Ozark Trail - Ultra Lightweight Backpacking Tent

I have an Ozark trails 2 person tent that I haven't had any issues with, that I've used for week long camping trips in all 4 seasons. However I've found their larger tents 6-8 person tents to be unreliable once the wind picks up or it rains too hard.

An Ozark Trail 2 person backpacking tent is a good pick. But realistically what you will want to consider is how tall she is, as well as is likely to become given the heights of her parents. And if she will be sharing a tent with anyone. As I've found that some knock off brands of kids tents are great 1 person tents for someone who's 6 foot tall. Check the footprint of the tents that you are considering. And be aware that you should always reduce the number of people a tent says it will hold by 1. (Also realistically you should waterproof any tent you buy anyways, just so that you know for sure that they are waterproof.) For extras to get her that depends on the kind of "scouts" that she's in. Near here you would be looking at a 9x9 tarp and a pocket rocket (small camp stove). If scouts is more like cadets, then a 5x7 tarp, a camp knife, and a Ferro rod. Would be the items to get them in addition to the .22lr rifle and rounds.

I think it's worth it if you like the size. I've been eyeing this one for a while but I think it's a little too small for my style of camping. I have a 2 person Ozark Trail tent that I love. Have used it for 3 years or more, probably 3-5 weekend trips a year. It's finally starting to show some wear, so my wife wants me to replace it, but for what was $40 at the time, how can I complain? It fits me, my wife, our two large dogs, and has kept us dry and warm in some crazy Oklahoma weather.

I actually have purchased 2 of the 2 person version (I bought the 2nd because I simply couldn't find the 1st) and it has done very well for me. I never took it backpacking, but it was surprisingly a decent quality tent that I didn't feel like it was going to be destroyed any time soon (unlike the tigerwall ul I just got. The ul tents are so damn thin it scares me). I think I paid $30 for the Ozark trail tent. Great value for what it is.

Lol, no, absolutely not good

They leak, poorly made with many manufacturer defects, not durable, not breathable, just overall junk.

I have on of these and also a REI halfdome 2+, which is a very similar style. It’s not a bad tent, it’s just not great either. The “tub” openings on either side are pretty low to the ground, which tends to let dirt into the tent easier and doesn’t keep water out as well when it’s raining. The weight is an issue if you’re doing long hikes, as it has fiberglass poles instead of aluminum. There are only 2 storage pockets inside the tent, where the REI tent has 6 I think. It packs down a lot bigger than the REI tent. For me, all of that adds up to preferring the REI tent over saving ~$120.

So I think it's a decent looking tent for such a low price point. If you're hiking the Appalachian trail and doing 20 miles a day, you'd probably want to invest in something lighter, but for little 3-5 mile weekend warrior trips this weight of tent is just fine. If you want something lighter weight and don't mind a little risk of no replacement parts, Eureka tents are going on great sales right now since they just stopped making more tents. This one is 3 lbs 3 oz and if you can find it in the same price range as the Ozark, is another option (do note that you *need* to be able to stake this one in though, the tent is not freestanding) https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-gear-supplies/tents-shelters/tents/eureka-solitaire-al-1-person-backpacking-tent-green/p/1516335?channel=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiApsm7BhBZEiwAvIu2X4AKb_MjdaKLqSknwG50Ru7YxB5VTltCHWz64Ru1eUKPbHD0F45p3xoCenoQAvD_BwE