Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent

Introduction

Camping is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities that allows you to get back to nature and spend quality time with your loved ones. And one of the most important pieces of gear for a great camping trip is a tent. The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent is an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable, spacious and durable tent that can comfortably fit up to 6 people.

This buying guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent to help you determine if it’s the right tent for your needs. We will cover the tent’s key features, specifications, setup process, popular accessories, comparison with other brands, customer reviews and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent is the perfect fit for your next outdoor adventure.

Key Features and Specifications

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent offers the following features and specs:

• Spacious interior: With 90 x 108 x 72 inch dimensions, this tent provides abundant space for up to 6 campers and their gear. The center height of 72 inches allows most people to stand upright comfortably.
• Weather-resistant: The tent’s 68D polyester taffeta floor and 75D polyester fly resist UV damage and keep you dry in rainy conditions. The factory-sealed fly and inverted seams provide extra water protection.
• Good ventilation: Mesh roof vents, mesh windows and a mesh door allow hot air to escape and cool breezes to flow through. This ventilation keeps the tent interior comfortable on warmer nights.
• Ease of setup: With its 2-pole dome design, the tent can be set up by 1-2 people in 10-15 minutes. Pin-and-ring system and Insta-Clip pole attachments make setup smooth and frustration-free.
• Lightweight and portable: Weighing 20.6 lbs and featuring a compact carry bag, this tent is easy to transport for car camping trips or short backpacking excursions.
• Bonus storage options: The tent includes a media pocket to store phones, keys, etc. Interior gear loops and pockets offer extra storage and organization.

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

Setting up the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent is quick and straightforward:

1. Find a flat, level campsite free of rocks, sticks and other debris, and clear the area you want the tent placed. Unroll and unfold the tent, and spread it out.
2. Assemble the 2 fiberglass poles by inserting each section into the next. The poles are color-coded to match pole sleeves on the tent.
3. Insert one assembled pole through the long rear pole sleeve that runs across the top of the tent.
4. Insert the other pole through the front pole sleeve. Connect the Insta-Clip attachments at each pole end to the tent corners. This forms the dome shape.
5. Attach the plastic clips along the bottom of each pole to the tent floor to keep the poles firmly in position.
6. Lay the rainfly over the tent and align it properly. Connect the buckles at the rainfly corners to their mates on the tent floor.
7. Pull the rainfly taut and stake it down in at least 8 places using the guy ropes and steel stakes.
8. Stake down the tent floor around the edges.
9. You may optionally use the guy ropes and stakes to pull out the vestibules at each door for added weather protection and storage space underneath.

That’s it! You now have a secure and cozy home base for your camping adventures. With practice, setup can be accomplished in 10 minutes.

Is the Tent Waterproof?

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent provides good water resistance thanks to its polyester taffeta floor and 75D polyester rainfly. The floor has a hydrostatic rating of 1000 mm and is factory-sealed to guard against moisture seeping through. Likewise, the rainfly has sealed seams and is coated for water repellency.

In light to moderate rain, the tent keeps occupants and gear dry. The rainfly covers the entire tent, and its awning-style vestibules shield the doors from precipitation. In prolonged heavy downpours, some seepage may occur through the seams and floor since this tent does not have a tub-style bathtub floor like more expensive models.

While not 100% waterproof, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent delivers reliable wet weather performance that matches or exceeds more costly competitor tents. With proper maintenance and seam sealing as needed, the tent provides good livability in rainy camping conditions.

Tent Materials and Durability

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent is constructed from the following materials:

• Floor: 68D Polyester Taffeta, 1000 mm hydrostatic rating
• Body: 75D Embossed Polyester Taffeta
• Rainfly: 75D Polyester with 1200 mm polyurethane coating
• Frame: 7.9 mm Fiberglass poles
• Misc: No-see-um mesh, zippers, webbing, guy ropes

The 68D floor and 75D body offer a good balance of strength, lightweight and affordability. While not as rugged as more expensive ripstop polyester or nylon fabrics, customer reviews indicate the materials are sufficiently durable for casual camping in fair weather.

With proper care and maintenance, the tent should provide several seasons of use before showing significant signs of wear. Avoid campsites with sharp rocks or sticks that could abrade or puncture the floor. Sealing seams and tears promptly with adhesive sealant will also prolong the tent’s life.

Overall, while not built for extreme backcountry expeditions, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent offers reliable quality and durability for most recreational car camping scenarios.

Weight and Portability

With a packed weight of 20.6 pounds and a compact carry bag, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent strikes a nice balance of livable space and portability. Most reviewers found the tent manageable for transport from the parking lot to the campsite, and for storage at home between trips.

While on the heavier end for backpacking tents, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent can still work for short backpacking excursions if the total pack weight remains reasonable. For longer treks, a lighter backpacking-specific tent is recommended. But for car camping and short hikes into a base camp, this tent offers a nice combination of capacity and portability.

Where to Buy the Ozark Trail Tent

The Ozark Trail camping line is exclusive to Walmart stores and Walmart.com. The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent typically retails between $78 – $125 depending on whether any sales or promotions are running.

