Mountain Hardwear Mineral King Tent Review (2P & 3P)

The Mineral King tent by Mountain Hardwear has been my go-to for over five years of outdoor adventures, and for good reason. I use it at least once a month on multi-night trips, especially when car camping at developed campgrounds or BLM sites. This is my honest review of the Mineral King tent, based on long-term, real-world experience with the grey ice version. Though I use the 2-person tent, I trust the 3-person Mineral King tent is just as reliable. Throughout the review, I’ll note a few improvements Mountain Hardwear has made in the latest model.

Discovering the Mineral King Tent and Its Features

About the Mineral King Tent

Usage

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King Tent is primarily a car camping tent, but if two people share the weight, it could be used as a backpacking tent. One of its standout perks? It comes with a footprint included, something many other premium tents skip.

Canopy & Rainfly Materials

• Canopy: 40D polyester mesh + 75D ripstop polyester
• Rainfly: 68D ripstop polyester
• Body: 75D plain weave polyester
• Bonus: Reinforced tub corners for added durability

You also get:

• 2 large D-shaped doors so both campers can enter/exit without disturbing the other
• Roll-back vestibules that can be pinned to the side
• Rainfly vents at the top of each door to keep air flowing during humid or rainy nights

💡 I’ve never had condensation issues with this tent, even in muggy weather, thanks to the vented design.

Stargazing Capability

The full mesh canopy offers clear views of the night sky.

• That said, I personally don’t go fly-free in this tent since I often camp in populated areas, but the views through the mesh are excellent when you’re inside.
• You can roll back the rainfly halfway to stargaze while still maintaining privacy.

The tent comes with stakes!

Mineral King Tent weight and dimensions

Feature	Mineral King 2 Tent	Mineral King 3 Tent
Approx. Weight	5 lbs / 2278 g	6 lb 1.7 oz / 2770 g
Approx. Weight Packed	5 lb 13.4 oz / 2649 g	7 lb 1.2 oz / 3209 g
Height Interior	43 in / 109 cm	48 in / 122 cm
Tent Floor Area	33 sq. ft. / 3.1 m2	42.5 sq. ft. / 3.9 m2
Tent Vestibule Area	18.75 sq. ft. / 1.7 m2	20.9 sq. ft. / 1.9 m2
Tent Packed Size	6″ x 24″ / 15 cm x 61 cm	7″ x 25″ / 18 cm x 63.5 cm

Setting Up the Mineral King Tent is a Breeze Even for Beginners

Pitching the Mineral King Tent

Before setting up, I always lay down a waterproof tarp cut to size beneath the tent.

💡 Tip: If your tarp extends beyond the tent footprint, it can cause rainwater to pool underneath. Therefore, trimming it to fit helps prevent this. Although I cut mine, I also typically fold it under the tent footprint.

Once that’s in place, pitching the Mineral King 2 is quick and intuitive, even if you’re new to camping. It typically takes me under two minutes to set up solo.

Here’s why:

• The tent uses pre-bent DAC poles, which can only go in one way, making mistakes nearly impossible.
• These poles are widely used in high-quality tents for a reason: they’re lightweight, strong, and easy to handle.
• I personally prefer placing the crossbar over the two main poles at the end (instead of underneath, as Mountain Hardwear shows in their demo), I find it easier that way!

Attaching the Rainfly

The rainfly setup is simple:

• It drapes over the top and clips into four buckle corners on the canopy.
• Underneath the fly, there are four small Velcro tabs you can wrap around the poles for added security in high wind.

💡 On calm nights, I skip those Velcro tabs; the corner buckles alone do a great job.

Taking It Down

Packing up is just as effortless:

• The canopy and rainfly go into the main sack.
• The poles have a separate bag, and the stakes go in their own.

That said, here’s a tip from experience:

🚫 I used to try jamming the pole sack into the main sack, but always worried about tearing the fabric. Now I either pack the pole bag separately or put it in first before adding the canopy and fly.
👉 The new Mineral King tent version, with the grey and yellow rainfly, seems to have solved that problem with a better stuff sack design.

Timelapse

Below is a time-lapse video showing how fast and easy setup and takedown are with the Mineral King tent.

What’s not visible in the video: I tie the footprint directly to the tent, so it’s hidden from view. I also occasionally use an extra blue tarp, especially when the campsite surface is rocky or rough, for additional floor protection.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Over the years, I’ve put the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King Tent through just about every weather scenario, snow, heavy rain, strong winds, and even sandstorms. And each time, it held up like a champ.

Built for the Elements

This tent is truly weatherproof, thanks to:

• Taped seams that prevent water leaks
• A bathtub-style floor made from 68D Ripstop Polyester that keeps water out even in downpours
• Solid pole structure that flexes without failing under pressure

I’ve camped in it during nights of nonstop rain and always woken up completely dry inside.

