factors to Consider to Buy the Best 8 Person Tent
Buying an 8 person tent is more complex than buying a smaller one as they are bigger, have more features, and are pricier. All of this makes it quite easy to get overwhelmed, and rage quit looking for the best one. To help you narrow down the list, here are some factors to be mindful of when buying a tent for your family or friends.
An 8 person tent is not actually for 8 people. Though 8 people can fit into it if they are crammed packed sardines, it is not ideal for many people to sleep comfortably. The reality is that an 8 person tent can only fit about 6 people laid down, but it can fit 8 people if they all are sitting. If you are buying a tent for 8 people to sleep comfortably, you need a slightly bigger tent.
Also, keep in mind the height of the tent. Most tents have around a 6ft high ceiling, which allows the occupants to stand straight.
The weight of any camping accessory is one of the most important concerns for any camper or backpacker. Your tent shouldn’t be heavier than 20-30 pounds. Anything heavier than that will make carrying it hard, and backpacking will be out of the question. The larger size of the tent and its added features makes it perfect for car camping.
Adequate ventilation is important, especially when you are huddling in 6-8 people in the tent. Ensure that your tent has doors on two sides, windows, and mesh, breathable sides to allow ample airflow and keep the environment pleasurable in the tent.
All experienced campers are well aware of the importance of investing in a good, durable tent that lasts for years. Your home away from home should be strong and sturdy to withstand rough wilderness and harsh weather. Some of the most common materials used for making tents are; canvas, polyester, and ripstop nylon.
Canvas is sturdy and highly durable, but it is the heaviest of all materials used in making tents. Also, it is not waterproof, which makes it less practical for most people. Ripstop nylon is a more popular choice these days. It is made of fabric resistant to tears and cuts from enlarging and destroying the entire tent. Polyester tents are quite similar to nylon tents, but they are a little more efficient in blocking UV damage. These are the best choices for camping in the summers.
The choice between a dome or cabin style tent depends on your personal preference. Dome-style tents offer better ventilation and wind resistance, but they are not high enough to let you stand up and walk around in the tent. On the other hand, Cabin style tents provide more comfort and space, but they might be the best choice to withstand harsh weather conditions.
One of the best things about bigger tents is that they have many cool features such as multiple doors, extra storage space, large vestibules, room dividers for extra privacy, and several windows for better ventilation. These features come in handy when you have several people in the tent. They make getting in and out easier as you won’t have to step over anyone to get to the door. Make sure your tent has all these features to have the best camping experience.
When you are in the middle of nowhere, and you are faced by a storm in the middle of the night, the last thing you want is a tent that leaks. Most of the tents in the market claim to be waterproof, which is not the case in reality. Find a tent with a high HH rating of more than 1500mm, bathtub floors, and inverted seams. These tents’ features will make sure you stay dry even in the heavy rain as long as you have covered your bases. You can purchase a good waterproof spray to make your tent completely waterproof.