Sometimes you want a change from the traditional dome-styled or 2-4 person tents, maybe you want to try out a teepee-styled tent? Them I’m guessing that’s probably why you are here, to find out if this tent is worth the money.
But will it keep the rain out and is the material strong enough to hold up in high winds? Those aren’t the only questions I’ll be answering in this article. So if you want to see how this tent performs in the field, keep reading my Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent Review to find out more.
A Great Concept, But Might Not Keep You Completely Dry
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Functionality
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Waterproof
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Strength
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Worth The Price?
Summary
The Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent has been known to handle high winds and heavy downpours, but there are also a large number of users who have found this tent to be completely garbage when trying to combat the elements.
I eventually came to the conclusion that it is so cheaply-made, meaning only some of the buyers have received low quality ones, while a lot of them have received a decent enough one that’s going to keep you dry in the rain.
 Pros |
 Cons |
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Specifications
Product name: Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent
Cheapest place to buy: Amazon.com
Color: Olive Green
Size: 6 people
Rating: 3 season
Weight: 14 lbs, 13 oz
Center height: 6 ft 6 in
Base Size: 10 x 10 feet
Packed size: 30″ x 8″ x 8″
What Is This Tent?
This tent has been designed to look like a Teepee for the individuals that want a change from the traditional camping style. It offers room to sleep in AND space for your equipment. The manufacturers want you to know that just because it looks old-fashioned, you should not be fooled.
The style/design may be old-fashioned, but the Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent has been upgraded with a host of modern features, making it a lot better than just a shack. It is constructed of HEAVY-DUTY polyester.
This typical material supposedly does a great job at combating the rain and wind.
Due to the peak construction, it creates a large space inside the tent for your gear and a large place to sleep. The mesh windows allow the air to circulate so your tent will stay fresh and breezy, night and day.
The official product description keeps putting an emphasis on BIG SAVINGS, the company are claiming that it is worth much more than the current price tag.
Key Features
- Shell – The shell consists of a polyester fabric with a waterproof 190-denier coating, creating a rugged and lightweight finish. In addition to that, it has had a 1,000 mm polyurethane coating applied to it as well for even more weather resistance
- Windows and Floor: Both of these have been weatherproofed. The polyethylene floor is sewn-in for maximum protection from the rain while the seams have also been sealed from factory
- Center Pole – This is made of steel and is used to hold up the center of the tent. It is incredibly durable due to it being STEEL
- Ventilation – There are multiple ground vents to offer breathable comfort as well as a mesh peak (covered with hooded fly) to give ventilation as well, along with the windows of course
Is This Tent Unique?
It is very different than the traditional, dome-shaped tents.
The one thing I liked the most about this tent is the different design that it offers. There’s a lot of room to move around in – if you don’t mind the center pole that holds up the tent of course, as it has been known to get in the way.
Who Should Buy This Tent?
This tent is a perfect choice for weekend campers, overnight trips, backyard camping and short, wilderness camping trips.
But because it isn’t the best at keeping the rain out, I would have to recommend it for summer camping ONLY.
I wouldn’t recommended this tent to be pitched in a public campground either, due to the many (20) guy lines that surround the tent and expand 3 feet around the outside of it.
But if you can get some sort of lighting or glow sticks attached to the bottom of the guy lines just to remind people they are there at night, will be a huge help, especially if you are camping with kids.
For those of you who don’t know, multiple trips over the lines can cause damage to the tent.
Where Can I Buy?
The price range varies between $100 and $130, while it is also available with free shipping if you shop from Amazon.com.
Upon ordering this product you will be given 30 day return policy. If you’re dissatisfied with this product, simply return it for a full refund, and if it has any defects it can be returned for a repair.
Do I Recommend This Tent?
To be honest, I will have to say no. This is due to the fact you might get a low quality Guide Gear tent (one that’s not 100% waterproof and has cheap materials that’s likely going to break on your first trip).
