Harsh

10 Best Rocking Camp Chairs That Are Splendid For 2021

Harsh — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 23:00:00 +0000

A rocking camp chair gives you a nice dose for relaxed comfort. The rocking chairs you take to camping have to be slightly different than conventional chairs to navigate the surface better.

Support and the surface matter for a good rocker. The ground won’t always be as convenient for a rocking chair like the floor of your living room or study. Being portable and lightweight are virtues too. And these (and more) are all challenges that the chairs listed here completely rock.

10 Impressive Outdoor Rocking Chairs

Some Tips To Note When Buying Rocking Chairs For Camping

Let Your Requirements Be Your Guide

Your explicit requirements and features on offer make any chair worth your while. While it won’t be a problem with most people, if you’re big, it is best to also consider the weight limit of your chair. A heavy duty chair not just for big people, but also for those who prefer their chairs to be spacious.

Also consider features like a canopy, cup holder, and footrest for your chair. While the latter is a rarity with camping chairs, having a footrest handy can work wonders. Other points to consider are headrests.

All these accessories are wonderful, but keep your foremost requirements in mind. And remember that not all accessories work with a rocking chair! I mean cupholders are awesome, as are camping chairs with tables. But you can’t rock your chair and hope the cup with drinks doesn’t spill or things don’t slide off the table as the chair rocks.

My advice is to keep comfort as your only priority for outdoor rocking chairs. Accessories can be considered separately.

Portability And Longevity For Folding Rocking Chair

When your intention is to use something outdoors, portability and longevity become major factors. A folding rocking chair should be easily portable. Being lightweight is awesome, but it should also pack into a relatively compact package for easier movement.

Similar ideas apply to longevity. A chair placed outdoors has to deal with the forces of nature. It should be capable of handling wind, rain, dirt, and the mechanical challenges of portability. In short, we expect our chairs to last years and they must deliver!

Reviewed: The 10 Chairs That Rock

1. GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Rocking Chair

This is a frontrunner and one of the most popular rocking camp chairs available on the market today. Several factors contribute to this success of the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Rocking Chair. It has a sturdy build with solid armrests that contribute greatly to comfort.

The rocking action is handled by a patented spring-action rocking technology. Its overall structure is quite similar to a conventional camping chair. However, the spring-action system placed at the back towards the foot of the chair enables it to have a motion similar to a rocking chair. The larger advantage of this design over conventional curved bases is that this system makes it possible to use your chair on a variety of terrains.

You could very well place your chair outside your tent or RV and relax comfortably knowing that the chair is on a stable footing. Other features of this chair remain as thoughtful as the rocking action. The seat-height is placed at 19.5-inches, which makes it comfortable to sit or get up from this chair. Even a tall person would find this chair reasonably good and easy to handle.

It has padded armrests – a feature people often overlook, but one that makes a big difference in rocking chairs. A cup holder is placed at the front of the chair, almost at the same height as the seat. The goal here is to reduce motion for the cup holder and reduce the risk of spillage. It works fairly well, but I think placing a bottle is more fruitful and useful for a rocking chair’s cup holder.

GCI Outdoor rocking chair is easy enough to fold and goes into a compact package. It weighs a reasonable 12.1 pounds, and when open has measurements of 24x25x34.8 inches. Maximum suggested weight is 250lbs.

Pros:

Strong and solid footing
Convenient rocking action
Easy to fold and portable

Cons:

Assembly may require some effort and expertise

Get it on Amazon

2. AmazonBasics Outdoor Patio Folding Rocking Chair

A well-priced chair from AmazonBasics, this patio rocking chair should fit the bill for most requirements. It’s designed as a simple chair, not much by way of frills or features. And that’s fine because what we really want from these chairs is comfort and convenience.

AmazonBasics Outdoor Patio Folding Rocking Chair is an excellent pick. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and yes, it rocks. The rocking mechanism here is formed by the curved bars at the bottom of the chair. For the outdoors, this is the most basic way to go about things, but it works just fine for a patio chair.

When not in use, the chair can be folded away and be transported with relative ease. At just 16.09 pounds, this rocking chair isn’t all that heavy. Enhanced versatility and dependability come from its construction.

The chair has a steel frame, where elastic cords tie it to the Textilene mesh seat. Presence of the mesh allows for better ventilation and makes the chair feel more comfortable. This combination makes it a comfortable seating option with excellent support for the body and spine.

A removable padded headrest is available at the top of the chair for added comfort. However, you will notice that the chair feels a bit flimsy. The supported weight here is just 200 pounds, so exercise some caution.

Overall, you could spend a nice and comfortable day in this chair, chilling and rocking!

Pros:

Excellent price point
Good quality construction and good design
Armrests offer good support
Good ventilation and comfort

Cons:

Supports a maximum weight of 200 pounds
Questionable longevity

Get it on Amazon

3. GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Outdoor Rocking Chair

We could perhaps fill this entire selection with GCI rocking chairs for the outdoors. The thing is, the rocking system on GCI chairs is far more suitable for the outdoors. Most chairs use a curved base for the rocking motion. And that’s great when you have a solid, flat surface.

Outdoor surfaces usually aren’t that smooth or flat. This is why rocking a chair on its curved side can be a bit finicky, to say the least. GCI uses Spring Action Rocking Technology, where springs loaded in the back support/legs of the chair provide the rocking motion.

It’s not the smoothest of motions compared to conventional chairs, but it is one of the best (if not the best) rocking chair solutions for the outdoors.

GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Outdoor Rocking Chair is our top pick for these reasons, though the chair has more to offer as well. It’s built to be comfortable and the fabric with mesh panels allows good ventilation. There’s plenty of support from the seating to make the experience comfortable.

For portability, you can fold the chair into compact dimensions (8.1 x 9.1 x 43.3 inches) and move it using a bag and a shoulder strap. The chair weighs just 12.8 pounds and is built around a lightweight Steel/Aluminum hybrid frame. The seat height is 19.7 inches and the maximum supported weight is 250 pounds.

Pros:

Best rocking motion if you’re camping outdoors
Good and reliable construction
Comfortable seating
Includes cup holder and armrests
No assembly required

Cons:

Rocking motion requires continuous effort

Buy now on Amazon

4. ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair

ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair is a quality chair at a good value. The chair benefits from the company’s experience in camping gear and chairs. It is well-built and presents a solid option to consider for those looking to buy a chair. The frame used here is powder-coated steel, which ensures longevity as well as good support and load-bearing capacity for this chair.

Low Rocker Chair makes use of TechMesh fabric that keeps it well-ventilated. The fabric is well-built and provides excellent support as well as comfort. It has padded armrests that slant and go straight towards the base. I call them “armrests” because of their position, their practical use as armrests is thoroughly limited.

As a low rocker, the chair’s seat height is quite low and you’ll pretty much lean back and have your feet extended on the ground. In a way, this helps in ensuring proper support and balance. The base of the chair is adequately shaped to allow rocking and the frame is sturdy enough to take the pressure and force exerted. Of course, the low profile limits motion a bit, but the overall effect remains comfortable.

Alps Mountaineering Low Rocker chair weighs just 11lbs and has a maximum recommended weight capacity of 300lbs. It can be folded into a compact size to allow easier transportation. When fully expanded, the chair has the dimensions of 22x17x31 inches.

Pros:

Well-built steel frame
Comfortable and quality fabric
Lightweight and easily portable

Cons:

Seat height is just 15-inches
Armrests don’t offer much support

See it on Amazon

5. Browning Camping Cabin Chair

In looks and design, Browning Camping Cabin Chair is pretty much a twin of the ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair, which is also placed on this list. This one too has a powder-coated steel frame for better longevity and performance. The fabric used for the seat is TechNet, which remains breathable and provides comfortable seating. Its mesh-style back is especially useful for warm days where a breathable fabric can make a big difference.

The armrests are padded, but they slant and you’ll likely not have much use for them while you’re sitting on the chair. Given that the seat height is low and barely reaches 15-inch off the ground, the lack of supportive armrests will be felt every time you sit or get up from this chair. Low rockers like these are not the best option for tall people.

The benefit of the low seat height is stability. You can rock this chair while staying assured that the chair will stay stable on the ground. A higher rocking chair with that curved base won’t do all too well on ground and will need a paved surface or floor. By reducing the height, the chair gains more stability and thus can be used on conventional camping grounds.

When fully expanded, this chair has dimensions of 22x17x31 inches. It weighs 11lbs and has a maximum rated capacity of 300lbs. It can be folded and packed away in an included shoulder bag for easy portability.

Pros:

Sturdy construction
Stable profile for rocking
Comfortable and quality fabric

Cons:

Little to no support from armrests
Seat height of the low rocker is just 15-inches
Questionable value for money

See more on Amazon

6. Timber Ridge Catalpa Relax & Rock Chair

Timber Ridge Catalpa Relax & Rock Chair is pretty much a companion to the ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair and Browning Camping Cabin Chair we see on this list. The larger difference for this chair is in the specifications. The sturdy steel frame with slanted armrests and curved rocking base are pretty much the same as we’ve seen in the chairs mentioned here.

Though it is slightly higher, the Timber Ridge Catalpa Relax & Rock Chair is still a low rocker. It offers stability while you rock the chair, but it can be difficult to get in/out of the chair, especially for tall people. One significant way this chair differs from the others is that it has a padded polyester seating area. There is no ventilating mesh, but it is slightly more comfortable to sit on. Unless it’s a hot day, where mesh really does help!

This chair has a recommended maximum weight of 250lbs and can be folded for easier portability. A mesh pocket is placed under the seat to hold your belongings, like a mobile phone.

Pros:

Stable rocking chair
Sturdy frame
Easily portable

Cons:

Folding the chair can be a bit of a chore
No armrests for support

See more on Amazon

7. GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker Portable Folding Low Rocking Chair

GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker Portable Folding Low Rocking Chair is a sibling of the more famous GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker. The difference between both these models is basically the seat height. FirePit Rocker is a low rocking chair with a seat-height of just 14.8-inches.

As you can guess, the chair enjoys a good and stable profile for rocking. However, the low seat height may feel tough when getting in/ out of the chair. The reasons low rockers are popular are the stability and the overall comfortable position they can afford. You could stay reclined in the chair and enjoy a relaxing pose.

This chair too utilizes GCI’s well-liked spring action rocking technology. This system makes the rocking motion smooth, while overall maintaining a wide profile and stable base over the ground. Other features include padded armrests and a cup holder placed at the front of the chair with one of its legs. This position keeps the rocking effect on the cup low to reduce risk of spillage, but there is still some risk.

The chair can be folded for transportation and has an open size of 25.6×24.4×33.1 inches. It weighs 12.1 pounds and is rated to holding a maximum weight of 250 lbs.

Pros:

Good, comfortable seating area
Solid support and stable on the ground
Includes cup holder
Easy to fold and portable
Armrests offer good support

Cons:

Low seat height may not be suitable for everyone

Buy it on Amazon

8. Timber Ridge Smooth Glide Lightweight Padded Folding Rocking Chair

Timber Ridge Smooth Glide Lightweight Padded Folding Rocking Chair could very well pass off as a conventional rocking chair. It is tall, comfortable, and lends itself well to rocking. However, as a folding camping chair, it has discernible characteristics that take it away from that classic look.

The chair frame is steel and is sturdy enough to be used outdoors and you can reasonably expect it to last a long time. Its fabric makes a similar commitment to quality and comfort. The seating area is polyester and a durable mesh is also employed for greater breathability of the material. Its padded headrest completes the picture of comfort.

Being tall, the chair is comfortable, especially so for tall people who may find other chairs to be difficult to get in or out of. Its quality armrests add support and comfort. The chair is designed to handle a maximum weight of 300lbs.

