Showing posts with label backpacking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label backpacking. Show all posts

3/10/2012

Kelty Trail Dome 4 Four Person Tent Review

Kelty Trail Dome 4 Four Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Price: $159.99 at local Sports Authority
Weather Conditions: Cloudy, with sunbreaks. 2 days car camping.
Weight: Fairly light. 8 lbs.
Set-Up: The strength and durability of the aluminum poles are definetly worth the investment. You don't have to worry about snapping the poles unlike the fiberglass poles. I recommend putting the poles in the base "fastex" clips first, and then attaching the plastic clips on second. It's not really clear in the instructions. If you just bought this tent, I recommend practicing pitching the tent a few times. The first run took almost 30 minutes.I was able to set up this tent in under 10 minutes by myself. Always, always use a footprint or tarp when camping to save you from damaging the tent floor and moisture from the ground. Be sure to sweep your area of pine cones and small rocks. I also recommend getting beefier stakes. I've read the MSR Groundhog stakes are nice, but I got some $3 plastic ones at Walmart for a set of 6.
Tent fly: I like how the tent fly "clips" into the fastex clips at each corner. Also, I've read complaints of how the tent fly doesn't provide a good awning if you decide to step out during the rain. Pay attention to the color coded straps that will tell you how the tent fly is installed.
Front opening: The zipper of the opening is overstretched near the top. I was nervous that the zipper couldn't handle the stress of the two poles stretching it. I had to use a fastex clip with a strap (similar to the cross strap on a backpack) to wrap around the poles and pull them together to relieve the stress on the zipper. That solved the problem.
Storage compartments inside the tent: There are 4 mesh pockets at each corner of the tent. But they're aren't any hooks near the top of the tents if you wanted to hook a lantern to the roof.
Inside Space: I'm 5'7" and I was able to stand up completely with my head crouched a little bit. This is truly a 2 person camp with gear. I was able to fit a queen size air mat with no problems. The zipper wasn't as quiet as I hoped it to be. It still sounded like a zipper being pulled. The zipper was very smooth once I adjusted the two poles with the plastic strap. I didn't see any condensation the next morning, so I guess the tent vents very well.
Suggestions for design: This would be a perfect tent if it had a vestibule to store dirty clothes, boots, etc. A 2nd door would be nice, too.
Overall, I think I'll upgrade the the Kelty Gunnison 4.1 since it has a vestibule and a 2nd door. This is a nice tent for the camper on a budget.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Trail Dome 4 Four Person Tent

An ideal family-camping tent that offers a view of the stars at the campground or in the backcountry, the Kelty Trail Dome 4 features a simple pole design and clip-sleeve construction that make it a snap to pitch. Offering spacious room for four, the Trail Dome 4 has a 55 square foot floor area (but does not include a storage vestibule). It features internal storage pockets, mesh ceiling, gear loft loops, side-release buckle tent-fly connection, noiseless zipper pulls that resist jingling when it's windy, and color-coded clip construction with DAC DA17 aluminum poles.
The DA17 pre-bent poles are made of proprietary aluminum alloy designed by DAC specifically for tents, which provides a large diameter pole with high stiffness, strength and durability at an affordable price. The clip construction provides great fly separation and increased air movement, and it makes it easier to set-up your tent but offers less strength than full-length sleeves. The clips connecting the poles to the tent are color-coded so set-up is easy and quick in low light conditions.
The Water Tight Wall (WTW) construction keeps the doors and windows from leaking, even in driving rain. All exposed walls are constructed of coated fabrics with the seams shingled downward to shed water. Exposed windows and doors have wide flaps covering the edges so they won't leak at the zipper even in high winds. Kelty's ArcEdge construction lifts floor seams up off the ground, preventing water seepage around the floor and wall seams. Taped seams on the floor and the rainfly ensure that the tent is protected from moisture and wet weather.
Specifications
Seasons: 3 seasons
Capacity: 4 person
Floor area: 55 square feet
Vestibule area: none
Pole type: Two 12mm DAC DA17 aluminum poles + two 8.5mm fiberglass awning poles
Number of poles: 4
Number of doors: 1
Number of mesh windows: 3
Wall material: 68D 190T polyester taffeta
Floor material: 1800mm PU polyester taffeta
Fly Material: 75D 190T, 1800 mm PU polyester-taffeta
Dimensions: 99 x 80 x 57 inches (LxWxH)
Weight (minimum): 7 pounds, 10 ounces
Weight (packaged): 8 pounds, 7 ounces


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3/07/2012

MSR Hubba Tent Review

MSR Hubba Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this tent slightly used in January before the local Sierra Club Wilderness Basics course started. You know it never rains in Southern California? Well, guess what? It rained. All three weekends I have used it so far. I have done enough camping in cheap tents to say that I expected to be drenched in this tent after these extended rains. Instead, not a drop on me.
I will say that I did not comfortably squeeze my pack inside the tent with me (and I am only 5'6" tall). Instead, it was under the small vestibule in a trash bag. In hindsight, I thought it would not fit because my head was a foot from the end of the tent. I was worried about getting wet in the tent. I can't wait to try it again to see if I can get the pack inside.
It has seen 60 mph wind gusts, and 30 mph steady wind (estimated). While the stakes were also "rocked" it held up great. The fly was pulled so tight it did not even flap excessively though it was still very windy. And with so much mesh to the tent, while in the wind and desert, I did end up with quite a bit of fine, silty dust on the dry, windy night.
The tent seemed pretty cozy at first. Especially when others I was with had 1+ or 2 person tents. But the more I used it the more I liked it. I don't think there is much that this tent would not handle.
I do still think it is a bit cozy. One of these days I will probably upgrade to a two person UL tent for about the same weight (just to have the extra room). I will never sell it though. It is too good of a tent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MSR Hubba Tent

