Showing posts with label great family tent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label great family tent. Show all posts

9/05/2011

Eureka Extended Stay 19-Foot by 14-Foot Eight-Person Family Tent Review

Eureka Extended Stay 19-Foot by 14-Foot Eight-Person Family Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Eureka Extended Stay 19- by 14-Foot Eight-Person Family Tentis no good. Its poor design made it function like a huge parachute. I set it up in my back yard to apply seam sealer and the tent disintegrated in less than 24 hours in a 10 to 15 MPH breeze. I had attached all clips to the poles and the tent was fully staked except for one loop inside, which stabilized the door in the room divider. The two main fiberglass poles that supported the rain fly split lengthwise and then sheered in two. The tent collapsed to the ground and could not be righted without replacement parts. I cannot believe that Eureka put their name on this tent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Extended Stay 19-Foot by 14-Foot Eight-Person Family Tent

Perfect for large families who enjoy their space and privacy, the Eureka Extended Stay family tent offers the largest floor space of any Eureka model--266 square feet. Additionally, it can be divided into two sleeping areas with the removable room divider and it includes a screen room for enjoying the evening sunset. With the removable zippered room divider you can have one (9' 6"by 14') or two (9' 6" by 7') sleeping rooms. The large floorless screen room comes with clip-on storm flaps, which keep you dry during inclement weather.
This large-volume tent is erected with 12.7mm fiberglass and 19mm cable-corded self-supporting steel poles. Set up is quick and easy thanks to the ring and pin attachments, color coded poles with central hub attachment points, polyester pole sleeves, and fly clips. It features a bathtub floor that keeps seams taut and high off the ground, and factory taped fly and floor seams for superior weather protection. Other features include large no-see-um mesh roof panels, two mesh gear pockets, three accessory hoops with clothesline, and a flashlight loop.
Specifications:
Area: 266 square feet (includes 133 square foot screen room)
Floor size: 19 feet by 14 feet
Center height: 7 feet, 6 inches
Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce 70D nylon taffeta with 800mm coating
Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D Stormshield Polyester with 800mm coating
Pack size: 12 by 32 inches
Weight: 45 pounds, 1 ounce

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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BlackPine-14 x 12 Turbo Tent Screen House Review

BlackPine-14 x 12 Turbo Tent Screen House
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Black Pine Turbo Tent is just what we wanted. Excellent quality materials and some extra neat features. Video showing one-minute setup needs refining. After several dry runs we got it down to 5-7 minutes from unzippering the bag to installing the fly. .....very good for seniors eh! Well it isn't all praises here. The screen house has 6 sides and 6 poles that meet in the centre top hub. You really and I mean really have to push up hard to get the top to flip up into place. It goes up with quite a force but that's OK because there is only air above. But take it down by pulling the handle and watch out because now you are under it. I would venture to say that one could get seriously injured by the downward force created by the reverse procedure in lowering the roof/ceiling. So A+ for the tent and C- for the instructions and the lack of warning here.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BlackPine-14 x 12 Turbo Tent Screen House

A great choice for keeping your backyard gatherings bug-free or bringing along with your RV travels, the Black Pine Turbo Tent Screen House offers an amazingly easy setup that takes just a few minutes. Just pick your spot, pull the Turbo Tent out of its bag, grab hold of the four corners to lock the legs at the joints, then push the top up. Measuring 14 by 12 feet, this hexagonal screen house has a roomy center height of 7 feet, 5 inches. It's made of a PU-coated 150D canvas/ripstop polyester material, and it features large no-see-um mesh window panels and top mesh roof panels for added ventilation. The panels also offer interior zippered storm flaps for when inclement weather announces itself. Other features include a rain fly with six guy rope points with stow pockets, durable 1-inch aluminum frame set, and a carry bag.
Specifications:
Floor dimensions: 14 x 12 feet
Center height: 7 feet, 5 inches
Wall height: 5 feet, 11 inches
Floor construction: Open
Tent construction: PU-coated 150D canvas/ripstop polyester



