This cheap backpacking tent might be a viable option if you’re on a budget, BUT we will have to dig a little deeper to find the real quality of this product.
In this Ozark Trail 1 Person Backpacking Tent review, I’m going to be discussing all the details and features of this tent, along with different reviews/feedback from around the internet regarding this specific tent.
In addition to that, I will show you where to get one for yourself and my final recommendation, to let you know if this tent is worth purchasing or just a waste of money.
Great Value For Money!
Summary:
For the price of this tent, don’t expect it to last you for many years, because it will NOT. However, that’s not to say that it isn’t worth the price, because it definitely is! The low price range and the amount of protection it offers makes this tent a no-brainer!
The Specs
Product Name: Ozark Trail 1 Person Backpacking Tent
Cheapest Place To Buy: Amazon.com
Color: Orange
Size: 1-person
Rating: 3-season
Maximum Weight: 4.4 pounds
Center Height: 3.08 feet
Floor Size: 7 x 5 feet
Floor Area: 30 Sq. ft
Packed Size: 21.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches
Gear Loft Included: Yes
Footprint Included: No
The Details
- A gear loft is INCLUDED in the purchase, as well as 2 interior mesh pockets for valuables
- There is a built-in E-port to so you can route your extension cord through and into the tent without unzipping the door
- It packs up very small into a stuff sack. However, it looks really big when it is pitched, while it has a large amount of interior space as well – larger than other solo tents anyway
- It contains great water-resistant fabric material. The fly is FULLY taped, allowing it to perform like a charm in the rain
- The guylines and poles are really great as well, as they can withstand strong winds
- This tent also contains a mesh roof so you can get the best ventilation possible while being able to sleep under the stars. It even offers outside views during the day due to the mesh panels on the walls!
- The door is “D-shaped”, meaning people (especially larger ones) can get in and out in a cinch
What I Like
- E-Port – So the Electrical Port is not something you see all the time on a 1-person tent
- Ample Room – The floor layout is REMARKABLE in my honest opinion. Other solo tents over $100 still don’t come close to how much interior space this tent offers
- Mesh Walls – The mesh panels and roof was another feature that I liked. Even though these aren’t uncommon in 1-person tents, a lot of them still don’t provide stargazing opportunities. But this one does!
What I Don’t Like
- No Vestibule – I’m not a big fan of having no vestibule. But of course, that’s probably why this tent has so much room inside, simply because you’ll have to store your equipment inside the tent
- The Weight – The weight is on the higher side for backpacking tents, but definitely still good enough, nonetheless
Ozark Trail 1 Person Backpacking Tent Reviews
Below I have outlined some feedback from around the web for this specific tent.
A lot of the feedback isn’t even worth mentioning, which is why I’ve only outlined the major ones.
Here are my favorites, I hope you find them helpful 🙂
The Good Feedback
Here’s what Sam A. had to say about this tent on Amazon.com:
“This tent is great!!! Kept me dry and it’s windproof, took it camping twice. It’s lightweight and easy to set up, took me about 10 minutes after practice at home…I’m 6 foot, and I slept comfortably, also, I have enough room to throw my backpack inside and gear as well as my boots.”
R Witt also loved the quality of this tent, especially for the price of it:
“I was VERY skeptical about purchasing this tent for only $23 and expecting it to be of any quality.
This tent exceeded my expectations. It is big enough for 1.5 people and the quality is outstanding. I set it up in 20 mph winds and it was solid. The thickness of material and quality of seams is remarkable. The top of the tent is mesh and the rain cover sits over the fiberglass poles giving a couple inches of room for the tent to breathe.”
Here’s a review from a user called jan on Amazon:
“Perfect for one person, even a large person. EZ up/down. Can even fit it back into the bag and that’s a plus! Room enough for gear and a dog 🙂
The screening is nice to view the stars or for a cool breeze. You will want a tarp on the ground to protect the thin flooring. The seams appeared to be taped but I am going to seam seal and water proof anyway as I do all my gear. I am going to buy one for my son next.”
One user called Foodee at Walmart.com found this tent to exceed their expectations as well:
“I bought this tent as an alternative to the SansBugs pop-up mosquito net for my son’s sleep-away camp. At this sale price, it is less than 1/2 of the SansBugs and offers better protection with the rainfly and more privacy with the fabric at the bottom.
This tent can fit the Alps Mountaineering lightweight cot inside. In comparison to my other tents from REI, Mountainsmith and Big Agnes, this tent is well-made for the price.
The no-see-um netting is not as fine as the other more expensive tents but my son did not have problems with mosquitos during his one-week use.”
