tent-reviewsThe tent-reviews are in and according to Consumer Reports, these are the top performing tents in the three catagories of sizes. The study tested for setup ease, rain resistance, construction quality and convenience of carrying around.
Aluminum poles are a great feature with tents. They are lightweight and strong. Suprisingly, most tents do not have aluminum poles, they have steel poles which are heavier. Another feature deserving recognition is the vestibule. The rain fly that protects the tent from rain sometimes is extended beyond the door to create a dry room for gear and packs. Vestibules allow more sleeping area within the tent. The ratings key is as follows: excellent, very good, good, fair and poor.
In the catagory of large tents able to comfortably accomodate 5-6 people, the best rated tent is the Eureka Titan as pictured above. It rated excellent for setup, rain resistence and construction and very good for convenience. It has two doors and aluminum poles and costs $400. 
The Kelty Mantra 7 rated second in the large tent catagory. It rated excellent in both rain resistance and construction. Convenience being very good and fair for setup. It has two doors, aluminum poles and vestibules at both doors. This tent costs $450.
The top preformer in the medium catagory was awarded to the Sierra Designs Bedouin 6 tent. It rated excellent in Rain resistance, construction and convenience and very good for setup. It has aluminum poles and two doors with vestibules. It will comfortably sleep 3-4 people and costs $300. 
The Eureka Equinox 6 rated second in the medium catagory. It's ratings were excellent in setup, rain resistance and construction while receiving a good rating for convenience. It has one door and aluminum poles and costs $320. 
The tent-reviews for the small 1-2 person tents catagory listed the Mountain Hardwear Light Wedge 3 first with excellent for setup, rain resistance and construction. Convenience rated very good. The tent has aluminum poles and one door with vestibule. The cost is $225.
The second place tent in the small catagory is the L.L. Bean Duolite. It's ratings are identical to the Mountain Hardware Light Wedge 3. The only difference is the Duolite has two doors and costs $200. Consumer Reports Best Buys
Three tents were awarded Best Buys honors. They all cost $100 or less. The one pictured to the right is the Coleman Sundome 10x10. It will sleep 3-4 people comfortably and received very good ratings in setup, rain resistance and convenience. Construction was rated good. For $100, the product is very acceptable.
The Cabelas Trekker Classic Dome tent is another Best Buy. It sleeps two and rated excellent in setup and rain resistance and rated good for construction and convenience. The cost is $50.
The Coleman Sundome 7x7 is great tent for two people. It rates very good in setup and rain resistance and good in construction and convenience. It has one door and costs $50.
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