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9/03/2011

Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen Review

Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is because, as another reviewer mentioned, there is no support for the propane bottle for the stove -- the stove sits on two cross bars on the right (you can see them in the picture). I am considering adding a couple of pieces (or one hinged piece that would fit in the case and would support the stove and propane bottle.
That said, I love how quickly this gets put together. You open the case, and there are four components inside: the stand/base, the two crossbars that hold the stove, the lantern post, and the paper towel/utensil holder.The base simply expands (like a Hoberman sphere) and you flip over the bars that go left-to-right. They clip into place and that's set. Then you put the crossbars for the stove on, turn the case over and put that on (it's the table part on the left). You then put the lantern pole together (it's in two pieces) and slip the utensil holder into place. I can set it up quicker than it took to type this paragraph (and I'm a fast typist.)
Take-down is just as simple -- basically the reverse of set-up. We leave the netting attached and put the two pieces of the lantern holder inside the collapsed base.
The other really great thing about this set-up is the compact size and light weight. I don't know the actual size off-hand but it's surprisingly small when packed up. It's light enough that my four-year-old can carry it. It's got handles that make it very simple to carry.
To sum up, this is a great addition to your gear if you camp regularly with a larger (coleman-type) stove and like some comforts. If you only have a backpacking stove and you eat basic foods, you probably don't need this, but we regularly car-camp with five or six other families and this is very handy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen

With a pot rack, storage shelf, and stove rest all in one unit, the Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen is way more than just a table. This aluminum cooking station unfolds from a briefcase into a full countertop, with an adjoining rack rest that adjusts to fit most large camp grills. A mesh shelf clips underneath to hold ingredients or dishware, and works as a drying rack to boot. A pot and utensil rack stands ready to hold your culinary tools, while a lamp hook allows you to hang a light source overhead. In fact, if you're anything but a backcountry Mario Batali, you'd better brush up on your cuisine before you break this baby out.Product Features
Material: Aluminum
Dimensions: [Folded] 32 x 11 x 4in (81 x 28 x 10cm); [Unfolded] 56 x 24in (142 x 61cm)
Height:
Carry Sack: Integrated case
Weight: 14lb 8oz (6580g)
Recommended Use: Extended car camping, large groups
Manufacturer Warranty:
Country of Origin: China


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9/01/2011

Universal 10 X 10 Shade Tent Attachment Review

Universal 10 X 10 Shade Tent Attachment
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We use the tent for the back yard sleep overs. Since the top of the tent is a screen I left it open and did not put the pop up cover on. This way the kids can see the stars. I found a cheap pop up at a sports store. I don't think this would hold up if use for camping other then light use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Universal 10 X 10 Shade Tent Attachment

10' x 10' x 102" High.Sleeps Up to 5 persons.Heavy duty taffeta Material,Tub style rip-stop polyethylene floor,Durable speed clips and hook 'n' loop straps secure tent to frame,One large No-see-um Mesh "D" style door and three windows with zippered storm flaps,No-see-um mesh roof panels provide superior ventilation,Draw string cord lock carry/storage bag,flame retardant, meets C.P.A.I-84 specifications,Color; Desert Sand / SpiceThis Tent Attachment will work with Canopies the have the Corner Poles Slanted, If you have Straight Poles you can add additional ties and hooks to make it work..

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8/29/2011

Swiss Gear 2-Room Eight-Person Square Dome Tent Review

Swiss Gear 2-Room Eight-Person Square Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
When we received the tent, since it was bigger than any tent we had ever owned, we decided to set it up in our yard to test it before our big camping trip the following week. The first thing we noticed was that the poles were super heavy-duty which made them very difficult to bend through the fabric to secure the tent. They were so thick in fact that when we tried to bend the first one, instead of breaking the fiberglass pole, it bent the aluminum connector area and then broke completely through. We tried fixing it with the infamous duct tape and set it up as best we could. We decided to let it stay up overnight to make sure it would be okay, and it's a very good thing we did. In the morning it was flat on the ground. I'm very glad that we made the decision to set it up before taking children on a "fun camping trip" where they would probably have ended up very scared of camping in the future! Now we have a giant tent with no support poles, and another new smaller tent with support poles that work just fine!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Swiss Gear 2-Room Eight-Person Square Dome Tent

