What kind of camping tent is good for 8 people? Hot temperatures and sand at camp site, needs to be light.?

Hi there!

I have a big family and when we do our big leisurely camping trips, we always use our 8-person 2-room camping tent. The best I've found (and the best deal out there in my opinion) is the Columbia Cougar Flats II. It's a 15' x 10' dome tent with two rooms and space for up to eight people - though in my opinion, eight people would be terribly cramped in there. I'd say six max, which sounds perfect for you.

It utilizes the GoBe Dry System to keep all the moisture out in it rains - probably won't be much humidity in the desert, so you're fine there. It has a full seam-taped polyester fly with a waterproof coating as well. The frame is a hybrid steel and fiberglass which I've found to be very durable and long-lasting (this baby's endured the abuse of my family for many many trips now). It is spacious but has lots of storage like pocket pouches, hanging cup holders, lockers and a hanging gear loft.

Make sure you do plenty of research to find the tent that suits you best, but this would definitely be my recommendation. It's worked great for me and my family. If you need any other camping tips or ideas, check out my new camping blog:

http://camping-guru.blogspot.com/

Enjoy your trip and happy camping!

You might want to consider an air bed... the twin size fits nice in a 2 person backpacking tent (only 1 person in it tho) and I had a Queen Size in an 8' X 10' dome tent. There is still enough room to store gear but the tent originally meant for 4 people now only holds 2. I do know that the airbeds make sleeping A LOT more comfortable. Oh... and don't forget something to cover the air mattress.

Hi,

How about a Vango Diablo 600 XP Tent?

http://hikingcampingbackpack.com/archives/vango-di...

if its going to be hot just set up a tarp unless bugs are real bad i sleep in a hammock under a tarp and love it but u have to have trees for that but u can tie it to plane and use two or three poles with steaks even a summer tent gets hot ive tried it all i live in alabama under the tarp only for dew and rain never know when its going to rain here during a time i know its not going to rain i use no tarp just bring incase good luck hope this helps