The Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent With Full Fly is a budget-friendly camping tent that provides ample space for a large group of people. In this blog, I will provide a comprehensive review of its design, features, materials, and more.
Key features & benefits
- Tunnel tent.
- Freestanding.
- 2 Rooms.
- 2 Doors.
- E-cable port.
- Screen room configuration.
- Incredible price.
Places to Purchase:
If you’re interested in purchasing the Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent With Full Fly, it’s available for purchase at multiple retailers. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart’s website, making it easily accessible for online shoppers.
Tent Design:
Is It Really a Dome Tent?
The Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent With Full Fly is a one-of-a-kind camping tent that combines the features of a tunnel tent with a freestanding structure. However, despite its name, it’s not actually a dome tent. The tent’s tunnel structure is formed by three poles that create loops, while a ridge pole attaches to the tent at the two ends, making it self-supporting and freestanding. This design is not commonly found in tunnel tents, and it’s what sets the Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent With Full Fly apart from other budget camping tents on the market.
Room Configuration:
This tent features a 2-room structure with a sewn-in divider in the middle of the tent. The central zipper allows for easy access to both rooms. There are two doors, one at each end of the tent. The main door is an inverted-T zippered structure, while the back door is located at the opposite end of the tent. The tent is advertised as having 5 windows, but in reality, there are only 3 – those on the doors. The two side windows are located under the fly and serve to provide extra airflow.
Fly and Screen Room Configuration:
The Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent With Full Fly is described as having a full fly, but it’s important to note that the front and back of the tent are without vestibules, and the fly only partially protects the doors. However, the fly does cover most of the tent, providing excellent protection from the elements.
One of the most exciting features of this tent is the screen room configuration. By rolling up the fly from the front room, you can create a screened-in porch. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while keeping bugs and other unwanted visitors out of your living space. Both rooms have fully sewn-in floors, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protection.
Setup and Height:
With a peak height of 76 inches (193 cm), the Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent With Full Fly provides a spacious and comfortable interior. The doors, however, are lower than the peak height, so tall people should be cautious when entering and exiting the tent. The tent can be set up by one person, but it’s much easier with a partner. Plan to spend around 5-20 minutes setting up the tent, depending on your experience level.
Who is the Tent for?
The Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent With Full Fly is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly camping tent. With a declared capacity of 8 people, it offers an area of 117 ft² (10.8 m²), which means there’s not a lot of room per person. However, it’s spacious enough to accommodate small families or two couples who want to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank.
Seasons & Climate:
One of the most impressive features of the Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent is its 3-season capability. Its back room lacks mesh on the ceiling, but it has two side windows with mesh and zippered panels, and the rear door has the same structure. The front door is a two-layer type, and the inner divider is made of taffeta. When used in cooler environments, the tent can be completely enclosed in the back room, providing excellent insulation. In warmer climates, the side windows can be kept with mesh only, and the doors’ upper sections provide enough airflow to keep the tent cool and comfortable.
The tent has only a few guylines, so it’s not recommended for use in very windy conditions. However, it’s sturdy enough to withstand light rain and wind without any issues.
Weight & Packed Size:
The Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent With Full Fly weighs 23.9 lb (10.8 kg) and has a packed size of 26.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches (67 x 27 x 27 cm), making it one of the larger tents in its price range. However, its carry bag makes it easy to transport and store the tent when it’s not in use.
Materials and Features of Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent
The Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent is made of affordable materials that provide durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Here are some of the key materials and features of the tent:
Poles and Stakes:
The tent comes with 4 fiberglass poles that are attached to the inner tent through sleeves and clips. While fiberglass is not the most durable material, it is commonly used in budget tents. The base of the tent features a pin-and-ring system, and there are 13 simple steel hooks for staking the tent.
Fabric:
While the tent manufacturer does not provide information about the fly fabric, it is most likely made of polyester. There is no indication of its waterproof rating, but the seams are taped. The floor is made of thick polyethylene, which makes it fully waterproof.
Other Features:
The Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent also comes with several features that add convenience and comfort to your camping experience. These include:
- E-Port for convenient electrical cord access
- Two loops on the ceiling to hang lanterns
- Several hanging organizers and pockets for storage of small items
- Attached mud mat
- 4 guy ropes for stability
Specifications
- Declared capacity: 8 people.
- Weight: 23.9 lb (10.8 kg).
- Dimensions: 13 x 9 ft (396 x 274 cm).
- Area: 117 ft² (10.8 m²).
- Area per person: 14.6 ft² (1.35 m²).
- Height: 76 in (193 cm).
- Carry bag measures: 26.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 in (67 x 27 x 27 cm).
- 1-Year limited warranty.
Ozark Trail 8-Person Tent vs Tomount Keep 8 vs Slumberjack Overland 8 tents
If you’re in the market for a tunnel tent, you might be wondering how the Ozark Trail 8-Person Tent stacks up against the competition. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at two other tunnel tents: the Tomount Keep 8 and the Slumberjack Overland 8.
Freestanding Design
One notable feature that sets the Ozark Trail and Tomount Keep 8 tents apart from the Slumberjack Overland 8 is their freestanding design. Both the Ozark Trail and Tomount Keep 8 have a similar structure with a ridge pole that crosses the loops, making them self-supporting and freestanding. The Slumberjack Overland 8, on the other hand, requires staking for setup and stability.
Capacity and Size
In terms of capacity, all three tents claim to fit 8 people, but the Ozark Trail and Tomount Keep 8 have a slightly larger floor area of 117 ft² and 125 ft² respectively, compared to the Slumberjack Overland 8’s 96 ft². This means more space per person in the Ozark Trail and Tomount Keep 8 tents.
Seasonal Use
When it comes to seasonal use, all three tents are designed for 3-season camping. However, the Ozark Trail and Tomount Keep 8 have a more enclosed design with a solid ceiling in the back room, allowing for better insulation in cooler weather. The Slumberjack Overland 8 has a mesh ceiling throughout the tent, making it better suited for warmer climates.
Materials and Features
The Ozark Trail and Tomount Keep 8 tents both use fiberglass poles, while the Slumberjack Overland 8 has aluminum poles for added durability. All three tents have a waterproof polyethylene floor, but the Ozark Trail’s fly fabric is not specified for waterproofing.
Pros
- Tall and pleasant tent.
- Excellent price.
- Freestanding.
- Unique design.
Cons
- Small area for the declared capacity.
Conclusion;
The Ozark Trail 8-Person Dome Tunnel Tent with Full Fly offers excellent value for its price. It may not be a true dome tent, its unique freestanding tunnel design provides plenty of space for a family or group of friends.
With its 3-season capabilities and screen room configuration, it’s versatile enough to use in a variety of weather conditions. While it may not be the most durable tent out there, it’s a great option for those on a budget who still want a comfortable and functional camping experience.
