If you are looking for a camping tent that is spacious, easy to set up, and affordable, the Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent might be the right choice for you. This tent has a unique hexagon design with windows on all sides and two doors, making it a comfortable and livable camping structure. With a setup time of just two minutes, this tent is an instant setup, and it comes with a great price tag. In this blog post, I will provide you with a comprehensive review of the Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent, highlighting its key features and benefits, construction and materials, and who it is suitable for.
What Kind of Tent Is This?
Instant Setup:
One of the most significant advantages of the Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent is its instant setup. The tent’s frame comes pre-attached to the tent’s body, making it easy to unfold and extend its six telescopic poles. This feature allows you to set up the tent in just two minutes, perfect for those who want to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Tall and Spacious Design:
The Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent has a very tall and spacious design, with steep walls that provide lots of headspaces. The tent’s walls are also vertical, which maximizes interior space and allows you to move around freely. This feature is particularly beneficial for taller individuals who often have difficulty standing up in tents with lower ceilings.
Doors and Windows:
The tent has two doors and four windows, providing easy access and ample ventilation. Having multiple doors is especially useful when camping with a large group, as it allows for easier entry and exit. The four windows are strategically placed on all sides of the tent, which provides great ventilation and natural light, making the tent a very pleasant and livable space.
Who is it for:
Capacity and Space:
With a declared capacity of 11 people, the Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent may seem like a spacious option for larger groups. However, with a floor area of around 190 square feet (17.7 m²), this only gives about 17.3 ft² (1.6 m²) of space per person. This means that the tent may not be as roomy as it seems, and it may be a tight fit for 11 people.
Backpacking Principle:
It’s important to note that the tent’s capacity is determined using the backpacking principle, which means that it’s based on how many people can sleep in the tent rather than how many people can comfortably stay inside and move around during the day. While the tent may work for groups who only plan to spend nights inside the tent, it may not be realistic for families or larger groups who plan to spend more time inside the tent during the day.
Seasonal Use:
The Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent is designed for summer camping and mild weather conditions without much rain or wind. The tent’s large mesh ceiling and windows provide ample ventilation, which is great for hot summer days but may not be suitable for colder or wetter environments.
For those who need something similar to the Ozark Trail tent but with more protection from the rain, the Coleman Octagon 8 tent with a full coverage fly may be a better option. On the other hand, those who plan to camp in cooler environments may want to check out other tents specifically designed for those conditions.
Camping Tent:
It’s important to note that the Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent is a camping tent and is designed to be used in areas with car access. The tent is heavy and bulky, weighing 42 pounds (19 kg), and may not be suitable for backpacking or hiking trips.
Construction & Materials:
When it comes to the construction and materials used in the Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent, you can rest assured that this tent is made to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide durability. Here are some details on its construction and materials:
The Hinged Door:
One of the standout features of this tent is its hinged door. The door is a rigid structure that is supported by two poles passing through the sleeves of the door. This design is similar to the hinged door found in the Russian Bear winter tent. The front door is attached to the top, and to enter the tent, you can raise it up like the back door of a car. Note that there is an inverted T-shape mesh door as the second layer for added ventilation and insect protection.
Additionally, there are extra two poles that allow you to raise the door and keep it supported, creating a great awning in front of the tent. There is even a ring to attach a lantern underneath the awning, providing an excellent space for outdoor activities at night.
The Fly & Fabric:
The tent features a minimal fly that only covers the ceiling. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide information on the waterproof rating of the fly, but it is made of polyester with factory-sealed seams. The same material is used for the tent walls and windows’ panels. The windows are double-layered, with mesh to protect against insects and panels for privacy and rain protection. The floor is likely made of polyethylene, which should be fully waterproof, providing a dry and comfortable space for the occupants. Overall, the materials used in this tent are high-quality, ensuring that it is durable and able to withstand various weather conditions.
Other Features:
The Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent is equipped with several useful features that add to the convenience of your camping experience. These include:
- Two sets of pockets for storage and organization of your camping gear.
- An electric cable port to easily connect to a power source.
- A gear loft that provides additional storage space above ground level.
- Numerous rings that allow you to attach cords and hang various items inside the tent.
Ventilation:
The Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent is well-ventilated due to its large mesh areas and oversized side vents. The ceiling is completely covered with mesh, and the four windows and two doors also have mesh panels. This design allows for excellent airflow and helps prevent condensation buildup inside the tent.
Additionally, the tent has two oversized side vents that promote vertical air circulation, with one shown in the picture above. These vents further enhance the tent’s ventilation capabilities and keep the interior fresh and cool.
Specification
- Type: Instant cabin tent
- Capacity: 11 people
- Weight: 42 lb (19 kg)
- Dimensions: 17 x 15 ft (204 x 180 in; 518 x 457 cm)
- Floor area: 190 ft² (17.7 m²)
- Area per person: 17.3 ft² (1.6 m²)
- Peak height: 82 in (208 cm)
- Carry bag included
- Warranty: 6 months limited
Pros:
Pros
- Easy and quick to set up
- Spacious and tall, with plenty of headroom
- Multiple doors and windows for ventilation and accessibility
- Sturdy construction and durable materials
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Heavy and bulky, not suitable for backpacking or long hikes
- Limited privacy due to the hexagon shape and open design
- Not suitable for extreme weather conditions
- Questionable waterproof rating on the fly
- Limited warranty
Conclusion
The Ozark Trail 11-Person Instant Hexagon Cabin Tent is an excellent choice for large groups or families looking for a spacious and easy-to-set-up camping tent. With its sturdy construction, tall headspace, and ample ventilation, it provides a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as its heavy weight and limited privacy, its overall features and affordability make it a top contender in the market. Whether you are an experienced camper or a beginner, this tent is definitely worth considering for your next outdoor adventure.