The entire family will enjoy the next summer camping trip with Swiss Gear's spacious 2-room tent. Offering 144 square feet of total area, the tent includes a room divider curtain to provide two separate rooms for privacy or to create a living room effect. The curtain easily attaches with a toggle closure.
Constructed of a polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating and mesh, Swiss Gear's dome tent also features a hoop fly frame to make assembling the tent simple, while also providing extra stability once it's up. The tub style, polyethylene ripstop floor features a rain shingle layer for enhanced weather protection and superior water repellency.
Large mesh roof vents and two side windows offer ventilation to keep the tent cool and breezy. The windows also feature inside zip storm flaps to keep you dry during unpredictable wet weather. With a center height of 74 inches, even taller campers can move around with ease. For storage, use the gear loft organizer with mesh utility pockets to stash your stuff out of the way and out of your living space. Two flex doors allow easy in and out access.When packed up, the tent weighs 24.4 pounds, and can be easily toted around in the included carry duffel.
Feature Detail:
Base Size: 12 x 12 feet
Area: 144 square feet
Center height: 74 inches
Sleeps: 8 people
Carry Weight: 24.4 pounds
Type: 2-room square dome
Fabric: Polyester taffeta with a double pass polyurethane coating and mesh
Floor: Polyethylene ripstop
Frame: Shockcorded fiberglass
Door: 2 flex doors
Windows: polyester mesh, 2 side windows with inside zip storm flaps
Tub style floor with rain shingle for enhanced weather protection
Hoop fly frame
Gear loft organizer
Manufacturer Warranty 10 years
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 Swiss Gear 2-Room Eight-Person Square Dome Tent

8/14/2011

Swiss Gear Elite Series 12 Person Huge Family Dome Camping Tent SG33151 Review

Swiss Gear Elite Series 12 Person Huge Family Dome Camping Tent SG33151
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a HUGE tent. Very spacious inside with what is really one large room and one smaller room. It comes with a cloth room divider which is a bit hard to figure out how to attach in the large room to separate it into two smaller (but still roomy) rooms and when it is attached it doesn't do a good job of creating separate rooms. Much space is left under and around the divider so we don't even use it. But, that's not a negative towards this tent.
SetUp:
1.) Take your time and read the directions on the nylon sack and follow them carefully, step by step. The tent is not hard to set up and can be done by one person but is best if there are two people to set it up.
2.) Make sure the inside sewn-in door is unzipped so that when the tent is flat and ready to be raised a person can enter easily to the center of the tent to lift it while the other person secures the poles on the outside.
3.) Make sure that the rain fly is put on right-side up. If a big wind/rain comes then having it properly secured is essential.
4.) Don't take any short cuts and do everything the directions say to do.
5.) When taking the tent down take your time and fold it up carefully. I lay the tent out flat with the 3 rooms extended. Then I take each room and fold it in towards the center. Then I fold the tent again. You want it narrow enough so that when you roll it up it will fit easily back into the sack. It's easy to do but it takes a few times to get the hang of it. And the poles are very easy to extend and then fold up. I love how everything is so compact and goes back into the sack. The poles and tent sleeves are color-coded so it's very easy to know where each pole goes including their clamps. When we first got this tent we set it up in our back yard several times just for practice. It gets much easier the more often you set it up but if you can practice in advance of a camping trip that's good. And you would want to see if there is anything wrong with it prior to using it for real.
We went on a week-long camping trip last week and this tent was wonderful. The screen windows are great for air circulation and to be able to see outside. It has screens on all sides but you can zip them up at night for privacy. If you leave the rain fly off the roof of the tent is screen netting. We didn't do that but it would be great to lie there and watch the stars at night. I am 5'10" tall and could easily stand up and walk around inside the tent. It is so very spacious on the inside that four or more queen-sized air mattresses could easily be used with room to walk around. This tent really felt like home.
We did not get to test it in a rain storm. It did rain briefly but not long enough to see if the tent would leak. The directions say to use a "seam sealer" which we have not done yet, but will before our next camping trip.
**Note**
If you plan to use this tent in a campground be aware that most pre-made tent pads will not be large enough for this tent. We had to look for a tent pad that was very low to the ground so that the tent floor would be as flat as we could get it. Also, be sure to lay a tarp(s) underneath the tent floor. We had to use three 8'x10' tarps, one for each room.
So far, we love this tent and and the only problems we have had is the velcro closure on the front door sometimes catches the screen netting and has messed it up a bit, and one of the metal ring pins broke but Swiss Gear immediately sent several more for free upon request. The tent fabric is lightweight but seems very durable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Swiss Gear Elite Series 12 Person Huge Family Dome Camping Tent SG33151