That Memorable Windy Night…

Last year, I spent a night camping with 40+ mph wind gusts. It was so intense that the tent walls were pushing in and touching my nose several times per hour! Not ideal for restful sleep, but kind of hilarious in retrospect.

Despite the powerful winds:

• The poles didn’t snap
• The fabric didn’t tear
• And the tent stayed fully intact

Taking it down the next morning was its own wild moment. I almost got carried away by the rainfly while trying to fold it!

Final Thoughts on Weather Performance

Even in extreme conditions, the Mineral King tent held strong. While it might not be the quietest or most restful experience in hurricane-force winds, the important part is, it didn’t fail.

✅ Verdict: Weather-tested and camper-approved.

Comfort and Convenience Inside the Mineral King Tent

The Mineral King Tent is a well-built shelter that’s ideal for car camping and weekend adventures. Moreover, it’s thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort for two campers with a head-to-toe sleeping arrangement, giving each person plenty of personal space without feeling cramped.

Smart Storage Solutions

Inside, you’ll find four storage pockets, one in each corner of the tent. Two of these double as convenient door catchers to keep the canopy doors neatly rolled back when open. The other two are positioned near the head of the tent, perfect for stashing small essentials within easy reach.

Handy Mesh Gear Loft

One of my favorite features is the mesh gear loft suspended overhead. It’s roomy enough to hold your phone, keys, or even a tablet, great for cozying up inside during rainy nights and streaming a movie without needing to leave your sleeping bag.

Multiple Hanging Loops

Additionally, the tent includes five hanging loops inside the canopy. These are ideal for suspending a lantern or other gear, keeping your space organized and your essentials within easy sight.

This combination of practical storage and thoughtful design makes the Mineral King tent feel like a comfortable, convenient little home away from home.

Pros and Cons of the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King Tent

Update in 2025: Mountain Hardwear Releases the Mineral King All-Season Tent

Mountain Hardwear has taken their popular Mineral King tent and upgraded it for even tougher conditions with the new Mineral King All-Season Tent. Designed to handle everything from summer backpacking trips to shoulder-season storms, this version borrows high-performance materials and design features from the legendary Trango expedition tent, making it more durable, weather-resistant, and structurally sound.

Key Features & Upgrades

• Expedition-Quality Materials: The floor, canopy, and sidewalls use ultra-durable fabrics from the Trango series, offering excellent protection against rain, wind, and wear.
• Robust Frame for Stability: DAC Featherlight NSL poles, hubbed cross poles, and a symmetrical design create a stable structure that stands firm in challenging weather.
• Enhanced Interior Comfort: Pre-bent poles increase livable space, and two large mesh doors provide easy access and panoramic views when the vestibules are rolled back.
• Weatherproofing & Ventilation: Seam-taped waterproof construction keeps moisture out, with vents on the vestibules and a fly that can be secured halfway for airflow.
• Smart Gear Organization: The HangTight internal stabilizing system offers 360-degree hanging for lanterns, clothes, and gear, plus five storage pockets.
• Lightweight but Tough: Weighing 6 lb 9 oz packed and 5 lb 8.3 oz minimum, it balances durability and portability for extended trips.
• Full-Size Vestibules & Footprint Included: Two spacious vestibules offer dry-entry storage, and a footprint protects the floor.

Technical Specifications (2-Person Model)

• Uses: Camping, Backpacking, Winter Camping
• Poles: 2
• Doors: 2
• Vestibules: 2
• Interior Height: 42 in
• Floor Area: 33 sq ft (3.1 sq m)
• Vestibule Area: 18.75 sq ft (1.74 sq m)
• Packed Size: 6″ x 24″ (15 cm x 61 cm)
• Fabric:
  • Fly: 68D 210T Ripstop Polyester, 1500mm PU
  • Canopy: 40D Nylon Ripstop
  • Floor: 70D Nylon Taffeta, 10,000mm PU

If you’re looking for a stronger, more weatherproof upgrade to the original Mineral King, this All-Season model is built to take on unpredictable weather while keeping you comfortable and organized. Whether you’re camping deep in the backcountry or venturing into colder seasons, the Mineral King All Season is designed to be your reliable year-round shelter.

Final Thoughts on The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King Tent

I’m really happy with my Mountain Hardwear Mineral King Tent; it’s been worth every penny for my outdoor adventures. While I mainly use it for car camping, it’s also light and durable enough to work as a backpacking tent if you’re sharing the load with a partner. So, if you hike with a buddy and split your gear, this tent could easily serve multiple purposes.

Post originally published on July 12, 2023, and last updated on September 29, 2025.