Last week while camping on Orcas Island off the coast of Seattle, I had the opportunity to test out the new Tranquility series of tents from Therm-a-Rest. Looking to deliver any and all solutions to help you camp comfortably, tents make a logical next step for the brand. The Tranquility line is all about car camping–4 to 6 person tents with tons of bells of whistles to ensure you and your family have a great weekend outdoors.
When designing the tents, Therm-a-Rest set out to solve some of the main problems with camping–namely tent setup, putting on the rain fly, and what to do with all your wet, dirty gear before getting in your tent. With a unique A-frame design that enables you to stand up inside and 100% freestanding, the tents are easily erected by one person. For example, the fly requires one handed operation–simply fold it in half, snap on the front door connector, walk along the edge of the tent and snap on the rear door connector. Done. When not in need of the fly, the full mesh canopy ceiling makes for great star gazing and offers extra ventilation.
Other features include pass-through ports for solar/electronic connectivity and vestibules integrated directly into the canopy (i.e., not created from the rain fly) with corner shoe mats to protect you from the dirty ground before entering the tent. Plenty of gear loops enable you to hang up wet and dirty clothes in the vestibules to keep things tidy inside your tent.
Perhaps the coolest things is that each tent comes with its own backpack for super easy stowage and carrying to your campsite. No more wrestling with awkward stuff sacks.
The Tranquility 6 Tent ($599.95) includes 8 interior mesh pockets and 25 interior for über organization. An integrated zippered room divider lets you put the kids to bed early or help them feel like they have their own personal tent. A 6’2″ standing height means even dad can walk around comfortably inside. Two giant (!) mesh entry doors feature zippered privacy panels for changing clothes or sleeping and the front door can be turned into an awning for some front porch chillin’ sessions.
The Tranquility 4 Tent ($479.95) retains all the 6-person tent, but with a lower ceiling-height and reduced footprint.
The freestanding Arrowspace Shelter ($299.95) doubles as a stand-alone, A-frame shelter or connects to the front vestibule of the Tranquility 6 Tent to create the ultimate basecamp refuge. Adjustable in height, the Arrow Space can easily fit over a picnic bench for an outdoor gathering, or take a wide, lower stance to accommodate more people sitting out a summer shower.
Finally, the Media Port ($49.95) accessory enables you to hang your iPad for a family Netflix binge session. Expect to see the Therm-a-Rest Tranquility series of tents hit shelves early next spring.