Tired of camping with the family in "family sized" tents that barely fit you, your spouse, and a few bags? Turn to the Swiss Gear Elite series 12-person dome camping tent, an extra-spacious shelter that's guaranteed to make you the envy of the campground. Built to be extra roomy yet simple to set up, the tent boasts two large back rooms, each of which has a private door so you won't disturb the people sleeping around you. The front room can also function as a sleeping room, or you can zip down the walls and turn it into a large porch area for dining, storing gear, or playing with the kids. Best of all, each of the three rooms is large enough to hold a queen-size airbed, with room to spare for gear storage and walk-around space. The tent even lets most basketball players stand fully erect, with a center height of 6 feet 10 inches.
The tent sets up quickly compared to most large tents, with color-coded poles and pole sleeves and easy-to-follow directions that keep you from wasting time on setup rather than enjoying the great outdoors. The Elite is also fully weatherproof, with an enhanced Swissguard weather protection system and coatings that keeps the interior dry, along with a unique wind-resistant design that's stable and durable. Other features include an e-port that offers easy and dry electrical cord access, a removable hanging divider curtain for the back room, rainfly hoop frames that extend over the back doors for added weather protection, and combination steel-frame and fiberglass-top poles for durability. The Elite tent--which sleeps up to 12 people--measures 19 by 19 feet at the base.


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Coleman Elite Sundome 6 Tent Review

Coleman Elite Sundome 6 Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am well pleased with the quality of the tent and the ease to assemble. As with all the tent manufacturer's ratings, this tent might be rated to sleep more than two people, but if you plan to store any gear or use airbeds, two people is the magic number of occupants that can comfortably use the tent.
The assembly is a piece of cake. We're in our 50's and hadn't assembled one of the newer style tents before purchasing this one. It takes about 10 minutes to assemble, once you've done it and see how things go.
The canvas carry bag is nice, but there isn't any "extra" room in it. You'll have a little work folding things tight enough to get back in the bag, but it all does fit nicely once you figure out the best method. Pay attention to how everything is stored and folded when you first unpack the tent.
Our first time out, we experienced severe storms with heavy rain and winds. Everything held perfectly water-tight. No leaks; no problems. The tent dried quickly in the sun in about 15 minutes. The dimensions of the storage bag allow us to easily carry this tent in our Bushtec motorcycle trailer, along with all the other necessary gear. We are well pleased.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coleman Elite Sundome 6 Tent

From the built-in lighting system, to the hinged door and Auto-Roll window design, to Coleman's WeatherTec system guaranteed to keep out wind and rain, the Coleman Elite Sundome 6 Tent is packed with features for comfort and convenience at the campsite. The tent sleeps 6 people comfortably, with a footprint of 12'x10' and a center height of 6'. The hinged door swings open and closed; it includes a rigid pole frame support structure that is easy to install and take down. An overlapping door flap helps keep out insects when closed. The integrated LED lighting system provides a bright, useful light -- enough to read by at night -- with 3 settings (High, Low, and Nightlight). Coleman's Comfort System allows control of airflow with vented Cool-Air Port/Cooler Port, privacy vent window, interior gear pocket and electrical access port. Color-coded 11mm fiberglass poles, continuous pole sleeves plus InstaClip attachments and an exclusive pin-and-ring design assure quick and easy setup even for beginners. Coleman's new Auto-Roll Window lets you instantly roll windows up, partially up to your liking, or all the way down, to suit your privacy or ventilation preference. "Negative-angle" windows allow the window to be partially or fully open during a mild rain: a primary structural pole creates an overhang to protect the window and provide ventilation and viewing during an afternoon shower or gentle nighttime rain.

