Showing posts with label solo tent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solo tent. Show all posts

2/24/2012

Alps Mountaineering® Taurus 2 - Person Tent Review

Alps Mountaineering® Taurus 2 - Person Tent
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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.

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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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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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11/14/2011

Texsport Camouflage Trail Tent Review

Texsport Camouflage Trail Tent
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Okay, let's be honest. This tent is 25 bucks. You're not getting a Eureka, or a Marmot, or a Big Agnes or Sierra Designs or anything else that is $100-$300 dollars. It's not for mountaineering or winter camping, and it's not going to hold up in a serious thunderstorm. But for 25 bucks, it's probably the best thing on the market for the casual outdoorsman or backpacker on a tiny budget.
I bought mine for short overnight hikes and backyard camping to introduce my sons to the outdoors. The design is based on your typical military pup tent, or the Marine Corps' boot camp version of two ponchos snapped together and pitched over two end poles. But this is a bit better since it actually zips up and the ends aren't open.
I was actually surprised with the tent's durability and overall performance. C'mon, I bought it at a big-box store for dirt cheap. How long should I expect it to last? I was thinking one season at most. Instead I've had this little guy for 5 years. Used it a handful of times each summer and have never really had any problems with it. It worked great for a cross-country motorcycle trip. It was small and lightweight enough to strap across the top of my sissy bar bag without changing the ride dynamic at all. Kept me dry through some sprinkles and cool nights in the Appalachians.
The floor is made out of the same material as your standard blue tarp, but it's OD green. And the tent is made out of material like a windbreaker, but with a slightly rubbery feel to it, but not quite as heavy as a military poncho. It's very water resistant and will keep you dry from dew and a light shower, but it's not a heavy duty waterproof tent. I've never had water leak through the floor, and condensation is moderate inside. If you keep the flaps open on the back window, and leave the front door partway open (screened) it vents decently.
If you've never pitched a pup tent, it may take you an hour the first time. But if you've ever been in the military or boy scouts, you'll be able to set this up in the dark in less than 5 minutes. If you keep your guy lines pre-tied on the sides of the tent, and looped for the main poles, you can set this up blindfolded.
Another recommendation is to replace the tiny black wire stakes with some lightweight but heavy duty aluminum or titanium stakes (get them from Coghlan's or MSR). This isn't critical, but it will make it much easier to pitch and tear down. And replace the factory guy lines with some 550-cord. Spray the tent down with some waterproofing from your local camping store, and head out on the trail.
Best for: backyard, weekend camping, casual outdoorsman, teaching your kids & entry level campers, people on a Wal-Mart budget.

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Easy to set up camo tent.

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10/29/2011

Sierra Designs Vapor Light 1 One-Person Ultralight Tent Review

Sierra Designs Vapor Light 1 One-Person Ultralight Tent
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This tent is well worth the purchase for anyone looking to travel light. I use it for motorcycle camping and its light weight and compact size are impressive.
The tent is an absolute cinch to set up. I purchased the optional footprint, and the entire setup, including rain fly, takes just a few minutes. As the prior review notes, the walls are steep which results in adequate space for a true one-person tent. The "vestibule" area under the rain fly is quite small, so don't expect to keep much beneath it.
Tear down is also easy, although I find the plastic clips for both the footprint and rain fly to be somewhat difficult to remove. This may be because I'm a bit concerned about the quality of the plastic "H-clips" and so I'm extra cautious when handling them. At the end of each tent strap (one at each corner), there is a single plastic piece with two H-clips. The plastic clips on the footprint and rain fly attach to the H-clips. The H-clips seem a bit flimsy to me. After just a couple uses, the H-clips are intact, so, at this point, this is more of a concern than a criticism. I have included a photo of the H-clips in the product description. I have no other concerns about the build quality. I have not used the tent in the rain, but have used it in colder weather when the grass is very wet from dew, and there has been no issue with water getting through the floor (there are no seams on the floor). I also have not used it in high winds, so I cannot yet comment on how well it would hold up.
I am 5'5" and about 160 pounds and this tent provides plenty of space for me, both in width and length. It should accommodate a person up to 6' or perhaps taller. Regarding interior dimensions, I use a Thermarest Pro Lite Plus mattress, size large, which is 25" x 77" (63cm x 196cm) and it fits just about perfectly on the tent floor.
Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend it.

