When it comes to camping in bear country, safety is always a top concern. One of the essential pieces of gear for any bear country camping trip is a tent that is specifically designed to keep bears out. These tents are constructed with reinforced materials and unique features that help to prevent bears from entering your sleeping quarters.
Best Tents for Bear Country
As avid campers, we know how important it is to have a sturdy and reliable tent, especially when camping in bear country. A good tent not only provides shelter from the elements, but also protects you and your food from curious bears. After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best tents for bear country. These tents are designed to withstand the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions of bear country, while also providing ample space and comfort for a good night’s sleep.
River Country Products Trekker Tent 2.2
If you’re looking for a lightweight and spacious tent for bear country, the River Country Products Trekker Tent 2.2 might be a good option.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup with trekking poles
- Large and spacious for a 2-person tent
- Comes with stakes, guy-lines, and carry bag
Cons
- Single wall design may lead to condensation
- Requires trekking poles or other tall sticks for setup
- Not the lightest option on the market
We recently took the River Country Products Trekker Tent 2.2 on a backpacking trip in bear country and were impressed with its spacious interior and quick setup. The trekking pole design and attached rainfly made for an easy setup, and we appreciated the included stakes and guy-lines for added stability.
At over 7 feet long, over 5 feet wide, and 42 inches high, this tent offered plenty of room for two people and their gear. The large mesh sidewalls and vents helped with ventilation and minimized condensation, though we did notice some moisture buildup on the single wall back panel.
Overall, we would recommend the River Country Products Trekker Tent 2.2 for those looking for a spacious and easy-to-setup tent for bear country. However, keep in mind that the single wall design may lead to some condensation and you’ll need to bring your own trekking poles or other tall sticks for setup.
Mountainsmith Bear Creek Tent
If you’re looking for a tent that can handle bear country, the Mountainsmith Bear Creek Tent is a great option. We found it to be easy to set up and it offers great protection from the elements.
Pros
- The tent is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for backpacking trips.
- The included footprint adds an extra layer of protection between the floor and the ground, and can be set up with the tent fly for a fast fly, lightweight setup.
- The tent’s spacious interior fits two or four people comfortably, depending on which model you choose.
Cons
- The tent’s one-door, one-vestibule design may not be ideal for those who prefer more ventilation or space.
- While the tent is waterproof, some users have reported that it can get stuffy inside on hot days.
- The tent’s aluminum poles may not be as durable as those made from other materials.
Overall, we would recommend the Mountainsmith Bear Creek Tent to anyone looking for a reliable tent that can handle bear country. Its lightweight design and spacious interior make it a great option for backpacking trips, and its waterproof coating and included footprint offer excellent protection from the elements.
River Country Products One Person Trekking Pole Tent
If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact tent for your next backpacking trip, the River Country Products One Person Trekking Pole Tent might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup with trekking poles
- Lightweight and compact for easy transportation
- Comes with stakes and carry bag
Cons
- Trekking poles are not included
- Only suitable for one person
- May not be suitable for extreme weather conditions
We recently took this tent on a backpacking trip and were impressed with how easy it was to set up with our trekking poles. The tent is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to fit into our backpacks without taking up too much space.
One of the great things about this tent is that it comes with stakes and a carry bag, making it easy to transport and set up. The tent itself is also well-made and durable, with an aluminum frame that can withstand some wear and tear.
However, it’s worth noting that this tent is only suitable for one person, so if you’re traveling with a partner, you’ll need to bring another tent. Additionally, the trekking poles are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you don’t already have them.
Finally, while this tent is suitable for most weather conditions, it may not be the best choice for extreme weather conditions. Overall, we would definitely recommend the River Country Products One Person Trekking Pole Tent for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact tent for their next backpacking trip.
RBM Outdoors Hot Tent with Stove Jack for 8 People All-Season for Camping Fishing Hunting Double Layer Waterproof Tent with Windows Wood Stove & Warm Floor UP5 Camouflage
If you’re looking for a tent for bear country, the RBM Outdoors Hot Tent with Stove Jack for 8 People is a great option. With its double-layer design, waterproof fabric, and wood stove, this tent is perfect for camping, fishing, and hunting in any weather.
Pros
- Roomy and comfortable – fits up to 8 people with 2 windows and 2 entrances
- Quick installation – easy to assemble with a unique installation system
- Wood stove included – large wood stove with heat-resistant ceramic glass and all necessary parts
Cons
- Heavy – weighs 114.78 pounds
- Expensive – higher price point than other tents
- Not ideal for solo camping – designed for larger groups
We recently used the RBM Outdoors Hot Tent with Stove Jack for 8 People on a camping trip in bear country and were impressed with its performance. The tent was easy to set up with its unique installation system, and the wood stove kept us warm and cozy all night long.
