Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent Review: With 10 Powerful Features That Set it Apart
Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent strikes an impressive equilibrium, harmonizing weight and comfort features while boasting one of the most outstanding designs available.
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Related: 7 Best Tents For Camping And Backpacking
Price: (-42%) ₹3,039 List
Manufacturer: Amazon
Our Verdict
The Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent stands out as an exceptional lightweight tent, ideally suited for extended backcountry journeys with a companion. It also incorporates several comfort-enhancing features for a more pleasant shared tent experience. Notably, it boasts two generously sized storage pockets capable of accommodating entire jackets, alongside smaller pockets to aid in staying organized.
The innovative trapezoidal fly design, with two stake points per side, effectively minimizes wind flaps.
Setting up Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent is a breeze, and when divided between two individuals, the weight becomes quite manageable.
While there are minor inconveniences, such as a somewhat finicky stuff sack, there’s no question that this tent would be our top choice if we could only have one. For a comprehensive comparison with other models in the market, please refer to our article on the best backpacking tents.
- Simple setup
- Affordable
- Dual-tone privacy mesh
- Generously-sized storage compartments
- Robust vestibule configuration
- Relatively narrow
- In blustery conditions, the scalloped rainfly may permit debris and moisture to infiltrate the tent.
Related: Mimajor Camping Tent Review
The Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent Remarkable Features
- Easy and Quick Setup: Streamlined assembly with color-coded components.
- Lightweight Design: Ideal for backpacking and outdoor adventures.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
- Weather Resistance: Provides reliable protection against rain and wind.
- Ventilation: Well-designed airflow for enhanced comfort.
- Spacious Interior: Offers ample room for occupants and gear.
- Zippered Entry and Windows: Convenient access and adjustable ventilation.
- Storage Pockets: Keep your essentials organized inside the tent.
- Guy Ropes and Stakes: Secure your tent in various outdoor conditions.
- Compact Carry Bag: Easily transport and store the tent.
Related: Hacer Camping Tent Review
Technical Specification
- Product Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 63 cm
- Capacity: 3-4 Person
- Weight: 2.8 kg
- Waterproofing: 3,000 mm HH
- Seasons: 3 seasons
Related: Coleman Dome Camping Tent Review
Our Evaluation and Testing Outcomes
Comfort
The Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent may not be the most spacious tent, but it does not skimp on comfort. Its 88-inch length aligns with the industry standard for lightweight backpacking tents, even though its slightly narrow design and the taper from 50 inches at the head to 45 inches at the foot are noticeable.
However, the inclusion of two large side doors allows for some additional space utilization, particularly in the vestibule area.
One notable comfort feature is the two-tone mesh canopy. The black mesh blends with the surroundings, offering an unobstructed view of the night sky on clear evenings, while the white mesh along the sides provides a degree of privacy when you need to change quickly and other campers are nearby.
The standout comfort aspect of this tent is its storage pocket system. It boasts two substantial mesh pockets – one located at the foot and another overhead.
These pockets come in handy for storing larger items like rain jackets, keeping them within easy reach yet out of the way.
Additionally, they serve as convenient “drying racks” for damp socks in need of some ventilation.
Each side of the Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent features a small accessory pocket for items like your phone, glasses, or gloves, and there are two light pockets designed for a headlamp to cast overhead illumination during the night.
Weather Resistance
One of the standout features of Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent is its exceptional fly design. It effectively addresses a common issue found in many traditional triangle vestibules – wind flap.
Instead of relying on a single stake point, each vestibule boasts two, ensuring the fly can be easily tensioned during setup. This feature plays a crucial role in preventing sagging and keeping your gear underneath dry.
Moreover, the ample dimensions and unique shape of each vestibule do a commendable job of providing comprehensive coverage for your gear, sparing it from being partially exposed and vulnerable to the elements.
Initially, we had our doubts, but after rigorous testing, it became evident that the fly exhibited less sag compared to models employing regular ripstop nylon.
This is a significant advancement in materials technology, particularly for those who have experienced the inconvenience of entering or exiting a tent in the rain, only to be greeted by a sagging, moisture-laden fly.
Additionally, the fly doors feature integrated kickstand vents designed to facilitate airflow while maintaining the fly’s mostly closed position.
Weight
On our scales, the Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent was recorded at slightly above 2 kg.
While it may not claim the title of the lightest model in its category, the wealth of features this tent brings to the table makes those additional ounces a worthwhile trade-off for extended backcountry journeys over a long weekend.
Furthermore, dividing the weight load between two individuals, with one handling the fly and tent and the other responsible for the poles and stakes, results in a balanced and highly manageable burden.
Durability
The durability of Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent walks a fine line between delicacy and sturdiness. Nonetheless, it boasts the use of top-tier materials throughout its construction.
Equipped with the relatively standard 8.7mm diameter DAC Featherlite poles, it offers a level of resilience that holds up well under various conditions, and we encountered no issues during our testing.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a pole sleeve for emergency repairs enhances its reliability.
The robust fly geometry, as mentioned earlier, shields the fly from the abrasive effects of strong winds and potential fraying.
Additionally, the small yet noteworthy triangle-shaped stakes have proven to be resilient, and capable of enduring the impact of rocky terrain when driven into hard-packed earth without bending.
Ease of Set-Up
Setting up Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent is a straightforward and hassle-free process. The elastic-connected pole segments easily click into place, speeding up the assembly.
The segments at the foot-end, along with their corresponding sockets on the tent, are color-coded in green, simplifying the orientation process.
The rain fly follows the same user-friendly color-coding for quick and accurate attachment.
Each of the four pole corners features a ball at the end, which effortlessly snaps into the corresponding socket, and standard clips on the tent provide structure to the entire setup.
The only occasional issue we encountered during disassembly is the secure fit of the sockets at the corners. Sometimes, separating the ball at the end of the poles from the pole segment may occur.
Thankfully, this doesn’t result in any damage, and it easily snaps back into place, albeit being a mildly surprising occurrence.
Packed Size
The thoughtful design of the Amazon Basics Lightweight Camping Tent extends even to the included stuff sack.
It features a roll-down top with a secure clip closure, ensuring that in the event you’re packing up with a wet fly, moisture won’t seep into your backpack.
We often opt to forgo the stuff sack entirely, and we found the tent and fly both easily accommodate being packed alongside other gear.
However, our sole concern regarding packability arises when attempting to return the entire assembly to the stuff sack for long-term storage, as the dimensions of the bag proved to be rather narrow.
Is the Amazon Basics a Worthwhile Investment?
Certainly. If you’re searching for a top-tier, lightweight, and cozy backpacking tent, this is the ideal choice.
Undeniably, it comes with a premium price tag, so if you don’t anticipate using it frequently on multi-day outings throughout the year, there are more budget-friendly alternatives available.
However, if you have a significant excursion on the horizon and require a standout performer that can withstand the rigors, this tent excels in delivering a harmonious blend of lightweight construction and comfort, complete with ample storage options, robust weather resistance, and durability.
Exploring Alternatives in Camping Tents
Perhaps you’re in the market for a tent that offers comparable features without breaking the bank. The Coleman Darwin Camping Tent stands out as a reliable choice with a significantly more budget-friendly price tag. Alternatively, explore The Hacer Camping Tent for another option in the same category. If you’re open to stepping down to a 4-person tent but still want a distinctive and eye-catching choice, consider giving the Mimajor Camping Tent a go.
