We are in the market for a new tent! Currently have a North Face Stormbreak 3 and an old Coleman tent that’s more of a smaller car camping tent, but did the job. My older 2 daughters like the Stormbreak but looking for a 4 person tent that could comfortably sleep myself, my husband and our younger daughter. I’m wanting something with a good sized vestibule as I want the room to keep some things out of the rain but not in the tent, and want to have room to take shoes on and off without having a rainy tent fly hanging on me and dripping everywhere ??. Would love to hear your favorite BWCA tent recommendations, especially if it has a roomy vestibule! Lighter weight is nice but willing to carry a little extra if it has a truly awesome vestibule!

The good old fashing Eureka Timberline 4 with the additional vestibule would probably meet your expectations. We sleep four easily in it and the additional vestibule is the largest of any I've used. I'll be interested in what others say but based on my experience, it is a solid tent with plenty of space in the vestibule.

YetiJedi: "The good old fashing Eureka Timberline 4 with the additional vestibule would probably meet your expectations. We sleep four easily in it and the additional vestibule is the largest of any I've used. I'll be interested in what others say but based on my experience, it is a solid tent with plenty of space in the vestibule.
"

Have to say I agree with the benefit of the Timberline4 vestibule. The additional 15 sq ft of rain protected space makes it one of the best gear additions around, and at a mere 1 lb 1 oz. What makes me scratch my head is actually sleeping four in that tent. Must be good friends...

schweady: "What makes me scratch my head is actually sleeping four in that tent. Must be good friends...
"

Yes, that and Eureka shows the layout as four people crosswise in the tent rather than parallel to the sides. My own experience is that it comfortably sleeps two people.

Alps Lynx4 is pretty bombproof, 25sq ft vestibule. I've had mine for ~6 years now and really like it.

Lynx 4 person

YetiJedi: "The good old fashing Eureka Timberline 4 with the additional vestibule would probably meet your expectations. We sleep four easily in it and the additional vestibule is the largest of any I've used. I'll be interested in what others say but based on my experience, it is a solid tent with plenty of space in the vestibule.
"

I’ll have to look into that one!

Agreed...it's not a four-adult tent. My wife and I used it this summer for a week with our youngest daughter and it was fine for three people with one of those being an 8-year-old. Last year we used it for four people but it was me and my three youngest children. We laid it out the way it shows in the diagram jhb8426 posted. It worked fine for them but I was pushing both sides at 6'2".

Another popular tent that might meet your needs is the Copper Spur HV UL4. Expensive but lightweight. Has two vestibules but while they might have the gear space you seek, it would still be tight for entering/exiting.

The other option might be to put a tarp over your tent. When I go solo I will sometimes pitch my tent under half of my 14x10 tarp and the rest gives me plenty of space. Really helps when it is stormy for setup, take down, entry/exit, keeping gear dry, etc.

schweady: "

YetiJedi: "The good old fashing Eureka Timberline 4 with the additional vestibule would probably meet your expectations. We sleep four easily in it and the additional vestibule is the largest of any I've used. I'll be interested in what others say but based on my experience, it is a solid tent with plenty of space in the vestibule.
"

Have to say I agree with the benefit of the Timberline4 vestibule. The additional 15 sq ft of rain protected space makes it one of the best gear additions around, and at a mere 1 lb 1 oz. What makes me scratch my head is actually sleeping four in that tent. Must be good friends...
"

Lol. I usually go 3 in a 4 person tent max. I like my room! I did have a trip up in Canada where we crammed 6 into a 4 person tent in a really bad campsite that was a last resort in a big storm. Definitely packed like sardines!

YetiJedi: "The good old fashing Eureka Timberline 4 with the additional vestibule would probably meet your expectations. We sleep four easily in it and the additional vestibule is the largest of any I've used. I'll be interested in what others say but based on my experience, it is a solid tent with plenty of space in the vestibule.
"

+1

We use the SQ Outfitter 4 to have plenty of extra space for two

dogwoodgirl: "Alps Lynx4 is pretty bombproof, 25sq ft vestibule. I've had mine for ~6 years now and really like it.


Lynx 4 person "

That looks like a good option too! Thanks for your input!

YetiJedi: "The good old fashing Eureka Timberline 4 with the additional vestibule would probably meet your expectations. We sleep four easily in it and the additional vestibule is the largest of any I've used. I'll be interested in what others say but based on my experience, it is a solid tent with plenty of space in the vestibule.
"

Sheesh...just re-reading my original response. We sleep four easily...because three of them are children!

