ALPS Mountaineering - Acropolis

HikerDirect has the Acropolis 4 person, aluminum pole with almost full mesh. I have 2 for scouts in central Texas and they are amazing during the summer. I also have their Glacier 4 person that I take out for colder nights. It has adjustable fly vents, total game changer. Also the Glacier has one of the biggest vestibules I have ever experienced. I'm 5'11" and can basically stand up in the vestibule area. Has extra guy line tie downs for high winds as well. Been using both for 5 years with no issues, just typical water proofing preventative maintenance. Another Pack got like 8 of the Taurus 4 person Outfitter tents almost a decade ago. I few ripped fly guy tie offs but HD customer support is incredible. Still going strong!

Anything by Alps mountaineering. Really good warrantee, great quality, good pricing.

All the tents from Alps mountaineering have treated me very well in wind and rain. Colemans not so much.

I have never used an Ozark Trail tent, but I have used other store brand tents. My experience is the difference between a cheap tent and a half decent tent is waking up with a puddle in your tent. I recommend an Alps Mountaineering tent, but they will run you 100-150.

I love my Alps tent and they’re not too expensive.

Second on the Alps, and I also own a Nemo dragonfly osmo. Some people will say they aren't necessary, but I disagree 100 percent, especially in your use case. Get. a. ground cloth/footprint. Even if it's a $4 dollar general blue tarp. If somebody in the troop has access to tyvek housewrap, even better. You can run that through a wash and dry cycle and make it a lot less crinkly if you want. Unless you plan on camping on carpeting, there will inevitably be a stick, rock, piece of broken glass or debris that will scratch or puncture your floor. As far as purchasing, also keep an eye on the REI Garage Sale. I've seen some really good deals on things that were returned after a couple uses or missing an item that could be easily replaced.

No. Just get an Alps Mountaneering and save yourself a lot of aggravation.