Recommendations for a Starter Tent

• 

  87percent on 01/04/2025 - 11:07

  $200 you're looking at 2nd hand.. but we are a family 4 (2 adults, 2 primary school aged kids) and we got a 6 person tent, but should have gotten an 8p tent

  • 

    Bargainolic on 01/04/2025 - 14:26

    Not really keen on 2nd hand as its hard to determine what stage of deterioration they are at especially for a novice like me. Thanks for the suggestion on looking at 8P

• 

  jv on 01/04/2025 - 11:10

  Recommendations for a Starter Tent

  1. Coleman Sundome Tent: Known for its quick setup (around 10 minutes), this tent is durable, weather-resistant, and perfect for warm weather with its excellent ventilation. It's a great entry-level option.

  2. Coleman Cabin Tent: This tent offers a spacious interior and can be set up in just 60 seconds. It's ideal for families or those who prefer a bit more room.

  3. REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus: A popular choice among campers, this tent is lightweight, easy to set up, and offers great value for money.

  4. Pop-Up Tents: If convenience is your priority, pop-up tents like the Coleman 4-Person Pop-Up Tent are incredibly easy to set up and take down. They're perfect for casual camping trips.

  • 

    Aldonis on 01/04/2025 - 11:13

    +8

    ChatJV

  • 

    Loopholio on 02/04/2025 - 09:18

    If only we could have people banned when they use AI answers. It's not funny, useful or clever!

    • 

      jv on 02/04/2025 - 09:26

      -2

      If only we could have people banned for whinging about people trying to help the OP.

      • 

        Loopholio on 02/04/2025 - 09:32

        +1

        I know you think you are helping, but if you took the time to read the garbage you are producing you may realise it has negative value.

        • 

          jv on 02/04/2025 - 09:35

          @Loopholio: garbage for some is treasure for others.

          • 

            nuttapillar on 11/04/2025 - 12:27

            @jv: But if the garbage comes from you then it's treasure for nobody

• 

  kekw on 01/04/2025 - 11:14

  +3

  Skip the 6 person tent go straight to 8. You will need some room for luggage.

  At $200 range non of the tent will be truly waterproof. At this price point for a 8p tent I'd say just pick the shape you prefer.

  • 

    jv on 01/04/2025 - 11:21

    Skip the 6 person tent go straight to 8.

    Why stop at 8? Go for 16…

    • 

      tenpercent on 01/04/2025 - 11:46

      Why stop at 16? Go for 48…

      • 

        jv on 01/04/2025 - 11:49

        +1

        Why stop at 48? Go for 1024…

  • 

    Bargainolic on 01/04/2025 - 14:27

    OzTrail Mansion is what I am thinking as it will give me adequate headroom and should accommodate the queen mattress plus a single one

  • 

    skillet on 02/04/2025 - 21:57

    You can get a tent waterproof spray it works pretty well.

• 

  Porker on 01/04/2025 - 11:33

  +2

  With your requirements for bedding, an 8 person tent is likely to be the very least in size. With the 'person' capacity, it's often numbered by how many people will sleep within all the tent's areas. As such, it doesn't account for bags etc.

  Don't discount buying second hand as you might be able to get a good tent at $200. Of the ones you have listed, I'd say only the Anaconda ones would come close to accommodating your bedding situation. The Oztrail Genesis though, while it has rooms, may not fit a queen size in it without needing to spill into the main / middle area. The other option is to relax your bedding requirements, as example, we now use this https://www.kmart.com.au/product/single-self-inflating-mattr… and four (family of 4) easily fit in an area a little larger than a queen size.

  I recently spent many hours looking for a tent to upgrade to - if it assists, most Anaconda and Macpac stores have on display their tents so you can get a sense of their sizes. BCF tends not to display (at least the ones in Victoria).

  • 

    Bargainolic on 01/04/2025 - 14:25

    Thanks. Inclined towards the Oztrail Mansion or Genesis at the moment. Some of the negative reviews making me think.

    Both seem to be able to fit the queen mattress - Mansion room dimensions 2x2.4m; Genesis room dimensions 2.1x2.7m

    • 

      Porker on 01/04/2025 - 16:10

      I looked into the two mentioned tents also. The Genesis was more appealing with its central door access and isolated sleeping areas - once kids are/were down, then in theory they need not be disturbed by anyone coming in or out, etc.

      If I recall correctly, part of the reason I didn't go with this was because the packed case/bag size was large in its factory setting. Tents rarely if ever go back into the bags as neatly as they come out the first time. Also, it only has one window for each bedroom, where I like having multiple options for air flow through the room.

• 

  SYLTB on 01/04/2025 - 13:37

  Preferably 2 rooms

  It actually is a need for couple with kids

• 

  DeeeeCeeeee on 01/04/2025 - 14:22

  +4

  Admittedly this is over budget….but I’d recommend the Coleman darkroom tent range, avoids that bright light as soon as sun rises..and they are easy to put up

  https://www.snowys.com.au/instant-up-6p-lighted-northstar-da…

  • 

    Bargainolic on 01/04/2025 - 14:23

    More than double my budget :). Probably one for an upgrade if we end up camping regularly

    • 

      Cobber870 on 01/04/2025 - 15:29

      Just a note - generally the more expensive ones are quicker/easier to setup, some can easily be done by one person. Factor in your sanity when looking at the options. I have seen people struggle with cheaper ones (not sure on brand) to join poles and setup, taking over an hour.

      As others have said, also waterproofing.

      • 

        jam scone on 02/04/2025 - 08:05

        This is the reality for sure. After driving 4 hrs you don't need a difficult tent setup. We have a oztent rv5 for this reason, done in 10-15min with guy ropes/awning etc, varies with how inebriated I get during the process.