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8/13/2011

Eureka Nergy Screen House 1210 Review

Eureka Nergy Screen House 1210
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We have not yet utilized the screen house for camping purposes (the main reason for purchasing it), but we did a dry run yesterday and I note the following observations. A follow-up review, along with detailed photos, will be posted upon our return from an early June camping trip.
SET-UP:
As with all Eureka products I've owned, assembly is easy and fast. From start to finish, my partner and I had the screen house erected in less than 10 minutes. Since we recently ordered the Copper Canyon 1512, we didn't even need to look at the directions. It assembles in almost exactly the same fashion.
SPACE:
The screen house is just right when it comes to interior space. It's just wide and long enough to cover a standard picnic table - with several feet of walking space all the way around - which will be our primary use for the product. The ceiling is high and the side walls are nice and tight with little flexing in breezy conditions.
FEATURES:
As advertised, the screen house contains a main control panel with 4 toggle switches for each of the built-in 12v outlets. 3 of the upper 4 corners and the center of the ceiling contain such an outlet. The main "switchboard" itself plugs into the Eureka PowerPak, which we purchased several weeks ago in preparation for receiving this screen house. All of the wires running to each of the outlets are encased in a sewn-in sleeve that wraps the entire inside of the house where the walls meet the ceiling - not dissimilar to how the poles are fed through sleeves - so replacement should not be a difficult task. Handy loops are sewn in around this same boundary, which would allow you to install a string of 12v party lights very easily. Unfortunately, I didn't count the loops, but I would guess there are 6-8 per wall. You could, I suppose, hang a few very lightweight items from said loops. The center of the ceiling also contains a loop for hanging a lantern, ceiling fan or other device.
QUALITY:
As usual, I am very impressed with the quality of the screen tent, especially considering it's price tag of under $140. The roof is very thick and durable nylon and all of the stitching is spot on and flawless. The zippers are heavy duty and very smoothly glide open and closed. The screen house also comes with very heavy duty cinch sacks for the house itself, with two other heavy duty sacks for the poles and for the stakes (which I will be replacing with heavy duty ones - no big deal). I was surprised to note that the sacks for the house/poles/stakes were actually much more heavy duty than ones I got with my 1512.
OVERALL:
The Eureka N!ergy Screen House is exactly as it was described and I was more impressed than I thought I would be with the quality of materials and incorporation of the "electrical system". Everything is neat and tidy and it fits back into it's stuff sack with more than enough room to spare. We will be ordering two more for summer entertaining when the bugs get bad!
If you're looking for the ultimate screen house with one of the best price points around, no need to look further!
** UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE ** AS OF JUNE 12, 2009
We've just returned from a 5-day camping trip and this screen house is simply the best. Since I've already detailed everything above, there's no reason to go any further. It did what it needed to do and then some. What a fantastic product. Photos have been posted.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Nergy Screen House 1210

Ideal for your next family trip to the campground or park, the Eureka N!ergy screen house offers the ultimate in outdoor convenience. The six-pole, rectangular unit boasts 120 square feet of interior space--more than enough room for a picnic table, a family, and plenty of cooking gear. As a result, you can hold family picnics and other outdoor gatherings without being eaten alive by mosquitoes or getting drenched by an ill-timed rain. The screen room's high-quality Eureka construction, meanwhile, is tough and long lasting, with a 150-denier StormShield polyester fabric exterior and 1,500 mm coatings on the roof, wall, and sod cloth.
Perhaps the coolest feature, however, is the tent's E! Power system, which lets you enjoy your favorite small appliances and accessories from inside the tent assembly. Simply hook up your N!ergy screen house to an optional E! Power Pak, then plug into one of the four 12-volt outlets. N!ergy tents are prewired, so there are no extra steps during assembly. More significantly, you can charge the E! Power Pak from any home outlet or your car's 12-volt power supply prior to use. Once you've installed the Power Pak, you're free to plug in a 12-volt light, fan, radio, blender, or any other 12-volt accessory, with discrete on/off switches controlling all four outlets independently. The three detachable corner outlets can swing to the center of the screen house for convenient table-top use, and then tuck away quickly once you're finished. A fourth fixed outlet is positioned in the center of the ceiling to power an overhead light or fan.
The screen house also includes two full-length zip doors for easy entry and exit, along with full mesh walls that provide visibility on all four sides and a ground-level sod cloth to keep pesky insects outside. And thanks to the combination steel and fiberglass frame--which features both shock-corded and steel-corded sections, frame clips, and ring-and-pin attachments--the N!ergy screen house is a breeze to set up. The screen house measures 12 by 10 feet across the floor and 7 foot 3 inches tall, and weighs 22 pounds 11 ounces. It also carries a 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.