Offering a combination of maximum space and minimum weight, the MSR Hubba tent takes livability to the extreme without compromising elbow room or durability. The one-person tent is ideal for backpacking, as its ultra-light frame weighs a mere 2 pounds 13 ounces. At the same time, the tent's unique pole configuration offers plenty of interior space, with a generously sized main cabin, a stay-dry entrance, and a large vestibule for gear storage and food prep. Plus, it's quick and easy to set up after a long day on the trail, with an all-in-one hub-and-swivel pole design that's stronger than ever. Construction details include a polyester or silicon-coated nylon fabric that's durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant; full-featured detailing with bound and seam-taped floors and flies, reinforced stress points, ultra-light stake loops, and user-friendly door toggles; and virtually unbendable Needle stakes that weigh only 0.35 ounces. The Hubba tent--which can be used as a double-wall tent for full protection or in two freestanding tarp-shelter modes when used with an optional footprint (sold separately)--measures 86 by 40 by 26 inches (W x H x D) and carries a lifetime warranty.
About MSR Mountain Safety Research (MSR) designs, manufactures, and markets innovative adventure gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The ever-growing MSR product line is most popular with mountaineers, backpackers, and campers. MSR is the industry leader in reliability and quality with every product it focuses on--tents, stoves, water filters, snowshoes, cookware, climbing gear, fuel, and related accessories. All of MSR's products set the benchmark in performance throughout the specialty outdoor industry. MSR is also one of the most widely distributed brands in the outdoor industry and provides products to more than 1,200 specialty retailers in North America and export to more than 30 countries.
MSR Materials & Workmanship Guarantee MSR warranties the materials and workmanship in every MSR tent to the original owner. If your MSR tent has received proper care, but fails due to a defect in manufacturing, the tent will be repaired or replaced at MSR's discretion. Repairs due to accident, improper care or negligence where MSR is not at fault--including sun degradation, mildew, wear and tear due to hard use--will be performed at a reasonable charge. MSR offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner on all MSR tent framework. If your tent pole breaks, MSR will repair or replace it--free--for the lifetime of the tent, upon postage paid delivery to the MSR Product Service Center. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser. Proof of purchase is required.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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2/24/2012

Alps Mountaineering® Taurus 2 - Person Tent Review

Alps Mountaineering® Taurus 2 - Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a great tent at a great price. I could have gotten a much more expensive tent but read some reviews and decided to give it a go. It handled rain better than I expected and is well designed. It was perfect for car camping by myself with gear. I'm very happy with this purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alps Mountaineering® Taurus 2 - Person Tent

Alps Mountaineering Taurus Tents... easy - up Tent that's built to last! This simple 2-pole, free-standing grey / coal / blue Tent has been the best-selling Alps Mountaineering tent model for the past several years! Put this baby up in a jiff... the tent clips snap in place over the shock-corded fiberglass. And it's weatherproof, too! The polyester fly and floor are urethane coated with factory-sealed seams keep water out! A full-length polyester taffeta fly helps keep rain out, too. And you'll love the vestibules over each door for extra gear storage. Plus, Alps added mesh roof vents add star gazing to this 3-season tent's features! Has 2 doors for easy in / out. Stakes and guy ropes included. Base Size: 5" x 7'6"; Center Height: 3'10"; Vestibule Depth / Area: 32/20; Tent area: 64 sq. ft.; Total Weight: 7 lbs., 7 ozs.; Packed Size: 6" x 22"; Order Today! Alps Mountaineering Taurus 2 - Person Tent

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2/19/2012

HIGH PEAK South Col 4 Season Backpacking Tent 3 person 9.7 lbs Review

HIGH PEAK South Col 4 Season Backpacking Tent 3 person 9.7 lbs
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I stumbled across the HIGH PEAK South Col 4 Season Backpacking Tent while digging around the Internet looking for a new tent. I'm a Boy Scout leader, so we camp EVERY month. Warm weather tents are easy, it's the cold that separates the herd. I bought this tent days before our December camp out. It arrived while I was away. Just missed using it for the first time! I'll update this review after the next camp.
Since you really don't want to setup a tent for the first time in the cold and dark, I did a dry run in my garage and found the setup to be very easy. If you've ever put up a flexible pole tent, you could do this in the cold and the dark without worry. The oversized zippers, large rainfly clips, seam treatments, etc. indicate attention to detail. This is a very impressive tent. Made even more so by the great price!
The service from the supplier CampingMaxx has been excellent. Above and beyond what you expect from most online retailers. I've been recommending CampingMaxx to my friends and associates even before I've used the tent in the field! I will highly recommend them to our Troop committee for consideration when we need new camping equipment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HIGH PEAK South Col 4 Season Backpacking Tent 3 person 9.7 lbs