Pros:

Sturdy construction
High seat height makes it more comfortable
Durable and comfortable fabric

Cons:

Questionable value for money (seems more expensive than it should be)

Get it on Amazon

9. PORTAL Oversized Quad Folding Camping Chair High Back

The general build of this chair makes one think of Coleman, though the famous company has nothing to do with this chair. In any case, this chair maintains its usability and appears as a quality option for a rocking camp chair.

Its high back style adds an extra touch of comfort, while the durable steel frame keeps it stable as well as sturdy. The seating area is made from high-density polyester to ensure both longevity and comfort. Mesh has been included in this seating area to allow for better breathability.

The padded armrests are well-built and add another touch of comfort. Its frame is solid and the rocking base is sturdy. However, it looks unstable. Mind you, it’s not actually unstable, it’s just the construction style that made me wonder if the chair could be considered dependably stable as it is rocked.

Portal’s folding rocking chair is rated for 300lbs maximum weight and can be folded into a conveniently small package for portability. A pocket is available under the seat to store small items like mobile phones.

Pros:

Well-built and sturdy construction
High back adds some comfort
Durable fabric

Cons:

At 16.5 lbs, the chair is heavy

See more on Amazon

10. Westfield Outdoor Folding Camp Rocking Chair

Westfield Outdoor Folding Camp Rocking Chair has fairly simple looks, but it is quite comfortable and does very well with its rocking functionality. Interestingly, this chair has two cup holders, one for each armrest. As we’ve seen, most rocking chairs avoid cup holders due to the inherent risk of spilling beverages. However, if you really do need cup holders for your chair, and that too in armrests, this is the option to pick.

The chair has a powder-coated steel frame for stability and sturdy construction. A 600D polyester fabric is used for the seating area. Mesh is also included with the fabric for enhanced breathability. The rocking part is handled by a curved base with sufficient construction support.

The maximum recommended weight limit for this chair is 300 lbs and it can be folded for easy portability. When fully expanded, the chair measures 21.30×17.70×37.40 inches.

Pros:

Sturdy construction
Includes two cup holders, one for each armrest (best for specific requirements, be careful of spills!)
Good value for money

Cons:

Questionable longevity

Get it on Amazon

The Best Pick For My Rocking Chair

When picking a rocking camp chair, be especially careful of the ground or surface you intend for use. While most chairs will work on paved surfaces or built areas like decks, you may need to be more careful when putting the chair on the ground. Seat height is a worthy consideration as well, many people end up buying low rockers, only to realize that they are too low. However, if you want the reclining goodness offered by low rockers, they are a fantastic choice!

The post 10 Best Rocking Camp Chairs That Are Splendid For 2021 first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

5 Coolest Tents With Hinged Doors in 2021

Harsh — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 16:04:00 +0000

Tents with hinged doors are pretty cool. They give you a sensation of using a “real” door, rather than the usual zipper-style enclosure that most tents have. It just feels a bit more convenient and intuitive. We’re all used to moving with conventional doors – zippers take some time getting used to.

But in the same vein, it might take some getting used to for outdoor lovers. We’re used to zippers, so we might still fumble for one in some random absent minded moments. Since we’re on the topic, hinged doors (usually) don’t rely on zippers. Instead, they’ll use velcro or a similar method to get the door to stay in position.

You don’t have to pick a tent based on the door type, but it does make a difference. You’ll notice Coleman dominates this particular niche. They hold the patent for hinged doors on tents, though some companies have tried their own versions with varying levels of success. If you’re looking for a tent with hinged doors, you’re at the right place!

Top Hinged Door Tents For 2021

Editor’s Choice: Coleman WeatherMaster

Coleman WeatherMaster is quite the tent. This is, of course, a hinged door tent, but it also includes other impressive features like good waterproofing, plenty of space, and good center height.

If you want to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, the tent’s screen room provides a good space. All of these features make the tent quite functional, and our top choice for this category.

Buy it on Amazon

Reviewed: Most Attractive Tents With Hinged Doors

1. Coleman Octagon Tent

I’ve been quite enamored with this tent. I’d like to pretend it’s all due to the features it offers. However, if I’m being honest, the answer lies in the looks of this tent. The octagonal shape goes pretty well with this tent and Coleman has used the design pretty effectively.

Coleman Octagon Tent looks pretty and the color scheme suits it nicely. Coleman calls it “the glamping tent”, perhaps due to the yurt-like shape. Like the name implies, the tent has eight sides.

Six of these sides can be opened completely. Sheets on each of these sides can be pulled aside like curtains to have a full view of the surroundings. In that sense, it takes on an appearance quite similar to yurt-style glamping tents. A fine mesh covers the main body of the tent, so opening the sides won’t let bugs into the tent.

So while six sides can be opened this way, the other two sides feature Coleman’s patented hinged door system. These swinging doors make it easy to get in and out of the tent. The presence of two doors means that if you choose to partition the main room, each side gets its own door.

Specifications And Other Features

Coleman Octagon Tent has fairly good waterproofing. The sheet covers the sides, and a small awning hangs over the doors for some protection against rain. Additionally, the PE integrated groundsheet keeps the base of the tent dry.

This is advertised as a 6-8 person tent. A removable partition curtain is included in case you want to divide the space into two rooms. Velcro is placed around the hinged doors so they open and shut like they’re intended to. You’ll have to be a bit gentle, but the swinging door is an amazing experience by itself.

Octagon Tent is also available in a blackout design where the tent blocks most of the sunlight. That way, the interiors remain dark and the inside doesn’t get overly bright in the day.

Pros

Spacious tent
Good looks and design
Fairly good waterproofing
Easy to set up and includes shock-corded poles

Cons

Best used in mild weather, as the tent has troubled with wind
Slightly heavy at 46 lbs

Get it on Amazon

2. Coleman WeatherMaster

Coleman WeatherMaster 6-person tent is the editor’s choice for this category. Though it doesn’t have the glamorous look, it wins on its usability. The WeatherMaster has been a workhorse for a long time now, and it has proven itself worthy.

Its hinged door sits at the middle of the tent (by length). Practically, it enters the main room of the tent and is placed at the end of the screen room. The rainfly covers the tent’s mesh roof astutely and even makes a small awning over the door. Windows on the tent are angled to improve circulation and to let rainwater flow-off easily.

Specifications And Other Features

Coleman WeatherMaster is built upon the company’s WeatherTec technology. The system is designed to keep the tent waterproof and afford better protection against the weather. This includes taped seams, welded bathtub floor, and a wind-responsive frame. The tent fabric is polyester-coated and is made from anti-wicking fabric.

While I love that the tent has a screen room, it’s disheartening to see the lack of a floor on the screen room. It is understandable because the screen room is bound to get wet when it rains. The shape of the tent ensures that rain will enter the screen room.

The main room of the tent measures 11 x 9 feet and has a center height of 6-feet and 8-inches. Its screen room is smaller at 9 x 6 feet. All windows and the screen room are covered in mesh to keep no-see-ums at bay. Interiors of the tent include small mesh storage pockets. An e-port is also available.

It’s the classic Coleman hinged door tent and includes well-positioned velcro panels to get the most out of this tent. The door is also waterproof and well-protected from the rain.

Pros

Spacious, two room tent
Includes a screen room
Excellent waterproof and soundproofing
Good value for money

Cons

No floor on the screen room
The tent can benefit from better quality stakes

Buy it on Amazon

3. Coleman Tenaya Lake Lighted Fast Pitch Cabin Tent

It may not be an instant tent with hinged door, but the Coleman Tenaya Lake Fast Pitch Cabin Tent can be set up quickly. This is a well-loved and well-regarded tent with plenty of positive features.

Coleman Tenaya Lake is a tent with hinged doors, which is why on this list. However, the most lovable feature here are the built-in closets with shelves and a hanger bar. Setting up the cabinets is optional, but they can be added as two little tents on the side of the tent.

Specifications And Other Features

Though it isn’t an instant tent, Tenaya uses Coleman’s fast pitch system and can be set up in less than 10 minutes. This is a good time for the tent available in 6-person and 8-person variants.

It uses Coleman’s well-regarded WeatherTec system for weatherproofing. However, I’d say this tent is best suited for mild weather. Even though it has the bathtub floor and welded seams, it won’t do well in heavy rain. Its cabin-design can’t take gusts of wind either. Officially, it should be able to withstand winds up to 35mph, though I guess that’s more an “under lab conditions” thing.

The six-person, hinged door tent measures 13 x 9 feet and each closet covers another 2×2 feet.

Pros

Small closets for easy organization
Spacious design
Built-in overhead LED system (8-person variant)

Cons

Waterproofing best suited for mild rain
Can have trouble with wind

See pricing and offers for this tent

4. Coleman Elite Sundome 6 Person Tent

Coleman Sundome is one of the most popular offerings from the brand at the moment. It’s very well priced and also offers a great quality – now that’s the combo we all want. The dome-shaped tent is adept at handling rain and wind and will keep its users very comfortable.

There are just two windows on the tent, though they offer good ventilation working together with the ground vents. It’s fairly lightweight for a six-person tent and can be moved around with some ease.

Specifications And Other Features

The tent has self-rolling windows covered in no-see-um mesh screens. Two doors provide access to the tent, one of which is a hinged door while the other is the conventional zipper door.

As for weatherproofing, it uses Coleman’s WeatherTec system. The bathtub floors with welded seams are made from 1,000D polyethylene to ensure that the tent floor stays dry. Its rainfly is made from 75D polyester taffeta, while the inner tent is a 68D polyester mesh.

The tent includes a built-in LED ceiling light with three settings – high, low, and nightlight. The maximum output from the light is 100 lumens.

Coleman Elite Sundome has a base measuring 12 x 10 feet and a center height of 6-feet. A partition can be set up to divide the tent into two rooms, though only one gets access to the hinged door.

Pros

Excellent value and pricing
Good protection from rain and wind
Built-in LED light
Spacious

Cons

The ventilation doesn’t quite work as well in hot weather
Fiberglass poles can be somewhat questionable in support

See buying options and discounts

5. Coleman Montana Tent

In terms of appearance, Coleman Montana is quite similar to the Coleman WeatherMaster in appearance. It has largely the same overall shape including the angled windows and location of the hinged door. In fact, the awning is a bit wider and affords greater protection to the hinged door.

Specifications And Other Features

Coleman Montana claims to be weatherproof, including protection from rain and winds up to 35mph. It might be able to withstand the wind, but doesn’t quite hold back the rain. In a bid to go lower on the cost, the tent appears to have lost some of its waterproofing goodness.

As for specifications, as an eight-person tent, this one has an area of 16 x 7 feet and a center height of 6 feet and 2 inches. Small storage pockets are available near the base of the tent. Montana is also available with a built-in lighting system.

Pros

Low cost and good value
Comfortable and spacious
Acceptable ventilation

Cons

Doesn’t hold up very well in heavy or sustained rain
Questionable longevity

See it on Amazon

A Quick Note On Coleman Hinged Door Tent

You may have noticed, the recommendations here are all about Coleman hinged door tents. The reason this company dominates the list is because they hold a patent to the system. While some others that have managed to get working hinged doors in action, many aren’t quite there yet.

Coleman appears to have hit it big with these doors. They aren’t in all their tents, but they are quite popular. It’s one of those little changes you never knew you wanted until you experienced it.

Operating Hinged Doors On Tents

Tents with hinged doors use velcro to stay in position. It’s a useful and excellent choice, but it requires some care. The tents are sturdy enough to not get torn away with some rough use. But no material stands to prolonged abuse.

While these very much do like to behave as if they’re real doors, they aren’t real doors and some caution should be employed while using them.

Most hinged doors also have zippers on the inner enclosure. This is to ensure that you can keep the tent shut and prevent unwanted visitors. Overall, the hinged door design is quite functional and very useful.

Choosing The Tent You Want

Hinged doors add value and usability to tents. Of course, this shouldn’t be your only criterion, but most tents with hinged doors tend to be fairly useful. It is probably the fact that this technology hasn’t seen widespread use across brands that has kept the dependability somewhat better. In any case, the easily moved doors are very useful and functional.

