Showing posts with label camp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label camp. Show all posts

3/13/2012

Make Your Own Tipi Review

Make Your Own Tipi
Average Reviews:

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This has got the be the weirdest book I have ever encountered. The writing is awful; the organization, weird; the editing, non-existant; and the physical construction, homemade (ink-jet printing with spiral binding). Perhaps the best thing about this book is that it reminds the reader that you too can write a book and sell it on Amazon!
The intended audience for this book appears to be tipi affecianados with considerable background experience in tipi living and vocabulary. (Indeed, there is an assumption here and there that your tipi may be making the journey to a "Mountain Man" primitive gathering, whatever that is, and carefully judged by snobby tipi experts. (Who are these people?))
The book may do well by them, but as for me, I was making a tipi with a bunch of five to ten year-olds as part of summer camp festitivies. While I had read a bit about tipis before getting this, I found this little handbook to almost impenetrable (E.g. "Step one: Mark your spirit line!" Excuse me?)
That said, however, we were able to build a pretty nice tipi (by my standards anyway--I'm sure Jim Jones and pals would be entirely unable to restrain their giggles and snorts if they saw it). This required reading the book a few times, leafing back and forth a lot (e.g. the design of the "lacing strip"--yet another undefined term--is covered in three different parts of the book), and supplementing with some other, more simplistic overviews from the children's section of the public library.
However, a tipi was built, and this book had more of the details covered than the other ones I had found. (Note: I never did get the Laubin book, but maybe you should.)
I might also note that the first third of the book is low-quality, black and white scans of various tipis at these primitive gatherings. The photos seem to be more about patronage than information: it's the same darn view over and over, but at a different site, with a different paint job, featuring different pals, whatever. It would be far more useful to have photographs of the various steps of construction, and perhaps the inside, outside, front, and back of a completed one. And, Jim if you're reading this, how about a diagram labeling the parts of the tipi???

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Book Description: Second Edition;8.5 X 5 inches format, comb bound to lay flat. Complete tipi making and instructions for child and adult tipis. Includes list ofsupplies & tools needed. Tells how to save hundreds of dollars. Easy to follow text. Step by step instructions for making tipis. Plans for both children and adulttipis. Includes 27 tipi photos including many photos of painted tipis. Canvas selection, waterproofing. Setting up a tight tipi & smoke free fires. Craft secrets never revealed before. Tips on gathering & preparing poles & painting. Detailed drawings explain each step. Summary of steps to completing the tipi. List of supplemental reading and canvas suppliers. Includes a coupon for a free plasticlaminated setup card, a $4.00 value. Includes a tipi making record and check list. Includes a summary of all steps to making a tipi.

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12/17/2011

The Tipi: Traditional Native American Shelter Review

The Tipi: Traditional Native American Shelter
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The Tipi: Traditional Native American Shelter by author and photographer Adolf Hungrywolf is a comprehensive, informative, and profusely illustrated study of the Native American tipi and the many variations, uses, and understandings of this famed aboriginal structure. Introducing readers to a compendium of expert commentaries on the construction, stability, historical understanding and use of this portable nomadic structure, The Tipi accurately addresses every concern, issue and intricacy of the tipi's interesting history within the context of Native American cultures. A seminal contribution to personal and academic Native American Studies library reference collections, The Tipi is a very highly recommended book for those in study of Native American culture and history.


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Few structures in the world have such international fame and recognition as the tipi or teepee. Here are over 120 fascinating vintage photographs of tipis and the North American cultures that created them - many from the 1880s and 1890s. The text presents an in-depth look at the use of tipis from historic sources. Also included are instructions on how to build a 4-person tipi. A wealth of information both visually and academically.

