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Tent for Seven: A Camping Adventure Gone South Out West
Riveting true story about the power of family and the majesty of the wilderness
Marty Ohlhaut loved the great outdoors, and he loved his family, but this time, the combination proved disastrous.
Cooped up inside due to long work hours, Marty was excited about taking off with his wife and five children for the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Aware that this could be their last camping trip together, he wanted to make it extra memorable.
Little did he know how memorable it would be. From a massive heat wave and tainted water to encounters with aggressive red ants and formidable bears, they experienced one problem after another. Then tragedy struck, forcing Marty to face the terrifying possibility of losing a loved one. With the help of mysterious strangers in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations, he fought to keep his family alive and his sanity intact.
Now, three decades later, he joins forces with his daughter Grace Ly to recount the gripping tale of that ill-fated vacation. Written with candor and wit reminiscent of Bill Bryson, Tent for Seven vividly captures both the grandeur and the dangers of the wilderness as Marty learns just how much his wife and children mean to him—and how fragile life can be.
Marty Ohlhaut loved the great outdoors, and he loved his family, but this time, the combination proved disastrous.
Cooped up inside due to long work hours, Marty was excited about taking off with his wife and five children for the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Aware that this could be their last camping trip together, he wanted to make it extra memorable.
Little did he know how memorable it would be. From a massive heat wave and tainted water to encounters with aggressive red ants and formidable bears, they experienced one problem after another. Then tragedy struck, forcing Marty to face the terrifying possibility of losing a loved one. With the help of mysterious strangers in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations, he fought to keep his family alive and his sanity intact.
Now, three decades later, he joins forces with his daughter Grace Ly to recount the gripping tale of that ill-fated vacation. Written with candor and wit reminiscent of Bill Bryson, Tent for Seven vividly captures both the grandeur and the dangers of the wilderness as Marty learns just how much his wife and children mean to him—and how fragile life can be.
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
937 people are currently reading
4491 people want to read
About the author
Marty Ohlhaut
1 book26 followersMarty Ohlhaut is the author of Tent for Seven.
He worked for thirty-two years as a risk management partner with IBM and then spent the next twelve years teaching strategic execution courses around the world. He has traveled to forty-four countries and visited all fifty states, making him an encyclopedia of amazing stories and anecdotes.
Among his many adventures, he stood amid the Terra-Cotta Army, climbed the Great Wall of China, toured the 5,000-year-old ancient pyramid city of Caral, Peru, and visited the Panama Canal. He also reached the Arctic Circle from two different sides of the globe and lived on a boat in Alaska’s inside passage, fishing for weeks at a time.
Marty and his wife, Joeline, have been married for over forty years, and they have five grown children and two grandchildren. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, they now live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He worked for thirty-two years as a risk management partner with IBM and then spent the next twelve years teaching strategic execution courses around the world. He has traveled to forty-four countries and visited all fifty states, making him an encyclopedia of amazing stories and anecdotes.
Among his many adventures, he stood amid the Terra-Cotta Army, climbed the Great Wall of China, toured the 5,000-year-old ancient pyramid city of Caral, Peru, and visited the Panama Canal. He also reached the Arctic Circle from two different sides of the globe and lived on a boat in Alaska’s inside passage, fishing for weeks at a time.
Marty and his wife, Joeline, have been married for over forty years, and they have five grown children and two grandchildren. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, they now live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
June 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the trials and tribulations of Marty and his 'camping family' in Tent for Seven! I usually read mysteries, and his writing reminded me of C.J. Box's love of the wonders of Nature, Harlen Coben's humorous self-deprecation, and the spiritual dimensions of Dean Koontz.
It had a gripping, very natural narrative similar to Bill Bryson. I could not put it down......I was hooked by the family dynamics as they reacted to the challenges they faced on their 'dream trip'...............
how could all these mishaps occur during 14 days on the road?!!!!
A very enjoyable, family-friendly romp out West!
It had a gripping, very natural narrative similar to Bill Bryson. I could not put it down......I was hooked by the family dynamics as they reacted to the challenges they faced on their 'dream trip'...............
how could all these mishaps occur during 14 days on the road?!!!!
A very enjoyable, family-friendly romp out West!