My top recommendation for a hinged door tent is the Coleman WeatherMaster. If you’re looking for other options, take a look at the Coleman Octagon Tent, or scan the list above!

The post 5 Coolest Tents With Hinged Doors in 2021 first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

Best Camping Tents With Screened Porch in 2021

Harsh — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 15:34:00 +0000

Having a nice camping trip with the family requires a spacious camping tent. Just like at home, it is cool to have a nice porch where you can sit and relax. It’s a pretty relaxing home away from home feeling. Most modern family tents have a small compartment that functions as a porch. Of course, most tents have these areas screened to protect you from nuisances like bugs. Here are our top contenders for best camping tents with screened porch options.

Top 10 Camping Tents With Screen Room In 2021

Some Considerations For Purchasing A Camping Tent With Porch

Space And Room Availability

While a small, 2-person tent can show off a screened room, these tents are mostly used by groups and families. When you’re purchasing a tent for a family, always be generous with the space on offer.

Remember you have to put some luggage in the tent too. Rather than stacking luggage and people to make the tent work, go a size bigger. It is not rare for a 6 person tent to be only comfortable for four adults and their luggage.

Many larger tents also offer ways to create rooms. This can offer everyone some privacy. If the rooms have their own doors to the outside, there will also be less disturbance as people move about.

Ease Of Putting Up A Tent And Portability

Larger tents obviously won’t be featherweights, but they certainly should be portable. A lightweight tent isn’t just easy to transport, it is also easy to move from your vehicle to the camping site.

A tent that is easy to set up won’t trouble you too much, and you have to spend countless hours trying to figure it out. It can be a serious problem with larger tents! If you have trouble putting tents up, consider larger pop up tents to make things easier.

Tent Height

Spacious as these tents are, they generally also have a good height. In most cases, you will be able to walk around freely without having to stoop or bend. If you are exceptionally tall, give a thought to tent height.

Weatherproofing And Material Quality

Not all tents are built for all seasons. Some fare better on the beach, while others can do well in winter. Waterproofing to hold out the rain, and a sturdy structure that can stand against the wind is exactly what you want. Even if you’re not expecting any rain, your chosen tent should have some waterproofing to stand against showers.

Quality of stakes needs a second look for most value for money and cheap tents. If you feel the stakes are lightweight or poor quality, invest in better quality stakes. The small amount you spend will be much better than the inconvenience of your tent getting ripped by wind.

There is an inherent limitation to waterproofing on tents that have screened porches. You can’t keep that porch dry in the rain unless you take overly dramatic (and perhaps unnecessary) measures to make it happen. Keep the waterproofing worries to the main cabin of the tent.

It is for the same reason that tents with screen rooms deal with the issue differently. Many tents skip the flooring for the porch, thus saving on packing space, weight, and costs. Although there are disadvantages here, considering that the area is pretty much left to the elements.

Several tents choose the other route and will offer good, waterproof flooring for the porch. Well, it will still get wet in the rain, but it does offer better protection. You may even be able to use this area as an additional room during clear days/nights.

The Best Camping Tents With A Screen Porch

1. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent

A large, cabin-style tent, the Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent can actually fit the advertised number of people. Though if you plan to use cots or queen size air mattresses, take that number down to four. The cabin style also gives it a good height, so people can stand upright inside the tent.

It covers a total area of 11×16-feet and has quite a large screen room at 9×6-feet. The screen room has a bathtub-style floor that will protect it from moisture and ensure it stays dry. The spacious screened porch is also a good place to remove dirty shoes and gear so the sleeping area can stay clean. Those swayed by a larger screened porch will certainly find this tent attractive.

Speaking of swaying, cabin tents generally aren’t that good against strong winds. Wenzel Klondike holds up fairly well against the rain, but a persistent rainfall will result in leaks. The tent is easy to set up by two people, though a single person can do the job as well.

Pros

Spacious room with excellent height at 78-inches
Screened porch is large and protected against the elements
Simple setup with detailed instructions sewn in the tent
Good value for money

Cons

Doesn’t hold up well against a strong wind
No hole for electric cable(s)

See more options on Amazon

2. Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Camping Tent with Screen Room

Coleman tents know their way around the block, and this 6 person tent seems pretty much on the mark. The tent is equipped with Coleman’s WeatherTec system, which includes patented welded floors and inverted seams designed for better weatherproofing. A rainfly helps the tent manage rain, and weather-resistant zipper ensures things keep running smooth even in rain.

Though the interiors receive strong floors and good waterproofing, the screen room has been left out. So it is an easy access for rain as well as insects. That’s a pity, because the spacious 9×6-feet screen room looks rather enticing. Cool as it is, the tent definitely could have been better if more attention had been afforded to the screened porch.

Coleman Weather Master 6 Person Tent is easy to set up and should take less than 20 minutes. The spacious interiors have room for two queen size air mattresses. If those are the mattresses of your choice, you may want to consider this one as a 4 person tent.

Pros

Thick bathtub floors inside the tent are waterproof and comfortable
Excellent weatherproofing
Spacious

Cons

No flooring on the screened porch
Needs better quality stakes

Buy it now on Amazon

3. Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room

This Coleman tent is quite similar to the previous one. However, the Coleman Dome Tent (or better, the Coleman Evanston camping tent) pays better attention to its screening porch and includes a bathtub floor for waterproofing and an overall better experience. What it does lack compared to the previous one, is the lack of a port to manage electrical wires.

Being Dome shaped rather than a cabin, the tent is better equipped to handle rough weather like heavy rain and high winds. It also includes Coleman’s WeatherTec system for overall better weatherproofing. The tent is available in 6-person and 8-person variants, both of which have enough room for two queen size air mattresses. The 8-person tent will have some space left open with the mattresses, but the 6-person feels packed.

Pros

Spacious screened porch with weatherproofed flooring
WeatherTec system is capable of handling regular weather issues
Easy to set up

Cons

Removing and packing tent can be a bit difficult
Should use better stakes

See it on Amazon

4. Tahoe Gear Zion 9 Person 3 Season Family Camping Tent And Screen Porch

Built for use by families, the Tahoe Gear Zion has plenty of space that it puts to use with style. The tent is relatively easy to set up, thanks in part to its shock-corded poles. Taking it down is less intuitive and the instruction booklet is of little help since it includes only diagrams.

The sleeping area is massive and has tons of room. Its large windows and mesh roof don’t just make great views possible, they also give this tent excellent ventilation. The screen porch with this tent is large and imposing, offering plenty of space to sit and lounge. It only has partial flooring, which is a bit of a downer. Although functionally, the partial flooring is good enough to keep gear and dirty shoes away from the sleeping area, thus helping it stay clean.

Pros

Spacious and well-made for family use
Large screened porch
Relatively easy setup

Cons

Instruction booklet isn’t very helpful
The tent can feel a bit flimsy

5. Nemo Wagontop 8P Camping Tent

Nemo Wagontop is the most expensive tent on our list. The high price is largely due to the quality of materials used and some innovative systems implemented for the tents. Apart from the main sleeping area and the screened porch, the Nemo Wagontop has a vestibule that provides extra space for the tent.

Should you need a larger entryway, or just want some more sun, the fabric over the vestibule can be pulled back. The screened porch area is particularly generous and seems almost to compare with the area of the tent itself. It has a waterproof floor, massive screened windows, and a huge door. All of these make the screened porch a great area to spend some time in.

This tent does not include a rainfly and instead relies on its superior quality fabric and coatings to keep water out. The tent poles are made from aluminum that are lightweight and provides good strength.

Pros

High-quality construction
Waterproof
Excellent screened porch with plenty of space

Cons

Expensive
Instructions provided are terrible at their job

Get it on Nemo Equipment

6. Gazelle T4-Plus Pop-Up Portable Camping Hub Tent

Gazelle T4-Plus is a simple pop up camping hub tent. It is remarkably easy to set up and the job can be done in less than 2 minutes. Packing up is similarly convenient. The spacious main sleeping area is joined by a large screened porch area. Its rainfly is also easy to attach and remove, adding more convenience.

The screened porch and the main room have a thick floor. Each room’s floor can be individually removed to allow for easier cleaning, and if you prefer, some customizations.

Pros

Plenty of room
Easy to set up and remove
Good waterproofing

Cons

While removable floor sounds great as an idea, practically it can leave empty spaces while being reattached – thus becoming troublesome
Easily troubled by strong winds

7. Timber Ridge 8-Man Log Cabin Tent

This tent has a slightly different look than conventional tents. It wanted to be a log cabin, and now carries the print detailing such a structure. This is a framed tent attached on steel poles, making it very resilient.

It has a massive sleeping area that can house enough people comfortably. Equally impressive is the large screened porch that this tent has to offer. The porch is wide, large, and thanks to the paintwork and shape of the tent, it looks like a “real” porch. As camping tents with screened porch go, this one does the job impressively well.

Pros

Big, impressive screened porch
Excellent height of tent
Very spacious interiors built on a solid frame

Cons

Heavy, leading to limited portability
Included stakes aren’t very good or dependable

Buy it now on Amazon

8. Large 10 Person Family Cabin Tent w/Front Porch

This massive tent is quite similar in shape and function to the Timber Ridge tent we just saw. Once you have secured it well, this tent will be able to withstand a good amount of rain and wind. The large windows on all sides ensure good ventilation. There’s also a small door at the back in case you need privacy.

Overall size for this tent is 20x10feet, and you can add a divider to separate rooms for privacy. The screened porch is generously sized and can easily accommodate several people sitting in some luxury. The porch has a detachable floor that makes it easy to clean, gives you more options to play with.

Pros

Waterproof
Spacious tent with room dividers and extra door
Very well ventilated
Generous screened porch with removable floor

Cons

Heavy, limiting portability
Floor under porch can be loose, or even fall short of the required length

See it on Amazon

9. Ozark Trail 9-Person Instant Cabin Tent

It would be pretty tough to not mention at least one representative from the famous line of Ozark Trail Tents. The cabin tent is very simple to put up and takes its form within seconds. Interior space on the tent is generous and is rated for 7-9 people, though I’d rather go with the lower limit. Ozark Trail Instant cabin tent is waterproof, though it will have trouble in a downpour. On the other hand, it does not perform all that well against strong winds. Make it a point to do away with the stakes sold with the tent, and get better, higher quality stakes.

The screened porch on this tent exists. It is present, but it’s nothing to write home about. Even with the limited area, the screened porch is devoid of a floor. So you do risk water and moisture around the feet, plus there’s a good chance of insects simply waltzing in.

Pros

Good value for money
Simple and quick to set up

Cons

Cannot deal with heavy rain
The included stakes are flimsy

See current price on Amazon

10. Tahoe Gear Carson 3-Season 14 Person Large Family Cabin Tent

Tahoe Gear 14-person tent is massive. Rather than put everyone in one huge room, this tent has three rooms for greater privacy and convenience. Each room’s doors go through the screen porch, which is as wide and impressive as the tent itself.

Center of the tent ceiling stands at 7-feet tall, so it is easier for everyone to walk upright. Ventilation is excellent thanks to six huge windows, and the large screened porch. It does take some time to set this tent up, though it is understandable given the large size and weight.

Tahoe 14 person tent is water resistant, and includes taped fly seams and polyethylene bindings. Be sure to secure this tent well, because its large size does make it something of a target for the wind.

Pros

Spacious, huge tent with three rooms
Great ventilation
Acceptable waterproofing

Cons

Complicated and time-consuming to set up
Included stakes are ridiculously inept at their job

See more on Amazon

Finding The Best Camping Tent With Screened Porch

So here it is, my list of the best camping tents with screened porch. This is not a ranking, the listed tents cover way too many requirements for such a focus. Where it does shine in relevance is bringing you the best tents in several categories so you can make an informed purchase.