However, you can completely take a gamble, bite the bullet and order one. You may get lucky and receive one of the good tents, one that will stand in strong ones and keep the rain out in a heavy downpour.
Personally, I think it’s just not worth taking the risk.
If you are planning to camp in the summer time and you absolutely know there will be no rain, and you like the design and appearance of it, then it is definitely for you!
But I will have to give this tent a thumbs down. There are so much better options in the same price range.
Alternative Tent
If you don’t want to take a gamble, thinking you’ll get waterproof and sturdy Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent, only to be let down with a bad one, then you might want to check out this 6 person tent instead.
This one is ACTUALLY waterproof, very sturdy in high winds and incredibly spacious too, especially with the screened porch that it offers.
My Final Opinion
The Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent has a great design and gets all the attention from passerby, but that isn’t as important as keeping you dry through the night.
It isn’t 100% waterproof, even after using seam sealer the material is just too low quality to be able to keep you safe in rough weather.
Don’t get me wrong, the Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent will make an interesting backyard fort for the kids or for a camping trip during the warmer months when you aren’t expecting any rain.
However, if you’re looking for something more serious, worth your money AND has a higher chance of keeping you bone dry when a sudden rainstorm hits you during the night – then this tent from Coleman is more recommended for you.
See The Higher Quality 6 Person Tent Here
A Great Concept, But Might Not Keep You Completely Dry
-
Functionality
-
Waterproof
-
Strength
-
Worth The Price?
Summary
The Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent has been known to handle high winds and heavy downpours, but there are also a large number of users who have found this tent to be completely garbage when trying to combat the elements.
I eventually came to the conclusion that it is so cheaply-made, meaning only some of the buyers have received low quality ones, while a lot of them have received a decent enough one that’s going to keep you dry in the rain.
Interesting design. It looks attractive and practical, and probably easy to set up. I can see how easy it would be for rain to drip inside each time the entry ways are opened. Thanks for the review will need to investigate more.
Hi Alan. Yes, you are correct. It does have an interesting design and something you don’t really see in public campgrounds – making this tent very unique. However it isn’t the greatest for keeping the rain out and I would say it’s only good for backyard camping. Thanks for the comment!
Nice review, Brandon. Fun and informative.
The design does look a bit odd, to my eyes. Does look spacious on the inside, but I’ll take your verdict on its merits. After all, if a tent can’t keep out the elements then in the end, what’s the point of even bringing one? You’d be better off sleeping in your car.
Thanks for the comment Andrew, the design is a very different style and a good choice if you want to be different. And you are correct, there’s no point in having a tent if the rains going to get inside.
This tent looks like it has lots of room inside plus plenty of headroom (in the center). I don’t like guy wires so this tent would not be a good fit for me. I was not aware that some of these tents are not waterproof. That is at least half the reason for having a tent – to keep the weather outside the tent!
I am sure glad I read this review. I like the way you made it very easy to understand – the good – the bad. I am going to remember this website when we go shopping for a tent this summer. thank you for the great advice!
Hey Kenneth. Yeah, you would think that all tents would be waterproof, but unfortunately this isn’t the case.
I think so many manufacturers worry about the design too much and completely forget about the entire purpose of a tent in the first place, so they just “half ass” the waterproofing process.
And that’s when you end up with a tent like the Guide Gear 10×10, one that provides a great design but also has a very high chance of leaking 🙁 I’m just happy to expose the bad ones.
Because I wouldn’t want a tent that’s going to leak, in the middle of the night, when I have my partner and kids in with me.
So it’s best to be truthful about it and not praise every single one, or I could be responsible for someone getting all their equipment completely soaked a 2 in the morning, cutting their entire trip short as a result.
Thanks stopping by and leaving a comment.
Take care,
Brandon
That is a very thorough review full of great information. Thank you for putting it together, it makes it a lot easier to make an informed decision.
