Best Tent under $600

[Deactivated] on 25/03/2022 - 07:49

Hey, am after some OZ thoughts regarding the best build and value of tents for camping.
Narrowing it down:

Only the two of us (our children are in their 20s and definitely don't want to go camping with Mum and Dad!)

Usually warm weather, we live in Qld and it will be for short periods at a time, like weekends etc.

Happy to be off grid: solar panels, portaloo, portable fridge freezer etc. We do have a large SUV but not that confident driving rough 4WD areas. Not that excited to be in busy caravan parks.

Must have very fine insect mesh. Have been eaten alive by midges recently despite insect mesh… that wasn't a fun experience.

Need good ventilation due to hot weather. Unlikely to be in snow! But subject to heavy rain in tropics, so good weather proofing. Wet tents, beds and belongings are a bit of a turn off.

Able to stand up in. My husband is 180cm.

An awning or annexe would be good. If not, can attach a separate one to the roof racks on the car?

Relatively easy to put up and pack down.

Thoughts? Are there better brands than others? Have included a poll below.

This is one I kind of am interested in. Like the fact it's a bit darker, cause we aren't fans of being awake at 5am!

https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/coleman-northstar-inst…

Poll Options

  • 9
    Coleman
  • 2
    Oztent
  • 0
    BlackWolf
  • 1
    Outdoor Connection
  • 1
    Zempire
  • 5
    Others
Sports & Outdoors Tent

Comments

  • nicktork on 25/03/2022 - 08:03

    Aldi has camping equipment on special from 2nd April. Their Instant Up Blackout tents are basically clones of the Coleman ones, but much cheaper. They take 2 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to pack down. Midge-proof mesh on all the windows and doors. Plenty tall enough to stand up in.

    https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/special-buys-sat-2-a…

    • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2022 - 08:25

      Ooh didn't know an Aldi special was coming up! Thanks heaps!

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 25/03/2022 - 08:50

      You beat me to it. ;)

  • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2022 - 08:10
    +1

    I suggest one of those tents on a stretcher, won't be able to stand up in it but no worries about sleeping on the wet ground and getting leaks, good airflow underneath for hot weather.
    Kamp rite make a couple of tent cots that are doubles, designed for 2 people

  • apsilon on 25/03/2022 - 08:23
    +1

    Get the Coleman. There's not actually that many tents that meet your wants for under $600. I don't think Oztent and Zempire even sell tents under $600 though the Oztent RV series are fantastic IMO.

  • david clarke on 25/03/2022 - 08:26

    https://www.oztent.com.au/collections/tents

    Over budget, but at least go and check them out, should be lots of places near you that have them setup.

  • tre180 on 25/03/2022 - 08:31

    Bought this Coleman a few months ago and very happy with it, think I paid around $410 though so shop around! - https://www.snowys.com.au/instant-up-6p-lighted-northstar-da…

  • kolorijo on 25/03/2022 - 08:42

    I bought the 6p instant up coleman for me and my partner. Personally I found the 6p is too big and sort of regretted not getting the 4p one.

  • dust on 25/03/2022 - 10:52

    You want to be able to stand up inside the tent? That would definitely limit the options.

    Otherwise maybe check out Decathlon and Naturehike too.

  • jakka on 25/03/2022 - 12:53
    +3

    Personally I would only be looking at a canvas tent, has extra weight but typically much stronger so can last all weather conditions. Your budget limits you a bit though. There is this, https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/darche-urban-safari-35…, at Tentworld which may meet your criteria.

    I have a number of tents and use the relevant one depending on conditions, length of stay and where I am going. The two I use the most are are Blackwolf Turbo Tent and Campmor Safari Tent. The Blakwold is great for touring as if you are staying somewhere for a while then I add the fly and annex extensions, but if I am travelling can just set up the tent without the fly and it takes less then 5mins.

    Have you considered looking at second hand tents? You can pick up some great tents very cheap second hand as there are a number of people that by a tent use it once and decide camping is not for them or just don't have the time. I picked up my Campmor Safari tent for $150 second hand, with awning extensions, ground mat and a number of extras, it retailed for ~$2000.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2022 - 17:45

      That's a good to to look at second hand as well. Probably a good number of hardly used languishing in garages…

  • antojamo on 28/03/2022 - 15:06

    I've been looking for a tent for 4wd'ing and really like the look of the Zempire Pronto 4 Air Tent V2. Looks like it might suit a lot of your requirements.

    https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/zempire-pronto-4-air-t…

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