The Slumber jack Aspen Grove is a large tent with enough space for 8 people. It’s shaped like a dome and has two doors, so it’s easy to get in and out. The tent also has a cover that creates a porch area where you can sit and relax in the shade. And if you want to look at the stars at night, you can open up part of the cover for a great view!
Important characteristics
- Spacious: Extended dome design
- Easy Access: 2 Doors
- Relaxing Outdoor Space: Porch
- Dry Entry: Protected entryways to keep rain out
- Organized Living: 2 Rooms
- Gear Storage: Loft for storing equipment
- Night Sky Views: Stargazing configuration
- Stay Connected: Ethernet cable port
- Affordable: Excellent value
What’s in a name?
This tent is called a “hybrid dome” because it combines the features of a dome tent with an extended design. Instead of a separate rainfly, the tent itself is extended outwards using those extra loops on the sides. This creates more space inside without needing an extra layer.
This tent’s unique design uses loops to extend the dome outwards, giving it more space. Because of this, you’ll need to stake it down properly, unlike some tents that can stand up on their own.
The extra pole at the front creates a covered area that’s more like a porch – it’s tall and spacious enough to store your gear. This is similar to the porch on the Slumber jack Riverbend 10-Person Tent.
I really like that this tent has two doors! You can get in and out from either side. The front door has that nice porch area, and even though the back door doesn’t have a porch, it still has a small cover to keep the rain out. Having two dry entry points is really handy.
The tent has a divider you can put up to create two separate rooms. These rooms aren’t the same size, which can be handy for organizing your space. There’s also a loft for storing gear that hangs from the top of the tent.
Configuration for stargazing
One of the coolest things about this tent is that you can roll back the cover to see the stars! It’s perfect for clear nights when it’s not too cold outside. Just imagine lying in your tent and looking up at the night sky!
Materials
The tent comes with six poles made of fiberglass, which is a strong material often used in more expensive tents too. Setting up the tent is easy because all the poles are color-coded, so you know which one goes where. It should only take about 20 minutes to get everything set up.
The tent’s outer layer (the fly) is made of polyester taffeta, which is a durable, water-resistant fabric. The floor is made of polyethylene, a tough material that’s good at keeping water out. These are all standard materials used in affordable family camping tents. It also comes with a handy carry bag with handles and loops, making it easy to transport.
Additional information
- Convenient Lighting: The gear loft has a loop for hanging a lantern.
- Power Up: There’s a special port for running electrical cords into the tent.
- Cleanliness: A mud mat is included to help keep the inside of your tent clean.
- Safety: The tent’s guylines (the ropes that help hold it down) are reflective, making them easier to see at night.
- Easy Storage: The tent comes with a large duffle bag that makes packing and storing it a breeze.
Ventilation
This tent has a lot of mesh on the roof, which is great for ventilation. You can see in the picture how much airflow it gets. This helps keep the tent cool and comfortable, even on warmer nights.
While the mesh roof is great for ventilation, it would be even better if this tent had some floor vents to allow for more air circulation, especially when the rainfly is on. The side walls are quite high, which can sometimes trap air inside. It’s also worth noting that the rainfly doesn’t have any vents. However, the high brim on the back door does help some moisture escape.
Who is it intended for?
Space:
- The tent says it fits 8 people, but that would be really crowded.
- It’s best for 5 people or fewer.
- Compared to other tents for 8 people, this one is actually pretty roomy!
When to use it:
- This tent is good for spring, summer, and fall camping.
- It might get a bit stuffy in hot, rainy weather because it doesn’t have many vents.
- On clear nights, you can open the tent to see the stars!
Wind and Rain:
- The tent is tall, but the shape is pretty good for windy weather.
- The rainfly doesn’t go all the way to the ground, so it might not be the best choice for super strong winds.
Weight and Size:
- This tent is lightweight and easy to pack up, which is great!
Price:
This tent is a really good value for the price. You get a lot of features for your money.
Specifications
- Fits: Officially 8 people, but best for 5 or fewer.
- Weight: 23.3 pounds (10.57 kg) – Pretty light!
- Size: 16 feet long by 9 feet wide (488 x 274 cm)
- Floor Space: 144 square feet (13.4 square meters)
- Headroom: 6 feet 5 inches (193 cm) inside, 6 feet tall (183 cm) at the highest point.
- Packed Size: About 2 feet long by 1 foot wide and high (62 x 25 x 25 cm) – Easy to pack!
- Warranty: 10 years! (Wow!)
Final thoughts
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!
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Thanks for reading!
