Ozark Trail tents are known for being budget-friendly. In terms of durability and comfort, are the savings worth it or should you go for a more expensive tent? In short, are Ozark Trail tents good enough for your next camping adventure?
Ozark Trail tents are a great alternative to the more expensive, heavy duty varieties. Ozark Trail tents are lightweight and affordable. They also provide ample room for two people with all their gear to live comfortably without feeling cramped.
If you’re looking for an affordable tent that is easy to set up, then Ozark Trail is the way to go. But if you need something more durable and long-lasting, you may opt for something else. We’ll lay down the good and bad to help you make your choice.
What Are the Benefits of Ozark Trail Tents?
We’ve already mentioned that price is an advantage of an Ozark Trail tent. How many other brands offer an 11-person tent at under $250? The Ozark brand also brings some other promising features:
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Affordable compared to other camping tents
- Ample room for people and storage
- Durable fabric that can resist weather conditions
- Decent ventilation
- Easy to assemble
But this brand isn’t perfect, as with camping gear, you do often get what you pay for. Let’s look at some drawbacks of Ozark Trail tents.
What Are the Downsides of Ozark Trail Tents?
Just like anything else, Ozark Trail tents also have a few downsides:
- The tent stakes that come with the tent might not be very sturdy and could easily break
- Some users complain about poor quality zippers that don’t always stay closed
- Fabric can be thin and translucent, so it’s not ideal for privacy or some weather
- May not be as durable as more expensive camping tents
- Not meant for extreme camping
If you’re camping in harsh weather or setting up camp on rocky, rough terrain, Ozark Trail tents may not be the ideal choice for you. They’re better for car camping or short-term camping trips, rather than long-term excursions.
Ozark Trail tents are generally less expensive than some other camping tents on the market, so they can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget.
Where to Buy an Ozark Trail Tent:
You can purchase Ozark Trail tents at most major retailers, such as Walmart, Sears, and Kmart. You can also find them on Amazon.com and a variety of other online stores. Prices for Ozark Trail tents vary depending on the retailer, but they typically range from $50 to $200.
What to Look for When Buying an Ozark Tent:
When looking at the different styles of Ozark trail tents, you want to keep an eye out for what you’d look for in any tent. Don’t let the price tag be your only guide. Start with questions about you and your trip:
- How many people will be using the tent?
- What kind of weather will you camp in most often?
- What kind of terrain do you expect to visit?
- Will you just be sleeping in it or do you need living space?
Then, start looking at tent characteristics:
- Size: think of the number in your party, as well as storage needs
- Weight: will you go from car to camp or do you have to haul the tent?
- Fabric: affects weight and impacts weather resistance and insulation
- Ventilation: are there vents? Can you get airflow with rainfly closed?
- Other features: doors and windows, pockets for storage, awning
These are all things to think about when you choose a tent. Too big and you’ll have a heavy tent to lug around. Too small and you are stuck with a cramped space for the duration of your trip. Insulation and water-resistance are also important, for obvious reasons. So look beyond the sales price and dig into the features you’ll need before selecting a tent.
A Few Examples of Ozark Trail Tents
Here are a few options that sell well:
-Ozark Trail 4-Season 2-Person Hiker Tent: This is a lightweight option with two storage areas totaling 24 square feet, 35 square feet of sleeping space and two separate entrances. With the right sleeping bag, the fiberglass material can get you through cold weather, but probably not below freezing. You’ll probably want to bring a tent footprint and maybe an extra tarp in case of really wet weather. Under $100.
-Ozark Trail Family Camping Tent: This one is spacious enough for 10-people or can make a roomy spot for a smaller group. You can fit a queen-size air mattress in it, if you choose. It has two rooms, with a privacy flap, many storage pockets, lots of ventilation and sets up easily. It’s constructed of a lightweight taffeta/polyester blend that won’t be a 4-season tent, but with a good sleeping bag, might be fine for 50-degrees. Under $200.
–Ozark Trail Instant Cabin Tent: This one has a cabin-like design, with straight sides and an 84-inch ceiling height. It can hold up to 12 people and is made of the same lightweight taffeta/polyester blend as the other Ozark Trail tent. This one pops up easily in just two minutes, without any assembly required. You can fit two queen air mattresses in there, too. Under $400.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a durable, reliable tent that won’t break the bank, Ozark Trail tents may be a good option for you. However, keep in mind that they are not as high-quality as some of the more expensive camping tents on the market. So, if you’re planning a long-term camping trip or are particularly rough on your gear, you may want to consider a more expensive option.