Throughout my Stansport Scout Backpack Tent review, I will be discussing whether this tent is actually worth the money or if it’s simply not worth your time.
By the looks of it, you might want to spend your money on something that’s actually going to keep you dry without having to waterproof this thing left, right and center.
Anyway, if you want an unbiased opinion about this tent, I will be reviewing the Stansport Scout Backpack Tent in this very article and giving my honest opinion and letting you know if I would personally purchase it or not.
Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Product Overview
This tent is a classic, capable of housing 2 people. although that’s with no gear at all. It’s not the strongest tent in the world, hence why it’s really cheap.
To get the most out of this tent, it would need additional waterproofing for the walls, and probably every time you use it. Also this tent will need seam sealing before being used.
For overall protection against the elements it is also recommended to place a tarp over it, this is more of an essential if you want to stay dry overnight.
What Ultimate Benefits Does This Product Provide?
With so many dome-styled tents coming out on the market, it’s really hard to find an ‘A’ frame-styled tent.
And because it’s so lightweight, it’s good for hiking if you’re willing to carry the extra items to completely waterproof it.
What I really like about this tent though, is the actual frame, it really brings back some memories from camping in the backyard with the cousins when we were kids 🙂
If you don’t want to use it for camping, I also find that it makes a good playhouse for the little ones.
What Are Its Specifications?
Weight: 3.04 pounds
Wall Material: polyurethane-coated nylon
Pole Material: Aluminium
Frame Style: A-frame
Color: Forest Green
Maximum Height: 36 Inches
Dimensions: 5.2 x 5.4 x 15.4 inches
Who It’s For
This is a perfect choice for avid hikers or campers, that know a lot about tents, about waterproofing them and knowing how to get the most out of every tent they own.
The older people really enjoy taking this tent out for an extended hiking trip because it’s so lightweight, and because they know how to weatherproof it.
It’s NOT for family campers, car campers or someone trying to buy a cheap tent and expecting it to be flawless, because it isn’t.
However, it will make a great choice for backyard camping with the kids, if you’re willing to place a tarp over top for extra protection against the rain.
Pricing & Purchase Details
The price range of this tent varies between $20 and $40, now available from Amazon.com.
It also comes with a return warranty for 30 days, just in case you don’t want the tent, it can be returned for a full refund.
Pros
- It’s lightweight and makes a perfect choice for extended hiking trips, if you’re willing to go the extra mile to weatherproof it of course
- It’s a breeze to set up, and can be pitched within 5-10 minutes, even less once you know what you are doing
- This tent will keep you dry from LIGHT rain, not heavy rain
- Even if you’re a big guy, this tent would be something to consider if you are a solo camper and hiker
Cons
- Without weatherproofing this tent, average rainfall will leak inside the tent, while a downfall will destroy it
- Condensation is a huge problem with this tent due to the lack of ventilation
- The carry case won’t last long before it starts ripping
- Will need seam sealing and additional waterproofing to the entire tent, as well as a tarp over top just to make sure you are safe
- Anyone over 6’2″, it is going to be a tight fit for you
- It’s a pretty small 2 person tent, unless you don’t want to be touching each other as you sleep then you might want to consider going alone
- The stakes are very cheap, with the thickness being similar to a wire hanger!
Alternative/Similar Products
If you want something that’s ACTUALLY going to keep you safe from the elements without having to do any additional work to it, the ALPS Mountaineering 2 person would make a great choice.
Or maybe you want something slightly bigger, a 4 person tent perhaps?
A little more expensive than the ALPS, however still does a brilliant job with keeping the rain out and holding up in strong winds, then the Slumberjack 4 person tent is something to consider.
Do I Recommend This Tent?
If you’re an avid camper and hiker and you are aiming for the ultimate in lightness, and you simply don’t care that you need to constantly waterproof the walls and seam seal it then this tent IS for you.
I would also recommended you use a tarp over top of the tent for added protection against the rain.
It is an old school classic and I find the old-timers really enjoy using this tent, especially the ones that are regular hikers, they really like how this is so lightweight.
If you are one of these people, then this tent is for you!
My Final Opinion
All in all, it is what it is at the end of the day. It is a cheap tent and you get what you pay for, don’t expect it to keep you completely dry without additional weatherproofing first.
I would say this tent is only good to use if you have the know-how and have been an experienced camper/hiker for years.
A little DIY handy work will need to be done if you want to get the most out of this tent, which, in my eyes – just isn’t worth it, and something I wouldn’t even bother with.