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One of the most important trail accessories for serious backpackers is a lightweight tent, as you don't want to trudge across miles of wilderness with extra pounds of poles and fabric. Enter the Sierra Designs Vapor Light 1, an ultralight tent that sleeps one person comfortably yet tips the scale at a mere 2 pounds 14 ounces. The tent is equipped with sturdy DAC Featherlite NSL poles, which undergo an anodization process during construction that is gentler on the environment than conventional methods. The tent's SuperSeal floor, meanwhile, combines the benefits of catenary and bathtub floors, with raised, PVC-free side seams to keep water out regardless of the conditions. And users needn't spend their first 15 minutes at the site fussing with a bunch of unruly poles and complicated instructions. Instead, the tent offers Spider Hub technology to keep all the poles locked in place, along with Jakes Feet at the tent corners for easily attaching the poles, fly, and footprint.
Despite its compact size, the tent is plenty large enough for one person, with 15.5 square feet of sleeping space. Other features include Ultralight Clips and a color-coded main door/rainfly; a 40-denier nylon taffeta floor; and a 7-square-foot vestibule. The tent comes with stuff sacks, stakes, and a guyline.
Specifications:
Seasons: 3
Design type: Freestanding
Sleeping capacity: 1
Fast pack weight: N/A
Average minimum weight: 2 pounds 14 ounces
Average packed weight: 3 pounds 7 ounces
Floor area: 15.5 square feet
Vestibule area: 7 square feet
Peak height: 38 inches
Doors: 1
Body material: 20-denier nylon ripstop
Floor material: 40-denier nylon taffeta
Rainfly material: 40-denier nylon taffeta
Pole material: Aluminum DAC Featherlite NSL