YetiJedi: "

YetiJedi: "The good old fashing Eureka Timberline 4 with the additional vestibule would probably meet your expectations. We sleep four easily in it and the additional vestibule is the largest of any I've used. I'll be interested in what others say but based on my experience, it is a solid tent with plenty of space in the vestibule.
"

Sheesh...just re-reading my original response. We sleep four easily...because three of them are children!"

that makes a difference, lol!

And now, the newer Timberline4 has only one door (c'mon... zippers are that expensive?!?), so 4 sleeping crosswise creates an additional disadvantage for the one farthest from the door.

We currently have a Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL4 purchased many years ago. When my 2 sons were younger, we'd all sleep in it together. Now as adults, I cannot imagine sleeping in the tent together....we now use it for two of us when tripping together. Also, it has 2 doors and 2 vestibules.

So, my suggestion if you really want comfort and enough room, I'd look for the largest tent your comfortable portaging. I cannot imagine using a tent with only a single door for 3 or more people. If your youngest daughter is nearing adulthood, you might want to even look at a quality lightweight 6-person tent. But if most of your trips are just you and your wife, a 4-person tent may be ideal....

PineKnot: "We currently have a Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL4 purchased many years ago. When my 2 sons were younger, we'd all sleep in it together. Now as adults, I cannot imagine sleeping in the tent together....we now use it for two of us when tripping together. Also, it has 2 doors and 2 vestibules.


So, my suggestion if you really want comfort and enough room, I'd look for the largest tent your comfortable portaging. I cannot imagine using a tent with only a single door for 3 or more people. If your youngest daughter is nearing adulthood, you might want to even look at a quality lightweight 6-person tent. But if most of your trips are just you and your wife, a 4-person tent may be ideal.... "

My littlest daughter is 7. So it’d be me, husband and littlest for a couple years. My other two daughters are 9 and 13. Eventually we’d maybe have all the girls in their own tent and us in our own. Neither myself or my husband are super tall people (I’m barely 5’3”). I definitely think two doors would be an advantage! The tent I’m looking to replace was a cheapie single door tent that my husband has had since college, but it’s time to upgrade! I’m loving all the input and ideas from everyone!

Timberline = lots of weight for not much space. A good design in its time, but its time was the 70's.

Banksiana: "Timberline = lots of weight for not much space. A good design in its time, but its time was the 70's."

That's the knock, but most lightweights I've considered that have as much floor space are basically screen walls with a fly. Not so comfortable as a 3-season lodging. Also, a lot of the Timberline's weight comes from its very welcome 58" headroom, which allows one to at least sit up straight. As it still fits in a fully-enclosed CCS Pioneer pack, it still goes with us.

Got to outdoorgearlab.com and search tents on their site. They rate camping tents for 2022. They also rate other categories of tents such as backpacking and ultralight in other articles on their site. They are pretty accurate on their ratings. That might help you along with recommendations from people on this site.

1+ for outdoorgearlab!

schweady: "

Banksiana: "Timberline = lots of weight for not much space. A good design in its time, but its time was the 70's."

That's the knock, but most lightweights I've considered that have as much floor space are basically screen walls with a fly. Not so comfortable as a 3-season lodging. Also, a lot of the Timberline's weight comes from its very welcome 58" headroom, which allows one to at least sit up straight. As it still fits in a fully-enclosed CCS Pioneer pack, it still goes with us.
"

No see um mesh scarcely allows much more air flow than rip-stop nylon, especially with a fly on. I camp in Canoe country through the end of October and I simply cannot comprehend the argument that a rip-stop tent is significantly warmer. Yes the 4-man Timberline has a tall peak, but its a tiny area gifted with such height, most of the tent has very little clearance. A Big Agnes Copper Spur 4 has much more useable tall space.

I've been thru a lot of tents in my lifetime. MSR, BA, REI, Kelty, Marmot, NF, Walrus, Moss, Eureka. But the brand and specific tents with the largest vestibules I have used were both Alps Mountaineering, a discontinued Vertex 4 and the Extreme Outfitter I still use . Both have vestibules large enough to sleep in. Of course this is with non-removeable vestibules. Add on's such as , Eureka Timberline or the discontinued BA Emerald MT,
Newer and still made MSR Gear Shed or the somewhat costly BA Copper Spur Hotel Rainfly or the Blacktail series.
Another but a bit heavier is the REI Wonderland series with an optional garage.
Mud Room Wonderland 4

butthead

Good old Timberline 4 has a big vestibule as mentioned. The two entry/exit ends is nice, that would be a pain if it only had one door on it now. That's the most space I've seen in one but I've only been in or around a few makes and models compared to some here.

