Big Agnes - Flying Diamond 6

My favorite outdoorgearlab site's review on [tents](https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-camping-tent) We've got a curly-haired dog, and since you've got a doodle and poodle, they're like swiffers - they'll get covered in forest duff. Bring a brush and those big rollout beach/picnic mats are handy for them to lie down on vs forest floor. Costco's got some inexpe nsive ones for sale right now.  We've got a large pop-up that goes over a picnic table at campsites that can provide shelter from the elements and bugs. Our Clam model has been rebranded, but it's based on ice-fishing popup tent tech: look for Clam, Gazelle or Vevor pop-up. We have a Flying Diamond 6, but looks like the current model from Big Agnes is the Mad House 8 which might fit your needs, though pricey. Another tip is bringing lightweight rollable carpets to line the inside to protect your tent floor from dogs' paws; Also it feels nicer for you. An inexpensive way is to use old packing blankets if you've for them; Harbor freight sells them cheap. Fresh food and drinks, as well as the capability to cook these fresh foods will take up more space, as you'll need ice, coolers, cookware, fuel, etc. But it is a lot of the fun of car camping. No cook saves you fuel and cookware. Powdered drinks, tea, instant coffee, where you just add water is more space saving than assorted drinks and their containers; Same with dehydrated or freeze-dried foods.

We use a 6 person discontinued Big Agnes model for my wife and I with our 2 kids, and have plenty of room. An 8 person would be a PITA for me to set up, and hard to fit on most tent pads. Just my $0.02.

Big Agnes is selling some tents at 50 to 70% off. I have seven tents, I need one for car camping, so I bought a 6 man tent for a little over $200. High quality. Relatively light weight.

I have a Big Agnes six-person tent. It’s been camping, to many, many festivals, and Burning Man several times over ten years. It also survived a brutal desert windstorm that left its shape with a bit more personality but still 100% functional. That tent is my ride or die. However, I did take the tent down during the first hour of the desert windstorm. The real hero was my friend’s 1960s metal-framed canvas tent that withstood the entire 12 hours. A Kodiak would be its modern equivalent.

I have a Big Agnes. Love the tent and love the brand.

Big Agnes, MSR, and Nemo are 3 of the best tent brands available. I ran the warranty desk for an outdoor gear company, and saw the least amount of warranty issues with those brands. They’re not inexpensive, but, you get what you pay for. I have a Big Agnes tent that’s at least 10 years old, we use it regularly and only have to hose the dirt off. It’s amazing. Nemo is awesome too, I know a lot of people with Nemo tents and they love them. I just got an MSR 3 person tent and absolutely love it. Definitely get a 2 person tent. The general rule is to take however many people will be sleeping in the tent, and add 1. So 1 person = 2 person tent, 2 ppl = 3 person tent and so on. A 2 person tent is more comfortable for having your gear inside the tent, changing your clothes, etc. If you don’t plan to go backpacking with it, I’d get a 3-4 person tent just for the space.

After dealing with a warranty issue with Durston I would rather deal with Big Agnes

Big Agnes warranty and customer service help is top-notch. I sent them an email earlier this week and they responded within minutes with a fix that allowed me not to send the tent in and repair it myself.

Try the REI re/supply. I got a Big Agnes tent that retails for $499 for $134. Also, REI sale is coming up in a few weeks and there will probably be a good deal on their own brand tents and others.

https://geartrade.ca/ they stock a bit of budget gear and they are not amazon. Also try thelasthunt.com, and https://www.sportchek.ca/en.html they can have some good gear in clearance. I really enjoy my big agnes tent and they are available in long, but they are pricy when not on sale.