*Clip Pole Design with Ring & Pin at the bottoms of the poles for QUICK & EASY SETUP .*Free Standing Design allows you to set it up Quickly and Easily most anywhere in just a few minutes. Use the Guy Ropes to make your new tent even MORE STABLE .*9.5 mm shock-corded ALUMINUM Poles ( 8.5 mm pole for the main fly opening )*Great for TWO or THREE Campers*Only 9.7 Lbs. Carry Weight *Fire Retardant treated.Meets CPAI-84 Regulations.*Treated Breathable Rip-Stop Polyester Inner Tent*LONG RAINFLY of Treated Rip-Stop Polyester LONGwith Polyurethane coating for better water resistance. (( Treated to withstand 3000 mm water column ))*Treated Polyester Floor with Polyurethane coating for better water resistance. (( Treated to withstand 5000 mm water column )) *TWO LARGE DOORS with Storm Flaps.(( Inverted "U" shaped door for easy access and No-See-Um Mesh Screening ))*TWO VESTIBULES are created by the rainfly for DRY STORAGE of GEAR. (( DRY STORAGE for Backpacks, Boots, Dogs, Etc. ))*Four Gear Pockets inside for your smaller items*Taped & double-stitched seams to help prevent leaks.*Lots of Guy Ropes provide additional stability in wind.*Fast and Easy ONE PERSON SETUP*Comes COMPLETE with Stakes , Guy Ropes , Carry Bag and Setup Instructions.*Made by HIGH PEAK ®. . . . so you KNOW the quality is there .*ONE YEAR MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY against actual defects in workmanship and materials .* The South Col and the Enduro Tents by High Peak are endorsed by BRAD JOHNSON .Brad Johnson is a "modern day adventurer-explorer" , leading guided groups into exotic locations from Peru to Nepal .Brad is the founder and managing director ofPeaks & Places Travel

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2/14/2012

Wenzel Nova Sport 6- by 5-Foot Two-Person Dome Tent Review

Wenzel Nova Sport 6- by 5-Foot Two-Person Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
It's a fabulous sunny-weather tent, realtively cozy for two persons of average size and weight....but when it rains it POURS. It LEAKS through every cross-hatched weave of thread it's made of. You'll scream like I screamed, curse like the sailor you will be whilst drifting about, angrily wondering why you decided to let your desire to save a little dough has literally drowned you in sorrow.....and it wasn't even a heavy rain. Alas.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wenzel Nova Sport 6- by 5-Foot Two-Person Dome Tent

Nicely lightweight and easy to set up and breakdown, the sporty Wenzel Nova dome-style tent is a great choice for a weekend car camping outing. It features a single room that measures 6 by 5 feet, and a 38-inch maximum height. It has a half-circle door with a mesh window covering half of it (and an interior zippered closure) as well as a three-quarter vented dome with no-see-um mesh. The interior is quite spare, with only a small gear pocket in one corner near the door.
Set up was easy, for the most part, and we erected the tent (with its two shock-corded fiberglass poles) in under five minutes. The one impediment to an even faster assembly was the heavy-duty nylon corner pockets that secure the poles, which included a polyester-reinforced interior flap that's not seamed at the top of the entry. Thus, we had a tougher time than we should have trying to make correct purchase with the pocket, continually hitting the space between the nylon pocket and the interior poly pocket.
But we could forgive this slight design flaw for such a nicely light and easily backpacked tent. However, it should be noted that this tent isn't suited to an all-out assault by rain, with just a small rain cover (instead of a full fly) to protect the dome's three-quarter-ventilated square, which is quickly attached using integrated plastic hooks. That said, the water-resistant polyester exterior (polyester utilizing Wenzel's Weather Armor coating) will shed drizzle and light rain (tested under our extended sprinkler test in our backyard) and keep you warm and protected inside. It also features a heavy-duty nylon floor with taped seams.
If you're an occasional camper who sticks with fair-weather weekends, the Wenzel Nova is a fine, affordable choice for camping duos. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
What's in the Box? Tent, mini rain fly, metal stakes (with bag), two fiberglass shock-corded poles (with bag), stuff sack, printed instructions; backed by 10-year warranty
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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2/12/2012

Wenzel Ponderosa 10- by 8-Foot Four-Person Two-Room Dome Tent Review

Wenzel Ponderosa 10- by 8-Foot Four-Person Two-Room Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This tent was pretty easy to put up, even for a little first timer like myself ( I am under 5 feet and was able to do it by myself, although it recommends 2 people). Definately use 2 people if they are available, simply for holding the rods steady as the tent goes up. It drizzled a bit on the camping trip, and the tent held up well with no extra sealant, and was tall enough for me to stand in. The privacy curtain came in handy while dressing or napping, since I shared my tent with 1 other person most of the trip. The number of people that fits in the tent is misleading, the tent says it fits 4-5 people, when what it really fits is 3 twin size air mattresses side by side, with about 1 or 2 inches on either side. If there are just sleeping bags, no air mattresses, it could probably fit about 4 people. The tent comes down just as easily as it goes up and fits nicely into the provided bag.
Happy camping!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wenzel Ponderosa 10- by 8-Foot Four-Person Two-Room Dome Tent

Great for hiking and biking trips, the Ponderosa two-room tent is lightweight enough at 10.8 pounds to carry on a backpack or saddle bags yet spacious enough to sleep four people at once. The tent base measures 10 feet by 8 feet, with a height in the center of 60 inches--more than enough space for an informal game of cards at midnight. The removable divider curtain, meanwhile, adds a bit of privacy in crowded conditions. Construction details range from a shock-corded fiberglass frame with a pin and ring connection to a weather-armor polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating. The frame is designed for quick and easy setup--a far cry from the clunky frames of yesteryear--while the coated fabric is reliable and sturdy regardless of the weather.
And should the rains come pouring down, the tent's armor-tough seams and water-repellent threads, zippers, and webbing stand ready to resist. The tent even includes sonic-sealed floors that are welded (not sewn) to eliminate stitch and needle holes, ensuring that water from rain-soaked dirt won't sneak in. Additional details include three windows (two in the front and one in the rear), Dutch D-style doors for easy entry from either side of the tent, and four mesh roof vents for circulation and moisture control. The Ponderosa is backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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2/09/2012

ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 8.5- by 7.5-Foot 4 Person Dome Tent Review

ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 8.5- by 7.5-Foot 4 Person Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am well in to my second season with this tent and it is awesome! It packs up small and is easy to take along. I bought this for use on motorcycle camping trips and it has been everything I expected and more!
A few weeks ago I had set up in one of my favorite campgrounds. The forecast was for thunderstorms and it was right. We had got wind and rain like I haven't seen in years. I had staked and tied the tent down and it held up beyond belief. We got 5 inches of rain that night and the only wetness in the tent was from me coming in.
This is a great product!