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10/22/2011

Eureka Spitfire Tent - 1 Person 2010 Review

Eureka Spitfire Tent - 1 Person 2010
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In January of 2008, REI put their Chrysalis UL single person backpacking tent on sell (115 dollars). I had just received an Eureka Spitfire (not UL) tent as a Christmas gift (89 dollars). Both of these two wall tents received many favorable reviews on the internet. Both tents advertise a weight of ~3 lbs. I decided to do a non-outing tent to tent comparison. If you look at all the web reviews available, it is clear both these tents can handle weather that you would prefer not to be out in. That was not my concern. I was more interested in which of these tents worked best for me and if there were any show stoppers between the two.
Component weights (ozs):
--------------------------------------------------------
Eureka Spitfire
Poles:................8.875
Fly:...................18
Body:..................17
Stakes:...............6.25
Stake Bag:............0.375
Pole Bag:.............0.625
Stuff Sack:...........1
Guy Lines:...........0.5
---------------------------
Total wt:...........52.625
Ti Stakes:...........2.5 (8)
Total wt. with
Ti Stakes:..........48.25
---------------------------
Min wt. (poles,
fly, body,
Ti Stakes,
Guy Lines):..........46.875
................(2 lb 14.875 oz)
--------------------------------------------------------
REI Chrysalis UL
Poles:.................12.125
w/o pole repair tube:..11.75
Fly:...................16.125
Body:..................17.375
Stakes:.................3.375
Stake Bag:..............0.25
Pole Bag:...............0.5
Stuff Sack:.............2.75
Guy Lines:,.............1.375
------------------------------
Total wt................53.875
Ti Stakes................2.25 (7)
Total wt. with
Ti Stakes...............52.375
-------------------------------
Min wt. (poles,
fly, body,
Ti Stakes,
Guy Lines)..............49.25
....................(3 lb 1.25 oz)
--------------------------------------------------------
The component weights show some of the compromises that were made in packaging the tents for sell. The fact that the Chrysalis is free standing results in a higher pole weight. The steel stakes that are standard with the Spitfire weigh too much. The Chrysalis UL's stakes are lighter, and of better quality, however I personally do not like the design. I strongly suggest the stakes for both tents be replaced with Ti stakes. The stuff sack used on the Spitfire is a simple no frill sack. The Chrysalis UL stuff sack has provisions for compressing the radius of the sack. This results in extra weight without any real advantage. If you wanted to use a tent compression bag, it should be the tent fabric parts only, and compress both the radius and length.
Both tents have a vent in their fly to help control condensation. The Spitfire also has a zipper at the top of the tent body that allows you to access the vent. When examining this zipper, I noticed as others have that the zipper does not completely close. A small opening about 1/2 the size of the radius of a tent stake remains open. A little better zipper termination would have eliminated this issue. This should be of no major concern, but it distracts from the tent's design. In the Chrysalis, the tent door needs to be opened to reach the vent.
The overall quality of the materials, sewing, and finishing of both tents is very good. The Chrysalis is a little better than the Spitfire, but this should not be an issue for either of the tents. When examining the fly coverage of the tents I noticed that the very end of the Spitfire tent body was not completely covered by the fly. There is about 1 to 2 inches of seam right at the end buckle that you would need to be sure you sealed. I do not consider this a major issue, but again something that could have been avoided in the tent design.
Both tents are very easy to set up. As mentioned before, the Chrysalis is free standing. The Spitfire is not free standing. The Spitfire is so easy to setup, I do not consider this a major reason for choosing one tent over the other. One of the advantages of a free standing tent is that the poles and fly can be put up first in rain and the rest of the tent pitched under the protection of the fly. In the case of the Spitfire, Velco ties on the underside of the fly and the tent body's external clip system also allow the fly to be setup first in the rain. You do have to improvise a loop on the fly end snaps (both ends) to do this. In this manner, both tents can be setup as a fly/poles only tarp.
The Spitfire's vestibule is only large enough for boots. It is triangular shaped with a ground apex of ~ 1 foot. A second similar area is available under the fly, but only accessable by being outside and reaching under the fly. The vestibule is considerably larger in the Chrysalis (apex ~2.5 feet). You could put your boots and a small pack in it. A large pack would not fit. The Spitfire has some built in pockets in the mesh side that are big enough to hold glasses and a flashlight. Head room in both tents is adequate for me to sit without touching the roof. The Spitfire has a few extra inches of head room compared to the Chrysalis UL.
The Spitfire has considerable more mesh than the Chrysalis. This would be an advantage when a person wanted to do without the fly. The Chrysalis has a little porthole window in the fly, and the tent body has some panels of translucent fabric that make it very light inside. The porthole window is intriguing. It would be easier to look out at the weather with the fly on, but I would need more data on whether it would hold up. It seems a little like a gimmick.
When I lay in both tents, I came across a show stopper. I was able to lie in the Spitfire with over 6 inches at both ends of the tent to spare. Not all of this space would be usable by a taller individual, but it was there never the less. I was able to roll side to side without touching the tent sides. In the Chrysalis, my feet were touching the bottom of the tent and my head was touching the front of the tent. It was very uncomfortable. I'm 5 feet, 8 inches tall. The Chrysalis floor plan is nonsymmetrical at the wide end and narrow end of the tent. It forms an uneven parallelogram like shape. This results in an large unusable area next to your head and a similar small area at your feet.
My decision was to keep the Eureka Spitfire and return the REI Chrysalis UL.

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The Spitfire by Eureka sets up fast and easy with post and grommet corner attachments and clips for attachment to of the body to the frame. A large side entry, ample headroom (3ft. 4in center height), ventilation, and lightweight make the Spitfire a desirable choice of all backpackers. . Model Year: 2010, Product ID: 107676, Shipping Exclusion: This item is only available for shipment by UPS to the lower 48 United States. APO, FPO, PO BOX, Hawaii, and Alaska shipments may not be possible for this item. (Please call prior to purchase.), Special Order: This is a Special Order item, will be shipped from the manufacturer, and is not stocked in our warehouse. All Returns/Exchanges are subject to a 20% restocking fee. This item does not qualify for our Price Matching Policy. Order processing time may vary.