Marmot Tungsten 4P

Hilleberg Anjan GT, I am looking at one myself maybe this winter

I have a hilleberg keron 4gt that would certainly work for what you're describing, but it's not cheap. I bought mine for a Denali climb and now use it for canoe tripping as well. Second to none.

I don't think they make the Anjan in a 4 person configuration FYI.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4. We have switched to hammocks, but still love that tent. Very roomy for 2-3 people, large vestibules, and weighs 6 lb including everything. It has also survived two thunderstorms with 60+ mph wind and one with wind over 70mph as well as keeping us bone dry in quite a few torrential rain storms. They are tougher than they seem.

mgraber: "Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4. We have switched to hammocks, but still love that tent. Very roomy for 2-3 people, large vestibules, and weighs 6 lb including everything. It has also survived two thunderstorms with 60+ mph wind and one with wind over 70mph as well as keeping us bone dry in quite a few torrential rain storms. They are tougher than they seem."

Probably what I'd very much enjoy owning, also. Just haven't seen any half-price sales on these lately.

Its not a 4 person tent but we use the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 tent. The vestibule is huge on it. It is a bit heavier but has the room we want for two adults and our two dogs. Maybe there is a 4 person out there with a similar sized vestibule.

OutdoorEnthusiast79: "Its not a 4 person tent but we use the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 tent. The vestibule is huge on it. It is a bit heavier but has the room we want for two adults and our two dogs. Maybe there is a 4 person out there with a similar sized vestibule. "

I’ve looked at a couple of the big Agnes tents but the person ones don’t seem to have “hotel” option. Definitely look like some nice tents!!

Brulelake: "Hilleberg Anjan GT, I am looking at one myself maybe this winter"

Haven’t looked at Hilleberg before, definitely look like some nice quality tents!

mgraber: "Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4. We have switched to hammocks, but still love that tent. Very roomy for 2-3 people, large vestibules, and weighs 6 lb including everything. It has also survived two thunderstorms with 60+ mph wind and one with wind over 70mph as well as keeping us bone dry in quite a few torrential rain storms. They are tougher than they seem."

Couldn’t have said it better myself. I switched to a hammock for most trips but use the Copper Spur HV UL4 when I trip with my oldest. The two vestibules are plenty big, it’s easy to set up, and very roomy. The only downsides are the price and the UL stakes that probably aren’t ideal for rocky, thin BWCA and Q soil.

dogwoodgirl: "Alps Lynx4 is pretty bombproof, 25sq ft vestibule. I've had mine for ~6 years now and really like it.


Lynx 4 person "

I got the ALPS Koda 3 and think it's probably pretty similar to the Lynx. Really like the nice vestibules on each side.

I have a Timbeline 4xt? 2 door with a vestibule built into the rain fly. Love it. 20 years of use all over the BWCA and Grand Canyon to Montana. Great tent.

I recently bought a CCS Lean 2. Took it on a canoe trip recently. Love it too! Lots of space IN the tent for gear and taking shoes off. Look into it. Buy the poles for it.

schweady: "

mgraber: "Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4. We have switched to hammocks, but still love that tent. Very roomy for 2-3 people, large vestibules, and weighs 6 lb including everything. It has also survived two thunderstorms with 60+ mph wind and one with wind over 70mph as well as keeping us bone dry in quite a few torrential rain storms. They are tougher than they seem."

Probably what I'd very much enjoy owning, also. Just haven't seen any half-price sales on these lately.
"

Yeah, they are very pricey. I got my BA CS HV UL2 half price on Ebay in like new condition. Might be worth checking.

My family of 5 like the ccs lean 3 as it fits all of us even though our kids are teens. It's only about 5 pounds. You can see the vestuble is quite large. I explained how I set it up for my family in the camping with kids forum.

Kinda surprised nobody has mentioned MSR tents. They are bomb-proof solid and not expensive until you start getting into higher quality/ultralight MSR tents. I purchased an Elixer 2 for under $200 for my solo trips and it's still going strong almost 10 years and 25+ trips later. Whether one gets a 2, 3 or more person capacity, most have 2 doors and 2 ample vestibules....great tent, along with the Hubba series of MSR tents....