The tent is stocked consistently at most Walmart locations with an outdoor sporting goods section. However, color choices and availability may vary by store. Searching for local in-stock inventory on Walmart.com before visiting can be helpful.

In addition to Walmart:

• Amazon.com – The tent is sometimes available from third party sellers on Amazon, typically for a bit over the Walmart retail price.
• Ebay.com – New and used options are often listed for sale on Ebay. Be sure to check seller ratings.
• Facebook Marketplace – Users may list new or used tents for local pickup. Meet in a public place when buying from individuals.

While availability can fluctuate, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent provides an excellent value and is one of the most popular and affordable 6-person tents on the market. With over 280 reviews and 4.4/5 stars on Walmart.com, it’s a tent that appeals to families and novice campers looking for generous space at a budget-friendly price point.

Rainfly Features

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent comes equipped with a full-coverage rainfly to shield the tent from sun, rain, dew and wind. Key features include:

• 75D Polyester fabric with 1200mm polyurethane coating for water repellency
• Awnings over doors – Prevent rain from entering through the doors
• Vestibules at doors – Provide sheltered storage space underneath
• Full coverage – Protects entire tent from the elements
• Vents – Prevent condensation buildup inside tent
• Reflective guy ropes and pole clips – For visibility and safety at night

The rainfly is very simple and straightforward to install. Just drape it over the tent, align it properly, attach the buckles to the tent floor, then stake out the guy ropes. But this simple rainfly is highly effective – owners report the tent remaining dry even in heavy rain when the fly is installed correctly.

While basic, the rainfly gets the job done well at a fraction of what higher-end tents cost. For occasional recreational camping in varied conditions, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent rainfly offers dependable performance.

Reviews and Ratings

With over 280 reviews across multiple retailers, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent enjoys a strong 4.4 out of 5 star average rating. Here is a summary of common pros and cons from customer reviews:

Pros

• Very spacious and comfortable for 6 people
• Excellent value and price for the size
• Easy to set up and take down
• Surprisingly water resistant in rain
• Tall enough to stand up in
• Vestibules provide protected storage

Cons

• Heavy and bulky for extensive backpacking
• Not 100% waterproof in extreme rain
• Fabric tears more easily than costly tents
• Condensation can form inside in high humidity
• Packed size is large

While not without some flaws, reviews indicate the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent exceeds expectations for the price and offers roomy and reliable performance perfect for casual camping and gatherings with family and friends. Many customers buy it year after year.

Comparison to Other Brands

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent competes with these tents from other top brands:

• Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent – Similar price and quality. More resistant to high winds but heavier at 27.6 lbs.
• Coleman Skydome 6-Person Tent – Also very affordable at around $100. Not as tall and smaller vestibules.
• Eureka Copper Canyon 6 Tent – Sturdier and more weatherproof. But costs 2-3x more.
• Kelty Wireless 6 Tent – Lighter at 15 lbs but expensive at $300+. Better for serious backpacking.
• REI Kingdom 6 Tent – Highly waterproof and durable. Much pricier at $500+, but better for frequent and extreme use.

While the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent may not match premium tents in build quality or performance, it holds its own remarkably well given its budget price, and excels in providing spaciousness and easy setup. For family camping in mild weather, it’s hard to beat.

Available Colors

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent is currently produced in two color options:

• Green: Forest green fly and roof with white canopy. The most popular and readily available color. Provides a woodsy, natural appearance.
• Blue: Blue roof panels with gray fly and canopy. A brighter, bolder look. Not always in stock at all locations.

Previously, the tent was offered in alternative color combinations including red, yellow and orange. But green and blue are now the standard options.

Color is purely an aesthetic choice – the specifications and performance are identical. The green color scheme tends to blend in better with natural wooded surroundings, while the blue and gray combo has more visible appeal.

Number of Doors

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent has a total of three doors – two large doors on each side, and a third smaller “escape hatch” door in the rear:

• Right and Left Doors – These two doors are identical in size, each measuring 36 x 84 inches. Large enough for easy entry and exit. Include window awnings and vestibules.
• Rear Escape Hatch – This non-awning style door provides a 36 inch crawl-through opening, protected by a flap. Useful as emergency exit or ventilation but not for regular use.

The front right door can be converted to a full awning-style door using an optional add-on awning accessory. This provides a third identical door for symmetric entry and exit on both sides if desired.

Overall the two large doors and one smaller hatch offer flexibility for entry, ventilation and emergency egress for up to 6 occupants.

Is it Suitable for Backpacking?

With a packed weight of 20.6 pounds, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent is quite heavy compared to most backpacking tents and best suited for car camping. That said, it can still work fine for short 1-3 night backpacking trips if you pack reasonably light.

The tent’s bulky packed size may also be a challenge when fitting into a backpack with other gear. But the ample interior space and ability to comfortably stand up make it pleasant for base camping on backpacking trips.

If embarking on extended backpacking journeys covering long distances, a lighter weight backpacking-specific tent is recommended. But for occasional backpacking getaways, the Ozark Trail Tent can get the job done while providing cozy livability thanks to its spacious interior. Just be mindful of total pack weight.