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9/10/2011

Texsport Saguaro Bivy Shelter Tent Review

Texsport Saguaro Bivy Shelter Tent
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I bought mine just before a 3-week trip to Scotland this summer. A fair bit of that trip was spent camping.
Quality control over the tent's manufacture was lacking, otherwise I would have given it five stars. It had a lot of tattie loose threads on the seams and one part of the fly was slightly folded where it had been stitched, causing a small area prone to leak. Nothing in all of this that some seam-sealing and a little maintenance couldn't fix.
Beyond that, the tent was fantastic! It was really put through its paces in interesting weather... howling winds at Glen Shiel, Lots of rain at Glen Etive and Kinlochleven, and howling winds with driving rain on Skye. It stood up to all of that without any leaks, tears, or other problems, and I thought sure it would get shredded at Glen Shiel. The netting is fine enough to keep out Scotland's notorious midgies, so even they were not a problem.
Great tent, I would recommend it.

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The Seguro Bivy shelter is ideal for situations where you want a lightweight tent but still want features and function.It has rch style front door with 1/2 "no-see-um" mesh window and zippered storm flap, Large "no-see-um" mesh roof panels provides superior ventilation and bug protection.Complete with Stakes, and carry/Storage bag and instructions Flame retardant, meets C.P.A.I.-84 Specs, Covered by Texsport's 3 year limited Warranty For over 40 years Texsport has been supplying your local sporting goods dealer with camping and outdoor recreational equipment.Our products are designed to have the most features with an emphasis on value.Texsport is "Authentic Adventure Gear"

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8/11/2011

High Peak Hyperlite 2-person Tent Review

High Peak Hyperlite 2-person Tent
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I bought the tent to use on small trips in the Adirondacks. Considering the price it was a fairly good deal. It is easy to set up and dismantle in just a few minutes. The full rain-fly is nice as well. There are a few problems, however. The tent is rather small for two people with equipment typically carried while backpacking. If you have a large pack, you'll have to leave it outside- or hope it fits in the vestibule. My boyfriend is a little over 6 feet tall and he had to sleep at a slight diagonal due to the dimensions of the footprint. The vestibules themselves are usefull for leaving small items outside (while still having them protected), like dirty boots. My main concern with this tent are the fiberglass poles. I set the tent up once to see it before using it. I used the tent once after that and the firberglass was actually bending, not just flexing, but creased. The third time I set it up, one section of pole broke. No unecessary force or strain was used that would have caused it to break.
It's not very compact thought I suppose it could be, but is fairly lightweight. The tent itself is nice and the fly kept moisture out. I would suggest purchasing aluminum poles if possible, as they are sturdier and more lightweight. I give this tent a 3 because it would be great for solo trips, had the poles been a better quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: High Peak Hyperlite 2-person Tent

Lightweight and compact, the High Peak Hyper Lite two-person tent is ideal for hikers and backpackers who want to stay light on their feet. The tent is made of 100-percent polyester, with a polyester flysheet and polyethylene floor combining to keep the tent dry and warm. The Hyper Lite also features two separate entrances, so campers don't have to step over their tentmates to exit the tent. Most importantly, the tent measures only 20.5 inches long when folded and weighs 6.6 pounds total. As a result, the tent fits easily in a hiking pack. Other features include inner tent pockets for gear storage, a ring-and-pin system for easy setup, and no-see-um mesh walls for convenient ventilation. The Hyper Lite measures 7 by 3.75 by 5 feet (W x H x D).


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6/23/2011

Eureka Solo Solitaire Tent Review

Eureka Solo Solitaire Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Solitare is exceptionally light and packs very compactly. It is fairly easy to set up even if it is non self supporting. Unfortunately, being non self supporting means you MUST have sufficient soil to plant the stakes which is difficult in extremely rocky sites.
Practically, the Solitare is a pain in the [...]. It is actually more of a bivy sack than a tent. Even when it is correctly set up it is so small that you can expect to be touching tent walls on 3 if not 4 (or 5) sides at once. There is no space inside for any gear stowage and the vestibule is so low overhead that storing your boots out of the rain is about all that is possible. It takes great flexibility to get in and out of the Solitare without stretching the fabric unacceptably. Getting in and out of the tent in more than a light drizzle will ensure that you get soaking wet. Getting dressed within the Solitare is impossible.
I would buy this tent again, but only for situations that require extremely light gear and temperatures above 50F with virtually no rain.

