Backside Line
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is a improbable crossover-style tent that hits all the best notes. It’s completely sized—neither too large nor too small—providing a well-known but refreshing design that we will’t get sufficient of. But it surely doesn’t cease there. The all-mesh sidewalls and the sensible, thoughtfully designed fly make it a great alternative for warm summer time nights below the celebs.
It’s one of many smaller tents we examined, so it will not be for everybody. Nonetheless, in case you’re on the lookout for a flexible tent made from high-quality supplies that may be pitched in minutes, and comes with an included footprint—all at a really affordable worth—then maintain studying as a result of the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 would possibly simply turn into your new favourite tenting tent.
We hit the highway for six weeks to place this tent to the final word check, crossing six states and tenting in each front-country and backcountry eventualities. We scrutinized each element of the Mineral King to make sure it really lives as much as the hype.
Fast Specs
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3
Excessive-High quality & Sturdy Tenting Tent for Two
Worth:
$375
The scale we examined feels:
Luxurious for 1, comfy for two & tight for 3
Weight:
7 lb. 1.2 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH):
90 x 68 x 48 in.
Execs
- Light-weight
- Simple and intuitive to pitch
- Big doorways with out-of-the-way stuff pocket
- Pre-bent poles create loads of inner room
- Twin zippers on fly with kickstand for air flow
- Fly rolls up midway
- Loads of pockets
- Packs small
Cons
- Decrease peak top
- All-mesh higher limits privateness with out fly
- Heavy for its measurement
Consolation
The Mineral King 3 is just not designed for standing room, so most adults received’t have the ability to stand upright contained in the tent. Whereas this can be a downside for these in search of a tent with a tall peak top, it’s vital to acknowledge that this tent prioritizes portability and ease of setup over vertical house. Households or campers who prioritize spacious interiors the place they will comfortably stand and transfer round would possibly must discover different choices.
Nonetheless, for many who worth a extra compact, versatile tent that balances consolation with a smaller footprint, the Mineral King 3 might nonetheless be an ideal alternative. The Mineral King is comfy for 2 adults and a canine however can really feel a bit cramped with three adults.
Sturdiness
Mountain Hardwear has been producing top-quality gear for a very long time, and the Mineral King follows that custom, although it targets a barely totally different demographic than different tents in our lineup. Making a tent lighter and extra packable doesn’t imply it’s decrease high quality—typically, it’s the other. The tent physique, ground, and rainfly supplies have held up effectively, even in less-than-ideal climate. The DAC Pressfit poles assemble simply and really feel as sturdy, if no more so, than these of its opponents. The Mineral King 3 has the vibe of a backpacking tent, with premium supplies that guarantee it should final for a lot of seasons.
Climate Resistance
In comparison with lots of the different tents we examined on this class, the Mineral King stands out for its means to deal with excessive winds. Its low-profile design and form assist it shed wind successfully, making it appropriate for extra uncovered areas.
Amongst all of the tents we examined this season, the Mineral King 3 encountered probably the most excessive climate. We did discover that the rainfly can sag a bit if not absolutely guyed out. Sadly, the tent doesn’t include sufficient stakes to safe the fly fully, which is vital to stop the moist fly from touching the mesh inside tent. Whereas we didn’t expertise any leakage, it’s value noting that contact between the fly and the inside tent can permit water to pool and doubtlessly seep by means of.
The Mineral King is a wonderful alternative for warm days as a result of it ventilates effectively, even with the fly on. With out the fly, the tent physique is sort of fully mesh, permitting sizzling air to flee simply.
Ease of Setup
Out of all of the tents we examined, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 stood out for its distinctive ease of setup. A single particular person can pitch this tent in simply minutes, due to its intuitive design. The tent options simply two pre-bent poles and one cross-section pole that come collectively effortlessly, eliminating the necessity for cumbersome pole sleeves.
The light-weight supplies additional simplify the method, as you don’t need to take care of a heavy tent when elevating it from the bottom. This streamlined meeting makes the Mineral King 3 a wonderful alternative for campers who worth each effectivity and ease of their setup and tear-down routine.
Options
One of many causes we’re so impressed with the Mineral King 3 is the variety of options packed into such a small tent. It’s the one tent in our lineup that features a footprint, which can not appear to be a giant deal to some, however a footprint is a vital a part of any tent setup. We’re thrilled to not need to buy it individually.
The Mineral King 3 is among the extra compact tents we examined, with a decrease peak top. Whereas this may occasionally not go well with all campers, Mountain Hardwear has made an effort to maximise consolation with two exceptionally giant doorways and a pre-bent pole design. The massive doorways make it straightforward to enter, exit, and transfer gear, whereas the pre-bent poles assist optimize inner house. Although most adults received’t have the ability to arise absolutely inside, altering garments isn’t too troublesome, even close to the sidewalls.
The tent’s air flow is superb, due to the 2 kickstand vents and twin zippers on the rainfly. This method helps keep a snug local weather contained in the tent, making it simpler to sleep effectively in any climate.
Some of the distinctive options of the Mineral King is the rainfly, which may be partially rolled up towards the highest of the tent. This lets you benefit from the stars whereas nonetheless having a part of the tent protected. The rainfly can rapidly be rolled down in case of unhealthy climate, providing each comfort and peace of thoughts.
Ought to You Purchase the Moutain Hardwear Mineral King 3?
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is a wonderful alternative for {couples} or small households in search of a smaller front-country tent that may double as a backpacking tent in a pinch. With its comparatively light-weight and easy design, this tent shines as a flexible crossover choice.
The Mineral King 3 is right for 2 adults and one little one, however past that, you might need to contemplate different choices. Moreover, in case you’re completely tenting in front-country campgrounds the place house isn’t a problem, you would possibly want a tent with a bigger footprint and better peak top for added consolation.
What Different Tenting Tents Ought to You Contemplate?
REI Half Dome 3+ Assessment: The Half Dome 3+ is lighter, bigger, and just a few {dollars} extra. It’s a better option in case you plan to do extra backpacking, however the Mineral King 3 affords superior options and higher sturdiness towards the weather.
Marmot Tungsten 4: The Tungsten 4 can be bigger than the Mineral King and simply barely costlier, however as a real four-person tent, it’s heftier. The primary variations come right down to how a lot room you want and whether or not you favor premium supplies and an included footprint.