Click Here to see more reviews about: ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 8.5- by 7.5-Foot 4 Person Dome Tent

The Taurus 4 is a 2-pole freestanding dome tent that is enhanced with 2 doors and 2 vestibules, which is probably why it's been our best selling tent model for the last several years. We use aircraft alloy aluminum poles that are strong and lightweight. Assembly is really easy with the tent clips that just snap in place over the poles. The polyester fly and nylon floor are urethane coated, with factory sealed seams for maximum weatherproofness. The 2 doors make getting in and out of the tent much easier, especially in the middle of the night when you need to take a quick "break". You also get 2 vestibules (one over each door) that you can use for extra gear storage. The vestibules also serve as automatic guy-out points when the weather gets a little nasty. The fly buckles to the tent, offering a much more secure attachment when compared to elastic cord. We have added vents to the fly on our 2006 models so you get even better ventilation. Mesh roof vents increase ventilation and improve star gazing. Mesh storage pockets and a gear loft are included for organizing your stuff. Stakes and guy ropes are included.

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2/02/2012

Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2 Two-Person Ultralight Tent Review

Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2 Two-Person Ultralight Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First the bad news: this tent is a tunnel design, so it is not free-standing. This means that you have to pull stakes to move it. In all my backpacking I have *never* had to move a tent before I was ready to leave (though my companion and I awoke one morning to find our Clip-3 had been in the middle of a storm-started stream all night--the seals held, and we both slept through it!). Also, I have only occasionally camped where the ground was so rocky I had trouble putting the primary stakes down. I camp mostly in the Pacific Northwest--your mileage may vary, so ask friends who camp in your area. My conclusion: "free standing" means little to me.
So why buy a tunnel design instead of a geodesic? Because tunnel designs offer the best interior space to weight ratio. In human speak, you get more space and less pack weight. You can reduce the ~4 pound pack weight further by purchasing some premium titanium stakes from aftermarket manufacturers. Many newer "ultralight" tents from Sierra Designs and others cost twice as much and weigh over 6 pounds.
Some tunnel tents from Stephenson's offer even lower weight, but are custom made--cost is very high, you may wait several weeks to receive it, and I would worry about availability of replacement parts. Sierra Designs is common enough that most outdoor chains can quickly sell you spare poles or parts should accidents occur while traveling.
This tent is a breeze to set up--takes only a few minutes, and regularly garners compliments and amazement from other campers who watch.
I only wish that Sierra Designs would offer the very similar but larger Clip-3 tent again. Mine packed under 5.5 pounds (with spare stakes), and had 42 square feet of interior space. That's less weight than most two-person geodesics and more space than most three-person tents! And I find the three person version a lot less claustrophobic.
Before purchasing a tent, I suggest you consider carefully how you will use it. This piece of gear is one of the most expensive and heavy you'll take into the wilderness. Each feature adds weight, and you may decide some are not worth carrying. Backpacker Magazine has excellent annual reports on tents--compare features there (it is often available in public libraries).

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A best-seller, year-in and year-out, the Clip Flashlight features a hoop design for less weight, a generous vestibule, and Swift Clips for easy set-up.Tent Guard with Ultra Fresh, a SuperSeal Floor, Cam-Locs, color-coded webbing, reflective guy-outs and DAC Featherlite poles make the Clip not only a great value, but a top performer.

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2/01/2012

Trango Squid Review

Trango Squid
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I have used a regular stick-clip before but mine was in bad shape. I decided to upgrade to the Squid Clip and bought an inexpensive painters pole to attach it. I have followed the instructions as have my climbing buddies. We can not seem to get the gate to fully open and stay that way for the clip. By the time we get the clip to the hanger, the draw falls as the gate was not open far enough.
I am open to suggestions........please.

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The Squid a is a stick clip which does an elegant job of clipping out-of-reach bolts and allows you to UN-CLIP 'biners from those same bolts. If you don't believe in karma, the Squid can pay for itself in recovered draws in just a few days: for the karma conscious, the Squid will load up your karma bank faster than you can help a little old man across the street. "Fingers" at the end of the pivot-arm grab the gate and open it with a pull, letting you take the 'biner out of the bolt. If the draw is already hanging, a clever set of arms will hold your rope so you can clip it into the draw. Be careful though; in some states you could be busted for possession of burglary tools.The Squid will work with any standard paint pole. We recommend the 8' 2-piece Mr. LongArm ProPole. The pole needs to be stiff; the Squid will not work with a tent pole. Patented.Weight: Doesn't matter Material: Polycarbonate Color: Assorted Patented # 6,510,599

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1/30/2012

8 FT 10 IN FRESHWATER TELESCOPING ROD & SPINNING REEL COMBO Review

8 FT 10 IN FRESHWATER TELESCOPING ROD and SPINNING REEL COMBO
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A friend purchase this rod for me. i am very disappointed with it first thing it is being affected by salt water after the first fishing trip it start to sign of rusting although it was washed of with fresh water after the trip. on the second trip it broke that was the end of it. very very poor quality and the reel is also of poor design and quality. the only good thing is that it can fold up nice and easy to store.