The post Best Camping Tents With Screened Porch in 2021 first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

5 Blackout Tents That Are Hot In 2021

Harsh — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:26:00 +0000

Blackout tents have made their mark. To put it simply, these tents are made from materials that reduce glare in the tent. The tent no longer acts as a diffuser for sunlight, but can actually block it.

Advantages for insulation and better sleep quality follow with the blackout coating on tent interiors. These sun blocking tents are an innovation poised to go a long way. It is likely that we will see a lot more of these tents in the coming years.

The philosophy (and technology) here is straightforward. You could consider the coating on these tents analogous to blackout curtains at home to keep the outdoor lights away. A coating along the tent interiors blocks unglight. Sleep inside these tents won’t go away with the break of dawn and they won’t get uncomfortably hot after a day in the sun.

5 Best Blackout Tents In 2021

1. Coleman Dark Room Sundome Tent

Coleman Dark Room Sundome Tent is a variant available in its very popular Sundome line. Like most sundome tents, the dark room tent too boasts excellent weatherproofing and space. An additional advantage is that the dark room tent keeps the interiors protected from sunlight. The dome shape keeps the tent protected from wind, and its Coleman’s patented WeatherTec technology provides excellent waterproofing.

Welded bathtub floors and inverted seams mean rainwater can’t find easy access into this tent. Add to that superior waterproof coating on the tent fabric, and you can imagine yourself being pretty safe from rain. The overall available area for the six person sundome tent is 10×10 feet and its 6 feet center height makes it one of the best tall tents available.

As you can very well guess, the dark room properties of this tent plays a big role in making it one of the best. Coleman says the coating prevents 90% of the sunlight from entering the cabin. I feel the number is a bit inflated because the dark-out does not cover the entirety of the tent. While the dark room material really may block 90% of the sunlight, it is present only on the rainfly and windows.

That still leaves a big chunk of the tent body uncovered. So yes, you’ll get a fair amount of sunlight in there. It is still darker than an average tent, but I’d prefer if my dark room was actually dark.

Pros:

Good windproofing and waterproofing
Dark Room technology performs well where it is present
Plenty of space and generous center height

Cons:

Dark room technology does not cover the entirety of the tent
Can pose some problems when packing away

See current discounts for this tent

2. Ozark Trail Dark Rest 10-Person Instant Cabin Tent

Ozark Trail Dark Rest tent is one of the most well-made and spacious tents. This is one of the reasons it is our choice as a top 10 person tent. It’s also available in a six-person variant, though it gets less awesome there. As an instant cabin tent, it is claimed that this tent can be set up in just 2 minutes. Well, it may take a couple of minutes longer, but it is still pretty fast to get a 10-person cabin tent going.

The highlight of this tent is, of course, the Dark Rest technology. The interiors are covered in black and serve to block out the sun. This has pretty much the same effect as Coleman’s dark room system. To be clear, Ozark trail’s coating is not as effective as that from Coleman. However, this coating goes throughout the tent and so the results produced are comparable.

An included room divider can bisect the tent into two equal parts, each with its own door for entry and exit. The large windows work well together to get ventilation and airflow going and give great support to the vents placed along the tent.

In plain numbers, this freestanding tent offers 140 square feet of usable area. That’s a pretty good number, though obviously, it won’t be much good at holding 10 people in comfort. If you’ve got rooms drawn and queen-size airbeds placed, this tent is good enough for 5-6 people. When I say that number, I mean people living comfortably with enough space to move around, walk, and sleep conveniently.

Pros:

Dark Rest technology works wonderfully
Great ventilation and airflow
Easy to set up and pack away

Cons:

The material seems flimsy
Stakes/pegs included with the tent are practically useless

See this tent on Amazon

3. Quechua Waterproof 2 Second Pop Up Camping Tent

Quechua Waterproof 2 Second Pop Up Camping Tent is one of the best pop up camping tents available. It is also a luxurious and wonderfully advanced camping tent that employs innovative technology.

For starters, this tent is waterproof and windproof. The company claims that it can withstand bouts of tropical rain (200mm every hour per meter squared) without springing a leak. It is also rated capable of withstanding winds rated Force 6, going as fast as 50 kph. Now that is some excellent weatherproofing.

Our biggest interest at this point is in the blackout capabilities of this tent. On that point, Quechua claims that its patented exterior fabric can reduce sunlight by as much as 99% even in broad daylight. Practically speaking, it does pretty much live up to that claim. As such, the interiors of the tent remain dark and relatively cooler than their surroundings in summer. It feels like a small convenience, but one that is difficult to give up once it has been experienced.

As a pop up tent, it really does take it about two seconds to pitch this tent. Or rather, for this tent to pitch itself. Packing it up is a little more work, but if you know how to fold a pop up tent, things get better. I’d go so far as to say it becomes easy with some practice.

Quechua Waterproof 2 Second Pop Up Camping Tent weighs about 7.3 lbs for its three person variant. I’ll say it is heavy enough to not be the first choice for hiking, but it’s great for car campers.

Pros:

Excellent waterproofing
Very good windproofing
Blackout tent works marvelously

Cons:

Expensive compared to other tents in its category
Ventilation leaves much to be desired

See it on Amazon

4. Coleman Carlsbad Darkroom Tent With Screen Room

Coleman Carlsbad Darkroom Tent is an impressive and spacious tent with great features. It has the same excellent capabilities as the sundome tent, with the added goodness of a screen room and slightly better dark room. The main part of this tent is the dome structure that opens up into the screen room. This tent is available in two sizes, the four person tent and the six person tent. Both variants have a screen room. I’m partial to the six-person tent, which is being reviewed here.

The main room of the tent offers a floor area of 10×9 feet and a center height of 5feet 8inches. The screen room has an area of 10×5 feet. It is worth noting that the screen room has no floor, although Coleman does provide mats that can be placed there.

Its main room, however, has all the features you would expect from a good tent. It is large, spacious, and yes, wrapped in the dark room fabric. Again, it is the rainfly that has the dark room fabric and does most of the work blocking the sun. Since it is the rainfly blocking the sun, other parts of the tent remain susceptible to sunlight. As a result, even though the main room is darker than most tents, it can’t be about 90% darker as promised by the darkroom technology.

Coleman has done a good job in waterproofing and weatherproofing the tent. The rainfly extends slightly over the windows, so the waterproofing is better. It also allows ventilation to work better, even if it is raining outside.

Pros:

Good waterproofing and windproofing
The Darkroom technology works great where employed
Spacious and comfortable
Good ventilation

Cons:

No floor for the screen room
Marginal protection against rain for the screen room

See more of this tent on Amazon

5. Coleman Rocky Mountain 5+ Tunnel Tent

Coleman has picked up blackout tents in a big way. The company already offers several blackout tents and is very likely to add more to its lineup. Coleman’s lineup is pretty expansive anyways, and they’ve found ways to bring dark rooms to their tents.

Rocky Mountain 5+ Tunnel Tent is a very interesting Coleman darkroom tent. Designed for five people this tent is large enough to be divided into two bedrooms and a living room. The tunnel-type tent offers a total usable area of 120.5 square feet. Now that is spacious! Its living room area is located right with the door of the tent. It is pretty well enclosed, setting this one apart from tents that have a screened porch.

Made from high-quality materials, the tent effectively blocks the sun’s rays and has a rating of SPF 50. What’s even better is its waterproofing! This tent is rated for 4500mm of water and you can expect it not to break a sweat even in heavy rain.

Coleman claims that the bedrooms of this tent are designed in a way that eliminates 99% of the sunlight from entering the bedroom. Both bedrooms have been lavishly bestowed with the blackout coating to ensure sunlight does not enter these rooms unless you want it to.

A double floor layer on these bedrooms also adds to the comfort. The living room area is large and open. Two PVC windows in there allow light to enter the tent, and do make for a rather pleasant situation.

Pros:

Very comfortable blackout tent
Excellent waterproofing
Spacious

Cons:

Can struggle with airflow
The bedrooms can feel too small

Get this tent on Amazon

Are Blackout Tents Worth It?

Short answer, yes! Blackout tents offer a good solution to insulation as well as increased comfort in a tent. With the tent absorbing the sunrays, the interiors remain relatively cooler in the summers. A darker sleeping room also means you get to sleep better. It is very likely that these tents will continue to improve and gain more favor with customers.

The post 5 Blackout Tents That Are Hot In 2021 first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

Best Bell Tent For Experiencing Luxury In 2021

Harsh — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:04:00 +0000

Camping in luxury, or glamping (glamorous camping) as it is often called, is very popular. Canvas bell tents are excellent companions for this activity. Carrying a heavy tent and some items of creature comfort isn’t difficult with car camping, especially when you have glamping in mind.

To be clear, the best bell tents are often expensive and heavy. Additionally, some expertise is necessary to put up these heavy tents. Often, they are permanent features at camping/glamping grounds or festivals. Visitors may rent these tents as necessary.

However, if you’re willing to put in the work, there’s no reason you can’t have your own tent. Bell tents give you the luxury of spaciousness and comfort while spending time in the great outdoors. Finding the right bell tent isn’t just about space, comfort and luxury play a big role as well.

Best Bell Tents For 2021

Top 9 Canvas Bell Tents (Reviews)

1. DANCHEL Cotton Bell Tent with Two Stove Jacket (Top and Wall)

This is an excellent tent with a great price point. DANCHEL Bell Tent is a four seasons canvas tent, with excellent arrangement for all seasons. The tent is available in the most common sizes (3,4,5, and 6m), each with two stove jackets.

You could very well put both stove jackets to use, but they recommend the top jacket be used for the stove. The second jacket (wall) can be used for other applications like an air-conditioning tube, power cord, or a solar panel line.

The tent is made from 300GSM cotton canvas. Its floor is made from PVC and can be attached/removed by means of a zipper. The tent uses a steel pole, steel stakes, and aluminum sliders for its ropes.

Get it on Amazon

2. PlayDo 4-Season Waterproof Cotton Canvas Bell Tent Wall Yurt Tent

PlayDo 4-Season Waterproof Cotton Canvas Bell Tent Wall Yurt Tent comes with stove jacks placed in the roof and wall. In that sense, it is quite similar to the Danchel tent we saw above. Other similarities include a thick PVC floor that is both rugged and waterproof.

This 4 season bell tent includes small windows at the back, though the entrance is massive and looks cool. Roof vents work with these windows to manage airflow and keep the tent well ventilated. Though if you want a different look and more air, you can roll up the tent walls and convert it into a large canopy.

Buy it on Amazon

3. Dream House Outdoor Waterproof Cotton Canvas Bell Tent

Another cool bell tent, the Dream House Luxury Canvas Yurt Bell Tent has a stove jacket in its wall, and its large doors and windows covered by mesh. For additional help with waterproofing, the canvas is covered in a PU coating, and the seams are taped for better water resistance.

You can enjoy this cool bell tent as a four season tent. Having a stove will help with winter, while the excellent ventilation is excellent for summer. Like most other bell tents on our list, the walls of this tent can be folded up as well. That gives you a nice and airy (almost) canopy-style tent to enjoy.

See it on Amazon

4. Stout Bell Tent – Ultimate Series

Stout Bell Tent – Ultimate Series performs as well as you would expect from a good quality canvas tent. The waterproofing is great, and the breathability of the fabric really does make a difference. This tent has one stove jacket on the roof, and you can put it to good use when necessary.

A see-no-ums mesh screen on the doors and windows keeps the tent well ventilated, but without the risk of insects getting in. Stout Bell Cotton Canvas tent is available in “double-wall” and single wall variants.

In the double wall variant, the mesh lines the walls of the tent as well. So when you feel like it, you can simply roll up the walls, while having the mesh protect the interiors from insects and similar problems.

See buying options

5. Psyclone Tents Luxury All Weather 8-10 Person Cotton Canvas Yurt Tent House

This Psyclone tent adds a touch of polyester to the canvas. The tent fabric is made from 340 gsm polyester cotton canvas blend with waterproof treatment. That makes it lighter, easier to dry, and slightly improves the waterproofing. Floor of the tent is a solid 520 gsm PVC groundsheet, which is impressively robust. Quality and pricing of this tent are comparable to similar models of a Soul bell tent.

