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Mountainsmith Mountain Dome 3

Expansive headroom and an unusually sturdy design make this three-person tent a comfy, affordable choice for car-camping and short-mileage overnights.

Photo: Darin Forrest Photography

Brand: Mountainsmith

Model: Mountain Dome 3 Tent


Protection

“In heavy rain, ice, and snow, this tent is Fort Knox,” said a tester after a wintry trip in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park. The stout, three-pole geometry prevented any sagging beneath an inch of snow. The rainfly’s drip line keeps water from creeping inside during wet exits.

Livability

The pole structure also creates voluminous interior space with walls that angle out past vertical. And the whopping 51-inch peak height let testers put their pants on while standing up (albeit bent over). “Four people could sleep in here,” our tester says of the 44-square-foot hexagonal floor, which measures an NBA-ready 105 inches long. Swaths of mesh and two fly vents eliminated condensation in the most challenging conditions.

Versatility

Using the included footprint, the Mountain Dome 3 converts to a tarp-like, fly-only shelter that’s ideal for bug-free climates and weighs 5 pounds, 2 ounces.

Durability

Tough, 68-denier polyester throughout provides low-cost durability, but adds weight.

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