May 18, 2023
I was really looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint. I planned to read just a few chapters before going to bed and instead read half the book. The writing is so funny. I found myself laughing out loud at several spots. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the Canadian Rockies. I've always wanted to go to Jasper / Banff, so I particularly enjoyed reading about those places. And I liked the short historical context they provided in the book, very interesting facts that I never knew. If you're outdoorsy and enjoy camping and/or hiking, or if you just like a good armchair adventure I would definitely recommend Tent for Seven! Funny, quick read.
September 26, 2024
Absolutely delightful! A fascinating and at times disastrous family holiday, mixed with a few memories of a holiday the author took with five other guys when he was a teen. You come away from this story with a strong belief in guardian angels.
Some parts were pretty funny, too, like them transporting three big sacks of firewood from North Carolina into a Canadian national park--then finding free firewood at the campsites.
Some parts were pretty funny, too, like them transporting three big sacks of firewood from North Carolina into a Canadian national park--then finding free firewood at the campsites.
November 3, 2023
Well... I guess I'm going to take some hits for my review, but this book was a fail. The first half bored me to tears, and the second half, while more interesting, annoyed me. I'm a life long camper and was distressed to read about the kids picking wildflowers, jumping into ice water, the husband moving a boulder, setting fire to the ground to kill ants, and everyone skipping rocks ad nauseam. And why in the world did the wife climb out a bathroom window when there were people around to help if she called out? Their behavior was odd and disrespectful to the nature they claim to love. In the state and national parks I've camped in, all these activities are forbidden, both for the safety of the visitors and to preserve the environment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
“A Tent for Seven” is a wonderful entertainingly written true story of Marty and his family with an abundance of adventure and love. Many scenes are absolutely hilarious, I laughed out loud often. With its quick pace it is almost impossible to put down.
The style holds your interest as the author juxtaposes this family trip with adventures of his own travels 20 years earlier as a single college graduate. He reflects on the intense strain but also the immense joy which comes from sharing his love of camping with his family. I found it to be insightful and moving.
“Tent” does what we hope all good books will do: transport us from our day to day lives to fun and excitement without leaving our easy chairs. But it goes further. It invites the readers to reflect on their own adventures and their handling of adversity while recognizing the importance of family and friends in their own lives.
And it specially reminds us to acknowledge the kindness of strangers. Perhaps if we reflect carefully, we too might realize we’ve crossed paths with an “angel” or two in our own lives.
The style holds your interest as the author juxtaposes this family trip with adventures of his own travels 20 years earlier as a single college graduate. He reflects on the intense strain but also the immense joy which comes from sharing his love of camping with his family. I found it to be insightful and moving.
“Tent” does what we hope all good books will do: transport us from our day to day lives to fun and excitement without leaving our easy chairs. But it goes further. It invites the readers to reflect on their own adventures and their handling of adversity while recognizing the importance of family and friends in their own lives.
And it specially reminds us to acknowledge the kindness of strangers. Perhaps if we reflect carefully, we too might realize we’ve crossed paths with an “angel” or two in our own lives.
February 16, 2025
I laughed, I cried, and I remembered my own family camping excursions from days gone by. What an amazing storyteller Marty is! I could feel the heat of the campfire flames on front and the cold of the mountain air behind. The thrill (and terror) of bear sightings, the anguish of the hard times, and the wonder of the mysterious helpers. 100% would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story!!
May 17, 2023
LOVED this book! Sat down to read a chapter or two, and ended up reading half the book in one sitting - finished the book the next day. This is a really unique story, told from a witty and humorous perspective, about the adventures of a entertaining family. Definitely recommend.
May 18, 2023
Great fun, I was completely drawn into the story and couldn't stop reading. Every time something dramatic had happened and the situation started to lighten up, another disturbing event waited just around the corner. You wouldn't believe that a single family could go through all of this - and we learn that they emerged even closer and stronger upon their return.
August 15, 2023
By turns funny, scary, touching, and thrilling, this book is a true story of a family looking to have an adventure. And have one they did! Quick, easy read, with well drawn characters and descriptive writing that put you right into the story and the heart of this family.
July 31, 2023
A fun read. Perfect to take along on a trip or just for a good Summer read. After reading I felt like part of the family, but would think twice (or thrice), about a hike in the woods! A nice blend of humor, drama, and kindness. What more can you expect from a good trip or a good book?