There are four windows on this tent, accompanying the large door, they ensure excellent ventilation. All four windows and four roof vents are covered in no-see-um mesh to ensure airflow without worrying about bugs. It is slightly more expensive than some other tents on this list. However, the quality of materials used is an excellent explanation of the price.

See current price on Amazon

6. TETON Sports Sierra Canvas Tent

TETON Sports Sierra 12 Canvas Tent is a popular canvas tent. Its entry-level pricing with great quality certainly does work in this tent’s favor. The tent uses a two pole assembly for easier setup, and oversized door makes quite an impression. Mesh screen doors are independent of the main doors, so you can let the big doors go free without worrying about bugs.

Walls of the TETON Sports Sierra can be folded away to give it a canopy-style look. Bell style tents do look great with the walls folded away. And if you’re out glamping, the space does look and feel pretty good, especially for a gathering or party.

Get it on Amazon

7. Outsunny 16’ Waterproof Four Season Canvas Yurt Bell Tent

Outsunny Four SeasonCanvas Yurt Bell Tent is my choice for the best polyester bell tent. As you can guess, the biggest advantage of using polyester over canvas is its price. Although clearly there are other advantages as well; the tent is lighter, easier to dry, and less susceptible to molding.

Of course, it does suffer a bit in the realm of longevity, and won’t last nearly as long as a canvas tent. Though that isn’t due to any lack of quality of construction. The tent is made from robust 210D polyester fabric and includes and impressive waterproofing coating.

Spacious interiors of the tent are laid over in diameter of 16-feet, making it a useful 10 person tent. Do remember that though rated for 10 people, a tent of this size will house about six people in comfort.

See it on Amazon

8. White Duck Outdoors Avalon Canvas Bell Tent

White Duck Outdoors Premium Avalon Canvas Bell Tent is one of the best luxury tents for camping. And for glamping! The tent is made from 100% army duck canvas, and treated with silicone to enhance waterproofing without compromising breathability. A high-density PVC groundsheet provides additional waterproofing and comfort.

Its massive entry door can be covered by a no-see-um mesh. The same is also true for windows on this tent. Four of the seven windows on this boutique tent have a three-layer feature. The layers are a no-see-um mesh, clear PVC screen, and a canvas flap. The remaining three windows do not have a mesh and are designed to use as attachments for an (optional) sleeping pod.

Buy it on WhiteDuck Outdoors

9. UNISTRENGH 4 Season Large Waterproof Cotton Canvas Bell Tent

Available in several size options, the Unistrengh canvas bell tent is another fine canvas bell tent. This one is available in several sizes, going all the way from 3m to 7m. Each variant includes a stove jacket in its roof. Again, I’d suggest skipping the 3m version and starting with the 4m bell tent as the minimum for your choice. The bell tent with stove is intended to work as a four season camping tent, allowing inhabitants to stay warm in the winter.

Canvas fabric used for this tent is 300gsm, the flooring is 540gsm PVC, and the porch and windows are covered in no-see-um mesh. That would be necessary, considering the massive door that this tent has. It’s a well-formed tent with excellent options that certainly do attract attention.

See current price on Amazon

Picking A Canvas Bell Tent

Bell Tent Glamping — Why Is Canvas The Material Of Choice?

Canvas as a tent fabric is superior to the conventionally used nylon and polyester. Canvas is breathable, and that reduces conventional tent problems like condensation. It is also better at waterproofing, and in general, is more rugged and has a larger lifespan than synthetic fabrics.

The material fares better with the weather as well. You’ll find canvas tents are better at keeping heat out in summer and are warmer than their surroundings in winter. So if glamping and luxurious accommodation are important, a good canvas tent is a clear winner.

You could get a nylon or polyester bell tent, but it’s rarely worth the trouble. A blend for your fabric is a better option. Canvas is made from cotton, but not all canvas tents use 100% cotton. Many tents use poly-cotton, a blend of polyester and cotton. A well-made polycotton canvas tent has better waterproofing, is lighter, and is quicker to dry.

What Are The Advantages Of A Bell Tent?

A big draw for bell tents is the available center height. You can stand up straight and walk about in a bell tent, without having the stoop. They’re also relatively easier to set up and pack down, so campers don’t spend a lot of time in getting their accommodation ready.

It helps that bell tents are aesthetically pleasing, and looks are a big draw. These tents have been popular for a long time, and their familiar shape encourages people to consider these tents.

Of course, these tents aren’t just relying on looks and familiarity. The sleek shape of bell tents is very useful for camping. The setup is robust and holds well against wind and rain. When used as a four-season tent, the bell shape avoids pileup of snow on the roof, keeping the tent comfortable.

Choosing The Right Size — Popularity Of The 5m Bell Tent

Bell tents are circular in shape, and their size is generally measured as diameter. They are commonly available in sizes of 3, 4, 5, and 6 meters. Personally, I’d say 4m and 5m bell tents are in something of a “Goldilocks Zone”. In terms of size, 3m is too small, and 6m is too large.

A 4m tent can house 3-4 adults in comfort, while a 5m bell tent is good enough for 5-6 people. Of course, if you’re more inclined towards glamping, a 5m tent for two people will give you plenty of space. The available space makes things comfortable and luxurious, which is why these are often the tents of choice for luxury camping.

Enjoying Your Camping Trip With The Best Bell Tent

With glamping becoming ever popular in the USA, several options have popped up for a more luxurious camping style. Amongst the most popular tents in this category are canvas bell tents. A camping trip with the best bell tent for company adds a dimension of luxury.

The post Best Bell Tent For Experiencing Luxury In 2021 first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

Best Tent Under 200 In 2021 – Bringing Budget And Quality Together

Harsh — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 06:40:00 +0000

Buying a decent tent doesn’t necessarily have to involve forking over boatloads of money. There are plenty of tents available that make this essential piece of outdoor gear affordable. Finding the best tent under 200 takes a bit of effort, but the results are worth it.

This is a decent price range to find tents in various sizes. Not just 1-2 person tents, you could get great family tents in this range too! Here’s something to remember. Our goal isn’t to buy cheap, flimsy tents. What we want is good value for money and quality tents that can provide it.

Top 10 Tents Under $200 For 2021

1. Eureka! Solitaire AL One-Person Backpacking Tent — Best Budget Backpacking Tent

Coming in at just under $100, Eureka Solitaire AL offers all necessary features for a great price. The one-person tent has a simple two-pole design that makes it easy to setup. The tent can be ready to go in just a few seconds.

Eureka Solitaire comes with an integrated rainfly that can be rolled back to expose the mesh body of the tent. This is great for ventilation and stargazing and adds convenience to this three-seasons tent. To keep things waterproof, the rainfly and tent floor are made from 68D 185T polyester taffeta that has a waterproof rating of 1500mm.

As the best budget backpacking tent, the Solitaire AL remains weight conscious and weighs just 2 pounds and 10 ounces. When pitched, the tent has an internal area of 21.5 square feet. It has a width of 2’8” and a length of 8’.

The available area is comfortable enough for one person, but there won’t be enough room for anything besides the necessities. If you’re tall, this tent probably won’t have enough room for your backpack to fit inside.

Pros:

Excellent budget backpacking tent
Acceptable waterproofing
Lightweight and folds into a small package

Cons:

May not be spacious enough for tall people
Zippers close at a weird angle and leave some space

See it on Amazon

2. Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent — Best Backpacking Tent Under $200

Kelty Salida is a more spacious and sturdy tent for your backpacking and car camping voyages. The tent top is made from 40D no-see-um mesh to ensure good ventilation, while the body is made from 68D Polyester. The tent floor is made from 68D nylon and is rated waterproof for 1800mm.

Dimensions of the Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent include a 38-inch center height, length of 86-inch, and a floor area of 20 square feet. A vestibule area of 6.5 square feet is available for extra storage and is fairly spacious. The packaged weight of the tent is 3lb 14oz and the minimum weight is 3lb 6oz. It packs down to 11×14 inches for easy tent packaging in your backpack.

The lightweight tent is color-coded for easy setup and takedown. An included rainfly goes all around the tent and ensures it stays waterproof. The dome-style shape of the tent also keeps it grounded in wind. Though this is a freestanding tent, it would be sensible to use ground nails to properly secure it.

Pros:

Lightweight and easy to manage
Good waterproofing
Plenty of space as a one-person tent
Good ventilation

Cons:

Not sufficiently lightweight
Does not include gear loft

Buy it on Amazon

3. Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent — Best 2 Person Tent Under 200

Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person Tent is big, spacious, and colorful. The tent has two large doors along its length on both sides and two vestibules for extra storage. As a 2-person tent, this makes it very easy for both people to store their gear and get in/out of the tent easily without disturbing the other person.

As the dimensions go, the tent has a center height of 43-inch, length and 92-inch, and width at 56-inch. I’d say the width is just sufficient to get two people into the tent, though not enough to keep them comfortable. And this is one of the more spacious tents! To clarify, this isn’t something wrong with this tent, but it’s more of a generic dimension measurement used in the industry. I’d consider this more in line with a comfortable 1-person tent. But yeah, it’s pretty good for two people if you’re backpacking. If you’re car camping, go a size higher for two people – and that holds true not just for this one, but for most tents available in the market.

Mountainsmith Morrison does pretty good on waterproofing. The bathtub floor ensures water stays out. The floor is made from 190T polyester and has a polyurethane coating rated for 5000mm of water head. The rainfly is similarly capable; made from 185T polyester and with a polyurethane coating rated for 2000mm.

Pros:

Excellent ventilation
Holds well against wind and rain
Bathtub floor and taped seams for better waterproofing
Detachable ceiling loft and mesh storage pockets

Cons:

The aluminum poles could be sturdier

Check current price and discounts

4. ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2-Person Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 2-Person Tent is cozy and comfortable. It has two large D-shaped doors for easy entry and exit on each side. The large mesh windows and mesh roof panels work perfectly well for ventilation.

When draped in the polyester rainfly, the tent maintains sufficient ventilation. The rainfly forms an awning over each door in an attempt to keep the doors safe from rainfall. Made from 75D 185T polyester, the rainfly has a waterproof coating rated at 1500mm. The floor is made from 75D polyester taffeta and rated at 1500mm.

Meramac is spacious with a width of 60-inch, a length at 78-inch, and center height at 48-inch. You’ll have plenty of room for your gear, though there are no vestibules for additional storage area. There are some flaws with this tent, but it is incredible value for money and the best budget tent available.

Pros:

Spacious and well-ventilated
Sufficient protection against rain (not for heavy rain)
Two large doors for convenient entry and exit
Excellent value for money

Cons:

Tent floor is thin, and practically the same as rainfly

See it on Amazon

5. ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent — Best Lightweight Tent Under 200

ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr is a hardy and more advanced sibling to the Meramac that we just saw. This 2-person tent is very good for camping and backpacking, especially in the sub-200 price range. Its total weight is 5lbs 8oz, though it can be stripped down to just 4lbs 11oz.

Though it makes savings in weight the tent remains spacious. It has a floor area of 7’4”x4’10” and a center height of 38-inch. The walls are made from mesh for excellent ventilation and include two large D-style doors on either side.

Putting on the included polyester rainfly adds two vestibules for additional storage space. The rainfly is made from 75D 185T polyester and coated to withstand a 1500mm hydrostatic head. The tent floor is similarly made from 75D 185T polyester, but it has a more robust coating and is rated at 3000mm.

Pros:

Spacious
Well-ventilated
Excellent value for money
Simple to set up and pack away

Cons:

The floor could be more robust

Get it on Amazon

6. Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking and Camping Tent — Best 3 Person Tent Under 200

Durability and good quality make the Marmot Crane Creek the best 3 person tent under $200. To be clear, this tent is technically listed above $200, but its sales price is usually below the magic number. It offers a generous center height of 46-inch though it is not as generous with the width, which is 63-inches. The available length is 88-inch.

