The Tungsten’s fly is not adaptable in the same way the Mineral King 3’s is, but it is treated for extra UV protection, which should help lengthen the tent’s lifespan. The Wireless 6 goes up easily, using the same kind of intuitive pole and clip method as our couples’ pick. The fly is equally simple to attach and orient with color-coded clips. This type of pole tends to be less flexible and bulkier than pricier aluminum, and it can be a pain to handle. Despite having the smallest capacity of the tents we tested—42.5 square feet—the Mineral King 3 easily fits two people with a full-size mattress, or two sleeping pads, and gear.
It might look complicated, but putting a tent up really isn’t too difficult. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll realize you had nothing to worry about. Or maybe you just want a good pop-up tent so you don’t have to worry about getting it set up. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at Showering with the smell of the ocean or the sounds of the forest all around is a great experience.
Two large vestibules add nearly 40 square feet combined—that is, 18.75 square feet on either side. Finding a small, light tent is the logical approach when you’re backpacking. But with car camping—the industry term for what most people consider just camping—you’ll likely be parking next to your campsite and unloading. If you won’t be carrying your tent more than a couple hundred feet, more space means more comfort (as well as more room for your stuff). There are some really great ultra-lightweight shower tents on the market.
ozark trail canopy tentThe North Face Wawona 4, which we used to list in our Other Good Tents section, has been redesigned; it’s now made of polyester, not nylon. Unlike our top pick, the Tungsten 4 is coated with flame retardants. Weighing just 7 pounds, the tent is light enough to double for backpacking trips, especially if you divide the pieces among hikers. We were surprised at first to see the Mineral King 3 come out on top because it was the smallest tent in our test group. But all our testers, including our tallest panelists, gravitated toward this tent. You’ll have plenty of room to shower and change, making it easy the superior choice.
Many users said that the instructions were unclear, and the pieces didn’t fit well together. Users, especially taller ones, appreciated the roominess of this shower tent. Unsatisfied customers stated that the fabric tore easily on uneven ground and pavement. Customers enjoyed the versatility of this shower tent, sharing that it worked as a changing area, shower station, and porta-potty.
Then, you might pop in for a quick shower after dark with a lantern and realize that your silhouette is visible from outside. If you’re tall and worried about the headspace, you can relax. This tent stands impressively tall at 7 ft, so I doubt you’ll have any issues. It’s also got a base area of 16 sq ft, so the space inside is comfortable, no matter what you’re using it for. Finally, while many shower tents unfold instantly, these models require some set-up.
If your shower tent doesn’t have proper ventilation, it won’t be able to dry. Often, these ventilated areas come with fabric flaps to give you privacy while you’re showering. A shower tent should be tall enough for you, your friends, and your family members to stand up straight. Most shower tents are between 6-7 feet tall at the center of their ceiling. Most customers felt that this portable camping shower was sturdy thanks to its heavy-duty steel frame. However, sturdiness came at the expense of a more cumbersome setup.
ozark trail shower tentShower tents can also be used as privacy tents or privacy shelters. Interior space and a design layout are important, but if we’re being honest, it’s those extra little features that make a shower tent that much sweeter. When shopping for your next camping shower, just think of all the things you take for granted in your shower at home.
Some have sewn-in mesh to vent water at the base of the floor, others combine removable floors with a similar system, and some forego any floor whatsoever. We generally prefer mesh panels on the floor, as they provide the best tradeoff of bug protection and drainage, but each type has its own pros and cons to consider. We’d consider mesh ceilings a requirement of any shower tent, although windows deserve bonus points both for ventilation and the reasons mentioned above. In addition to those factors, shower tents also need ventilation on the floor to give water a place to go without pooling up. Its walls are 75-denier polyester fabric (tougher than the Wireless 6’s 68-denier polyester and the same as the REI Co-op Base Camp’s) that extends about two-thirds up the tent’s sides, and then is topped with mesh.