Review of Wenzel Alpine 3 Person Dome Tent (reviews, buy, problem)
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For $59.99, the Wenzel Alpine Dome Tent is capable of taking up to 3 people at once. For most three man tents, this implies that you have to be lying on top of each other to fit in, but the Wenzel is actually one of the more comfortable and roomy 3 man tents that I've slept in with 2 others. Three fully grown men wouldn't be comfortable together in this tent, but it's still quite roomy for its overall dimensions.
The fiberglass frame is lightweight, which is essential if you don't want to be weighed down by heavy metal poles and canvas, and measures 8 by 4 by 8 feet. It's very easy to set up, with an intuitive design that will be familiar to anybody who has encountered a dome tent before, and the entire package only weighs around 8 pounds.
It is much more durable and weather proof than you would expect for the low price. The fabric hasn't leaked at all since I first bought it, despite frequent use in adverse conditions and strong wind. It also has a polythene 'tub' floor, which obviously keeps ground moisture from soaking into the tent and letting moisture in. I would prefer it without the two windows at the front, but other than that minor problem, the Wenzel Alpine tent has been excellent value for money and very reliable.
The Wenzel Alpine would be a superb beginner's tent, since it's affordable, easy to set up and seems able to survive bad weather conditions without leaking. The quality of the frame and fabric isn't quite good enough for real camping enthusiasts who need a tent that will last them years and stand up to any condition, but you couldn't expect to buy a better tent for the price.