August 15, 2023
You will be tested by unexpected circumstances and hardships. Deal with them humbly, knowing they are part of God's plan. and this will help you appreciate all the blessings in your life. - homily remark p.48
Coming from a first time author, previously a numbers man no less, I am blown away by the Marty's skillful use of literary language. As expected a tale of travel and adventure requires some detailed scene setting. However, the author's descriptions are surprisingly vivid but never tiresomely tedious allowing all the action to propel forward at a fast, almost torrid pace.
The story centers around a planned two week camping exploration into the rugged mountains and parks of British Columbia, Canada - all accompanied by Marty's five preteen children and wife Joline. Although experienced family campers this particular sojourn presents unusual pleasures and challenges that are presented often with a boisterous comedic touch with deft switches to understandable horror in both surprising and unsurprising circumstances. The main narrative is closely interwoven with some of Mary's hilarious reflections of his younger days on the trails with his unattached college buddies.
"Tent" is not fiction but memoir into the soul of a man who is graced to live in the pleasures of the present with the courage of faith all while sharing his love through responsibilities to wife and family. At the end of the story I believe the reader will agree that Marty has met the "test" with all the glory that is humanly possible. This book should further inspire the reader to reflect on their own life, perhaps in ways not previously considered.
May 21, 2023
Immerse yourself in a heartwarming camping journey that defies convention. Through trials and triumphs, the Ohlhaut family embarks on an unforgettable adventure, showcasing their resilience and deep appreciation for the natural world. The author's vivid descriptions and well-timed humor infuse the prose with an infectious sense of adventure, allowing readers to feel the thrill or trepidation of each moment. I was moved on several occassions by the compassion and kindness shown by strangers who generously extend a helping hand when needed most. Ultimately, this enchanting tale serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of family bonds, forged through shared experiences, that resonate long after the final page. Enjoy.
June 1, 2023
"Tent for Seven" is a truly enchanting book that celebrates the power of family and the breathtaking beauty of nature told with a perfect mixture of humor and insight. Through its compelling storytelling, it takes readers on a magical journey where seven family members embark on a camping adventure that forever changes their lives. With heartwarming moments and awe-inspiring descriptions of the natural world, this book reminds us of the profound connections we can forge with our loved ones and the transformative experiences that await us in the great outdoors. A must-read for anyone seeking to be inspired by the wonders of family and the captivating allure of nature
October 21, 2024
What a disturbing book. While it seems most readers enjoyed reading the adventures of this grown childishman, taking his family on a family camping trip, I found myself wondering when Darwinism would prevail and hurl him into oblivion. A grizzly bear would have spit him out as spoiled.
It seems he didn’t learn anything useful from his trip out west with his college friends and certainly wasn’t any more mature or educated when he took his family years later. He seemed to be on the same level as his 8 years old son. Leaping before looking, or even thinking.
A fast read, but a waste of time and energy.
It seems he didn’t learn anything useful from his trip out west with his college friends and certainly wasn’t any more mature or educated when he took his family years later. He seemed to be on the same level as his 8 years old son. Leaping before looking, or even thinking.
A fast read, but a waste of time and energy.
July 2, 2023
Heart warming, funny, at times hilarious - the rich detail of this family’s camping misadventures makes you vividly and emotionally experience every bear encounter, bad luck choice, and compassionate stranger as if you, the reader, were there. I could not put the book down!!! By the end, you know and love the Ohlhaut family
May 22, 2023
Love it. Must summer read!
June 3, 2023
If you like Bill Bryson - you'll love Tent for Seven. Reminded me of A Walk in the Woods! Read in one sitting.
August 14, 2023
Fantastic true story! Poignant, funny, and hard to put down.
October 17, 2023
Such a good read. I put the book down believing in angels again.
August 5, 2023
Since I’ve always wanted to travel to Banff and western Canada, I thoroughly enjoyed following the family vacation with Marty, Joeline and their family of seven. The family faced new challenges on each leg of the camping trip, and I found it difficult to put the book down after a few hours because I wanted to know what happened next. Descriptions of the magnificent scenery, on this trip as well as several of Marty’s other western frontier experiences, allow the reader to see the sights and to enjoy the family members’ reactions and adjustments to each adventure. A warm story about an unforgettable trip that had lasting effects on each member of the family.