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8 FT 10 INCH TELESCOPING ROD & SPINNING REEL COMBO MEDIUM ACTION FOR FRESHWATER GAME FISHFISHING ROD FEATURESTelescopic Fishing RodExtended Length:8 ft 10 inchesCollapsed Length:24.5 inchesExtended: 5 collapsing sectionsWeight Combo:17 ouncesFive (5) Ceramic Guide EyesNon-Slip Foam HandleEasy to Carry with Plastic CaseTip Protector IncludedREEL FEATURESPro Leader:FX-500 Spinning ReelType:SALTWATER ReelBall Bearing Drive:Smooth ActionLine Roller;Oversize, Anti TwistConstruction:Graphite Body ReelGear:Pinion GearType:Two (2) Ball BearingHigh Gear Ratio:5.1 to 1Adjustable:Drag, Anti ReverseColor:Red, MetallicRight or Left: Reversible HandlePre-filled:150 yds. of 10 lb test lineLine Capacity (mm/m):0.3/260; 0.4/140; 0.5/100Great for hiking, camping, & traveling.Keep in the trunk of your car, RV Camper, Travel Trailer, or Motorcycle. Great for those times when visit the Ocean and want to catch that record Saltwater Game Fish.

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1/29/2012

Wenzel Lone Elk Hiker 6.5 X 4-Feet One-Person Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Gold) Review

Wenzel Lone Elk Hiker 6.5 X 4-Feet One-Person Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Gold)
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Wenzel Outdoor Products has recently made a change in their product line, replacing their Starlite model with the Lone Elk Hiker/Biker tent. The tents in this range are lightweight, and compact for hiking or cycling. Will this transition in products show improvement?
FEATURES
Model #: 36418
Base: 6.5 ft. x 4 ft.
Center Height: 36 in. F / 24 in. R
Area: 23 sq. ft.
Sleeps: 1
The new Lone Elk tent is one of the lightest tents in its pricepoint, and rivals other more expensive tents in features. In fact, at 1470g (3.25lbs), this tent is ideal for cyclocamping, s240's, or weekend backpacking... as long as the weather is fair.
Wenzel Lone Elk Hiker/Biker Tent
The tweaked design of the Lone Elk has increased weight by four ounces, but has also included an additional bit of length and width for added comfort. While these attributes are key, a tent needs to be durable too. Keep on reading, in order to see how it stood up to its predecessor.
Once again, this tent is not a self-standing structure. The two shockcorded fiberglass poles are easily guided through the tent supports and mount to the base with a pin and ring system. Three guy lines are used to allow the tent to stand. A complaint of the Starlite tent was that the guyline setup made entering the tent less than optimal for taller or larger users, this tent allows easy entrance without complications.
The tent itself comprises of three different materials, not including the mesh vents. The top part of the dome is a thin, grey nylon which does well at keeping heat in, and blocking wind. The seams are in places which are at optimal angles in the event of rainfall. The second material is a thicker batch of nylon, and lends itself to maintaining the support and tension of the tent. The tarp material used at the base of the tent is thin, but clearly waterproof. I still use a footprint under the tent to keep another layer between the ground and I; this may not be necessary depending on what kind of pad you use under your sleeping bag.
Inside the rear of the tent, there is a vent flap which can be zipped open or closed. The three nights that I spent in the tent for testing, I noticed with both the rear vent flap and front door vent (front only slightly open) open, condensation did accumulate, and took about two hours to evaporate after awakening. I attribute this to the nature of sleeping in a backpacking tent, not a flaw in design or architecture of the vents. The tent kept me considerably warm, and did everything else it was intended for.
Review:
This tent is 3lb4oz, and can be found for $20-25 online. It fits one person, and a backpack inside, and has a small vestibule-type overhang for a pack or shoes at the rear. It does not have a rain fly, therefore is solely meant for fair weather conditions. Tent setup takes ten minutes when done casually, and is quite sturdy with the design.
Pros:
* Lightweight
* Inexpensive
* Well Stitched
* Small Pack Size
* Availability
Cons:
* Lack of true Vestibule, Porch, or Rainfly.
* Tent Pole Length of 23' makes them awkward, but not difficult to pack.
Once again, if you are not in the market for a $200 tent, this will do you well as long as you understand and accept its limitations. Since February, I have spent five nights in this tent provided to me by Wenzel since February, in weathers as cold as 20*F, and even bailed out on a sixth night that a thunderstorm sneak attacked me. As stated before, this is an ideal cyclocamping or backpacking tent for people who are already light in the wallet. The Lone Elk tent fills a very important role/genre in the area for people who are not yet willing to invest big money in camping gear, but still want to get their feet wet, figuratively... not literally.
4 / 5 Stars.
Photos and full review @ [...]
P.S. - I was provided this tent pro-bono to review.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wenzel Lone Elk Hiker 6.5 X 4-Feet One-Person Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Gold)

Lightweight and compact, the Wenzel Lone Elk one-person tent is ideal for solo hikers and cyclists. The Lone Elk is made of rugged, weather-repellent Weather Armor polyester and includes a sonic-sealed, welded polyethylene floor, helping it keep water out and warmth in. The tent is also well ventilated, with a closeable mesh front door and a foot vent, both of which are protected by rain flaps for added weather protection. And setup is a breeze thanks to the shock-corded fiberglass poles and pin-and-ring system. The tent, which comes with poles guy-out ropes, stakes, and a storage duffel, weighs only 3.8 pounds.
Specifications:
Base: 6.5 by 4 feet
Center height: 36 inches (front), 24 inches (rear)
Area: 23 square feet
Capacity: 1 person
Door: Arch style
Frame: Fiberglass
Floor: Welded polyethylene
Stakes: Steel
Carrying weight: 3.8 pounds

Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all-purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in. If you're a backpacker, alpine climber, or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to buy something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall, and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three-season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are specifically designed for summer backpacking or other activities. Many premium tents will also feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain fly for enhanced waterproofing.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four-season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types: freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and tents that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floorplan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being lighter. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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1/11/2012

Big Agnes Seedhouse 2 - Two Person Tent Review

Big Agnes Seedhouse 2 - Two Person Tent
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I bought this tent at a reasonable price here. I assumed it was the SL version so jumped on the price without thinking. I'm still happy with the non SL version. Not a "pro" hiker so take my comments with a grain of salt =)
very spacious for single person, but seems a bit snug for two unless both are using mummy style sleeping bags. Vestibule was smaller than all photos and review videos appear. Was disappointed there, but still there was plenty of room to stow my pack inside the tent proper without getting in the way of sleep---and I toss and turn. Vestibule held shoes, poles, rope, misc. with plenty of access room in and out. Had the pack stayed outside, I would be worried it would fall over or push through the material.
Rain fly access zipper was awkward to close and open from within the tent. The vestibule angle is a bit steep so it places the zipper closing point at an uncomfortable reach from the tent opening. Opening and closing the rain fly door from inside meant I had to plant one hand on the earth to balance myself while reaching with my other hand to zip. This might get a bit of dirt or mud inside if you're not careful.
Poles seems strong enough. I admit that I was a bit paranoid that I might snap one or two during first setup. Poles fit together nicely without much thought on my part. The elastic cord basically pulled the frame together on its own. I just had to make sure the segments were fully secure into each other. Tension was tight once I placed the second pole tip into the tent corner. Also when snapping on the last 2 or 3 top spine clips to connect the tent material to the frame, it really seemed like the spine pole was just a bit too long for everything to reach. After nudging some of the lower tent clips up, everything came together a little easier with minimal pressure. Rain fly went over easy enough. Wish there were instructions, but it's pretty self-explanatory.
Everything folded up without issue and slid into the compression sack smoothly. Entire bag fit base of my backpack and pack straps held it well enough. Seemed to ease left or right over the course of the hike. It was never enough so that the tent bag pulled free of the pack straps, but I would check it every few miles. That could just be my packing though.
Love the tent. Regret the non-SL version, but whatever. I don't do this enough to need the difference. Would suggest the footprint. Seems like there is enough slack in the compression sack to probably fit that too. That also may add more cushion to prevent the sliding that I noted on the backpack.
I hope that helps?

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Seedhouse Tent - 2 PersonManufacture ID: TSH2Seedhouse Series tents are strong lightweight three season backpacking tents that set up quickly due to their hub pole design.The all mesh tent bodyprovides great ventilation and the full coverage fly gives you protection from the elements.This series has enough floor and storage space to stay comfortable and organized - all at a great value. Free standing three season light weight backpackingtent.Features:- Yunan 7001 Aluminum 8.91mm hub/pole featuring floating connectors and non-corrosive shoktips - Single hub/pole design allows easy set up - Plastic clips attach the tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy set-up - Fly is 40Dnylon rip-stop with a silicone treatment and 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating - Tent body is 40D nylon mesh for excellent cross ventilation - Floor is 70D nylon with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating - D shaped door - Storm flap overvestibule zipper - Window in vestibule door - Two mesh floor pockets - All seams are taped - V-peg stakes included Specifications: - Trail Wt.:Tent3lb 14oz- Packed Wt.:Tent3lb 12oz- Fast Fly Wt.:Tent2lb 4oz - PackedSize:Tent7 x 20- Floor Area:Tent28 sq ft - Vestibule Area:Tent 8 sq ft - Head Height:Tent 38- Capacity:2person

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1/10/2012

U.S. Military Tent Half Shelter Review

U.S. Military Tent Half Shelter
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I used one of these in the army and I loved it. I recommend getting two halves, that way you can make a full tent, not a half shelter. I went out and bought a brand new set and plan to use it to teach my cousins how to camp. These last forever if you treat them right. Make sure you buy a poncho with the brass grommets if you buy one of these as a rain trap. Just my two cents.

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(2) Military Surplus, G.I. 12 Foot "Half Tent" Shelter. Olive Drab, comes with 10 tent pins and 2- 3 section poles. Made from sturdy cotton duck. TWO shelter halves. Can be assembled in a classic "Pup" tent configuration.

