This tent rocks!
Written: Sep 08 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Large, roomy, low price, solid.
Cons: Heavy, not for backpacking, pain to clean
The Bottom Line: Tent is very solid, easy to use, roomy, and the price is right.
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| bonscott's Full Review: Jeep 3 Room Dome Tent 17' X 11' |
My wife saw this tent at Sam's Club for $137. It looked like a steal but I wanted to do research. Like the other reviewer here there isn't much information on it. But the reviews here and the price sold me.
We just set it up in the backyard for the first time. I am totally amazed at how easy it is to set up. The instructions are bit vague but easy to figure out. It does take 2 to put it up and we did it in about 15 minutes the first time. Take down took under 5.
I really can't believe how spacious this tent is and very well constructed. There are pockets and storage spaces all over inside the tent. The closets are very nice for storage.
Update 9/8/05
Went camping for 4 days with this tent over Labor day to a nice state park in the UP of Michigan. We had a lot of people looking at our tent, that was cool.
Once again it was easy to put up and quick (about 25 minutes with rain fly).
And it was good we put the rain fly on. It stormed that first night and morning. Pretty heavy rain at times and very high winds up to 35 mph. I was VERY impressed with how this tent performed in that storm.
* Wet - There were only 2 small leaks. One in the rain fly (which we hadn't water sealed) and one small one in the bottom of one of the doors. Easy to seal up. Other then that the biggest water problem was the high winds pushed water up under the tent between it and the ground tarp. BUT none of that water came in the tent, just ponded under the tent floor. We also kept one bay window open (opposite the wind) and the cyclone venting and no rain came in.
* Wind - The rain didn't bother me as much as the wind. It really rattled the tent. But not once were there any problems with the rain fly coming off nor the tent moving. Just be sure to really stake in the guy lines.
Real nice features
Rain fly - It is tied down in three ways: Guy lines, hooks to the poles, velcro to the poles. This thing isn't going anywhere, see the above wind storm.
Cyclone venting - It really does work, especially if there is a slight breeze. Cool air comes in those vents and out the top. Tent will cool off quickly when opened up.
Closets - I can't tell you how nice these are. You can stow most of your gear in these and keep it out of the way.
Gear loft - I thought this would get no use but we used it a lot. Kept matches, cloths pins and paper towels up there. Out of the way yet in reach.
Big and roomy - In the bedroom area we had two large cots and a table with plenty of room to spare. The screened in porch was left mostly empty actually but was real nice the morning it rained as we put our chairs and table in there and still relaxed.
Couple down points
Tear down - while easy, it is a big pain to get it all folded back up and into the tent bag. I suggest leaving various windows and such open to help the air get out, rolling it up first to get most of the air out and then fold it up.
Gear access - I wish there was a "gear port".
Large - While being large is very nice you need to watch out that you have enough space on your camp site. A small 20x20 site for example probably isn't big enough, especially if you have a fire ring and picnic table. Also watch out for a "camp pad" that may be too small. I'd recommend at least 20x30 site, preferable 30x40 with no camp pad.
I think this is the perfect tent for families or even for the couple that wants to have a little more space or is using cots or an air mattress for sleeping.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID: bonscott
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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