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11/24/2011

Tipis, Tepees, Teepees: History and Design of the Cloth Tipi Review

Tipis, Tepees, Teepees: History and Design of the Cloth Tipi
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I have three other tipi books and this one is by far my favorite. Not only does she cover the basics (styles of tipis, poles, their care and maintenance, setting up a tipi, different knots to tie the tripod (or quad-pod, as I like to call it.)), but she goes as far as to explain practical tipi-living: how to fix tears, proper smoke flap positioning, bathroom and washup, heating the tipi, and tipi transport (even in different countries.) My challenge has been transporting my tipi. Her book also shares some really fun stories of her own expereinces in her tipis over the years. I especially enjoyed the chapter entitled "Why People Never Camp with Me." Coupled with all the excellent diagrams and photos of tipis, and interviews with an immensely diverse group of tipi enthusiasts (who woulda' thunk of tipis in Russia?), this book is awesome from cover to cover. My mother bought a tipi when I was five years old and we stayed in it every summer. When I was in college I bought my own tipi. I guess you could say that I "moved out". With my love of tipis, I thought that tipi living just couldn't be captured in a book. But I think this book manages to do just that!

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The history and evolution of teh tipi, with instructions on how to make you own


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11/20/2011

Mongolian Cloud Houses: How to Make a Yurt and Live Comfortably Review

Mongolian Cloud Houses: How to Make a Yurt and Live Comfortably
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Mongolian Cloud Houses: How to Make a Yurt and Live Comfortably If you're into simplicity in dwelling and have a piece of land (your own, or unhindered use of some other property) then Mongolian Cloud Houses by Dan Frank Kuehn may be for you. But please note, if you wish to build a yurt similar to Kuehn's specifications, you will also need to glean a fair amount of natural raw materials from that land, as well as have ample time if you intend to build according to the author's specifications. Although not terribly labor intensive in sheer physical construction, building yurts as Kuehn does requires a fair amount of determined patience (a notion of building that is almost heretical in today's culture of "instant gratification" but was widely accepted practice for centuries and firmly reconstituted by many a counter-cultural self-builder of the 1960's and 70's.) In short, this is not the book for you, if you're seeking to get a yurt erected overnight. (If that's the case, pony-up some hard earned dough and go buy a commercially manufactured yurt. Then also hire/recruit a bunch of warm bodies to assist you. Maybe you'll get the thing up in a week, maybe you won't. This IS the book for you, if 1). You are basically building alone or maybe with some help from a friend. 2). You are short of, or very economical with money. 3). You have abundant free time. 4). You want to live simply in the round and wish to work mostly with materials you can gather or scrounge. And finally, 5) You need to have something warm and comfortable yet nomadic (Because a nylon camping tent as your base camp/wilderness home/extra dwelling space just won't cut it.) As a micro building enthusiast, I admire anyone who creates useful organic dwellings and then shares what they know with others. Especially when that knowledge is shared at a most affordable price. As with all Shelter Publications, this book is chockful of useful information. Kuehn's own hand drawn ilustrations are fabulous. The pics of his yurts and his self-evolution from 1976-2006 are delightful. And Jim Macey's b&w photos of Mongolia are a nice addition. It is a valued addition to my homestead and architectural bookshelf.

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Written for those interested in alternative lifestyles, outdoor living, camping, and do-it-yourself projects, this lively, informative book recounts the author's experiences building his first yurt. Dan Frank Kuehn carefully guides readers through every step of the creation of a 13' round by 10' tall model. He covers everything — from the poles and lattice that form the basic structure, to the plusses and minuses of various materials, to the distinctive willow smokehole. This updated edition highlights new building techniques and contains detailed lists of commercial yurt manufacturers, tools, and materials.

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8/28/2011

Wenzel Pinon Sport 7-by 7-Foot Three-Person Dome Tent Review

Wenzel Pinon Sport 7-by 7-Foot Three-Person Dome Tent
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I like this tent more than the other reviewer. I used it for one night with my son, and it worked well. Woke up dry and happy.
It's got about a 4 foot height, so you definitely can't stand up in it, but it is a legit 7 feet by 7 feet. Pretty good size. Haven't seen anything on the market at this price.
Other things I liked:
-Easy to get in and out of (D-style door is a plus)
-Fiberglass poles and overall easy set-up.
I forgot...I did use a seam sealer for all the edges of the tent. Worked well.
Still can't believe the price.

