Ozark Trail 9 x 9 Sport Dome Tent

Wow – a lot of people hate this tent. I may have made a mistake here – the one I’m referring to is the First-Up tent. It has a spring-loaded mechanism at the top that applies tension to the four armatures.

The first time I took it out was Feb 06. It was freaking cold and the wind was at 25 mph. We set it up and it withstood everything. The armatures did not bend or break. Even though it was meant for warm weather, we took the sides of the rainfly down and we were quite warm (the temp was 34f – now add the wind chill at 25 mph).

At the time I type this, my tent has been set up in my backyard for three months. I have not had to adjust it at all. You may be asking why it’s in my backyard = electricity. I sleep there at nights to conserve on my AC bill. I live in west Texas. In these months, this tent has withstood sandstorms, rain, and even hail. It is amazingly watertight. If I have entered into the wrong review for this tent, please let me know.

The only thing I can say bad about the tent are the Velcro straps that support the rainfly against the armatures of the tent. One of them separated from the rainfly.

A great tent. Lots of space. It is best suited for families on beaches. It is good for camping on flat ground in perfect weather conditions.

It is hard to setup. It is OK on hills, but not good with heavy winds or rain.

I would take this on a weekend camping trip to the beach. I wouldn't take it to Mount Everest.

The tent has flaps that open and close so you can control the ventilation. That is good because it is hot sometimes.

The tent is very roomy and has space for everyone and gear.

It is large and bulky. It is surprisingly large for the packing size.

There is a dog door that children can use as a door. It is also useful for getting bags and objects in and out.

It wears out after awhile. I have had this tent for 7 years.

I bought this tent when my ex and I separated. We had a 13x9 tent but I really did not want something that big when I was camping alone with my son.

Before we went on our first camping trip together, as the instructions stated, I sealed all seams and I even waterproofed the tent with spray Coleman waterproofing.

We are not hikers. We usually do our camping in the Northern part of AZ, either Woods Canyon Area or Flagstaff. The tent was relatively easy to put up after the first time doing it. I have a hard time folding it to fit in the bag but other than that, I have no major complaints.

I have not had any issues with leaking and the areas where we go are known for some major thunderstorms, we even had a few times of major hail with no major issues. (Remember to take the rain fly down instead of leaving it open for venting. The wind can blow rain into the tent).

It is roomy, we put a Queen size airmattress and still have room enough for a mat for the dog. It has storage compartments for keeping boots and such.

I bought my tent used for $20 from a friend. He had it for only 1 year and only used it (3) times.

I used it about 6 or 7 times. The poles didn't break, but are very weak. Also the "ZIPPER-SEAL" RIPPED for no obvious reason and also the "ZIPPER IS COMPLETE JUNK". The zipper handle and channel that closes the zipper comes off track very easily and won't go back together.

I am going to buy a different brand altogether and find something a little heaver duty. I don't mind if it will be heavier to carry, I can deal with that. I won't by any "OZARK TRAIL JUNK" again. As they say, you get what you pay for and I would gladly spend a little more money for better merchandise with a better warranty.

Jim in Indiana

I bought this tent 16 years ago. I still have it and still use it. Every year at the beginning of camping season I get it out of the attic, set it up, and spray the entire thing with campdry. I have never had any trouble with the the tent or poles.

This year I set it up in the garage to spray it for the season and one of the poles broke. I have been on line for 15 minutes and found a replacement pole kit that will work for $25. For $100 I never imagined I would be purchasing a tent that would last that long. I have no complaints and can't believe some of the ones that I read.

I bought this tent from Wal-Mart about 3 years on a whim when a friend of mine called up wanting to go camping. I have used it quit a few times since then and has held up great.

The poles are junk and started to split about a year in. I wrapped tape down the length of every pole and that has solved this issue.

As far as leaking, never had a problem. Took it to terrapin hill harvest festival this year and it was pretty much 4 days of thunderstorms.

If I had the money to buy a high end one, I definitely would go with that other than this. But on a budget, great tent.

The fabric portions of the tent worked well enough. The poles are a joke. I set it up and left it for 8 hours when we went on a canoe trip. Both poles were broken when we got back to camp. I had to leave a day early due to no place to sleep. The poles ripped through the rain fly, rendering the tent useless. I borrowed this from a friend trying to save money, now I'll need to buy a replacement tent. I won't be buying one of these to replace it.

My tent was given to me by my best girlfriend for my birthday last year. I've used it maybe 5 times. This last time, a few weekends ago, one of the poles split in half and the string inside another pole snapped. I couldn't fix it. I was sorely disappointed. I'll still use the tent as it is a good one but the pole issue is aggravating! The poles are not as strong or as well made as the older tents.

I hike the Adirondack mountains with this tent every weekend. Often in the high peaks the weather is unpredictable.

Carry this tent, and have had few problems. One of the elastic lines in the poles snapped but the tent was very functional anyway, and I fixed it at home fishing the line back through the poles. This is a part of hiking and camping. It's why they say "Roughing it".

Not a bad tent for the price.

Well I just purchased the 9x9 Sport Dome tent. Last night was the first night I used it. I had no problems whatsoever, but i can see where the poles would break. They're not thick like the old ones are but for 30 bucks I guess I can't complain. Perfect size lightweight and I think a great design!

I thought this tent looked great in the beginning. It was a breeze to set up and looked sharp. After returning from a hike and finding three of the four fiberglass tent poles snapped in two on the first day, I was not impressed. I guess this will be a good opportunity to evaluate the warranty.

We purchased this tent a year ago. We have only used it 2-3 times. One of the poles broke. Can't find replacement poles. The tent is great but the poles are useless. Wish the poles were as made as good as the rest of the tent.

I really love this tent. I have used it many times, never had a problem with it, love the design and the light weight. Leaking? Never had a problem. Went through a major rainstorm last weekend no problems at all.

Sorry, but I have to agree. The poles suck. One was shattered right out of the bag. We have another Ozark Trail tent that has lasted us for years. I have no idea what has changed.

Have been camping for many years and have never seen a more leaky, shoddily designed tent. Use a piece of rope, some plastic, and a couple of trees. You will be happier.

Nothing bad to say about the product. I purchased the tent back when Hurricane Katrina came through Mississippi. The problem now in 2016 is I cannot find my dome rods, any suggestions? 

Even with all seams sealed, this tent leaked badly in the rain. My sleeping bag and clothes were soaked. Customer Service was very unacceptable. This has been a nighmare experience.

The other two reviews were right on. Both poles broke after two uses. Very poor customer service department also. Would never buy another Ozark Trail tent product.

The tent design is perfect except for the tent poles. I took a two-day camping trip. When it came time to leave the poles were deformed.