The SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs is our best plastic tube tent pick, and it scored 82 out of 100 in our testing.
A cheap non woven tube tent that punches above its price for a car kit, as long as you do not lean on it for anything serious.
It is one of the few budget tents here with a closed end and tie shut flaps at the other, which cuts wind better than a fully open plastic tube.
First things first:
We tested it head to head against the other top tube tents, and below we break down how it did on Value for Money, Ease of Use, Weather resistance, Durability, Pack Size, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
- Best Plastic Tube Tent
- Our Verdict: SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs
- Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
- Should You Buy the SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs?
- What Other Tube Tents Should You Consider?
- Specifications
- Conclusion: SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs
Best Plastic Tube Tent
SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs
Bottom Line : A cheap non woven tube tent that punches above its price for a car kit, as long as you do not lean on it for anything serious.
Pros
- Very low price
- Closed end and tie shut flaps cut wind
- Includes four steel pegs
- Aluminum coated interior reflects some heat
Cons
- Corner peg loops can rip out
- Included cord is thin and poor
- Pegs fail in hard ground or sand
Our Verdict: SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs
A cheap non woven tube tent that punches above its price for a car kit, as long as you do not lean on it for anything serious.
It is one of the few budget tents here with a closed end and tie shut flaps at the other, which cuts wind better than a fully open plastic tube.
So, is it any good?
One of the cheapest options in the roundup, which is the whole appeal.
Ships with 23 feet of rope and four 9 inch zinc plated carbon steel pegs, unusual at this price.
For the money it shrugged off light rain and a breeze fine, but the flimsy cord went straight in the bin and I swapped in my own paracord.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Very low price
- Closed end and tie shut flaps cut wind
- Includes four steel pegs
- Aluminum coated interior reflects some heat
Reasons to avoid:
- Corner peg loops can rip out
- Included cord is thin and poor
- Pegs fail in hard ground or sand
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs scored 82 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on value for money and weakest on durability.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Value for Money
One of the cheapest options in the roundup, which is the whole appeal.
Ships with 23 feet of rope and four 9 inch zinc plated carbon steel pegs, unusual at this price.
Holds a solid rating across hundreds of Amazon reviews, so the low cost is not hiding a lemon.
For a few dollars it earns a slot in a glovebox or bug out bag as backup.
| Value for Money | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.9/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Ease of Use
Measures 82 by 36 inches and is roomy enough for an average sized person.
One end is sealed and the other has flaps you tie shut, so you get more wind protection than an open plastic tube.
Here's what that means:
Run the rope along the ridge, anchor both ends, then stake the corners.
Owners note the corner peg loops can rip out under load, so do not over tension them.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Weather resistance
The non woven material has an aluminum coating on the inside for a bit of warmth reflection.
Reviewers say it handled wind and light rain well, better than expected for the price.
Being closed at one end helps trap heat compared to a straight tube.
It is still an emergency barrier, not a sealed tent, so condensation and drafts remain.
| Weather resistance | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.2/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Durability
The steel pegs are the standout part, but owners warn they are near useless in hard packed clay or on a windy beach.
The included cord is thin and low quality, and several owners replaced it.
The corner loops are a known weak point that can tear out.
Non woven material holds up better than plain sheet plastic but is still short term gear.
| Durability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs | 6/10 |
| Category average | 6.8/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Pack Size
Packs down small and flat for a glovebox or pack.
Light enough that owners forget it is stowed.
The steel pegs add a little weight over pegless mylar tents.
| Pack Size | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs | 9/10 |
| Category average | 8.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Should You Buy the SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs?
A cheap non woven tube tent that punches above its price for a car kit, as long as you do not lean on it for anything serious.
It is best suited to budget minded buyers who want a cheap backup shelter with real steel pegs.
Bottom line?
The big win: Very low price.
The main compromise: Corner peg loops can rip out.
We scored it 82 out of 100.
What Other Tube Tents Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The SE Survivor Series Emergency Tube Tent is our best cheap rain shell tube tent. A dirt cheap plain plastic tube that blocks rain surprisingly well for the money, but it is fragile and offers no heat reflection.
The Go Time Gear Life Tent Survival Shelter is our best emergency tube tent. A well rounded emergency mylar shelter for a bug out bag, but treat it as a one storm survival tool, not a camping tent.
The LYN Instant 1-2 Person Survival Tent is our best heavy-duty tube tent. The most tent like option here with a real zippered door and fireproof shell, but it is heavier and bulkier than any mylar tube.
Specifications
| Model | ET3683 |
| Type | Non woven tube tent |
| Open size | 82 x 36 in |
| Interior | Aluminum coated |
| Rope | 23 ft |
| Pegs | 4 x 9 in steel |
| Color | Orange |
Conclusion: SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs
After testing it against the other top tube tents, the SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs earns its place as our best plastic tube tent pick.
Its standout strength: Very low price.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Corner peg loops can rip out.
If you want budget minded buyers who want a cheap backup shelter with real steel pegs, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the SE Emergency Outdoor Tube Tent with Steel Pegs ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Tube Tents guide.