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Nicely lightweight and easy to set up and breakdown, the sporty Wenzel Pinon dome-style tent is a great choice for a weekend car camping outing. It features a generously sized single room that measures 7 by 7 feet--great for storing lots of gear--and a 50-inch maximum height. In addition to the good-sized D-style door (with a mesh window covering half of it), this tent also includes a window on the back for cross-current ventilation. The interior is quite spare, with only a small gear pocket in one corner near the door.
Setting up the tent 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. This tent also includes a fly that offers a good coverage area, including a bit of an extended cover over the door and back window. While we didn't have rain during our testing, we did use a sprinkler for an extended period, and were pleased to note that the fly ably handled the water run off, guiding it away from the bottom of the tent. To improve this tent's weather resistance, it's recommended that you use seam sealer to coat all exposed seams, applying only to the underside of the fly and inside the seams of the tent.
Overall, the Wenzel Pinon is a good choice for car campers and for the occasional hiked excursion. While it won't stand up to the worst that Mother Nature can throw your way, it should handle a decent amount of rain. And its ample 49 square foot interior will hold two good-sized adults and a good amount of gear. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
What's in the Box? Tent, 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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8/24/2011

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
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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.

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*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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8/01/2011

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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7/19/2011

Eureka Sunrise 11 Family 11-Foot by 11-Foot Six-Person Tent Review

Eureka Sunrise 11 Family 11-Foot by 11-Foot Six-Person Tent
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My wife and I have four tents. For ultralight backpacking, we use the REI Half Dome, for a quick one or two night camp or early season iffy weather, we use the Sierra Designs Alpha 3. For multi-day car camping our standard tent is the Sunrise 11, and for really big campsites that don't have a lot of shade, we use the Copper Canyon 1512. I could fit 5 REI Half Dome tents in that Copper Canyon 1512, it's huge. Although that Copper Canyon 1512 is lux, unless you have a wide open meadow, it is really too big for most camp sites. Eureka also makes a Sunrise 8 and 9, but I think the Sunrise 11 is just about the perfect size for car camping in maximum comfort in most established campgrounds. We've had the Sunrise 11 for about 7 years and have spent over 30 nights in it. Overall, I really like the Sunrise 11. Sleeps 6? Maybe, but I prefer just my wife and I in a queen size air bed with plenty of room to move around and for our stuff. We can easily stand up in it. I don't like the room divider, but we just keep that rolled up. A few years ago we camped for 4 days near Taylor Reservoir, Colorado. It rained heavily non-stop, but at least there was no wind. The only water inside the tent was at one of the internal mesh storage pockets sewn into the tent wall. I thought I had seam sealed the tent pretty well, but must have missed this one spot. Luckily, my oversight only resulted in about a 3 tablespoon puddle each day. You must seam seal all tents, use a ground tarp and replace the cheap tent pegs while you're at it. This isn't a four season tent, but it has held up pretty good against some mean weather. My wife has so far stayed warm and dry, and that's what allows me to stay out there longer. I've since sealed all the seams once more and garden hose testing results were dry. Ready for another season. The Sunrise 11 is well ventilated even with the rainfly on. I'll choose less warm and airy over hefty-bag like condensation and suffocation any day. I think the primary selling point for me were the dimensions of this tent. Most developed campgrounds will have a 12 x 12 ft tent pad. I bought the Sunrise 11 because it will fit our big air bed and gear inside and still maximize the setup on a typical campground tent pad. Tent pads are square so I like square floor tents instead of hex. Setup is significantly easier with two people, but can be accomplished solo with minor swearing. Getting the rainfly on solo takes a little more ingenuity. Lay it out upwind, stake it down to keep it from flying away, insert poles, attach a rope and standing on the opposite side of the tent, pull it over. I'm not thrilled by pole sleeves because they hang up on the pole ferrules, but these aren't full sleeves, only at the very top. You clip the rest of it. Overall, I think this is a well made, stable, large, rain shedding tent and has served me well. UPDATE 06/09: We camped in high winds for 3 days at the Oasis near Great Sand Dunes National Park. I tied everything down and we had no problems. Same tent is still going strong. The tent barely fit between the trees. You never really know if a big tent will fit, but so far I've been able to squeeze this Sunrise 11 in. Its been really close a few times. (If I'm unsure, that Alpha 3 is light enough to bring as a backup). If you go a little smaller in size, like a 9x9, then it will easily fit any place I've ever car camped. For a 9x9, I might go with the Eureka Grand Manan 9 over the Sunrise 9. It looks like the rainfly offers a little more coverage and it is a more subtle color. (nothing against blue.) I'd like to give that one a try. This is why I have so many tents. UPDATE 7/6/09: We camped for 3 days at Lone Rock (#7) near Deckers, CO. I wanted to set up the Copper Canyon 1512, but it wouldn't fit. I also brought the Sunrise and Alpha because there was room in the truck. I probably should have just set up the Alpha, but went with the Sunrise. We had heavy rain, high winds, and even a little hail. The railroad tie and gravel tent pad only prohibited the rain from draining off. At one point we had about 2 inches of water under this tent. The floor felt like a water bed. Only about a 1/4 cup of water water blew through a pin hole in one corner. No big deal. Impressive considering the amount of water under the tent. This Sunrise is a great tent.

