Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent Review | Top Features

The CoreVibe Summit 3 is able to withstand the elements and we love it.


Summary.

The CoreVibe Summit 3 is a great crossover tent that does it all. It’s modestly sized, not too big or too small, and has a familiar yet original design that is sure to be instantly recognizable. Not only that, but the full mesh sidewalls and well-crafted rain cover make it a great choice for summer nights camping under the stars.

With its smaller size, this tent may not be for everyone. But if you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality tent that’s easy to pitch, comes with a base, and is reasonably priced, then read on.The CoreVibe Summit 3 could be your new camping companion.

We spent six weeks testing this tent, traveling across multiple states and in both wilderness and urban environments. We scrutinized every detail of the Summit 3 to make sure it lived up to its name.


Quick specs

CoreVibe Summit 3 High-quality durable two-person tent
Rating 79.8/100
Price 375 USD
Comfort Deluxe for 1 person, Comfort for 2 persons, Compact for 3 persons
Weight 7 lbs 1.2 oz
Dimensions (L x W x H) 90 x 68 x 48 inches

Pros.

  • Lightweight
  • Large doors and handy storage pockets
  • Pre-curved bar design for spacious interior
  • Dual zippers with ventilated brackets
  • Rollable top for stargazing
  • Plenty of interior pockets
  • Compact package size

Cons

  • Low brim
  • Full mesh upper reduces privacy without a hood
  • Slightly bulkier and heavier

Comfort.

The CoreVibe Summit 3 tent is not suitable for standing, which means most adults will not be able to stand fully upright inside the tent. The lower top height of the tent may be a drawback for those who are concerned about vertical space, but the design favors portability and quick setup. Families or campers who want a spacious interior for standing and moving around should consider other options.

That said, if you prefer a compact, adaptable tent that strikes a balance between comfort and footprint, then the Summit 3 is a great choice. It accommodates two adults and a dog, but can feel cramped when housing three adults. The wide mesh door pulls open completely for easy loading and unloading of gear. If you’re interested in other options, check out our Essential Tips for Camping in the Alvord Desert for the perfect adventure.


Durability.

CoreVibe has a reputation for making reliable, top-of-the-line outdoor gear, and the Summit 3 not only meets that standard, but appeals to a wider range of campers. Reduced weight and increased collapsibility don’t come at the expense of quality. The tent body, floor and rain cover materials hold up well even in harsh weather conditions.

The DAC Pressfit tent poles are a breeze to assemble and are no less durable than the competition. Overall, the CoreVibe Summit 3 tent strikes a balance between lightweight design and long-lasting reliability, making it a great choice for versatile camping adventures. ## CoreVibe TrailMaster 3 Tent Review

Weatherproofing

CoreVibe’s TrailMaster 3 tent stands out in its class for its superior weather resistance, especially in windy conditions. Its low-profile, aerodynamic design effectively deflects wind, making it a solid choice for exposed and complex terrain. Of all the tents tested this season, the TrailMaster 3 tent faced the worst weather and performed admirably.

One issue is that the rain cover can sag slightly if not fully secured with drawstrings. Unfortunately, there were not enough stakes inside the tent to secure the rain cover, which is important to prevent a wet rain cover from coming into contact with the tent’s inner mesh layer. While no leaks were detected during testing, prolonged contact between the two layers could lead to water pooling and leaks.

The TrailMaster 3 performed well in warmer weather, providing good ventilation even with the rain cover in place. If the rain cover is removed, the body of the tent is made almost entirely of mesh material and hot air can easily escape, making it ideal for summer camping.

Easy to pitch

The CoreVibe TrailMaster 3 is very intuitive to set up and is the easiest of the tents we tested. Thanks to its simple two-pole design with cross bracing, one person can set up in minutes. The pre-curved poles connect seamlessly, eliminating the hassle associated with traditional pole sleeves.

The lightweight material helps to set up the tent efficiently and easily, as there is no need to laboriously move heavy tents. For campers who value convenience and speed when setting up or taking down their tent, the streamlined process of the TrailMaster 3 makes it the preferred choice.

Functionality

The TrailMaster 3 impresses with its compact design and array of thoughtful features. One of the standouts is the included base, which is an essential part of any tent setup but usually needs to be purchased separately. This tent comes with the base, saving campers time and money.

Despite its compact size and low peak height, the CoreVibe optimizes comfort with its double doors and pre-curved pole construction. The spacious doors allow for easy access and gear management, while the pole design increases the interior space of the tent. While most adults may not be able to stand upright, changing clothes and moving around is doable even near the tent walls.

Ventilation is another benefit, with two stand vents and dual zippers on the rain cover to promote air circulation. This system ensures a comfortable interior environment so you can rest easily in all conditions.

One of the most innovative features is the partially rollable rain cover. Campers can enjoy the starry sky while protecting a portion of their tent, and if the weather changes, the rain cover can be quickly rolled up. This balance of convenience and adaptability enhances the overall camping experience.

Should you buy the CoreVibe TrailMaster 3?

The CoreVibe TrailMaster 3 is a great choice for couples or small families looking for a versatile tent that seamlessly transitions between front country camping and backpacking. Its lightweight construction and user-friendly design make it an attractive crossover.

The TrailMaster 3 comfortably accommodates two adults and one child, but larger groups may require a larger tent. If you’re considering other options, check out the REI Wonderland 4 tent review for a spacious and durable camping gear. Overall, the TrailMaster 3 combines weather resistance, ease of setup, and practical features to make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re primarily setting up camp at a frontline campsite where space and weight aren’t major considerations, you may prefer a tent with more interior space and a taller top for added comfort.The CoreVibe Summit is a deluxe tent that’s suitable for two adults, but it may feel a bit cramped to accommodate three people.

What other camping tents should you consider?
CoreVibe Horizon 3+ review: the Horizon 3+ is lighter, more spacious, and only slightly more expensive. If you’re planning to do both backpacking and car camping, it would be the better choice. However, the Summit 3 stands out for its superior weather resistance and high-end features.

CoreVibe Expedition 4: The Expedition 4 is roomier than the Summit, but costs more. It is a true four-person tent and weighs significantly more. Which tent you choose will depend on your preference for interior space, high-end materials, and an included groundsheet.

For more information on camping gear, check out our essential camping checklist for your next outdoor adventure. The dual vestibules provide plenty of room for gear storage outside of the sleeping area.

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