Wind Resistance

According to the manufacturer specs, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 35 mph. However, in reviews, owners report the tent remaining stable in winds of 50 mph and higher, when properly staked and guyed out.

The fiberglass poles are sufficiently flexible to bend and flex with gusts rather than snapping. And the use of guy ropes and stakes prevents the wind from getting “underneath” the tent.

That said, extreme caution should be exercised in any winds approaching or exceeding the specs. Seek a more protected campsite and consider waiting out the weather inside a vehicle rather than the tent.

While surprisingly sturdy for its price point when properly anchored, the Ozark Trail Tent is best suited for general fair weather use rather than extreme high wind situations where premium-grade backpacking tents are recommended.

Setup and Takedown Time

On average, setting up the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent takes 10-15 minutes:

• 5 minutes to assemble poles and insert into sleeves
• 5 minutes to attach pole clips, rainfly, and stakes
• 5 minutes to neatly align tent floor and pack gear inside

With practice a single person can set it up in 10 minutes. Two people working together can be sleeping inside in under 10!

Takedown and packing takes about 15 minutes by oneself:

• 5 minutes to empty gear and sweep floor
• 5 minutes to detach rainfly and collapse poles
• 5 minutes to neatly fold tent and compress into carry bag

The Insta-Clip pole attachments, color-coded poles, pin-and-ring system and straightforward design make the tent quick and painless to pitch and strike. With time you’ll become proficient at single-handed setup/takedown in 10-15 minutes.

Carry Bag Included

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent ships with a compact carry bag included to make transportation easy. The round-shaped bag features:

• Durable polyester exterior stands up well to wear and tear
• Shoulder strap makes carrying moderate distances manageable
• Cinch cord compresses bag for compact storage
• Side handle provides grip for tossing bag short distances
• Screen printed logo shows off your great tent choice!

While some ultra-expensive tents omit the carry bag to save weight, the Ozark Trail carry bag is a welcome inclusion that helps keep the tent neatly contained for storage, transport and organization. Less worry about losing poles, stakes or accessories too!

Warranty Information

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent is backed by Walmart’s 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Normal wear and tear or damage caused by accidents, improper use or negligence are not covered. Original receipt is required for any warranty claims.

For problems attributable to defects, Walmart will repair or replace the tent, or issue a refund or credit at their discretion. Contact customer service online or by phone.

While only 1 year, given the affordable price of the tent, the warranty provides reasonable protection in case you receive a dud, and get ongoing enjoyment from your tent for future camping adventures.

Repairing a Tear

Like any tent, tears and holes in the fabric can happen over time. Catching them early and repairing promptly will extend the tent’s life. Here are some tips for repairing tears:

• Clean and dry surrounding area so repair adhesive sticks
• Apply seam sealer or tent repair tape on both sides of tear
• For larger holes, patch underneath with a piece of ripstop nylon
• Ensure adequate adhesion and overlap damaged area by at least 2 inches
• Let adhesive fully cure before further stressing the area
• Once repaired, carefully seal the repaired area using a polyurethane (PU) sealing agent

By following tent care instructions and applying sealant to high-stress points before they tear, you can prevent or minimize many rips and holes – prolonging the useful life of your Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent.

Cleaning the Tent

Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent:

• Brush off loose dirt regularly using a soft brush
• Sponge clean outer fabric with mild soap and lukewarm water
• Use a gentle, non-detergent soap to avoid damaging coatings
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues
• Allow to fully air dry before packing away
• Never machine wash, bleach or tumble dry the tent
• Store in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Regularly apply PU sealant on seams and floor to waterproof
• Check for abrasions or holes and repair promptly

With proper care and cleaning, you’ll get many seasons of reliable use from your Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent. Be sure to dry thoroughly after wet trips before storage.

Price Range

The Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent typically retails between $78 – $125 USD at Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

Sale prices as low as $78 are seen during certain promotions, clearance events or black Friday sales. Regular non-sale price is usually $125. Amazon third party sellers sometimes list it a bit higher.

Considering the generous 6 person capacity, durable construction and brand reputation, the Ozark Trail Tent provides excellent value for money in the budget-tier tent market. Competitor tents of similar quality and capacity often cost two to three times more.

While not built for hardcore backpacking and mountaineering, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent excels at delivering reliable spaciousness and weather protection perfect for casual camping at a bargain-friendly price point.

Conclusion

From its roomy 6 person design to cinch-cord carry bag, the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent delivers outstanding value for car campers, families and occasional backpackers. Easy setup in 10 minutes, good rainfly coverage and durable materials stand up to frequent use.

While not without some limitations, the ample space, bargain price, positive reviews and Walmart’s warranty make the Ozark Trail Tent one of the best tents you can buy for under $100. For casual warm weather camping trips, it’s a winner.

This concludes our in-depth buying guide for the Ozark Trail 6 Person Tent! We hope you now feel equipped to decide if this tent is the right choice to create lasting memories on your next camping adventure.