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Spacious enough to comfortably sleep up to six campers, the Eureka Sunrise 11 dome-style family tent is easy to set up and very well ventilated with four large hooded windows and no-see-um mesh panels in the ceiling. It has triple-coated fabrics and a heavy-duty bathtub floor made of 4 ounce 210D oxford polyester that repels water.
The fly is made of Stormshield polyester, which won't stretch when wet and resists UV breakdown. It has a shockcorded fiberglass frame (two poles) that features a pin and ring as well as combination clip and sleeve system for quick assembly. Other features include:
Twin track D door with window for easy exit/entry
High/Low door vents top and bottom to aid air circulation
External guy points help secure the tent in high winds
Hanging gear loft/organizer
Two water bottle holders
Corner organizer and wall organizer with mirror
Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:
Area: 121 square feet
Floor size: 11 feet by 11 feet
Center height: 7 feet
Wall fabrics: 1.9 ounce Polyester Taffeta 1200mm coating/1.9 ounce breathable polyester
Floor fabrics: 4 ounce 210D Oxford Polyester with 1200mm coating
Fly fabrics: 1.9 ounce 75D StormShield polyester with 1200mm coating
Pack size: 8 by 33 inches
Weight: 23 pounds, 15 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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Click here for more information about Eureka Sunrise 11 Family 11-Foot by 11-Foot Six-Person Tent

6/25/2011

Eureka Juno 3 XTA 7.5-Foot by 6.5-Foot Three-Person Rectangular Dome Tent (Amazon Exclusive) Review

Eureka Juno 3 XTA 7.5-Foot by 6.5-Foot Three-Person Rectangular Dome Tent (Amazon Exclusive)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We had been looking for a light-weight backpacking tent with enough room for two. That seems simple enough, unless you've actually been inside of some of the "two-person" tents. Some of the expedition tents meet the size requirements, but are too heavy to be considered backpacking tents. We have just used this tent for the first time, and we are so far pleased. Plenty of room inside for two adults with large sleeping mats and sleeping bags, and a bit of gear. A large vesitibule on each side provides plenty of room for packs. I believe this will be a great warm-weather tent, with all of the mesh. The night we used it, it dropped below freezing. We woke to a ceiling (rainfly) covered in ice (on the inside). Didn't really expect that, with all of the ventilation, but as it was ice, it didn't drip on us. I'll chalk this experience up to extreme conditions until we use it in warmer weather. One thing that I don't like, although thus far it has not been an issue, is a seam running through the middle of the floor. It has been taped and sealed at the factory, but I just don't like the looks of it. I will seal it again before spring use, and edit this report, as we are sure to end up in a downpour here in south Texas. The tent is in fact lightweight and roomy, and so far, I am pleased. I will amend this report after having enountered weather with it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Juno 3 XTA 7.5-Foot by 6.5-Foot Three-Person Rectangular Dome Tent (Amazon Exclusive)