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7/18/2011

Columbia High Trail Family Dome Tent Review

Columbia High Trail Family Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Don't mess around with cheap $100 tents. Spend the extra money on this one and you won't go wrong. I tried the $119 Costco special and was extremely disatisfied. The Kelty tent had too many large panels that kept catching the wind and waking us up all night. This tent is especially great in the wind and stays solid even for one this size. It's light weight and packs up nicely. The best feature is the room divider that will divide the tent into two symetrical individual rooms...A great feature when two couples are camping together or if you want to put the kids in their own space. Each side even has its own door so you won't disturb the whole tent when getting up for the bathroom in the middle of the night.
We used the tent without the rainfly for the first time last trip and loved sleeping under the stars with full mosquito netting over the entire ceiling.
This is a well-made tent that will rival The North Face tents costing $450 or more. My Dad took his North Face tent back to REI and bought this one for $200 less at the Columbia outlet store.
Happy camping!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Columbia High Trail Family Dome Tent

Bring the family to the campsite and still have room to spare with the Columbia High Trail dome tent. The High Trail--which sleeps up to eight people--is spacious and versatile, with a room divider that turns the tent from one large room to two smaller rooms. As a result, you'll enjoy plenty of elbowroom while you sleep. The tent also includes four large no-see-um mesh windows, roof vents, and side vents, so you'll enjoy optimum ventilation even during rainstorms. And thanks to the factory-sealed fly and floor seams and the polyester bathtub floor--which wraps up the sides and is protected by a rain shingle--the High Trail keeps the wet weather at bay.
The tent also stores plenty of gear in addition to its eight campers, with two mesh interior pockets, a gear loft for organization, and two hanging cupholders. Finally, the tent sets up easily thanks to its freestanding design and combo clip-and-sleeve assembly. Other features include two large D doors for easy entry and exit, a woven reflective zipper pull, a flashlight loop, a small Camp Port for stretching electrical cords into the tent, and two mud mats sheltered by an overhanging semi-vestibule. The High Trail tent comes with poles, stakes, and an oxford nylon carrying bag with expandable gussets.



Key Features

Capacity: 6 to 8
Dimensions: 15 by 11 feet
Weight: 28 pounds, 2 ounces
Area: 165 square feet
Interior height: 6 feet 6 inches
Pack size: 29 by 10 inches
Poles: 9
Pole size: 19mm steel (2), 9.5mm fiberglass (7)
Pole material: Fiberglass and steel
Doors: 2
Hooded fly: Yes
Windows: 4
Gear loft: Yes
Floor material: 190T polyester taffeta, 1,000mm coating
Fly material: 190T polyester taffeta, 800mm coating
Wall material: 190T polyester taffeta, 800mm coating/no-see-um mesh
Roof material: No-see-um mesh
Netting: No-see-um mesh
Style: Modified hybrid dome
Use: 3 seasons

About Columbia Sportswear Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, chairman of the board, and her son, Tim Boyle, president and CEO, lead the company.

Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. The company introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then-60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.

The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.

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 Columbia High Trail Family Dome Tent

6/30/2011

Coleman Montana 8 Tent Review

Coleman Montana 8 Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Bought this tent for a two-week camping trip to Canada for two adults and two large dogs. We put a queen-size air mattress in one end of the tent and used the other side for luggage, dressing, storing chairs, etc. Dogs slept in the middle. Very comfortable, very good ventilation. Had plenty of room and privacy. Followed the directions and it was easy to set up. Door is fantastic - so much better than regular zip doors. It rained four days of our trip -- big downpours and very windy. As long as objects did not push up against the inside walls of the tent, then things stayed dry. This was the best purchase we made all summer and I can't wait to take it out next year!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coleman Montana 8 Tent

Great for families, scout troops and extended camping excursions, the Coleman Montana 8 Tent offers a feature-packed family camping experience. Measuring 16'x7' with a center height of 6'2", the Montana 8 sleeps 8 people comfortably. The innovative hinged door makes it easy to go in and out. The Montana 8 Tent features a vented Cool-Air Port for improved airflow; a privacy vent window offers more ventilation; and you can control airflow with Coleman's VariFlow adjustable ventilation. A convenient electrical-access port lets you run a cord from your device in the tent to a power supply outside. An interior gear pocket helps keep your things organized. The modified-dome structure of the Montana 8 includes a covered front porch and wings, for ample outdoor living space. Setting up the Montana 8 is a breeze, thanks to shock-corded poles, continuous pole sleeves, pin-and-ring design and InstaClip attachments; easy-to-follow set-up instructions are sewn right into the carry bag, so you'll always have them handy. The frame is strong and wind-resistant, with 11mm, 9.5mm and 6.3mm fiberglass poles; the tent fabric is 68D polyester mesh and 75D polyester taffeta inside, with a 75D polyester taffeta flysheet. A durable carry bag is included, with separate storage sacks for tent, poles and stakes. Limited 1-year warranty.

