Bottom Line
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is a fantastic crossover-style tent that hits all the right notes. It’s perfectly sized—neither too big nor too small—offering a familiar yet refreshing design that we can’t get enough of. But it doesn’t stop there. The all-mesh sidewalls and the smart, thoughtfully designed fly make it an ideal choice for hot summer nights under the stars.
It’s one of the smaller tents we tested, so it may not be for everyone. However, if you’re looking for a versatile tent made of high-quality materials that can be pitched in minutes, and comes with an included footprint—all at a very reasonable price—then keep reading because the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 might just become your new favorite camping tent.
We hit the road for six weeks to put this tent to the ultimate test, crossing six states and camping in both front-country and backcountry scenarios. We scrutinized every detail of the Mineral King to ensure it truly lives up to the hype.
Quick Specs
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3
High-Quality & Durable Camping Tent for Two
CleverHiker Rating: 79.8/100
Price: $375
The size we tested feels: Luxurious for 1, comfortable for 2 & tight for 3
Weight: 7 lb. 1.2 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 90 x 68 x 48 in.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy and intuitive to pitch
- Huge doors with out-of-the-way stuff pocket
- Pre-bent poles create plenty of internal room
- Dual zippers on fly with kickstand for ventilation
- Fly rolls up halfway
- Plenty of pockets
- Packs small
Cons
- Lower peak height
- All-mesh upper limits privacy without fly
- Heavy for its size
Comfort
The Mineral King 3 is not designed for standing room, so most adults won’t be able to stand upright inside the tent. While this may be a drawback for those seeking a tent with a tall peak height, it’s important to recognize that this tent prioritizes portability and ease of setup over vertical space. Families or campers who prioritize spacious interiors where they can comfortably stand and move around might need to explore other options.
However, for those who value a more compact, versatile tent that balances comfort with a smaller footprint, the Mineral King 3 could still be a great choice. The Mineral King is comfortable for two adults and a dog but can feel a bit cramped with three adults.
Durability
Mountain Hardwear has been producing top-quality gear for a long time, and the Mineral King follows that tradition, though it targets a slightly different demographic than other tents in our lineup. Making a tent lighter and more packable doesn’t mean it’s lower quality—often, it’s the opposite. The tent body, floor, and rainfly materials have held up well, even in less-than-ideal weather. The DAC Pressfit poles assemble easily and feel as durable, if not more so, than those of its competitors. The Mineral King 3 has the vibe of a backpacking tent, with premium materials that ensure it will last for many seasons.
Weather Resistance
Compared to many of the other tents we tested in this category, the Mineral King stands out for its ability to handle high winds. Its low-profile design and shape help it shed wind effectively, making it suitable for more exposed locations.
Among all the tents we tested this season, the Mineral King 3 encountered the most extreme weather. We did notice that the rainfly can sag a bit if not fully guyed out. Unfortunately, the tent doesn’t come with enough stakes to secure the fly completely, which is important to prevent the wet fly from touching the mesh inner tent. While we didn’t experience any leakage, it’s worth noting that contact between the fly and the inner tent can allow water to pool and potentially seep through.
The Mineral King is an excellent choice for hot days because it ventilates well, even with the fly on. Without the fly, the tent body is almost entirely mesh, allowing hot air to escape easily.
Ease of Setup
Out of all the tents we tested, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 stood out for its exceptional ease of setup. A single person can pitch this tent in just minutes, thanks to its intuitive design. The tent features just two pre-bent poles and one cross-section pole that come together effortlessly, eliminating the need for cumbersome pole sleeves.
The lightweight materials further simplify the process, as you don’t have to contend with a heavy tent when raising it from the ground. This streamlined assembly makes the Mineral King 3 an excellent choice for campers who value both efficiency and simplicity in their setup and tear-down routine.
Features
One of the reasons we are so impressed with the Mineral King 3 is the number of features packed into such a small tent. It’s the only tent in our lineup that includes a footprint, which may not seem like a big deal to some, but a footprint is an essential part of any tent setup. We’re thrilled not to have to purchase it separately.
The Mineral King 3 is one of the more compact tents we tested, with a lower peak height. While this may not suit all campers, Mountain Hardwear has made an effort to maximize comfort with two exceptionally large doors and a pre-bent pole design. The large doors make it easy to enter, exit, and move gear, while the pre-bent poles help optimize internal space. Though most adults won’t be able to stand up fully inside, changing clothes isn’t too difficult, even near the sidewalls.
The tent’s ventilation is excellent, thanks to the two kickstand vents and dual zippers on the rainfly. This system helps maintain a comfortable climate inside the tent, making it easier to sleep well in any weather.
One of the most unique features of the Mineral King is the rainfly, which can be partially rolled up toward the top of the tent. This allows you to enjoy the stars while still having part of the tent protected. The rainfly can quickly be rolled down in case of bad weather, offering both convenience and peace of mind.
Should You Buy the Moutain Hardwear Mineral King 3?
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is an excellent choice for couples or small families seeking a smaller front-country tent that can double as a backpacking tent in a pinch. With its relatively lightweight and simple design, this tent shines as a versatile crossover option.
The Mineral King 3 is ideal for two adults and one child, but beyond that, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, if you’re exclusively camping in front-country campgrounds where space isn’t an issue, you might prefer a tent with a larger footprint and higher peak height for added comfort.
What Other Camping Tents Should You Consider?
REI Half Dome 3+ Review: The Half Dome 3+ is lighter, larger, and only a few dollars more. It’s a better choice if you plan to do more backpacking, but the Mineral King 3 offers superior features and better durability against the elements.
Marmot Tungsten 4: The Tungsten 4 is also larger than the Mineral King and just slightly more expensive, but as a true four-person tent, it’s heftier. The main differences come down to how much room you need and whether you prefer premium materials and an included footprint.