Remarkably lightweight with a compact pack size, Eureka's Juno offers top-performance features and makes a great option for three-season backpacking treks to the backcountry. Sized to sleep three campers comfortably and weighing less than six pounds, the freestanding design boasts two doors for convenient entry and exit and two large vestibules for an additional 13.4 square feet of storage space to stashing your gear out of the way.
The Juno offers superior ventilation--with its mesh side panel and mesh doors--to maximize air circulation for ultimate camping comfort. A no-see-um weave will keep out even the tiniest insects. while a poke-out vent at side of tent promotes cross ventilation. All major seams and reinforcements are factory sealed to prevent water entry through stitching. The wrap-up bathtub floor minimizes ground level seams to keep water out and the floor dry, ensuring a dry and comfortable adventure. In addition, the full-coverage fly provides great rain protection while side-release buckles attach to the tent body and frame, allowing for incremental adjustment.
Designed with Eureka's StormShield features, this two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, taffeta rod pockets, clip attachments, and pole sleeve attachments. The pole pocket captures the frame on one end while a locking post and grommet is used at the other end to attach the tent's body and frame at the base. Pole sections are interconnected with shockcords for quick set-up and to prevent lost parts. A ball end helps guide the pole effortlessly through the rod sleeve and prevents wear and tear to the pocket end.
Lightweight and durable, the frame is constructed of 7000 aluminum, shockcorded poles for easy set-up. The tent's fly and floor is made of UV-resistant polyester fabric. With a nicely sized footprint measuring 7 feet, six inches by six feet, six inches, the Juno is ideal for a weekend camping trip for two or three adventure seekers.
Specifications:
Style: Two-pole rectangular dome
Seasons: Three
Sleeps: Three
Footprint: 7 feet, 6 inches by 6 feet, 6 inches
Peak height: 4 feet, 2 inches
Area: 48.75 square feet
Vestibule area: 13.4 square feet
Weight: 5 pounds, 15 ounces

Materials:
Floor: 70D 190T nylon taffeta, 800mm polyurethane coating
Fly: 75D 185T polyester taffeta, 800mm polyurethane coating
Walls: 70D 190T nylon taffeta, 800mm polyurethane coating
Mesh: 40D Nylon no-see-um
Frame: 9.5mm 7000-series aluminum

StormShield Construction Details:
Double-wall construction minimizes condensation build-up inside tent by allowing air to circulate between the mesh tent roof and waterproof fly.
Doors vent from the top and/or bottom, providing options for moderating air flow; warm air exits from the top and cool air enters at the bottom.
Cross ventilation through breathable interior fabric, large windows, and roof vents allows fresh air to enter and moist air to escape the tent.
High perimeter seams of the bathtub floors couple with factory taped floor seams and fly seams to keep water out.
Self-supporting frames flex to absorb and dissipate stress from strong winds.
Fabric reinforcements add an extra layer of protection to high wear and high stress areas.
Anchors for harsh weather include storm guyout rings, loops, and webs.
Nickel sliders on self-healing nylon coil zippers keep windows and doors working smoothly.
Shockcorded poles take the guesswork out of assembly, save time, and prevent lost parts.
Ring and pin assemblies make setup easy and reduce stress and abrasion where the frame and tent floor connect.
Post and grommet attachments speed set up and augment the tent’s structural integrity.
The twin-track zipper system allows door windows to operate independently of doors for convenience and ease of entry and exit.

What's in the Box? Eureka Juno tent, fly, two shockcorded aluminum poles, stakes, stuff sack
Manufacturer's Warranty Limited lifetime warranty
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

Click here for more information about Eureka Juno 3 XTA 7.5-Foot by 6.5-Foot Three-Person Rectangular Dome Tent (Amazon Exclusive)