I find the width to be rather constricting in a 3-person use. It is fairly good for two people, but a short straw for three, with barely enough room. The overall available area is 42 square feet. The tent weighs 6lbs 5oz, though you can strip it down to 5lbs 13oz.

Marmot Crane Creek tent has a seam-taped floor and rainfly for better waterproofing. Its large D-shaped doors offer easy entry and exit. Two overhead vestibules are made available for extra storage space.

Pros:

Good ventilation
Acceptable waterproofing – it will stand mild to medium rain
Simple to set up

Cons:

Can feel too small for three people

Get it on Amazon

7. Teton Sports Mountain Ultra 4-Person Tent — Best 4 Person Tent Under 200

Teton Sports Mountain Ultra 4-Person Tent is a versatile tent with great value for money. The tent is available in 1,2,3, and 4-person variants, each of which is well-suited for its purpose. Its body is entirely mesh, though the floor is a thick, bathtub style with sufficient waterproofing. The included rainfly puts up quite a performance as a 75D 3mm ripstop material rated for 3000mm.

Dimensions of this tent are 98”x83” length and width. The numbers are fairly standard for 4-person tents, though not exactly comfortable for four people. It has a center height of 59-inch, which is fairly spacious and convenient.

It is best to buy a footprint with this tent. A few earlier versions of the Mountain Ultra included footprints. The current version doesn’t include a footprint, so you’ll have to manage that on your own.

Pros:

Excellent ventilation
Sufficient waterproofing
Good center height

Cons:

Construction can feel cheap at some points

See it on Amazon

8. Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent — Best 6 Person Tent Under 200

Coleman Sundome tents are first in line as the best budget tents available. Incredible value and great features have made the Sundome a very highly regarded tent. It is available in several sizes, and in this particular variant is the best 6 person tent under 200.

It does pretty well on weatherproofing as well, and is generally seen as one of the best tents for rain and wind. A good part of those laurels comes from Coleman’s WeatherTec system where taped and inverted seams, welded bathtub floors, and weather-resistant fabric offer good value.

As a 6-person tent, Coleman Sundome offers a floor area of 10×10 feet and has a center height of 6-feet. That’s plenty spacious and convenient.

Pros:

Excellent value for money
Spacious
Good weatherproofing – can stand against wind and rain

Cons:

Overall construction feels somewhat flimsy
Included tent poles and stakes are below average

Buy it now on Amazon

9. CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent

CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent is an excellent cabin-style family tent with plenty of room. With a center-height of 72-inch and a floor area of 11×9 feet, there’s enough headspace for most people to walk around upright. Its cabin-style construction makes the tent feel more spacious, thanks to the extra headroom.

To offer waterproofing, Core has used its H2O block technology in the construction of this tent. This includes the use of water-repellant fabric in construction, sealed seams, and taped rainfly, and rain-resistant doors with window seals. Overall, you can expect the tent to hold up in medium rain, and while it will take a beating in heavy rain, it might not be terrible.

Pros:

Acceptable waterproofing
Plenty of space, thanks to cabin-style design
Gear loft and large wall organizer add value and use

Cons:

The tent floor could be thicker/better

Check current price and discounts on Amazon

10. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent

Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent marries excellent value to a good quality tent. This tent is spacious, comfortable, and one of the best camping tents with screened porch you can buy. There are two rooms in this tent – the screened porch and the main room. It has only one exit, which is located in the screen room.

Its large windows, mesh roof, and strategically placed vents certainly help with ventilation. Thanks to the vents, putting on the rainfly does not disrupt ventilation. Wenzel calls waterproofing on its tents Weather Armor technology. The fancy name comes with standard tent waterproofing approaches like coating water-resistant polyurethane on the tent body. It offers average waterproofing, and the windows remain susceptible to rainwater.

The tent is spacious with an area of 11×16-feet, and 6.5-feet of headroom. Most people will be able to walk around in this tent without having to stoop or hunch. The large tent is easy to set up and can be conveniently handled by 2 people, although where necessary, one person can do the job as well.

Pros:

Excellent value
Very spacious tent
Good ventilation

Cons:

Doesn’t hold up well against wind
No electric port

Get it on Amazon

Hitting The Right Quality And Expectations

Getting the best tent under $200 for your next camping trip does not have to be a fruitlessly frugal exercise. As the list here shows, there are plenty of high-quality and well-regarded tents available in that budget. So take a look and dive in to find one that fits your purpose.

The post Best Tent Under 200 In 2021 – Bringing Budget And Quality Together first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

Best Hydro Flask Alternatives — Knock Off And Brand Options To Keep You Hydrated

Harsh — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 06:16:00 +0000

Being the first on the scene, Hydro Flask has capitalized well on the insulated steel water bottle market. Quality water bottles as they are, Hydro Flask bottles are not unmatched. Best Hydro Flask alternatives available in the market vary from branded options to knock off variants on offer. Let’s take a look at some options available to see how they stack up.

Top 9 Hydro Flask Alternatives In 2021

Branded Hydro Flask Competitors To Consider

Here are some better-known Hydro Flask competitors that you may want to consider. You can check out the links below for detailed comparisons.

9 Hydro Flask Alternatives Detailed

1. Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle

Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle is a very close relative to the Hydro Flask, and thus a viable alternative. It doesn’t perform as well as Hydro Flask, but it performs fairly well for a low-cost alternative. The claim still is 24 hours for cold beverages and 6-12 for hot ones. You could consider it true, in the sense that after 24 hours, the contents would still be cold, though not as cold as in a Hydro Flask.

The bottle is made from 18/8 stainless steel and the plastics used for the lid are BPA free. Iron Flask is available in a range of sizes, including 14, 18, 22, 32, 40, and 60oz. Of these, only the 18oz and 22oz bottles fit in conventional cup holders. Each bottle comes packed with a straw lid and stainless steel lid. A flip lid is available for 18-40 oz sizes.

Much like Hydro Flask, exteriors of the Iron Flask are powder-coated for easier handling. The bottles are available in several colors.

Highlights:

Good insulation
Good value for money
A choice of size and color options
Claimed insulation at 24 hours for cold and 12 for hot beverages

See more options on Amazon

2. Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle

Nalgene used to be the premium water bottle before Hydro Flask made landfall. These are still pretty popular, though steel bottles are have gained more favor as compared to plastic bottles. Nalgene bottles are available in several size and color options. They are fit to be used as reusable bottles, though we continue to have reservations on plastic use.

These bottles are made from BPA/BPS-free Eastman Tritan co-polyester with impact-resistance. Nalgene bottles can last for a fairly long time and are top-shelf dishwasher safe. Of course, there is no insulation on offer here, but it can still be fairly useful.

Highlights:

Well-known and trusted brand
No insulation
Wide-mouth bottles
Made from plastic

See more on Amazon

3. Coleman Autoseal Freeflow

Coleman is a popular name in outdoor gear and insulated water bottles are the new rage everywhere. And so the famed company took the jump into the market with Coleman Autoseal Freeflow bottles.

In theory, Coleman Autoseal Freelow seems to check every requirement for insulated bottles and even go over and beyond. Freeflow bottles are made from high-quality 18/8 food-grade stainless steel and have excellent insulation to keep your chosen beverage at the right temperature.

Coleman claims that the hot drinks can stay on for up to 11 hours, while cold beverages will stay cold for 31 hours. That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the bottles do match up with many other Hydro Flask alternatives.

Autoseal system is Coleman’s big draw for these bottles. It’s a button-operated lid that seals between sips to avoid/prevent leakage. This is backed by a cross-bolt slide lock to ensure that the Autoseal button doesn’t get accidentally pressed while on the go.

These are excellent systems, but they don’t really measure up well in actual use. Despite the big name backing, I’ll place the Coleman Autoseal Freeflow solidly in the average category.

Highlights:

Autoseal button is convenient and useful
Rugged bottles well-suited for outdoor use
Good range of size and color options

Check current price on Amazon

4. Fluid Sports Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles

Fluid Sports Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles are available in a small range of colors and two sizes. The 40oz bottle is perhaps the better choice, though a 24oz option is available as well. Included plastic lids with Fluid Sports bottles are BPA-free.

The 40oz bottle includes three lids in the package. These are the stainless lid, flip top lid, and straw lid with two straws. In terms of insulation, these bottles offer 24 hours for cold beverages and 6-12 hours for hot.

Highlights:

Great value for money
Each bottle includes 3 lids
A choice of color options

See it on Amazon

5. Avex FreeFlow Stainless Autoseal Water Bottle

The biggest selling point for Avex FreeFlow Stainless Autoseal Water Bottle is its ease of use. The cap on this bottle is remarkable. It is leakproof and its Autoseal makes using it remarkably easy. Just press the button every time you want a drink, and you can enjoy it without any trouble.

It is also claimed to be dishwasher-safe, which may be true considering the insulation is perfunctory. While the claim is 29 hours of cold and 9 hours of hot beverages, the reality is nowhere near it. I’d say it is a couple of hours for either. It’s a fun bottle for general use, but don’t expect any insulation.

Highlights:

Excellent lid design
Dishwasher safe
Minimal insulation

Get it on Amazon

6. Drinco – Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Drinco – Stainless Steel Water Bottle has a design very similar to the Takeya Thermoflask. Its lid especially is very similar to that of Takeya. The lid is also functionally similar and adds usability to the water bottle. Drinco bottles are available in several colors and 20oz and 30oz sizes.

The bottle is made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel and the lid is BPA-free plastic. Drinco’s claimed insulation times are up to 24 hours for cold beverages and up to 12 hours for hot drinks.

Highlights:

Well-priced
A range of color options
Available in 20 and 30oz sizes
Insulation works 24 hours for cold and up to 12 hours for hot beverages

See more options on Amazon

7. BUZIO Stainless Steel Water Bottle

BUZIO Stainless Steel Water Bottle is available in 20oz, 40oz, and 64oz sizes. There is a range of colors on offer for each size, so there are decent options to pick. The bottle is made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel and the plastic used in its caps and lids is BPA-free. These wide-mouth bottles have powder-coated exteriors to ensure a longer shelf life for the looks and design of the bottles.

Each 40oz bottle is packed with a straw lid and flex cap. They even include a brush to make cleaning the bottle easier.

You will need to buy a brush to clean any double-walled steel water bottle. Practically all of these bottles need hand-washing and are not dishwasher safe.

Buzio’s claims on insulation are exaggerated. They claim 48 hours for cold and 24 hours for hot. I’d say for practical use, the number is more like 24 hours for cold, and 6-12 hours for hot beverages. And even then, moderate expectations are key.

Highlights:

Available in 20, 40, 64oz sizes
Some color options available
Powder-coat finish

Get it on Amazon

8. SWIG SAVVY Stainless Steel Water Bottle

This water bottle is available in a range of color and size options. SWIG SAVVY Stainless Steel Water Bottle is made from 18/8 stainless steel and BPA-free plastic is employed for the lids and caps. These bottles are marketed to the outdoors-loving crowd and even include a carabiner to make it easier to carry it with your backpack!

The wide-mouth bottle is 1.9-inches wide at its opening. They’ve kept their claims of insulation towards the standard side, claiming 24 hours for cold and 12 for hot beverages.

Highlights:

Good looks
Insulation at 24 hours cold, 12 hours hot
A limited choice of color options
Includes carabiner for easier use outdoors

Buy it on Amazon

9. Super Sparrow Vacuum Insulated Bottle

Super Sparrow bottles are available in the more conventional water-bottle shape. Their marketing images (like the one you see here) makes me think of Daleks! For whatever reason, that cap or arrangement makes these bottles look like those dangerous bot-like creatures!

Anyway, the appearance and design of the Super Sparrow can be considered to be somewhat similar to the S’well water bottles we listed above. Construction of these bottles makes use of 18/8 stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. The claimed insulation stays at the conventional 24 hours cold, 12 hours hot routine.