One of the best things about this tent is its size – it’s roomy enough to fit up to 8 people, making it perfect for group camping trips. The double-layer design also helps keep the warmth inside and the cold outside, and the included warm floor is a nice touch for extreme cold conditions.
However, the tent is quite heavy, weighing in at 114.78 pounds, so it’s not ideal for solo camping trips. It’s also more expensive than other tents on the market, but we believe the added features and quality make it worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality tent for bear country that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, the RBM Outdoors Hot Tent with Stove Jack for 8 People is a great choice.
RBM Outdoors Hot Tent with Stove Jack
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy tent for bear country, the RBM Outdoors Hot Tent with Stove Jack is a great choice.
Pros
- The dome-shaped frame allows you to quickly set up the tent on any terrain.
- The heavy-duty double-layer design makes it an all-season tent that you can use throughout the year.
- The wood stove maintains a comfortable temperature even in extremely cold weather.
Cons
- The tent is quite heavy to carry around, weighing in at 55.1 lbs.
- The setup process can be a bit challenging, especially for beginners.
- The tent is quite expensive compared to other options on the market.
We were impressed with the RBM Outdoors Hot Tent with Stove Jack. The dome-shaped frame made it easy for us to set up the tent on any terrain, and the heavy-duty double-layer design was perfect for all-season camping. The wood stove kept us warm and cozy, even when the temperature outside dropped below freezing.
However, the tent is quite heavy, which can be a bit of a challenge if you’re planning to carry it around for long distances. Additionally, the setup process can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with setting up tents. Finally, the tent is quite expensive compared to other options on the market, so it may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy tent for bear country, the RBM Outdoors Hot Tent with Stove Jack is a great choice. Just be prepared to spend a bit more money and put in a bit of effort to set it up.
Buying Guide
When choosing a tent for bear country, it is important to consider several factors to ensure the safety of both you and the bears. Here are some features to look for when buying a tent for bear country:
Material
The material of the tent should be durable and able to withstand the claws and teeth of bears. Look for tents made of sturdy materials such as ripstop nylon or polyester. These materials are less likely to tear and will help prevent bears from entering the tent.
Size
The size of the tent should be appropriate for the number of people using it. A smaller tent may be easier to pack and transport, but a larger tent will provide more space and comfort. However, keep in mind that a larger tent may also attract bears, so it is important to find a balance between size and safety.
Color
Choose a tent that is a neutral color such as green, brown, or gray. Bright colors such as red or yellow can attract bears and should be avoided.
Noise
Avoid tents that make noise when set up or moved. Bears have excellent hearing and may be attracted to the sound.
Doors
Choose a tent with multiple doors to allow for easy escape in case of an emergency. It is also important to make sure the doors have sturdy zippers that can withstand the force of a bear.
Ventilation
A tent with good ventilation will help reduce condensation and keep the interior dry. This will also help prevent odors from building up, which can attract bears.
Storage
Look for a tent with ample storage space to keep food, toiletries, and other items away from bears. A tent with a vestibule or gear loft can also be useful for storing gear.
By considering these factors when buying a tent for bear country, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can we protect ourselves from bears while camping in bear country?
When camping in bear country, it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid attracting bears to your campsite. This includes storing all food, trash, and scented items in bear-proof containers or hanging them at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the trunk of a tree. Additionally, it is recommended to cook and eat at least 100 yards away from your sleeping area.
What are some features of a bear-proof tent?
A bear-proof tent should have a sturdy and durable construction that can withstand the force of a bear’s claws and teeth. It should also have a secure closure system, such as a zipper or buckle, that cannot be easily opened by a bear. Additionally, the tent should not have any pockets or compartments that can be used to store food or other scented items.
Are there any recommended tents for camping in bear country?
There are several tents on the market that are specifically designed for camping in bear country. These tents are made with durable materials and have reinforced seams and closures to prevent bears from getting inside. Some recommended brands include Ursack, Frontiersman, and BearVault.
What should we do if a bear approaches our campsite?
If a bear approaches your campsite, it is important to remain calm and avoid direct eye contact. Slowly back away from the bear and make loud noises to try to scare it away. If the bear continues to approach, use bear spray as a last resort. Do not run or climb a tree, as this can provoke the bear and make the situation more dangerous.
Is it safe to sleep in a regular tent in bear country?
While it is possible to sleep in a regular tent in bear country, it is not recommended. Bears have a strong sense of smell and can be attracted to the scent of food or other scented items in your tent. A bear-proof tent or bear canister is the safest option for camping in bear country.
What are some tips for camping in bear country?
Some tips for camping in bear country include:
- Store all food, trash, and scented items in bear-proof containers or hang them at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the trunk of a tree.
- Cook and eat at least 100 yards away from your sleeping area.
- Use bear spray as a last resort if a bear approaches your campsite.
- Avoid wearing scented products and store them with your food.
- Make loud noises while hiking to alert bears of your presence.