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1/06/2012

Kelty Teton 2 Two-Person Tent Review

Kelty Teton 2 Two-Person Tent
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I just returned from a 6-day/5-night camping trip and this is the tent I used. I did quite a bit of research before making my purchase and these were the requirements of what I was looking for in a tent:
1.) reasonably priced
2.) well made (duh--but you know what I'm talking about...something that doesn't rival one of those CHEAP 30-dollar wannabe-tents from Target and other places)
3.) easily assembled by one person--and quickly
4.) small and light
5.) could manage under high winds and torrential downpours.
Well, after whittling down my list of possible tents, this is the one that remained. Here's why I'm happy with my choice:
-At $100 (understandably, a steep price for some), for those that know that a cheap tent is nearly as bad as no tent at all, this was definitely a price that was reasonable.
-Many seams on the tent and rainfly had a pretty nice factory seal and the stitching seems tight and strong. The tent has excellent ventilation with much of the tent comprised of the fine, breathable mesh allowing air to easily come in and out.
-Excellent design for one man assembly. There are no annoying sleeves to slide the two press-fit poles through; they simply and sturdily attach to clips lining down to the four corners of the tent. I was able to set everything up within 5 minutes.
-While this can be used for two people, it would be cramped (31-sqft). It is perfect for one person and the extra gear (The previous reviewer's comment on the paltry vestibule was spot-on). The tent barely weighs over 4 lbs. which is outstanding!! In fact, on my final day right before tear-down, when I picked up the entire assembled tent to carry to another spot so it could dry in the sunlight, I was amazed at how virtually weightless it seemed to be.
-Two of the days and nights were clear with lots of sun of stars. The others were filled with a windy lightning storm--a slow, long and perpetually annoying drizzle--and a few unrelenting downpours. The tent held up extremely well allowing only a small amount of water in at the corners...which was entirely my fault (See below).
I'm very pleased with this purchase. For the purposes of my trip, viz., solo, weeklong camping--where weight, quality, and price were the major concerns--if there is a better tent out there, its existence must have snuck past me. I'm planning an anniversary backpacking trip for next spring for me and the wife, so a new tent will be necessary (for which price will become less of a factor and where ultimate quality will be of paramount importance); however, for everything else involving just me, this will definitely be my tent of choice.
A few suggestions if purchasing the Teton 2. I would strongly advise purchasing the special Kelty Teton 2 footprint along with the tent. While $30 may seem like a very expensive accessory (maybe this is why the previous reviewer opted not to purchase it), it was a tremendous improvement on other materials I've used in the past under previous tents. It will protect your tent floor against minor damage as well as keeping it dry--and because it is specially made for this tent, it is extremely light (easily packs with the rest of the tent) and you never see it when the tent is set up (as opposed to using annoying and heavy tarps). Finally, a word on seam sealing. While all of the seams on the rainfly are adequately sealed and a few on the actual tent, the seam connecting the floor to the rest of the tent MUST BE SEALED!! I recommend using Seam Grip made by McNett (others more experienced than me have spoken of simply using silicone mixed with mineral spirits)...but the one thing I ignorantly failed to do was completely seal the vertical seams of the four corners--which led to a little water seeping in at the corners during heavy rain. If one seals the tent properly, however, the first time, the tent should keep all water out.

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Lighten your load and not your wallet with the high-value Kelty Teton 2 two-person tent. The simple, easy-to-pitch three-season tent is made using Kelty's Water Tight Wall (WTW) construction, which keeps the doors and windows from leaking even in driving rain. In WTW tents, all exposed walls are constructed of coated fabrics with the seams shingled downward to shed water. In addition, the edges of all exposed windows and doors are covered with wide flaps, keeping water from leaking in at the zipper even in high winds. The Teton 2 enjoys further water resistance via the ArcEdge floor, which includes edges that rise a few inches up the sides before connecting with the tent walls. The ArcEdge floor is a superior waterproof design because none of the seams are in contact with the ground where water might seep in.
As with any good tent, the Teton 2 also keeps the interior tidy while you sleep, with mesh organizer walls, bookshelves, and storage pockets for your camping accessories. And to make setup easier, the tent includes DAC press-fit poles and color-coded clip construction. The DAC poles are used in all Kelty tents where strength is more critical than weight. The poles feature a ferrule that's pressed in rather than glued, with an extremely precise interference fit to hold it in place. This system ensures that the poles will be strong and reliable for many years to come, with no slippage or corrosion. The color-coded clip construction, meanwhile, provides great fly separation and increased air movement. The clips connecting the poles to the tent are color-matched with the poles themselves, making setup easier and quicker in low-light conditions. Other features include noiseless zipper pulls that resist jingling when it's windy; an aerodynamic venting system that regulates temperature and reduces condensation; and a side-release buckle tent-fly connection.
Specifications:
Seasons: 3
Capacity: 2 people
Minimum weight: 4 pounds 2 ounces
Packaged weight: 4 pounds 10 ounces
Floor area: 31 square feet
Vestibule area: 7 square feet
Dimensions: 88 x 40 x 54 inches (W x H x D)
Number of poles: 2
Pole type: 9mm DAC press-fit poles
Number of vestibules: 1
Number of doors: 1
Packaged diameter: 7 inches
Packaged length: 22 inches
Wall material: 68D 190T polyester taffeta
Floor material: 1800mm PU polyester taffeta
Fly material: 75D 190T, 1800mm PU polyester taffeta

About Kelty Kelty has been building affordable, reliable outdoor gear since 1952, helping everyone--from the first-time camper to the experienced mountaineer--embrace the outdoor experience with confidence. Dick Kelty launched the company after years of making backpacks in his home or garage for friends, hand forming and welding each of the frames while his wife sewed the pack bags. The original Kelty packs included aircraft-aluminum contoured frames, padded shoulder straps, waist belts, clevis-pin attachments, nylon pack cloth, zippered pockets, and hold-open frames. Dick Kelty quit his carpentry business in 1956 to focus full time on Kelty Packs, and turned an old Glendale, California, barbershop into his first retail store and factory. In the ensuing years, Kelty expanded its product line to include daypacks, luggage, waterproof clothing, child carriers, jogging strollers, and more.


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1/01/2012

Grand Trunk Uinta 4-Man Quick Set Tent Review

Grand Trunk Uinta 4-Man Quick Set Tent
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This is by far the greatest family/car camping tent i have ever owned and i've owned a few. I only say car camping because it's really big (which is nice) and weighs a little too much for hard core backpacking. You could hike in with it, but wouldn't want to take it on a thru hike.
That being said, this thing is amazing. I pulled it out, unfolded the legs, lifted up and pushed the center piece together and my tent was up. My wife turned around and couldn't believe it, my job was done! Before bed we put the rain fly on and again, what a great piece of gear. Complete "FULL" coverage and so fast and easy to use, each corner has a snap buckle and it was on. Plus, the front porch area is HUGE. The perfect place for our wet shoes and other gear.
Not sure what else to say, but you won't be dissapointed.