Super Sparrow bottles are available in 17oz and 25oz sizes, and each includes two caps for easier use.

Highlights:

Conventional bottle-like shape
Good value for money
Available in 17oz and 25oz sizes
Limited range of colors
Insulation at 24hours cold and 12 hours hot

Buy now on Amazon

A Quick Note On Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask is the market leader and the innovator in this segment. It was the appearance of the Hydro Flask that kicked off the market for the double-walled, insulated, steel water bottle. So it is no surprise that Hydro Flask is considered the best water bottle in this niche. These thermos water bottles took the market by a storm, given their quality, durability, and overall ease of use.

Hydro Flask bottles are available in several sizes, ranging from 12oz kiddie sized bottles to 128 oz flasks designed for groups. Exteriors of the water bottles are powder-coated, making them easy to grip, even when your hands are sweaty.

Hydro Flask has a variety of caps available to suit different needs. The company claims that the bottle can keep hot drinks hot for 12 hours, while cold beverages can last 24 hours in the Hydro Flask. Simple, convenient, and useful.

With the growth in popularity, more water bottles like Hydro Flask appeared on the market. Some of these are Hydro Flask dupes, while others are legit brand competitors. Of course, there’s also the “name brand versus generic” thing going on, so we wouldn’t be quick to dismiss Hydro Flask competitors.

See Hydro Flask pricing and discounts
See Hydro Flask storefront

Making Your Water Bottle Decision

Pricing

Hydro Flask water bottles come at a premium pricing. It is only natural that people look for options that are lower in the price range. You’ll find that most competitors to Hydro Flask are cheaper.

Colors, Shape, And Other Physical Characteristics

Aesthetics play a role in our water bottle selection. Some of us would like them to be in the traditional curvy bottle shape, others prefer the straight looks of the Hydro Flask. Similarly, the colors and finish available vary with each brand.

Overall, there is a large selection available. Some, like the Yeti Rambler, also offer some customization. Other brands are adding similar features as well.

Insulation is an important factor in double-walled stainless steel bottles. While claims vary, I think 12 hours for hot liquid and 24 for cold is a pretty standard and likely benchmark. And that’s actually a tough one to beat. If someone claims times way beyond these, I’d suggest healthy skepticism.

Caps, Lids, And Accessories

Caps and lids add functionality to the water bottle. They are available in many options, including sports lids, straw caps, or the good ol’ fashioned caps. Caps and lids are generally interchangeable, so you can have the functionality you want from the bottle. A sports lid or straw cap is good when you want single-handed use of the bottle. A conventional cap works well if you want to drink straight from the bottle.

Lids and caps are usually made from plastic. So if you are buying a quality bottle that you expect to last for years, it might be a good idea to consider buying from a brand that can be around for a long time. Or consider buying a few extras for the accessories.

Many brands also offer a choice between wide-mouth and narrow-mouth bottles. I find wide-mouth bottles more convenient and easier to drink from. However, narrow-mouth bottles have their uses as well.

Construction Of Your Water Bottle

I think quality construction and top-shelf materials are non-negotiable for anything that comes in touch with edibles. Hydro Flask and most quality competitors use high-quality materials. All plastic components must be BPA-free. The most preferred metal in the segment seems to be 18/8 stainless steel. This food-grade material is safe, does not add any taste to edibles stored, and does not retain any odors or materials.

Good cleaning habits are necessary, but picking a good material is as much of a necessity.

Picking A Hydro Flask Competitor

There are countless double-walled stainless steel water bottles available on the market. Picking a Hydro Flask alternative is relatively easy, but picking a quality option can be tougher. The options presented here have a good reputation and have managed a good response over a fairly long time.

My suggestion is that if you really need a performance water bottle, consider the premium branded options. If you can afford some ups and downs related to quality and insulation, the knock off or value for money options can be as good, if not better, than premium bottles.

The post Best Hydro Flask Alternatives — Knock Off And Brand Options To Keep You Hydrated first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

Spyderco VS Benchmade – Comparing the Two Blade Giants

Harsh — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 12:32:00 +0000

Outdoor adventures can be a lot of fun, but only if you are carrying the right gear with you. The type of blade or knife you are using will make a significant difference.

Choosing the right blade can be a tricky thing, since there are numerous brands and models available out there today. In this read, we have compared two top blades – Spyderco VS Benchmade.

So what knife should you go for your next outdoor adventure? Let’s find out.

A Quick Comparison Chart

Spyderco	Benchmade
Founded in 1976, based in Colorado	Founded in 1981, based in Oregon
Budget-friendly	Higher Price Range
Innovators of pocket clip and round-hole blade designs	Lead the way in automatic knife technology
Compression Lock	Axis Lock
Lifetime Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Manufactured in the USA, Japan, Taiwan, Italy and China	Mostly made in the USA
Recommended for basic knife-related tasks and purposes	Perfect for knife usage under challenging conditions

Benchmade VS Spyderco – Detailed Comparison

Let us now have a closer look at these two brands and the elements that differentiate them.

Blade Design

Spyderco:

Being the industry’s pioneer of pocket-clip and ambidextrous knife opening designs, Spyderco is widely regarded for their innovations in outdoor knives.

Moreover, they introduced the ‘Spyderhole’ – the round hole that you can use with your thumb to open the knife easily. Spyderco’s variety in designs is one of the many reasons why knife lovers, hunters and campers go for this brand.

Benchmade:

Although Benchmade does have a nice product line, too, they do have a similar knife design with little or no difference between them.

But on the brighter side of things, Benchmade is known for its automatic knives that are nicknamed as ‘switchblades’. These are fast-acting, push-button knives that can be operated by only one hand and specifically designed for emergency or law enforcement personnel.

Locking Mechanisms

Spyderco:

Spyderco is known for its patented Compression Lock system – a mechanism that is based on a spring attached to the handle and on the blade and stop pin.

This mechanism gives a lot of lock strength and makes it quite easy to use as well.

Benchmade:

Benchmade uses the patented Auto Axis – a system that is based on a bar which when pulled downwards, releases the blade open with immense precision, speed and safety.

Build Quality

Spyderco:

Being a budget-friendly brand, you cannot really complain about the blade quality of Spyderco knives. Even though they do have innovative designs, the durability factor does get slightly compromised.

Benchmade:

On the other side, Benchmade build quality gives them a visible edge over Spyderco and a lot of other brands as well.

With a more ‘demanding’ customer base that ranges from military or special forces personnel to professional hunters and campers – Benchmade knives are made using the best raw materials.

Premium-quality stainless steel is combined with aerospace-grade handle materials to achieve top-notch blade performance.

Price Factor

Spyderco:

If you are working with a tight budget, Spyderco is the knife that you should be going with. Since this brand outsources a lot of their operations overseas, they are able to provide affordable knives to their customers.

Benchmade:

Benchmade is a more ‘premium’ brand when it comes to outdoor knives. With their better build quality, the price factor quite understandably goes up.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Knife

Here is what you need to consider prior to buying your next blade:

Blade Quality

Not all knives come with the best blades. There are various steel grades that are used by manufacturers and it is advised to conduct some research on what sort of steel the knife has and how good it can be as per your requirements.

Handle Construction

Does your knife handle comes with nested steel liners or just layers or coatings of plastic?

Steel or carbon fiber should always be preferred over standard plastic for handle construction as it gives better performance and durability.

Ergonomics

You wouldn’t want to go on your next outdoor trip with a knife that is either too heavy or a hassle to operate.

The ease of use plays an important part here. Go for the ones that have textured handle grips with thumb ramps that add to better traction and knife grip. Both Spyderco and Benchmade are known for their easy-to-use variants.

Lock Mechanism

Both compression and axis lock mechanism work equally good in outdoor environments, however, if you see a blade that uses a different locking mechanism, a good idea would be to read about it before making your purchase.

Top Spyderco Blades

Here are some of the best Spyderco knives:

Spyderco Advocate Premium Flipper Knife

A smooth blade with no serrations, this is a good option if you are looking for something that can be swiftly operated. It comes with a titanium handle and a full-flat grind.

Buy it on Amazon

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife

For military personnel and military-style knife lovers out there, this is a high performance, dependable and durable knife that won’t give up on you even under the toughest of conditions.

Get it on Amazon

Top Benchmade Blades

Let’s have a look at a couple of in-demand Benchmade variants:

Infidel Fixed Knife

A simple yet tactical, lightweight fixed knife, the Infidel by Benchmade will give you just the right handle grip and blade strength that you might need for your outdoor tasks.

View Details on Amazon

Griptilian 551 Knife

If you are a knife lover, then you probably know about this well-known Benchmade model already. With high-quality CPM-S30V stainless steel blade, this knife offers great versatility, rust resistance, comfort and performance.

Buy Product on Amazon

FAQs

What is a Drop Point Blade?

This is a blade design where the blade spine is based on a precise convex-shaped arc to the point. Hunters prefer this type blade shape.

What is a Slip Joint Blade?

This is a non-locking folding knife that comes with a blade which is opened by spring tension. These type of knives do not come with pocket clips.

What is a Deep Pocket Clip?

This is a type of knife clip that is mounted quite close to the handle so that when the knife is clipped in the pocket, very little part of the blade remains exposed.

What is a Scale?

Scale is the part of material that is used as knife handle.

What is a Knife’s Handle Made of?

Various materials are used for knife handles and coatings such as aluminum, carbon fiber, FBR (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon), Kraton, leather, abalone, etc.

Our Final Verdict on Spyderco VS Benchmade

At the end of the day, it all depends on the intended use of the knife. When choosing between a Spyderco VS Benchmade blade, you must know your needs pretty well before spending your bucks.

Spyderco offers all-purpose, affordable blades in their product line that can be easy-to-carry and easy-to-use for everyday knife-related tasks.

However, if you are going into the wild for your next camping or hunting expedition, we recommend to go with Benchmade to get a more sturdy, durable and high-performance blade.

The post Spyderco VS Benchmade – Comparing the Two Blade Giants first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

Smith IO Mag Review — Simple, Convenient, Premium

Harsh — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 12:31:41 +0000

Smith made its name and fame by working the optics niche. And while we admire the company’s other outdoor gear, eyewear is where they truly shine. We take a look at one of the company’s popular offerings with this Smith IO Mag review.

The name comes largely from the use of magnets by these goggles to hold the lenses. This also means the ability to change lenses as and when required. It comes in pretty handy on those snowy slopes where changing weather and light conditions might necessitate a change of lenses as well.

Plus, quick convenience is something we can all like. Of course, it’s not just changing lenses that make the Smith I/O Mag worth a look. That would be plain gimmicky! These glasses perform well on other metrics as well. Let’s do a deep dive to see where we stand!

Smith I/O Mag Highlights — What’s Hot, What’s Not

Pros

Top-quality lenses
Good performance
Ease of changing lenses
Comfortable

Cons

Expensive

See pricing on Amazon

Features And Qualities — Smith I/O Goggles Performance

Lens Quality

Smith’s position as a leader in optics ought to show up with its performance eyewear! Lenses for the Smith I/O Mag are well-built, high-quality, and clearly up to the challenge of those snowy slopes.

The company uses their Spherical Carbonic-x lens system here that makes the lenses impact-resistant, while also providing distortion-free optics. Smith’s spherical lenses are based on 6×4 toric shape, which apparently follows the curvature of the eye. These qualities allow the lens to be distortion-free and offer better clarity.

There’s a lot more tech and qualities going on here. For example, the Tapered Lens Technology (TLT) that decreases the light refraction passing through the lens. Another notable aspect here is Smith’s proprietary Chromapop lens technology.

Chromapop claims to enhance contrast and definition, enabling the lenses to be more useful in low-light settings. Overall, all these systems get together to create a system that offers excellent clarity and vision. The lens curvature means that the frame won’t get in the way of your vision, even though as snow goggles, these do have very prominent frames.