The Complaints
Here’s a 3-star rating from lostvermonter:
I love this tent! I slept in it in a drizzling rain around thirty-two degrees and I stayed dry. I gave it only three stars because the tent material was completely soaked – though I was dry.
Other tents I have, even cheap ones, shed water nicely, but this is definitely a dry weather tent. The fabric was damp, and if I put my hand on it my hand was soaked, but it was not beading up on the inside of the tent or dripping.
Jaymie outlined the positives and negatives for her 2-star rating:
“Took this tent camping at Petit Le Mans (racing). 5 days in great weather! Positives about the tent; it’s light, spacious, easy to pack up. NEGATIVES; hook broke During assembly, cheap material, not enough storage inside. If it rains, water will collect in the awkward top. assembling the thing wasn’t the easiest, with IKEA type directions. My advice, spend the extra money for a better quality tent.”
Pros And Cons
Pros | Cons |
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Who This Tent Would Be Suited For
If you’re not an experienced camper, it will still work great for a backyard camp out with the kids.
Otherwise, if you know what you are doing in the great outdoors and you are fully competent at seam sealing the tent so you can ensure no leaks will happen, then you’ll definitely find this tent to work for you.
To recap:
If you’re NOT fully competent in the great outdoors, then you can use it for car camping just so you have the car as a backup plan!
Are you an avid camper or backpacker? Don’t forget to seam seal it and give it the hose test – and often, just to be on the safe side.
Where To Get Yours
You can go here and get the Ozark Trail 1 Tent.
The reason why I shop with Amazon.com is because they have VERY fast deliveries and they don’t skimp over offering the best services and deals either.
Because they DEFINITELY have the best deals.
I like the 30-day return policy the most. This allows you to get send the tent back and get a full refund – no questions asked!
Also, in those first 30 days, if you happen to get any defects on the tent, you can get a repair.
What Do I Think About This Tent?
It is truly one of the best “bang for your buck” solo tents that I have reviewed so far.
No, it will not last you for many years to come, but it is still a great option for those of you who want one that is very cheap WHILE keeping you safe and sheltered from the elements.
Since it has exceeded many users expectations entirely, it is clearly a great option for people on a budget.
Due to the many benefits I have mentioned in this article, AND since the good feedback heavily outweigh the bad, you’ll be getting a great bargain if you decide to purchase one for yourself!
Check The Price Of This Tent While It’s Still Cheap!
Did you find all the answers you were looking for?
Leave a comment below 🙂
Cheers!
-Brandon
Camping Mastery
Great Value For Money!
Summary:
For the price of this tent, don’t expect it to last you for many years, because it will NOT. However, that’s not to say that it isn’t worth the price, because it definitely is! The low price range and the amount of protection it offers makes this tent a no-brainer!
For that price i think is a great deal. That’s a great review and i really like that you mentioned the cons and what others had to say about the tent.
Thanks, I’m Glad you enjoyed my review 🙂
This tent looks like a great choice for me for a few reasons. You had me hooked when you said about stargazing. I love to watch the stars so I would love to use this in my backyard. I was also pleased to see that you think that it would be great for the kids. I am sure me and my girls would have great fun out there playing. And then later at night I can teach them the constellations. I did wonder whether you thought that this tent has an age limit. I mean it should be safe enough for kids right?
Thank you, Owain, I’m also a big fan of stargazing the clear night sky 🙂
There is no age limit in my honest opinion. If you’re in the backyard, just make sure to camp in the tent as well so you can help the kids if it does start to rain and leak. Even though there’s only a slight chance, it’s always best to be safe.
Very nice review. This is the way; in my opinion, how a review should be written. You leave no question unanswered, and still offer alternatives to the product. I am sorry for the critique but I had to mention your excellent work.
Thank you for your kind words. I really hope I helped you make a final decision, Maurice. Good luck 🙂
I think this Ozark Trail tent is amazing. Yes, you rarely get to see stars while you’re lying inside your tent. This really caught my attention.
I think I have to make some adjustments in spending department so I can get this tent.
It is indeed a great tent for the price. It was actually much cheaper than it is today, but because it has received such great feedback from the public, they decided to raise the price. It goes to show how powerful reviews and feedback really is.
And if you want to take the rain fly off so you can see the stars, make sure to check the weather forecast!
This is a brilliant review, who knew you would be able to go into so much detail into one product, there isn’t anything I would want to ask about this product, you have covered all bases.
I like how you have separated the review into sections, very clear.
I am not a very confident camper, but think for the price it is a great deal. When my children have grown up I look forward to camping in the garden so will look into this or very similar products.
That is good to hear, Beverly – and I’m super grateful for the nice feedback 🙂