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The modern world is all about convenience and ease of use, and that's exactly what you get with the Grand Trunk Quick Set Tent Collection.From start to finish assembly takes less than a minute.No more late nights hassling with tent poles after a long drive to get to camp.Our patented central hub design and technology helps put the fun back in car camping.The flexible lefts of the tent help ensure a long life for your tent.It's also nice to know that with convenience and was of use you don't have to suffer from lack of quality.We design our tents with high quality material that guarantees to keep you dry and comfortable at night.

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12/30/2011

Eureka Scenic Pass 2XT Tent Review

Eureka Scenic Pass 2XT Tent
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when you compare its space/weight ratio (it's 59"x89"floor and 44" height)with others in its class. It's probably not going to be as "bombproof" as some of the other name brand tents, but you'll be paying more than twice the cost for the other ones. Very easy and quick to setup and roomy for 2 people (and you're only carrying about 3# when two people share the load). Used it once in humid/rainy conditions and no leaks or condensation (use common sense when setting up and orient it so the vestibules aren't facing into wind/rain, and then you can keep 1/2 of the vestibule and part of the door window open for airflow).

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Designed for maximum durability while minimizing bulk, the three-season, two-person Eureka! Scenic Pass 2XT backcountry tent features a DAC Pressfit poles for excellent wind resistance. This Scenic Pass also offers a unique fly vestibule design that protects you from wet weather or can be rotated 180 degrees for easier tent access in fair conditions. Other features include two side-opening D-style doors with zippered windows, multiple storage pockets, and a gear loft.
Specifications:
Frame: DAC 8.5mm Pressfit 2 pole dome
Fly: 75D Stormshield polyester, 1000mm
Wall: 75D polyester taffeta
Floor: 75D polyester, 1000mm
Mesh: 40D polyester no-see-um
Storage pockets: 4
Floor Area: 36.5 square feet
Vestibule Area: 13.81 + 13.81 square feet
Center Height: 3 feet, 8 inches
Doors: 2 with Hi-Low venting
Windows: 2
Pack size: 5 x 24 inches
Season: 3
Sleeps: 2
Floor Size: 7 feet, 5 inches x 4 feet, 11 inches
Minimum Weight: 5 pounds, 8 ounces

About Eureka Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka's long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company's annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka's new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women's Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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12/15/2011

Eureka Tetragon 7 Adventure 7-Foot by 7-Foot Three-Person Tent Review

Eureka Tetragon 7 Adventure 7-Foot by 7-Foot Three-Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm not an avid camper so I knew I didn't need an expensive tent, but I also didn't want to skimp out and get a cheapo tent. The Eureka line fit the bill quite nicely. I was deciding between the Tetragon 7 and Apex XT since I'd be using it for 2 people and I wanted it to be lightweight enough for backpacking. After reading many reviews I went with the Tetragon 7 (and I'm very happy with my decision) for a few reasons:
1. Tent 'person' ratings tend to be liberal. A '2 person' tent is reasonably spaced for 2 average sized people, but leaves little room for extra gear and packs. Since I always put my backpack and gear IN the tent, I went a 3-person tent where my gear takes the place of the 3rd person. I'm definitely glad I went with this size.
2. The Tetragons have good rain flies. I read reviews of this tent having leaking problems, which was something that was swaying me toward the Apex XT which seems to have a nicer fly. Admittedly I haven't experienced inclimate weather yet, but I sealed the seams and have an extra tarp just in case the weather gets rough. I think the Tetragon 7 will work well for my uses.
3. Eureka's lifetime warranty is reassuring.
4. As I mentioned, the packaged tent is fairly lightweight and easy for a backpacking trip.
5. Setup was incredibly easy, I must not have camped in a long time because I could have sworn tents were hard to setup. It only took 2 minutes to get the tent up and fly on.
I'm very happy with my decision and especially Amazon's cheap price. As an intermediate camping person (1-3 trips/year) this tent is perfect for my purposes. If I was an avid camper, I might splurge on a more expensive tent, but this one is great for me!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Tetragon 7 Adventure 7-Foot by 7-Foot Three-Person Tent

A great choice for car camping, base camp, or three-season backpacking, the Eureka Tetragon 7 rectangular dome tent comfortably sleeps three people. The double-coated StormShield polyester fly and the polyester bathtub floor combine to provide excellent weather protection. This free-standing, two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, ring and pin attachments, and color coded webbing.
It's well ventilated, thanks to two vents and large areas of mesh in the side walls. The double-coated polyester hooded fly won't stretch, and it allows front and rear windows to remain open even in rain. Other features include:
Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door
Brim over twin-track, side-opening door offers protected front entry
External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds
Natural green color scheme blends into any campground
Hanging gear loft and two detachable interior storage pockets
Mesh panels allow for clip-in accessories
Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:
Area: 49 square feet
Floor size: 7 feet by 7 feet
Center height: 4 feet, 4 inches
Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 210T polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 210T polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D 185T StormShield polyester with 800mm coating
Pack size: 6 by 27 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces

About Eureka Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide Selecting a Tent Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


Buy NowGet 47% OFF

Buy cheap Eureka Tetragon 7 Adventure 7-Foot by 7-Foot Three-Person Tent now.