PineKnot: "Kinda surprised nobody has mentioned MSR tents. They are bomb-proof solid and not expensive until you start getting into higher quality/ultralight MSR tents. I purchased an Elixer 2 for under $200 for my solo trips and it's still going strong almost 10 years and 25+ trips later. Whether one gets a 2, 3 or more person capacity, most have 2 doors and 2 ample vestibules....great tent, along with the Hubba series of MSR tents.... "

Justin Barbour trips with an MSR, you're right that no one ever talks about them around here but they seem to make great gear.

Delete link to scam :-(

arm2008: "

schweady: "

mgraber: "Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4. We have switched to hammocks, but still love that tent. Very roomy for 2-3 people, large vestibules, and weighs 6 lb including everything. It has also survived two thunderstorms with 60+ mph wind and one with wind over 70mph as well as keeping us bone dry in quite a few torrential rain storms. They are tougher than they seem."

Probably what I'd very much enjoy owning, also. Just haven't seen any half-price sales on these lately.
"

https://www.bigagnesstore.com/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul4-tent-4-person-3-season/


Seems to be a heck of a sale right now?"

SCAM PHISHING SITE. DON'T DO IT.

I thought I'd explore it, but my 'too good to be true' hackles went up over and over during the process:
I figured I'd order 6 of them, but I was limited to 2. When modifying the order, it popped up with an additional 'random' 38% discount. Two tents for $119.50?? Tell EVERYBODY!! And, so it rolls for the scammer...

Happily, I stopped short of providing any credit info

schweady: "

arm2008: "

schweady: "

mgraber: "Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4. We have switched to hammocks, but still love that tent. Very roomy for 2-3 people, large vestibules, and weighs 6 lb including everything. It has also survived two thunderstorms with 60+ mph wind and one with wind over 70mph as well as keeping us bone dry in quite a few torrential rain storms. They are tougher than they seem."

Probably what I'd very much enjoy owning, also. Just haven't seen any half-price sales on these lately.
"

https://www.bigagnesstore.com/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul4-tent-4-person-3-season/



Seems to be a heck of a sale right now?"

SCAM PHISHING SITE. DON'T DO IT.

I thought I'd explore it, but my 'too good to be true' hackles went up over and over during the process:
I figured I'd order 6 of them, but I was limited to 2. When modifying the order, it popped up with an additional 'random' 38% discount. Two tents for $119.50?? Tell EVERYBODY!! And, so it rolls for the scammer...

Happily, I stopped short of providing any credit info
"

Yep, same reaction here--was ready to pull the trigger on a tent that would save me 2#, but my PayPal account showed the payment going to someone other than Big Agnes, so I bailed...

TZ

schweady: "

arm2008: "

schweady: "

mgraber: "Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL4. We have switched to hammocks, but still love that tent. Very roomy for 2-3 people, large vestibules, and weighs 6 lb including everything. It has also survived two thunderstorms with 60+ mph wind and one with wind over 70mph as well as keeping us bone dry in quite a few torrential rain storms. They are tougher than they seem."

Probably what I'd very much enjoy owning, also. Just haven't seen any half-price sales on these lately.
"

https://www.bigagnesstore.com/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul4-tent-4-person-3-season/



Seems to be a heck of a sale right now?"

SCAM PHISHING SITE. DON'T DO IT.

I thought I'd explore it, but my 'too good to be true' hackles went up over and over during the process:
I figured I'd order 6 of them, but I was limited to 2. When modifying the order, it popped up with an additional 'random' 38% discount. Two tents for $119.50?? Tell EVERYBODY!! And, so it rolls for the scammer...

Happily, I stopped short of providing any credit info
"

Good. Sorry for propagating it. Was leaving the house for a meeting and didn't dig.

The Eureka Alpine Meadows 4-person tent - it is a timberline but with a pole arching over the center, making the side walls stand out more, giving it a somewhat 'quad' shape, and adding both room and stability. I don't know if they even make them anymore. The vestibule adds storage space for packs. The BEST feature we added was the annex, which is a rain fly that you can set up free standing, or attach to the tent, serving as a front porch. I think the annex is now called a "trail fly." You are probably looking at 11 pounds worth of tent however, and while this worked great and was spacious for two adults and a large dog, my general philosophy about tents is to drop the advertised number of how many it sleeps by 1. If I was base camping, I'd use this tent again, but we've long since stopped using it for 'on the go' type trips.