Wenzel Pine Ridge Tent – 5 Person Review
Millions of people go camping each year. It is a great activity for a family or group of friends to enjoy together. This means an endless amount of products on the market for campers to choose from. Being prepared and selecting the right gear can be the difference between a fun outing and a complete disaster. A tent is arguably the most important piece of equipment that you need for camping.
Our Rating: 4 Stars
- Large size
- Easy set-up
- One or two more room configurations
- Sturdy construction
- High quality materials
- Built-in electrical access port
- Two doors
- Meshed windows and roof
- Weather repellant
- Very affordable price
- Small rainfly
- Zippers are exposed to elements
- Zippers get stuck easily
- Large packed size and heavy weight
Key Features
Large Size
Now let’s take a look at some of the features of the Wenzel Pine Ridge 5 Person Tent. The first feature to consider is the large size. The tent can sleep up to five average-sized adults. If this is for a kids backyard campout, then you can squeeze a few more in there. Keep in mind that five adults are the full capacity for the number of people stretched out on the tent floor.
Some campers spend more time in the tent than others and may wish for more room. If that sounds like you, then I would recommend this tent for no more than three people. The model has a decent height that can accommodate moving around. This is thanks to the multi-diameter fiberglass poles, which provide extra head room. The tent can be divided into two sections. This can come in handy for some extra privacy. Whether you are splitting the tent into two sleeping quarters or just need a private place to change, this is a nice feature to have.
Reflective Material
One of the more interesting features is what Wenzel calls their Integrated Tent Light Reflection System. The tent comes with a convenient space to hang a lantern, flashlight or other light source.
There is a highly reflective panel that helps to illuminate the entire area. This is fantastic for staying up to tell stories or play games. It also comes in handy for simply locating items within the tent after sunset. This feature is exclusive to the Wenzel brand.
Convenience Pockets
This Wenzel model features a loft and convenience pocket for storing gear and supplies. This will help you to keep everything neat and organized. There is an E-port for electrical cord access. This is a must for campers who like to enjoy a few modern amenities while roughing it in the great outdoors.
Sky View
The tent is equipped with meshed windows and roof so you can let in some fresh air and natural light. This is also a nice feature that allows you to gaze at the stars as you lay in the tent.
Other features
The easy access “D” style doors offer an inside flap-zippered window. This helps to keep out the elements during bad weather. The “D” style shape allows for easy entries and exits. The tent comes equipped with two doors which are a nice feature if you use it in tandem with the room divider. Two groups can share the one tent, each having a separate room and their own door. This is perfect for two couples using one tent or for having parents on one side and kids on the other.
Shock corded fiberglass poles with fast feet offer stability. They also allow for quick and easy set up. A fly ridge pole provides an awning over the doors and window. This protective awning adds another layer to keep out the elements.
The fly is seam sealed instead of stitched together. This provides excellent water resistance. Stitched seems can often leak in heavy rain or after heavy use of the tent. The fly is also completely removable. The rear window is zippered for easy opening and closing and includes a privacy flap.
Detailed Review
Overall Score:
Learn More at AmazonHow Does It Compare To Others?
The Wenzel Pine Ridge 5 Person Tent is a solid choice, but not the only option available. Let’s take a look at some comparable tents of similar sizes to see how the Wenzel stacks up.
Coleman Montana 6
It is made with Coleman’s patented WeatherTec™ System and should keep you nice and dry. This model is comparable to the Wenzel in nearly every way, but the value for cost goes to the Wenzel. I would only choose the Coleman if you must have that extra bit of space.
NTK Colorado GT 5 to 6 Person Camping Dome Tent
The NTK Colorado GT 5 to 6 Person Tent is priced competitively, in the same range as Wenzel models. It offers a spacious floor area of approximately 10′ x 12′, providing ample room for families or groups. A standout feature is its double-layer full-coverage rainfly, made from 190T polyester laminated with polyurethane. This rainfly offers superior protection against the elements, surpassing the coverage of the Wenzel model, with a water column rating of 2500mm.
The tent’s frame utilizes Nano-Flex technology, featuring extra-thick fiberglass poles and double gold-plated steel hardware. This robust construction enhances durability and rust resistance, making it reliable in various weather conditions. The Colorado GT also boasts excellent ventilation with micro mosquito mesh.
While the Wenzel may have a slight edge in cost and unique lighting technology, the NTK Colorado GT offers enhanced features that justify its price, including better weather protection and a spacious design accommodating up to six people comfortably.
CORE 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent
If you need a ton of room, this may be the best choice for you. It does come at a higher cost, however. The floor size is 11′ x 9′. This may not seem like a huge difference, but the cabin tent has much more headroom.
Should you buy?
After completing our Wenzel Pine Ridge Tent 5 Person review, I can easily recommend this tent. The number of features, sturdy build, quality of materials and fair price make it an excellent choice.
The tent is easy to put up and can withstand harsh weather as well as much more expensive options. The Wenzel Pine Ridge Tent would be perfect for new or experienced campers. It should last you for a lifetime of use.