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Perfect for singular trekking and walkabouts, the Eureka Solitaire is lightest, most compact three-season solo tent made by Eureka. It's also extremely well ventilated with a large mesh roof--great for stargazing during summer trips--and the zippered roof provides an extra exit in nice weather. This two-hoop bivy design offers an efficient tunnel design, with a durable 6.3 mm fiberglass frame is shockcorded for fast set up. The full coverage fly is attached, so it can be rolled back or put in place very quickly. Other features include nylon pole sleeves for easy setup, three storm guyouts on the fly, two storage pockets, and one flashlight loop.
Specifications:
Area: 21.33 square feet
Floor size: 2 feet, 8 inches by 8 feet
Center height: 2 feet, 4 inches
Wall fabrics: 40D no-see-um mesh
Floor fabrics: 70D nylon taffeta
Fly fabrics: 70D nylon taffeta
Pack size: 4 by 17.5 inches
Weight: 2 pounds, 9 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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6/03/2011

Coleman Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent Review

Coleman Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchase this tent and used it the next day. The good: Lots of interior room, enough for 2 adults and 2 small backpacks. I was even able to fit a queen size coleman inflatable mattress inside(At home to test it)with room to spare. Very easy to set up, I read the instructions and timed myself, it took me 10 minutes. With screen mesh all around it was very comfortable, even with the Texas summer heat. Comes with a 5 year warranty. The bad: At 6 pounds Is a little on the heavy side for most solo backpackers(I personally don't mind the weight in exchange for all the room). The tent isn't free standing, make sure to get good stakes for hard or rocky ground. It didn't rain when I used it, so I can't comment on how waterproof it is, but I always seal the seams on all my tents as soon as I buy them.

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Coleman's Hooligan 2 Backpacking Tent is a convenient, small-sized tent that's ideal for weekend camping adventures. Measuring eight by six feet, this tent can sleep two people in complete comfort. Coleman's exclusive Weather-Tec system is guaranteed to keep you dry and includes: a waterproof floor, leak-free and protected seams, weather resistant fabric, a strong frame design, and the zipper guard system. With 56-inches of vertical space in the center there is plenty of room to move around.
Featuring a one-pole design for easy setup, the Hooligan 2 comes with a rainfly that covers the tent for full protection from the elements. A mesh inner tent allows for great ventilation and insect control while a dry entry vestibule is ideal for gear storage. Interior gear pockets provide easy access to important items while separate storage bags for the tent, poles, and stakes will keep you well organized.
Key Features:
Features Coleman's Exclusive WeatherTec System
Measures 8 x 6 feet
Peak Height: 56 inches
Sleeps two people
One pole design
Covered vestibule
Exclusive pin and ring design quickly secures frame
Shock-corded poles for easy and quick setup
Easy-to-follow instructions sewn into carry bag
Separate storage bags for tents, poles and stakes
Variflo adjustable venting system increases airflow
Full mesh inner provides excellent breathability
No-see-um mesh window let the breeze in and keep insects out
Interior gear pockets provide easy access to important items
Pack Weight: 8 pounds, 12 ounces
Trail Weight: 6 pounds, 15 ounces

About Coleman The Coleman Company has been creating and innovating products for recreational outdoor use since W.C. Coleman started selling gasoline-powered lanterns in 1900. Inventor of the hugely popular fold-up camp stove, Coleman developed a plastic liner for his galvanized steel coolers in 1957--the birth of the modern cooler--and the company has been improving their utility and design ever since. The array of products that bear the Coleman name now includes just about everything you might need to work or play outdoors, from tents and sleeping bags to boats, backpacks, and furniture.
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, Tunnels and Sacks 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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