This Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest, Instant Cabin Tent review, is about a freestanding family camping tent from a new line of tents that use darkroom technology to reduce glare in the tent.
Key features and advantages
- Dark Rest technology that is cutting-edge.
- Tent with two rooms.
- There are eight windows.
- Two queen airbeds can be accommodated.
- Setup takes only 2 minutes and requires no assembly.
- Port for an electric cable.
- Excellent value.
Where to Purchase
- This tent is available on Amazon.
- It’s also available at Walmart.
What is in the name
Dark Rest – what is this?
In a separate post, I described this new trend (also known as Darkroom). In this specific tent, this means that i) all material is dark, ii) the four skylight mesh openings have extra zippered dark panels that create an atmosphere of darkness, and iii) the same dark material is also on the windows and the door. The goal is as follows:
- to reduce glare and allow you to sleep longer in the morning,
- to nap during the day
- to create a more relaxed atmosphere in the tent.
However, the fly has vinyl translucent windows, allowing you to unzip some skylight panels and have direct light inside. The images below demonstrate how different it can be in the tent when the panels are used.
Instant, cabin, and freestanding tents
The term instant refers to the fact that the frame is pre-attached to the tent in the factory. So you simply unfold it in all directions and then extend its telescopic poles, which look to me like spider legs. This can be completed in under two minutes.
The term cabin refers to the structure’s straightened, steep, tall walls. This text contains additional information about instant cabin tents.
The tent is technically freestanding, but remember to stake it down; 14 steel stakes are included in the package.
Who is it intended for?
This tent has a capacity of ten people. However, its floor area is small, with only 1.3 m2 (14 ft2) per person. This isn’t ideal because you need a vestibule, an awning, or a porch. So, if you want some comfort, I recommend using it for no more than 5 people.
The two rooms are large enough to accommodate a queen-sized bed each, and there is only one door per room, making it ideal for two couples.
Seasonally, this tent is for 1-1.5 seasons. I would not use it in inclement weather because it is a summer camping tent.
Because of its quick setup design, this tent is ideal for people who change their camping location frequently, such as those on cross-country trips.
The packed size of 43 x 8 x 8 inches (109 x 20 x 20 cm) is standard for this type of design but also heavy. You realize you need a car, which will be used in locations with car access.
Materials and design
The tent poles are steel, and the fabric is polyester with polyethylene on the floor. They don’t give any information about the water-resistant evaluation, which I find unsatisfactory.
The main new feature here is the Dark Rest design, which makes the entire fabric dark and creates a more relaxed atmosphere inside the tent. The ceiling has three layers: the mesh, the panels beneath it, and the fly above it. The four zippered discussions can be closed to create a completely dark area. The fly has vinyl windows above these panels, allowing you to let in direct sunlight at your leisure.
All windows and door panels are made of the same dark material as the ceiling panels.
When all panels are closed, the warmth is significantly preserved, an advantage over traditional summer camping tents with only mesh on the ceiling. Also, with such closed panels, you reduce dust from entering from outside, which is helpful if you are using the tent in a dry and dusty environment.
Ventilation
When the roof panels are closed, air circulation is reduced. However, there are two triangular areas on the ceiling with mesh on both sides, indicating that not all of the ceiling is closed. There are also two-floor vents, which should generate enough vertical airflow when combined with the ceiling openings.
All the windows and the two doors have mesh plus panels, so you can control the airflow quite well, which should not be an issue in this tent.
Additional information
A hook is available at the peak height, and several well-designed storage areas are on the wall. The images below show you also have an electric cable port on the wall.
The two outside doors are side by side, D-shaped, and zippered.
Specifications
- Weight: 37 lb (16.8 kg).
- Capacity: 10 people.
- Dimensions: 14 x 10 ft (4.27 x 3.05 m).
- Floor area: 140 ft² (13 m²).
- Area per person: 14 ft² (1.3 m²).
- Peak height: 78 in (198 cm).
- Packed size: 43 x 8 x 8 in (109 x 20 x 20 cm).
- 6-month limited warranty.
- Carry bag included.
Final thoughts, rating, pros, and cons
Thank you for taking the time to read this. This site is all about family camping tents, so if you’re looking for something different, check out the Categories above. Please use the comment box below for any queries or comments. Have a wonderful day.
