We talked through the Copper Canyon’s specs with Ryan Flynn, sales manager for Johnson Outdoors, Eureka’s parent company. Flynn told us that the advantage of the lighter aluminum poles found in the company’s Jade Canyon tent is purely about weight. The Copper Canyon’s rugged fiberglass-and-steel poles are preferable for what he called “free-country” camping (car camping on Bureau of Land Management land, for ozark trail wall tent instance) and for anyplace else where weight wouldn’t be an issue. Our only quibble with the Mineral King 3 is that it comes with a mere six stakes. That’s just enough to secure the tent and fly but not to fully secure the tent with extra lines in very windy conditions. You can find a plethora of options out there, but these inexpensive stakes are comparable to the ones that accompany the Mineral King 3.
If you don’t own a wood-burning stove but still plan to have a campfire on an evening, the flame-resistant canvas is still essential. Without some resistance to flames, a single spark could burn down your entire shelter and everything inside – it’s not worth considering if this happens at night while you sleep. There is loads of space inside for 6 – 8 people to spread out, or if you are looking for more of a glamping experience, then 4 of you can set up your own quarters. Families with young children will appreciate the extra space and comfort as well as small groups on a camping trip.
The main thing is is that the zippers that you put in these tents are so substandard that it doesn’t last more than one or two camping trips. You set a new low in tents and the damn zippers you put in them. And before you guys cop an attitude, I have been camping since I was at least 4 years old and I am now in ozark trail tents my mid-50s. You can leave a wall tent made from canvas up all year if you are willing to accept it will have a reduced life span and be willing to maintain it as and when needed. Chemical washes and sprays are straightforward to apply and will ensure your tent remains resistant and functional for many years.
It has everything you need for three-season camping, with the bonus of being light enough to double as an occasional backpacking tent. Although it’s designed to accommodate three people—hence the “3” in its name—we found that at 42.5 square feet, the tent is more comfortable for two, plus maybe a dog or lots of gear. Intuitive to set up, the Mineral King 3 has a full mesh body that clips into a hubbed set of poles. An adaptable fly provides protection during rain; you can roll it up and secure it at half-dome or completely remove it in fair weather for epic nights of stargazing. Two vestibules—that’s the camping word for “mudroom”—each add 18.75 extra square feet of livable space, which is handy when you want to store muddy boots or brew coffee from the comfort of your tent in the rain.
There is a large space between it and the top of the tent that might be a trap for strong wind so the fly gets ripped off. I think I will go shopping this week for another tent that I feel better about. Otherwise I like the tent but do not trust it to hold up in severe conditions.