So if you still want to go ahead and purchase this tent – click here for the Stansport Scout Backpack Tent.
Otherwise, if you are more interested in a tent that you can get and start using as soon as it arrives, you’re better off going for the Slumberjack 4 person tent < A better choice for family campers and someone who isn’t interested in doing additional weatherproofing.
Hi there. I am an avid camper and because I am a motorcyclist, I have gone to many bike rallies with the wrong tent. Thinking before hand oh, it will be fine and then getting there and sleeping in the wet, is not a good experience. Thank you for being direct and honest, guys like me appreciate this. This looks like a fun little tent but not for anything serious at all. Maybe just as you said, having fun with the kids in the backyard. Thank you for the great info!
That sucks a lot my friend, however I’m happy that you found my post helpful, and if you ever need a good tent don’t hesitate to ask.
You shouldn’t have to wake up at 3 a.m in a puddle of water. So just remember that I’m here to help you choose one that will fit your needs and actually going to keep you bone dry while standing strong in tough winds.
Take care Dirk,
Brandon
Years ago we used one of these when hiking in Mt Marcy New York and the first 2 nights we were fine. However, the 3rd night it poured and we ended up getting water in it. We had to find a lean-to so that we could stay dry the rest of the night. Good thing we were in a group and others had extra dry blankets. I agree that this is probably a great backyard tent for kids with the tarp to protect from rain. Great recommendations for those who enjoy camping and hiking!
Oh wow, that sounds like a terrible experience, however lucky that you knew how to create a lean-to shelter so you stayed dry for the rest of the night. The recommendations I have given are a MUCH better choice for campers and hikers, so I’m glad you noticed that 🙂 Thanks for the comment.
Kind regards,
Brandon
It is so funny because as soon as I started reading this post I thought “This looks perfect for my kids to camp out in the backyard”…and then you confirmed that thought! I appreciate how honest and thorough you were with information regarding this tent! Great post!
Haha, that’s quite funny. That’s pretty much all this tent is good for, a play house for the kids. I’m glad you found it helpful Rachel.
Take care,
Brandon
I think that you hit spot on with the review.
From the looks of it, you can’t expect much quality with a 40$ tent.
This is a good thing and bad thing I guess. If you’re a seasoned hiker and care only for the weight you will carry, than this sounds like a great option. Other than that, I think I will invest my money elsewhere.
However, from your photo it does look quite big on the inside. Wouldn’t two people feel comfortable inside?
Thank you Ido 🙂 You are correct, you get what you pay for I guess. I do like how it is lightweight though and works wonders on a hiking trip, only if you are prepared to do the extra weatherproofing work.
It CAN fit 2 people. But this tent has a problem with condensation, and with 2 people inside this tent both of you will be touching the sides. Not a good idea with condensation sitting on the walls. Lol
Happy to help.
-Brandon
Nicely written with an upfront and honest opinion. I used to go camping when I was a kid and probably will be doing it again soon as I now have 2 kids of my own. I do like the cheapness of this tent as it would be good for the odd night with the kids as a garden fun activity. Thanks for the insight and the pros and cons.
Hello there Trevor, thanks for the feedback buddy. Yes, you should 100% take them on a camping trip, which I find to be great for bonding with them as well.
I would say that this tent IS actually good for the backyard if you’re willing to put a tarp over top, and definitely if you plan on sleeping out there. You should check out these backyard camping activities so you can do a trial run at home before embarking on a real trip.
Kind regards,
Brandon
I used a tent very much like this for a total perhaps 200 nights, including about 8 weeks continuous use. It shouldn’t leak much if seams are carefully sealed and tent is tautly pitched.
Condensation ordinarily isn’t intolerable, but can become so in relatively rare atmospheric conditions that include cold temperatures and high dew point. It’s not really suitable for snow — unless one carries a bivy sack to protect sleeping bag.
It’s a one-person tent. Not bad — assuming one understands its limitations.
Definitely agree with you Bill. When you’re using a tent as often as you did, it should be constantly waterproofed even though it’s not a must.
It’s just best to take precautions because it’s too risky otherwise.
You are also right about understanding the Stansport Scouts limitations. You have to know what you’re getting yourself into and what it offers before you can get maximum potential out of it.
You’ll be asking for trouble if you’re new to the camping world and looking for a cheap tent to save money, whereas if you’re an expert you’ll know what you’re getting right away and you can make it work for YOU.
The weight is great so that is almost a bonus for backpacking.