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6/27/2011

Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent Review

Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
BUY THIS VERSION! The tent listed here is model number CB-9001-10. The other third party buying options listed on amazon are CB-9001. I first called amazon and they couldn't give me an answer about the difference. I then called North Pole at 1-866-706-9377 and got the low-down. The CB-9001-10 is the newest, 2010 version.
After a tremendous amount of research, I decided this tent was definitely the way to go for our family of four. I will not repeat everything previous reviewers have said here (read all reviews under other buying options on this site as well as additional reviews outside of amazon), but I do want to pass on newest model info.
The difference with newer model:
1. Added awning: a good addition, but it is not over the door, which would have been more helpful, especially if you wanted to leave muddy shoes at the door.
2. Pole issue has been resolved.
3. Floor is now made of nylon. The rep says this cuts down on noise and is also less prone to holes. They do strongly advise using a tent saver underneath. Most "tent savers" I researched seemed very flimsy, but I found a great tarp that fits this tent exactly and it is sold here on amazon: "Dry Top 210156 10-foot by 15-foot Full Finish Size Reversible Tarp, 10-mm, Silver/Brown". A regular tarp would work fine too, but make sure it is slightly smaller than the tent footprint, otherwise when it rains, water will pool underneath your tent.
Additional Info missing from previous reviews:
1. Rainfly has a 800mm coating. Tent buying guides usually recommend 1000-1500mm, but this tent does seem water resistant.
2. Mesh netting is no-see-um rated.
3. Seams are factory sealed, however rep said you can use Kenyon 3 sealer as extra insurance. A bottle comes with the tent. It's a good idea to seam seal before each season.
4. Columbia does not recommend coating the tent. This can have a reverse effect on moisture control!
5. There is a limited-lifetime warranty on tent, but you must save original receipt.
6. Yes, the second room does not have its own entrance, but we have a 6 and 5 yr old, so it is decidedly a safety PLUS for us.
Hope this helps! I researched the bejeezus out of family, cabin-style tents and this one seems to be by far the best all-around tent for the price, factoring features, materials, quality and price. The only other tent I seriously considered was Eureka's Titan Luxury Family Tent. It does have slightly higher quality materials, but at nearly $200 more, not enough of a difference to justify the price jump.
In Summary: This is the newest model of this tent (verify model #CB-9001-10). Amazon's price is the same as competitors (I researched that too) and you get free shipping. Happy camping!!!
UPDATE: Our tent has been set up and camped in, and we absolutely love it! Can't think of much I'd like improved, except the location of the awning (in front of door would have been much better). We had one night of driving rain, with it pooling on the rain fly because hubby hadn't staked it tightly enough. Same said hubby also admitted he hadn't finished seam sealing. A few drops of water was the only price we paid. We especially love the big windows and ventilation.
If you're thinking of buying this tent, don't hesitate! I can confidently say you will be very happy with your purchase. It's a great value--well built, good looking, with great features all around. We look forward to many outings and building lifetime family memories with our children in this tent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent

Bring the family to the campsite and still have plenty of room to spare with the two-room Columbia Cougar Flats II cabin dome tent. The Cougar Flats II--which sleeps from six to 10 people--is equipped with both a Cyclone venting system and a GoBe Dry rain protection system. The Cyclone system greatly increases the air circulation within the tent, helping you stay cool on warmer days or dry out after a nasty rainstorm. The GoBe Dry system, meanwhile, ensures that the pounding rain won't find a way inside. The tent even includes a patented bay window design that lets you keep the windows open during the storm.
The real highlight of the tent, however, is the spacious interior, which divides its ample sleeping space between two different rooms. As a result, you can give the kids one room and the adults the other, or you can use one room as a bedroom and the other as a living space. You can even zip up the divider and turn the tent into one large room. In addition, the interior of the tent offers plenty of organizational features, such as internal pockets, hanging cupholders for coffee or soft drinks, storage lockers for your clothes, and a gear loft that holds your valuables out of the way. And once it's time to leave the campsite, the tent collapses quickly into a wheeled EZ Pak storage bag, which features an expandable zippered gusset for easy stuffing.
Other features include a sturdy hybrid steel/fiberglass frame with steel and fiberglass poles, two separate doors, a Camp Port for easy cable passage, and a fully seam-taped polyester fly with an 800mm waterproof coating. The Cougar Flats II measures 15 by 7.16 by 10 feet (W x H x D) and weighs 54 pounds.
Key Features:
Tent type: Family
Sleeps: 6 to 10 people
Rooms: 2
Weatherproof: GoBe Dry rain protection system
Venting: Cyclone system for air circulation
Camp Port: Yes
Windows: 2
Doors: 2
Extras: Internal pockets, hanging cupholders, storage lockers, and gear loft
Storage: Wheeled carrying bag
Rainfly: Yes, with 800mm waterproof coating
Dimensions: 15 by 7.16 by 10 feet (W x H x D)
Weight: 54 pounds

