We purposely set each tent up without looking at the instructions to see which ones were easiest and most intuitive.
SHARE
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_1.jpg
Outdoor Life’s test recently tested all of the latest tents with an eye toward choosing the best models for fall hunts. Here we size Hilleberg’s very roomy Kaitum GT.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_2.jpg
The Kaitum GT looks like a giant caterpillar but everything about this tent says quality. Super strong guys and materials and huge living and vestibule space for stowing gear. Yes, it’s expensive, but worth every penny when the snow falls.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_3.jpg
OR’s Andromeda II rivals the Hilleberg in the expeditionary category. A huge vestibule but we found it a little trickier to set up.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_4.jpg
Gear editor, John Taranto and I arguing the merits of various models.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_5.jpg
Here we’re just getting ready to put the rain fly on the MSR Carbon Reflex. This tent is super lightweight and an excellent choice for summertime use and into the early fall.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_6.jpg
Good stake-down points on the MSR will help shed summer rains.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_7.jpg
The Hilleberg’s rounded design sheds rain, snow and wind with ease.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_8.jpg
John and I crank all of the data and remarks into our score sheets.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_9.jpg
The view from the roomy vestibule of the OR Andromeda II.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_10.jpg
Got lots of gear? Vestibule space is critical. Both the Hilleberg and OR Andromeda have a ton.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_11.jpg
We purposely set each tent up without looking at the instructions to see which ones were easiest and most intuitive.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_12.jpg
Orange tent in the back is the Coleman Hooligan 2. An excellent buy at just $60.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_13.jpg
Kelty’s Apex tent poles snap together on a single hub that makes set-up a breeze. This was by far the easiest and quickest tent to set up.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_14.jpg
Here’ we’re tying off the stake-down points on the Kelty Apex, which was one of the roomiest 3-person tents we looked at.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_15.jpg
Eureka’s Tundraline tent is very roomy, but it’s heavy–definitely for car camping or use on horseback trips where weight is not a factor.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo3tents_16.jpg
You can see all of our test results on tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads in our October 2009 gear section.

Going camping this summer? We have something for everyone with this
line up of awesome new tents.

Camping Gear and Tips
Gear

MORE TO READ