My last camping experience wasn’t a good one, it rained during the night, everything inside the tent got soaked and we felt so cold, that I thought I was never going to repeat this experience. 🙂 But it looks like all it takes is a good tent and your reviews are really helpful!
Hi Marina. That really sucks that that has happened to you. When that happens it really makes you NOT want to go on a camping trip ever again. However, if you can find a tent that has proven to work for hundreds, and possibly even thousands of people, then you absolutely know that it is one of the better ones. The Guide Gear 10×10 Teepee Tent is not one of those tents. That’s great that you found my reviews helpful. And don’t let one bad experience put you off camping for life, all it takes is a decent tent.
Take care,
Brandon
I would love to go out camping and your article have helped me a lot with the camping info. As it is highly unlikely of me stepping out in the unfavorable weather, I may take a gamble on this tent because I liked it sure does grabs attention. Wish me luck and thanks for this post.
Hey Jed 🙂 This tent does make a great choice, but ONLY if you’re camping out in dry conditions and you 100% know there won’t be any surprise weather though, then go for it!
Good luck out there,
Brandon
When I was a kid, we were always camping with my family and unfortunately, with my busy lifestyle I never had the chance to camp since my teenage years. I wish I would have more time to enjoy the rich fullness of nature and all its beautiful landscape.
My uncle, who is an avid amateur of camping is always looking for new stuff and when coming across your great and thorough review I thought I would recommend him your site. That was very well done and I am sure he could use some tips.
Thank you
Hey Jean, it’s just a matter of going out and giving it a go, even if it’s just for 1 night! 1 night away from all the busyness can really do great things for you.
I’m hope your uncle finds this site to be helpful as well 🙂
Good luck,
Brandon
Excellent review and I love the images, they really show you how big or small the tents are. Very indepth research and I can tell you like camping. Not something for me anymore I am afraid LOL 🙂
Haha, well thanks for the comment, Helen. Have you considered going with a few family members or friends, even a dog or 2? The more people and guards (dogs), the more company = less scariness. Well that’s how it usually works anyway 😛
Good luck
-Brandon
Hey Brandon. I have always enjoyed camping. I have spent a lot of time camping when I was younger. now I’m waiting on my kids to grow up a little before I start again, they are still really young and it would probably be a big hassle. Anyway, I really enjoyed your site. I have a cabin tent and a couple of dome tents. never thought of getting a teepee style tent. I think its a cool idea except the fact you might end up with water in it, but it would be cool to have. You have good reviews on these tents and if I were in the market for a new tent your site would be the place I would go.
Hello Philip! I’m glad that you enjoy camping. Camping with kids is definitely a big hassle. However, it can be done. Don’t neglect valuable family time simply because it will “be too hard”, because the benefits of camping with your kids are much larger than the hassle it’s going to take.
But moving on.
I agree with you. It would have been a great tent if it actually kept the rain out. Maybe next time the manufacturers will take their time to really think it through before rushing the creating/designing process.
-Brandon
Wow, Brandon. This is a great review of the tent. I love the rating system and the pro vs con list. Very informative and I appreciate the honesty as well. I don’t have a whole lot of experience with camping and choosing tents so this, along with some of your other related posts, pushes me I think in the right direction to fully enjoy a camping experience using a quality tent. One that will keep out the rain 🙂 For someone without a lot of experience with tent setup, would you recommend one that is easy to put together? Thanks
Hey there Kayla. Most “dome”-styled tents are fairly easy to use, and that’s because most of them are freestanding and only require 2 poles for an easier and faster setup than what other tents offer.
On the other hand “instant” setup tents are even more easier. The only downside is that they are heavier as well. The CORE 6 will probably take you about 2 minutes your first time around. But after that, you can literally get it done in 60 seconds flat.
What a good question.
Kind regards,
Brandon
Great review. The design is awesome but the dealbreaker is that it’s not waterproof. My fiance and I did some tent camping last summer and we upgraded to a pop-up camper in the fall for the extra comfort and to avoid the rain problem entirely. We do get some condensation which sucks, but we’re already planning to save up for an RV.
