A Real Space Saver: REI Clipper 2 person tent
Written: Jun 16 '04 (Updated Jun 16 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lightweight, great for backpacking, durable, relatively inexpensive, waterproof.
Cons: Obsolete design, poor ventilation.
The Bottom Line: A great backpacking tent for 2. A well made product and a fine example of REI quality.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: Rei Clipper |
Why I bought this.
Around 6 years ago I needed a real backpacking tent that would save me some weight. I was originally using a cheap 5 man Kelty tent I bought from Costco. It was great because that tent was cheap, but it was also heavy for backpacking. Not a good choice if you were backpacking alone. So this seemed like the best option available at REI at the time I bought it.
What it comes with and custom accessories.
guylines and tighteners
stakes
pole repair tube
pole bag
stake bag
stuff sack
How it sets up.
First stake out the tent to the ground (foot print underneath.) You lay out the two vertical poles, place the 2 large clips on each one. Also place the pole ends inside their respective grommets. Then you raise the tent which is quite simple, but easier with two people. Then start clipping the various clips to the poles to tighten up the tent. You also put the horizontal pole in the front and clip that to the tent.
For the rainfly, you just lay it on top of the tent. Strap the Velcro straps onto the exposed poles. Then just place the poles through the rainfly’s grommets to fully secure the fly. You can then stake any lose straps and stake in the vestibule before unzipping the rainfly.
Internal accessories and storage
There are two pockets on either side as well as a roof storage net. The net will not hold much weight, maybe 10 pounds. But it is sufficient for a small flashlight and your keys/wallet. I never put more than 2 pounds in it.
There are also two small pockets on both sides near the door. I just put my flashlight, wallet, and keys in these. Not a whole lot else can go in the pockets.
Basic dimensions & weight.
With the new stakes, the unit weighs a little over 6 pounds. When packed up it is fairly small and easily fits in my backpack (about 20” x 7”.)
Durability
The first thing that will go with this tent are the poles. They are slightly bent but the elastic is still intact. (in past tent the elastic went first.)
As for the rest of the tent, it is holding up great. There are no rips or loose seams. No abnormal discoloration. I am actually surprised it is in such good shape considering the way I have treated it for the past 6 years.
My experience
This tent is only used for sleeping. It is not big enough for anything else. So the times that it did rain, I usually found solitude in my car (thankfully it did not rain while backpacking.).
This tent is so small that I never worry about finding room for it at the campsite. I just pick the spot I like and that is it.
I have been in some severe weather in this tent and it has held up perfectly. I did not even stake the guywires in. This is pretty typical of this style of tent in that you only need guywires in the worst conditions, and I never plan on backpacking to those anyways (Alaska is too cold for my taste anyways.)
The ventilation is seriously lacking, but at night ventilation is not a concern. If it is you should of just slept under the stars. But I have trouble taking an afternoon nap because it is pretty hot and stuffy in this tent.
The tent is very tight and there is really only room for 1 set of clothes and two sleeping bags. Not much else.
How rain proof is it?
First thing you need to do is use a seam sealer. I made the mistake of not applying it immediately after I got this tent. I was at Zion and we had a small rain storm. I had a minor leak in the middle right side of the tent. I just put some dirty clothes in the spot since it was only a couple of ounces of water. Once I put the seam sealer on it was perfectly fine, even in some severe down pours.
Another time we were at Arches and it rained. Arches happens to be in the desert where it never rains, but we got a good down pour. Well we came back to camp and found our tent was in about 6 inches of water. I looked at my wife and said “don’t worry, there is a motel in Moab.” Together we unstaked the tent and moved it, sleeping bags and all, to dry ground. Once we opened it we found that everything was perfectly dry. We were very relieved and shocked. This is a well made tent.
Problems
There are no problems other that those inherent in the design. It is a small tent designed to reduce space and weight, not to provide the user with luxurious accommodations.
Because we have normal sized mats, our sleeping mats overlap at our feet. This is not a problem because I like playing footsies with my wife. But anyone else I would have a problem sharing foot space with.
Another problem is the stakes it comes with are easily bent. I have destroyed most of the original stakes and now I just use the Coleman stakes you can get at Kmart or Walmart. It is a little more weight, but I do not have to worry about bending them.
Who would want this?
-1 or 2 people backpacking.
-Someone car camping in a small car (like a Camaro.)
-Someone that likes close/tight spaces.
By the numbers Information from the REI website. Here for your convenience.
Average minimum weight 5 lbs. 2 oz.
Average packaged weight 5 lbs. 13 oz.
Sleeping capacity 2
Floor dimensions 88 x 57 inches
Peak height 43 inches
Floor area 30.5 square feet
Vestibule area 6.5 square feet
Packed size 7 x 20 inches
Pole material Aluminum DAC Featherlite
Number of poles 3
Rainfly fabric Coated polyester ripstop
Canopy fabric Nylon ripstop
Floor fabric Coated nylon taffeta
Doors 1
Pole diameter 8.8 millimeters
Why the rating?
I would of rated this tent a 5 at the time I bought it, but now they have so much better technology that this tent is now obsolete. I am giving it a 4 because it is a great value for your money.
A work about REI gear
REI, just like other manufactures, constantly improves their gear. They frequently improve little things in their gear to make them better. This is very evident in their backpacks. There have been a few minor changes like improved ventilation in this tent.
Summary:
This is a great backpacking tent. It is fairly inexpensive yet reliable. But you have to be comfortable in small quarters. You cannot go wrong with this model, unless you want to keep up with the Jones.
Other camping equipment.
Kelty Sunshade
REI Base Camp 6 Tent
Coleman 2 burner propane stove
Recommended:
Yes
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