July 30, 2023
What a delightful book, the travails of a family of seven in the northwest US and Canada, with flashbacks to Marty's college graduation trip out west with several buddies. The descriptions and brief history of the places they visited were interesting (without being tedious), and the friends/angels that appeared at the most opportune times was heartwarming. To pack and fly seven people across the country, stuff all their camping gear and food into one van, and find camping sites without reservations, was a logistics feat in itself. If you enjoy Bill Bryson, you will definitely enjoy Tent For Seven.
G
G
October 2, 2023
Amazing
This book was amazing. It's wonderful that after all the difficulties they had, they survived it all with the help from God and still remained a wonderful family. The best book I have ever read!!
This book was amazing. It's wonderful that after all the difficulties they had, they survived it all with the help from God and still remained a wonderful family. The best book I have ever read!!
July 27, 2025
You know, for something I randomly came across in a second hand store, it's not bad!
(Riveting true story about the power of family and the majesty of the wilderness
Marty Ohlhaut loved the great outdoors, and he loved his family, but this time, the combination proved disastrous.
Cooped up inside due to long work hours, Marty was excited about taking off with his wife and five children for the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Aware that this could be their last camping trip together, he wanted to make it extra memorable.
Little did he know how memorable it would be. From a massive heat wave and tainted water to encounters with aggressive red ants and formidable bears, they experienced one problem after another. Then tragedy struck, forcing Marty to face the terrifying possibility of losing a loved one. With the help of mysterious strangers in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations, he fought to keep his family alive and his sanity intact.
Now, three decades later, he joins forces with his daughter Grace Ly to recount the gripping tale of that ill-fated vacation. Written with candor and wit reminiscent of Bill Bryson, Tent for Seven vividly captures both the grandeur and the dangers of the wilderness as Marty learns just how much his wife and children mean to him—and how fragile life can be.) ~ Blurb from Goodreads
There were some legitimately funny moments. For example, in chapter one, Martin and his friends are on this camping trip and have a harrowing encounter with a bear, only to find out that Mel (one of the friends) put honey under the picnic table to attract bears and nearly everyone wanted to tie Mel to a tree and slather him in honey. In chapter four, Martin tricks his kids into quietly getting back into the van to avoid a black bear by granting the first one in a free bag of Oreos. I think what makes these moments even funnier is that Martin talks in this dry, sarcastic way that's akin to someone like Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Vacation. Considering that this book is about a family vacation going wrong, it works beautifully.
Speaking of humor, Martin's son Max was probably the funniest person in this entire novel. He's basically this hyperactive daredevil and nearly everyone is on the verge of having a heart attack trying to keep him safe. Like, this was already a pretty hectic trip, but Max just adds this level of consistent chaos that really elevates the humor in this whole situation.
I also enjoyed the pictures. So a lot of the pictures are actual vacation photos of Martin and his family and whatnot and to me, it's a nice bonus that allows the reader to get even more immersed in the story and feel even more connected with the people involved.
Unfortunately, there was some padding. For example, in chapter nine, there's a flashback where Martin came face to face with black bears when he had a fever, which is to show that he has prior experience with black bears. However, there was already a bear encounter in chapter one and a black bear encounter in chapter four, so this really isn't adding anything that new. Like, you could honestly cut this entire scene and not lose anything important.
Overall, Tent for Seven: A Camping Adventure Gone South Out West was a neat little read that knew how to make the reader laugh.
Overall Grade: A
(Riveting true story about the power of family and the majesty of the wilderness
Marty Ohlhaut loved the great outdoors, and he loved his family, but this time, the combination proved disastrous.
Cooped up inside due to long work hours, Marty was excited about taking off with his wife and five children for the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Aware that this could be their last camping trip together, he wanted to make it extra memorable.
Little did he know how memorable it would be. From a massive heat wave and tainted water to encounters with aggressive red ants and formidable bears, they experienced one problem after another. Then tragedy struck, forcing Marty to face the terrifying possibility of losing a loved one. With the help of mysterious strangers in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations, he fought to keep his family alive and his sanity intact.
