User Review: Ozark Trail Hiker Dome

Reviewed January 27, 2004 by Tim

Rating:
Design: dome
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: easy
Weight: 5 lbs.
Price Paid: 40 bucks

With the hopes of clearing up any confusion, this review regards the Hiker Dome tent, by Ozark Trail, sold at Wal-mart. My assumption is that the previous Ozark Trails tent reviews also referred to this tent.

The most important thing in any tent purchase to consider is amount of use. Would I use this to climb Everest? NO. Would I use it on a weekend trip to a state park with the family? 100 percent yes. It holds several appealing features that make it worth the price.

1. It is very space friendly. Not a lot of head room, but you and your companions will feel comfy with room to toss and turn at night. Plus with two people, it's got plenty of gear space. The foot lockers are a nice addition for books and what not. Since they are accesible from the inside as well as the out, they are nice for keeping often used knick knacks close at hand. The detachable attic storage makes keeping items like jackets up off the ground and out of the way.

2. This is the easiest tent to set up, I have ever owned. By myself, and with the rainfly, it goes up in about 12 minutes. The shock cords on the poles make them quick on the assembly, and the large vents in the roof make non rainy nights cool and enjoyable. For me, there is a lot of appeal in being able to lay in the tent and look at the stars.

3. In the first three months of using this tent, I have found the care to be minimal. It went on several camping trips in that time and each time proved to be a value.

I do admit there are a few downfalls. The stakes that come with it are ok, but I would recommend upgrading to better stakes. The factory stakes are really cheap, and could bend easily with heavy use. Also, this tent does require you to water seal the seams yourself, which if done improperly, could result in leaks and such.

Really the bottom line here is the value for the price. I have not seen a tent like this, that comes anywhere close to the price. A tent is nothing more than shelter from bugs and the elements while enjoying the outdoors. Based on the other options available (tents, RV's, cabins, even motels) if you get five trips, that's five nights out of this tent, it has more than paid for itself. On the higher end tents of this style, you may have to use it 50 times to meet the same value per use.

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Where to Buy

Sorry, we couldn't find any online retailers selling the Ozark Trail Hiker Dome. You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these sites:

• Buy direct from Wal-Mart
• Trailspace Classifieds
• eBay ( US | Canada | UK | Aus )
• GearTrade

Retailers: Do you sell the Ozark Trail Hiker Dome? List your site here.

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