In the meantime, do you have any tips and products you can recommend to use on minimizing condensation in a pop-up camper? I would love to see a future post on that.
Oh yes, the good ol’ pop up campers. Condensation builds up due to your breath throughout the night. If you can leave the windows open to allow fresh air coming in then that would be a huge help towards it.
Most pop up campers have mesh on the windows so you can leave them open during the night. This is your best way at reducing the condensation if you aren’t afraid of leaving them open, of course. Hope this helps you Vanessa, thanks for stopping by.
-Brandon
I’m not to fussed about design. As long as it does the job then it’s fine with me. Unfortunately though I was dismayed to see that people have complained about it actually not being waterproof. So I don’t think I will take the gamble with this one. Knowing my luck I will get a bad one.
Design can be huge for some people. But if you don’t care about the design, then there’s no point getting this tent – since it has trouble keeping the rain out!
Taking a gamble is not worth it when your family, friends and equipment is on the line. You simply can not take gambles or risks, it just isn’t worth it. I’m glad you made the right choice, Owain.
Good luck,
Brandon
This is pretty unique but I think a bit complicated and the cons are enough to make me seek another design. Thanks for offering other options on this review. I really like the 6 person tent. It is simple, light weight, and better for hunting.
Great review,
Mike
I agree with you, 100%. Oh you talking about the other 6 person tent, the CORE 6 Instant Cabin Tent? Yes, that is a much better, viable option.
Thanks for the thorough review!
I’m quite surprised that it’s actually very spacious inside. Also, this tent’s design is something that I’ve never seen before. However, it’s ability to sustain in tough weather conditions like heavy downpour and strong wind will be my greatest concern for this. It’s vulnerability can be increased due to its big size. Also, as you mentioned, the big center pole will be quite troublesome when carrying around.
Anyway, thanks for this honest and really thorough review. Great job!
The center pole would indeed be a troublesome item when carting this tent around. However, when it’s pitched, it JUST has enough space to hold a queen-sized air mattress to the side of it. I was very surprised and impressed, to say the least – lol.
Cheers,
Brandon
I like the way it looks. (Sometimes I like to stick out in a crowd:-)) I also like the spaciousness of it. However I don’t want to be out camping and have to be worrying about rain because my tent might not be able to keep me dry. I think I will have to pass on this tent and go for another brand.
Thanks for the review.
Sometimes it feels good to stand out from the others – especially when you have a great-looking tent like this one! It’s obviously a great choice to use as a fort for the kids in the backyard, or if you know there’s going to be no rain whatsoever, then it might be a tent to consider.
But in the meantime, if you’re looking for a completely waterproof tent, you’re better off staying right away from the Guide Gear – as you might wake up with your bedding and gear completely SOAKED in the middle of the night.
Good luck,
Brandon
Just bought one, set it up to water proof treat it. Seems like decent material, along with construction. Going on extended hunting trip with it, thunderstorms predicted second day. Will give better in field review after second day.
The one I have is the camo version, if that makes a diff.
Wow, I wish you all the best, Trickywoo. The normal version is known to leak so I really hope that the camo version is a much better build. You’re really taking a gamble taking this tent when there’s going to be thunderstorms.
Definitely have a backup plan so you’re not forced to cut your trip short. Anyway, I’d love to hear how your trip goes. Let us know 😀
Ok, gail force winds, torrential down pour, still dry and tight. Another band of it due in tonight. As of now the only “bad” thing I have to say about it is I have to go outside to open the vents, but that’s no biggie. I treated it first thing when it came in with silicone water repellant, as any semi knowledgeable person would do. Set it up out here about two miles into wilderness area. Staked it out snug, tightened the guy ropes and it’s been all I could ask for.
Great to hear man. Of course silicone water repellent will do the trick, no doubt about that 🙂 I’m glad it has worked out for you thus far. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you purchase the camo version? Online or at a store?
Cheers,
Brandon