Now, three decades later, he joins forces with his daughter Grace Ly to recount the gripping tale of that ill-fated vacation. Written with candor and wit reminiscent of Bill Bryson, Tent for Seven vividly captures both the grandeur and the dangers of the wilderness as Marty learns just how much his wife and children mean to him—and how fragile life can be.) ~ Blurb from Goodreads
There were some legitimately funny moments. For example, in chapter one, Martin and his friends are on this camping trip and have a harrowing encounter with a bear, only to find out that Mel (one of the friends) put honey under the picnic table to attract bears and nearly everyone wanted to tie Mel to a tree and slather him in honey. In chapter four, Martin tricks his kids into quietly getting back into the van to avoid a black bear by granting the first one in a free bag of Oreos. I think what makes these moments even funnier is that Martin talks in this dry, sarcastic way that's akin to someone like Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Vacation. Considering that this book is about a family vacation going wrong, it works beautifully.
Speaking of humor, Martin's son Max was probably the funniest person in this entire novel. He's basically this hyperactive daredevil and nearly everyone is on the verge of having a heart attack trying to keep him safe. Like, this was already a pretty hectic trip, but Max just adds this level of consistent chaos that really elevates the humor in this whole situation.
I also enjoyed the pictures. So a lot of the pictures are actual vacation photos of Martin and his family and whatnot and to me, it's a nice bonus that allows the reader to get even more immersed in the story and feel even more connected with the people involved.
Unfortunately, there was some padding. For example, in chapter nine, there's a flashback where Martin came face to face with black bears when he had a fever, which is to show that he has prior experience with black bears. However, there was already a bear encounter in chapter one and a black bear encounter in chapter four, so this really isn't adding anything that new. Like, you could honestly cut this entire scene and not lose anything important.
Overall, Tent for Seven: A Camping Adventure Gone South Out West was a neat little read that knew how to make the reader laugh.
Overall Grade: A
April 16, 2025
Very emotional at times, spiritually encouraging, and humorous. A few places I cried, the angels they encountered were inspiring, and I giggled a lot, too.
August 1, 2023
Amazing ,I love true stories & this was a real page turner. I am not a fast reader but I flew through the book. I couldn’t wait to read each chapter, It was hard to put it down.
The descriptions of the different places the Olhaut family went made you feel like you were traveling with them. Accounts of their near misses ,close calls ,& life threatening occurrences,were hard to believe .
I highly recommend A Tent For Seven ,you will not be disappointed .
Sheryl S.
The descriptions of the different places the Olhaut family went made you feel like you were traveling with them. Accounts of their near misses ,close calls ,& life threatening occurrences,were hard to believe .
I highly recommend A Tent For Seven ,you will not be disappointed .
Sheryl S.
January 31, 2024
Outstanding read!!!
My husband read this and strongly urged me to read it. I resisted at first, then I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. The writing is superb, and the adventures of this family are amazing. Sometimes I laughed out loud, and other times I held my breath until they were safe again. I really enjoyed reading about what the various family members are doing now. Such a fascinating group of individuals.
My husband read this and strongly urged me to read it. I resisted at first, then I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. The writing is superb, and the adventures of this family are amazing. Sometimes I laughed out loud, and other times I held my breath until they were safe again. I really enjoyed reading about what the various family members are doing now. Such a fascinating group of individuals.
April 3, 2024
What a great book. I laughed so hard and felt as if I was on the trip along with the family.
February 15, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I’m so happy I did. This review is of my own thoughts. This book was crazy, chaotic, and funny. This family really did experience a vacation from hell. There were plenty of scary and silly moments and I will be recommending this to friends and family.
April 1, 2025
The book Tent for Seven is amazing. First, it is amazing that the family could undertake such a trip and amazing because of all the things that happened and how he handled the situations. I especially appreciated the ending where Marty reflected on how the trip had taught him life lessons and made a better person.
August 17, 2025
I’m in the minority when it comes to this book. I really tried to put it into context that this was before a lot of principles of visiting national parks are pretty ingrained (although if you follow the IG account “Tourons of Yellowstone” well, maybe people haven’t learned much), but I had so much eye rolling throughout the book. I don’t even know where to start but I didn’t think any of it was funny. I groaned most of the time. His cultural jokes (not funny), his ignorance of wildlife (also not funny), and his lack of planning (definitely not funny).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews