The Browning Big Horn series of tents are tall, spacious and extremely robust. They are often marketed to the hunting community because high-performance in challenging wilderness conditions is exactly what hunters are looking for in a shelter.
But it’s not only hunters who look for these qualities: space and reliability are precisely what makes a Browning Big Horn tent attractive to the recreational camper too.
In this review I will take a deep dive into how this tent performs in a variety of conditions for different users. But if you don’t want to read the whole thing, then I’ll just cut to the chase…
I really, really like these tents. I think they are one of the very best large tents on the market. The build quality is superb: it’s built to take an absolute battering by the weather. If it’s within your budget, I’d say you should just pull the trigger, because I can’t see you regretting the decision.
I might not recommend it if price was your only consideration and you only needed a tent for occasional use. I think there are better-value options for the occasional family-camper. (Something like the CORE 9 Extended Dome tent might be a better fit).
But for avid campers (say 3+ trips a year) or anyone looking for a wilderness base camp, it’s an investment that will pay you back several times over.
Where to buy…
You should be able to pick up a Browning Big Horn in any of the following stores:
- Check out prices on Amazon >>
- Check out prices at Campsaver >>
- Check out prices on Sportsman’s Warehouse >>
- Check out prices on Optic’s Planet >>
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Two sizes available
- Straight walls for plenty of storage
- Mesh storage pockets
- Good ventilation
- Room separator for privacy
Cons
- Doesn’t come with electrical ports
- Some folks like a thicker floor
A Bit of Background About Browning Camping…
Browning Camping is a brand from (the ever-awesome) ALPS Mountaineering. The mother company was built in 1993 by an avid camper couple looking to make quality products available for all.
The company has built its success on customer satisfaction and innovative technologies. This tent is no exception. It offers all the necessary features — and more — at a very reasonable price point.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Big Family Tent
| Floor Space | Weight | Doors | Windows | |
| Big Horn 5 | 8×10 (80sq feet) | 21lbs | 1 | 4 |
| Big Horn 8 | 10×15 (150sq feet) | 35lbs | 2 | 6 |
Traveling as a family isn’t an easy task; there’s lots to think of and plan, let alone the nightmare of controlling hyped-up kids!
First, you need to consider how many people will be sleeping inside the tent and their size. It’ll determine the tent size you need.
Equally important, take into account whether you’ll be doing winter or summer camping. A waterproof tent is mandatory if you’re planning on vacationing on rainy days. Either way, ensure that the tent is made of high-quality and durable materials to avoid leaks and tears.
If you have young children, a big family tent with an open space is the way to go. If you’re traveling with teenagers or guests, however, open-plan family tents aren’t a good idea; a tent with two rooms might be preferable since they tend to come with private entrances for privacy.
A tent with multiple rooms is also ideal if you have plenty of storage and want to keep it out of the way.
Here are a few more things to look out for when purchasing a family tent:
- Storage space and pockets.
- Ventilation features.
- Tent’s weight.
- Easy set-up.
Features and Benefits
The Browning Bighorn Tent comes with many perks and benefits:
- Easy to install.
- Ample volume.
- Storage space.
- Easy entry.
- Quality materials.
- Portable.
- Good ventilation.
- Classic style.
Easy To Install
The last thing you’ll want to start your camping holiday with is a frustrating installation. While a family tent always takes longer to set up than a one-person pop-up model, it shouldn’t become a daunting task, either.
This tent shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to set up. With some practice, some users were able to put it together within 10 minutes. If you’re able to get extra help, you might even be able to get it done faster. If you can peel the kids away from their phones and tablets, get them to help!
The free-standing design makes installation easy. You only need to snap the poles and affix the fly. You’ll find everything you need inside the package, including ropes and stakes.
Ample Space
Although camping generally involves limited living space, your family doesn’t have to crawl into a tent, either. Not only is limited space inconvenient, but you could end your vacations sore or with back pain. Space is critical both on the ground, but also in height.
The base of the Bighorn measures 10 x 15 feet for a total surface of 150 square feet. The walls stand straight rather at an angle, offering additional space around the corners and circumference.
Although it may not seem much, that extra room can be used to hang clothes, stack backpacks, or place a nightstand. When standing in the center, the ceiling reaches 7.5 feet — most campers can’t even reach the top of the roof with their hands up!
This tent is large enough to accommodate twelve people, even if it’s marketed as an eight-person tent. If this is too big for you, there’s a five-man option available, too, with an equal amount of high-class features. If you’re camping with children, you might be able to squeeze in a couple more.
It also comes with a separator to build two separate living spaces. This is ideal for when two families or couples travel together and need some privacy. This model comes with two doors, so each party has its private entrance.
Storage Space
Keeping your items organized and away from the ground isn’t always simple while camping. To keep your belongings in order, this model comes with a storage shelf made of three large mesh pockets in each room.
I’m a big fan of this since I like to have a designated area for different pieces of kit/clothing — yea, I’m one of those!
Easy Entry
While the tent offers plenty of room to walk around freely, you won’t have to bend over when entering. It features two large and wide doorways to make entry and exit simple and quick. Besides, the sizable entrance should ease bringing large furniture or backpacks inside.
Quality Materials
This tent is made to last. It’s also designed to protect you and your family under all weather conditions. The poles are built with light, yet durable fiberglass material.
The floor contains high-quality and thick — 2000mm — polyester to provide insulation. In addition, the same material is used on the fly to create a shield against UV rays and rain.
Both the fly and floor come with factory-sealed seams to prevent leaks. Besides, the protection sheet is maintained with weatherproof buckles for greater efficiency. This is a model that should be able to withstand years of family trips.
In most tents, zippers tend to be the first to give up, especially around the main door. With the Bighorn, Browning included high-quality and large fasteners — type eight — with metalheads. Owners mention that the closure system is sturdy and can take years’ worth of use.
If something doesn’t turn out as expected, the manufacturer offers a 60-day warranty. Users are overall thrilled with the responsiveness of the company’s customer service.
Portable
The number of times people have told me they forgot about the weight and size of a tent! Family tents are not designed to carry around backpacking; however, that doesn’t mean they have to be super heavy.
When packed in the carry bag, it should be easy to fit in a car, if this is your mode of transportation. Altogether, it shouldn’t weigh more than 35 pounds, which isn’t excessively heavy for such a large model.
Good Ventilation
Proper ventilation keeps moisture and condensation away, preventing mold and mildew from growing and thriving. It also allows a fresh breeze to come in during summer camping holidays.
The Browning Bighorn’s ventilation is pretty decent. It has six large windows and two large doorways to allow airflow across the living area. Keep in mind that the windows don’t come with tightening cords when the covers are down. Some users found the trick, though; just fold the fabric inside, towards the window at the desired height, and it’ll hold in place.
The mesh roof also provides excellent air circulation. Even the door contains mesh for aeration. On sunny and warm days, you should be able to wake up with the rising sun, and birds singing through the mesh.
Classic Style
The tent exudes a classic and elegant style. The colors — beige and brown — should fit most tastes and match the natural elements surrounding most camping sites. Users love how aesthetic it looks.
Social Proof
I didn’t only evaluate the Browning Bighorn based on my own judgment and knowledge. I’ve assessed and considered all users’ comments and feedback. Most were thrilled with their purchase and raved about their camping experience when using this tent.
Many reviewers had the opportunity to test the tent in the most inhospitable weather conditions — rain and wind. They report a successfully dry day and night. They’re happy with the space the tent provides and the quality of the overall product.
Conclusion
Finding the right tent for a family trip isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Purchasing the wrong one may lead to an uncomfortable trip, a family falling out from a lack of privacy, or even, a flooding disaster.
The Browning Bighorn Tent solves these issues and combines the quality needed to keep you dry, even on rainy days. The product is made to last and withstand many camping trips. Plus, you’ll have plenty of space to move around and can even choose between two sizes.
The stand-out features for me are the room divider and storage options, which are essential for privacy — a problem in many family-sized tents.
It’s a breeze to set-up, too. Within half an hour, you should be able to settle in your new home.
If I’ve piqued your interest, check out the tent here.