Smith also uses a “Porex Filter” for the lens, which makes it possible for the dual lenses of the system to equalize pressure and retain their shapes. This way, changes in elevation won’t disfigure the lens or the goggles. A quick change in altitude is very likely when you’re skiing or involved in similar sports, so lenses that can keep up are appreciable.

Dealing With Fog

Goggles built for the snow have to consider the requirements of ventilation. Plus, there’s the ever-present risk of the lenses getting fogged and distorting vision. Prevention is better than cure. And lenses that don’t get covered in fog are way better than lenses that have to be wiped clean.

Smith I/O Goggles use a 5X anti-fog inner lens that gets the ball rolling on clarity. The name is self-defining, and means that the lenses have been given Smith’s anti-fog treatment five times. This allows them to be robust in preventing fog and lasting longer.

The lens also gets Smith’s Fog-X hydrophilic etching. The point of this exercise is to safeguard the anti-fog coating so it isn’t wiped away when the lenses are cleaned. Anti-fog coatings getting wiped away has been a problem for snow goggles for a long time now. The hydrophilic etching reduces this problem dramatically.

Of course, only relying on coatings isn’t the way to go. Ventilation has to be up to the mark too!

See colors and other buying options

Smith IO Mag Ventilation

Proper ventilation is the key to clarity and paves the way for glasses that remain fog-free and comfortable. Obviously, we want goggles that are a tight fit and don’t let the cold air assault the eyes. Yet, there is a need for flow of air so the goggles don’t see a moisture build-up.

The 5X anti-fog treatment sure helps, as does the ventilation system and high-quality foam used in the construction of these goggles.

DriWix padding used with these goggles pulls moisture away from the face. It will quickly absorb any sweat and wick it away. The three-layer DriWix is rather efficient at its job and moves sweat quickly. Plus, it can absorb a good amount of sweat. With lower moisture inside the frame, the problem of fogging and ventilation is reduced.

Smith I/O Mag also works great with snow helmets equipped with the company’s AirEvac technology. These include the formidable Smith Vantage and Smith Variance snow helmets. It’s worth noting that helmets from other companies that have systems to allow goggle ventilation will likely work just as well. Though, of course, it is to be expected that Smith’s own systems and products work better as a combo.

The Comfort And Fit Factor

Goggles that are supposed to stay on for a long time and come with outrageous price tags ought to be comfortable! Thankfully, Smith I/O Mag doesn’t disappoint in this category. The good ventilation, excellent lens quality, and DriWix padding ensure that the goggles are a comfortable companion.

There is, of course, the question of a good fit. Goggles can’t be as adjustable as premium helmets, but they do allow some changes for a better fit. Those with medium and small faces will find that the goggles fit perfectly well. They do get along with larger faces as well, but the fit would be more dependent on the individual, rather than general assessment.

The strap for the Smith I/O Mag is wide and convenient. A silicone beading along the strap allows it to stay put on the helmet or cap. It will stay in position as you go about conventional activities with these goggles. The strap is a good fit and fairly comfortable.

Changing Lenses On Smith I/O Mag

One highlight of the Smith I/O Mag goggles is their ability to – and ease of – changing lenses as necessary. As you can guess, even the name I/O is a reference to the ability to change the lenses.

Smith has done an impressive job with the way IO Mag handles lens changes. There are magnetic contacts on the goggles and lenses. These small, but powerful magnets hold the lens in position. This makes it easy to manage lenses.

Two clips are also included to get a more secure grip and ensure that the lens stays in position. The magnets alone could probably do a good job at keeping the Smith IO lenses in place. However, the clips provide an additional level of security and convenience.

With the mechanical touch combining with the magnetic hold, the lens is held in position more securely. This reduces the chance of the lens falling off due to impacts, bumps, etc. For goggles and lenses this expensive, we can certainly appreciate the extra steps that come with the use of clips.

The goggles come with two lenses in the pack. The ease of switching between goggles definitely adds to the convenience of their use and makes it worthwhile to go for the Smith IO Mag goggles.

The Verdict — Where Do We Stand?

Now that we’ve been through the Smith IO Mag review, where do we stand on the capability of these goggles? The goggles are pretty impressive in terms of usage and performance. They fit in well, stay in place, and are remarkably comfortable. The lenses are top of the line and your vision will stay clear and undistorted on those challenging ski slopes.

The only element worth hesitating here is the price. Smith I/O Mag is expensive. While it does offer reasonable value and excellent features, the price consideration can be a challenge for many customers. But yeah, they are pretty impressive premium snow goggles.

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The post Smith IO Mag Review — Simple, Convenient, Premium first appeared on Deepbluemountain.

Smith Vantage Helmet Review — A Pro Helmet For The Snow

Harsh — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 15:23:50 +0000

This Smith Vantage Helmet review takes a look at one of the best-known premium options from the company. It sits at the top of their offerings, with the exception of the Quantum helmet. And it deserves its spot there – this is one remarkable helmet.

Smith seems to have thought of everything when designing this helmet. Comfort, safety, and adjustability – all perform pretty convincingly. So let’s take a closer look and see what makes this helmet tick. And if it really is the helmet for you.

Smith Vantage Helmet Highlights

Pros

Convenient and comfortable adjustability
Excellent safety performance
Good ventilation

Cons

Expensive

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Features Of Note For Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet

Ventilation – Keeping It Warm And Comfy

As a helmet for snowsports, Smith Vantage must keep an eye on warmth, but not go so far that the ventilation becomes troublesome. For their way around the problem, Smith Vantage uses the same solution as that by several other premium helmets. The vents can be closed and opened as necessary.

There are 21 vents on the Smith Vantage. The intake and exhaust vents can be operated independently. So, you could choose to open the exhaust vents, while keeping the intake closed. This allows the warm, moist air to move out, without making the helmet uncomfortably cold.

On warmer days, keeping all vents open will provide excellent ventilation. Vantage seems to have a grip on its ventilation. This is where it also beats most of its in-house competition, including the pricier Smith Quantum.

Ventilation here is amongst the best in the category, perhaps better than the Giro Range MIPS helmet as well.

Vent sliders on the Vantage are easy to operate and can be handled conveniently. One of the reasons ventilation here is so impressive is because of the use of the Koroyd liner. The liner goes through the vents as well, so we would assume some loss of ventilation as a natural and acceptable trade-off.

The fact that no trade-off has to be made is impressive by itself.

Adjustability And Fit

Smith Vantage MIPS helmet remains impressive for adjustability and a comfortable fit. It uses the BOA 36 Fit System to allow quick, convenient adjustability. A dial is placed at the back of the helmet for adjustments. It’s easily accessible and can be operated with a single hand. It’s perfectly fine with operation even if you’re wearing gloves.

Moving the dial tightens/loosens the helmet to match your requirements. And it isn’t just a band moving, so the Vantage doesn’t give in to pressure points so easily. You can get a snug fit with this helmet, or leave some room.

Given the adjustability, Smith Vantage will also acclimate itself if you intend to use a beanie under the helmet for colder days. Overall, the system works as intended and keeps the helmet in a good fit and comfort.

Since it is available in several size options and has high adjustability, the Smith Vantage helmet can get along with any head size. Smith’s BOA system also makes allowance for increased adjustability, so you can coax the helmet into just the right fit.

Vantage Helmet’s Comfort System

As a premium helmet, Smith Vantage lives up to the expectations of comfort. Good fit and ventilation take on the lion’s share of the comfort requirements. As does the comfy padding that lines the helmet.

The antimicrobial padding will happily absorb any sweat. It also takes away sweat from the brow, so you won’t have to deal with sweat trickling down your eyes or face.

Technically, the antimicrobial padding should keep the helmet odorless. It does its job, but there is a finite limit to how long such a padding can stay up to mark. Smith Vantage’s padding lasts an admirably long time, but be prepared to replace it depending on your usage (and how heavily you sweat)!

Its padding over the ears is comfortable too and doesn’t create a sensation of pinching ears. There is a slight attenuation of outside noise, but the ear coverings don’t completely muffle sounds. That way, you will be able to hear and talk without much problem.

As with most premium snow helmets, the earpads on the Smith Vantage are compatible with flat audio inserts. Additionally, the ear coverings are removable.

Smith Vantage forms quite a snug fit, so there is no room for cold air to enter the helmet. Yet, given individual preferences for fit and adjustment, there is a slight possibility that some users will deal with cold air pockets. In such cases, wearing a beanie might be helpful.

The helmet uses a standard buckle and chinstrap, which is convenient to use. I’d have preferred a magnetic fidlock as the more superior option. However, it appears that the company has decided to keep it for the pricier Smith Quantum.

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Goggle Compatibility

Smith has a long history of working with goggles and eyewear in general. So it is no surprise that their experience comes in handy for their helmets as well. Smith Vantage works beautifully with goggles.

Vantage allows easy placement of goggles and goggle-straps. Plus, they use Smith’s AirEvac2 system. Simply put, this is their ventilation and comfort system for goggles. It prevents moisture and air from being trapped in the goggles. That way, they don’t get fogged up.

The visor used with the helmet is small, but it doesn’t disturb the placement of goggles. You can conveniently move the goggles to the head when required. The helmet compatibility offers the best performance with Smith’s goggles, but it works just as fine with eyewear from other companies as well.

Smith Vantage Safety And Usability Options

Safety Tech And Other Features

Smith Vantage performs remarkably well in terms of safety. The helmet has an in-mold construction that ensures better durability and quality. As with most premium helmets, this is backed by EPS foam and a MIPS liner.

However, the Vantage takes a different route due to its use of Koroyd. This involves the use of vertically stacked tubes in a honeycomb pattern. In case of an impact, the tubes crumble, absorbing force from the impact. Much like the MIPS liner, this is an interesting safety tech that is considered to be superior, but not yet standard.

Besides, the Vantage only gets Zonal Koroyd and doesn’t get full coverage like the Smith Quantum. However, even if it doesn’t get full coverage, the presence of Koroyd liner in the Smith Vantage is reassuring.

The helmet is also available in a non-MIPS version. Although, I don’t see any benefit in buying a non-MIPS product in this price range. It makes better sense to not skimp on safety.

Weight

In the arena of weight, Smith Vantage is one of the lighter snow helmets. For a medium-size helmet, this one moves the weighing scale to 17.7 oz (502 grams). And I think it is remarkable, considering that the helmet is full of features that would increase weight.

The adjustment system, padding, MIPS, etc. all seem to be packed nicely in this low-weight helmet.

Vantage And Its Siblings

When talking about the Smith Vantage, it’s practically unavoidable to consider Vantage helmet’s siblings, the Smith Variance and Smith Quantum. All of these are premium helmets, with some differences in pricing and features.

Amongst these three, Smith Variance is at the lower-end (it’s still a premium helmet) and Quantum is at the top of the line. Vantage sits in-between the two and has features that end up in the mid-zone of its siblings.

For example, Variance has no Koroyd, Vantage gets Zonal Koroyd, and Quantum gets full Koroyd lining. Pricing also works similarly, rising from Variance and going to Quantum on top.

That said, all of these are very capable helmets and worthy of consideration. But yeah, they also have feature sets that justify them being different models with their own pricing.

Is This Helmet Worth Buying?

Smith Vantage is an expensive snow helmet. So it is obvious that buyers would also look for value and capabilities of their helmet. I’d say the Vantage sits at an interesting spot, where it is an expensive helmet, but still short of being amongst the more expensive ones. Its sibling, the Quantum takes that place. Similarly, the Variance is slightly lower in price.

However, as we see in this Smith Vantage Helmet review, it is very much capable of holding its own. This isn’t a halfway-there helmet, but a well-built product that justifies its features and capabilities. It has excellent safety features and quality construction that could help it last several years.

Overall, yes, this is a helmet that you can consider positively, provided your budget allows it. Though it’s an expensive helmet, it offers good value. Much better if you can get one on sale! Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is available in several color and size options, so you’ll likely find one that’s best for you.

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