• 

  frondono on 01/04/2025 - 15:50

  this one is in the amazon warehouse store for $209 like new

  https://www.amazon.com.au/Oztrail-Seascape-Camping-Outdoor-6…

• 

  Showmethebargains on 02/04/2025 - 09:10

  My suggestion would be to buy a second hand Southern Cross Canvas tent. The Ultimate Trekker model would fit you all in. If you look around you can find them with a large awning as well. You would never have to buy another tent again. They are extremely strong and well made.
  We are currently touring Tassie in one. 😊

• 

  82norm on 02/04/2025 - 09:16

  Aldi has camping gear on sale 5th April.

• 

  Loopholio on 02/04/2025 - 09:53

  +1

  Man camping has changed since I was a kid. Using an actual mattress instead of the cold hard floor is utter luxury!

  As 82norm said check out the Aldi sale. It's only a six man tent. If it's no good, they will refund the purchase price.

  Have you considered two tents? Maybe a third for equipment.

  • 

    dtc on 02/04/2025 - 10:59

    +1

    Yes, after regular camping with kids in a 3 room / 8 person tent, we ended up with a 4 person one room upright tent (2 people plus bags) and a 3 person standard dome tent (2 people no bags). Much much easier to deal with, lighter, quicker to put up. The kids were fine in their own tent even when young, although we might be bad parents…

• 

  ramshead on 02/04/2025 - 10:28

  You don't say how long you are camping for. As it's your first experience I hope it's not for 2 weeks.
  My wife and I camp for short periods. We have an aldi 6P pop up. Suits us, but after we put in our stretches and other gear it's pretty crowded. As others have said, go to a camping shop and check out the erected tents. It would be ideal if you could put up your new tent in your backyard and sleep in it before you go. Camping is great fun, especially for the young. But the more effort you put into organizing the less hassles you will have.

  • 

    Bargainolic on 02/04/2025 - 11:39

    A very short one to start off - 3 nights over the easter weekend really

    • 

      Muppet Detector on 04/04/2025 - 16:49

      Matey, enrol the kids in scouts and nick off to stay at the Marriott for a few nights.

• 

  SlickMick on 02/04/2025 - 10:31

  We paid a lot more than that for a 2 room tent for a family of 3 in the 90s. Wouldn't have wanted anything smaller.
  I don't know whether prices have dropped substantially since then, or whether you won't get that size waterproof and reasonably easy to construct etc for your price range.

  We sold ours 20 years later and it was still as new (though we didn't exactly wear it out), so maybe we went overboard on quality??

• 

  djathome on 02/04/2025 - 16:15

  +1

  Ya can buy my old big bear 6 person tent for $100. It has divider in the middle. That's what makes it "2" rooms. Its only been used twice, all in good condition and brand new decent pegs etc. No holes, still water proof as it has the over the top designed fly for it. And personally, as its your starter tent, dont knock second hand as an option. Often people add to them to make them better - eg pegs n ropes, but you might all get out there and find you dont actually like the experience….

• 

  Muppet Detector on 04/04/2025 - 16:48

  Not much of a camper myself, but the kids all went through Joey's, Cubs, Brigades and Cadets (some air, some naval).

  Some things they make sure they pack are a sturdy tarp to put on the ground under the tent. This can help prevent holes in the base of your tent, provides a barrier that won't let damp or water leach through and in extreme cold, can put a blanket between the tarp and floor of the tent.

  They all use those army surplus scratchy wool blankets (fire resistant), with all their camp badges and awards sewn on.

  Depending on weather and destination they will just use a swag with a fly and groundsheet, particularly if riding on the property helping dad fence or muster.

  Similarly, there are different weight sleeping bags suitable for the weather your camping in. Make sure to choose a water proof one and double down on a tarp under the bag or in your case, the blow up mattress.

  Air pump for blow up mattress

  Take spare garbage bags (just in case you need to pack wet or dirty stuff in it) a small shovel (never know where you might need to poop - or hide the body), enclose all opened food in airtight containers so animals don't get excited or discard of packaging thoughtfully.

  Take plenty of Rid and aneroguard and sunscreen.

  Long sleeve shirts, long socks with pants tucked into socks. Big floppy hat with chin cord.

  Swimsuit

  Basic first aid kit, especially fine tip needles for removal of ticks.

  Always check pants and socks for ticks.

  Take extra waterproof matches and extra tinned food and can opener (can use can for hot plate if needed).

  Take lantern, preferably not kerosene and a bunch of spare torches and batteries. Headlamps

  Chairs
  Camp table
  Mallet
  Ductape
  Axe to cut firewood
  Clothesline and pegs
  Booby trap
  Bear trap
  Sling shot
  Plates, knives, forks, spoons
  Dish to wash up in
  Detergent
  Stove
  Stove fuel
  Billy
  Tea
  Coffee
  Esky with ice
  Milk
  Breakfast stuff
  Mugs
  Toothbrush/toothpaste
  Toilet paper
  Hammock
  All your personal stuff.

  Spare wool socks
  Spare boots

  Spare rope always handy as are bulldog clips to help hold tent flaps open/closed if they break.

  Spare garbage bags for makeshift rain coats

  Whistle around everyone's neck in case they get lost.

  Lanyard with name, important medical info, parent name and phone, approx location - all laminated in case get lost/hurt

  Bucket to poop in in case toilets a long way in dark

  Bird seed (can't feed ducks bread)

  Wood for bonfire
  Guitar and harmonica
  Campfire songs
  Long sticks for marshmallows

  Snacks to feed bears and lions