About Columbia Sportswear Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, chairman of the board, and her son, Tim Boyle, president and CEO, lead the company.
Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. The company introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then-60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.
The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.


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Click here for more information about Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent

6/01/2011

Columbia Bugaboo II Geo Dome Tent with Foot Lockers Review

Columbia Bugaboo II Geo Dome Tent with Foot Lockers
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First off, this is a great tent for the money. The directions call for a 2 person assembly but I was able to do it on my own. The foot lockers are somewhat misleading. I was expecting a seperate compartment that held the shoes while keeping the inside of the tent clean. Instead, the foot lockers are a mini doorway into the main tent compartment. It also rained during my trip which sent us all (7 people) into the tent for shelter. The cyclone venting system was AWESOME and nobody felt like it was too stuffy. The next morning it only took the tent 2 hours to completely dry off which isn't too bad considering the sheer size of it ( a.k.a "fabric mansion"). OVERALL, you will definately be happy with this tent!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Columbia Bugaboo II Geo Dome Tent with Foot Lockers

Bring the family to the campsite and still have room to spare with the Columbia Bugaboo II dome tent. The Bugaboo II--which sleeps up to five people--is equipped with both a Cyclone venting system and a GoBe Dry rain protection system. The Cyclone system greatly increases the air circulation within the tent, helping you stay cool on warmer days or dry out after a nasty rainstorm. The GoBe Dry system, meanwhile, includes taped seams and an elevated floor to keep the pounding rain outside.
The Bugaboo II also includes plenty of room for storage, with two footlockers, four pocket organizers, a gear loft for packs or valuables, and even multiple cupholders for coffee, soft drinks, or beer bottles. Other details include color-coded fiberglass poles and sleeves for easy setup, a polyester taffeta body and rainfly, and reflective zipper pulls. The Bugaboo II measures 12 by 6.16 by 9 feet (W x H x D) and weighs 21 pounds.
Key Features:
Sleeps 5 campers
GoBe Dry ultimate rain protection system
Camp Port to allow easy passage of cables
Cyclone venting to allow for better air circulation when rainfly is in use
2 external storage lockers, internal pockets, cupholders, and gear loft
Color coded fiberglass poles and sleeves for easy setup
Polyester taffeta body and rainfly
Weighs 21 pounds

About Columbia Sportswear Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, chairman of the board, and her son, Tim Boyle, president and CEO, lead the company.
Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. The company introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then-60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.
The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.

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 Columbia Bugaboo II Geo Dome Tent with Foot Lockers

5/13/2011

Eureka Copper Canyon 1312 Eight-Person 13-Foot by 12-Foot Family Tent Review

Eureka Copper Canyon 1312 Eight-Person 13-Foot by 12-Foot Family Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am new to tent camping, so I cannot speak as an expert. I did do a great deal of internet based research to try to find the right test for our family of 6. Like the other reviewer, the Cougar Flats also looked like a good option, but I ultimately choose the Eureka due to the Eureka brand name and it's reputation for quality. We did have a backyard campout with the tent which at least gave me the opportunity to run it through a basic checkout. My impressions:
1) It's big! Great height. I'm short (5'6") and I can't even reach the top of the tent without a stool to hang the tent divider. We had three queen air mattresses in and that still left us with a reasonable spot for gear. There are two doors, one at opposing corners (to match with the divider when it is in use)
2) Divider: It is not a zipper, but it hangs on hooks. Because it is not a zipper based divider, it simply hangs over the floor and there is a gap all around (maybe an 1"?). So it provides some division, but not "real" privacy if you were concerned about that aspect. ( But if you have it up and "fold it back" the tent looks very "fancy". My kids got a big kick out of it.)
3) Very easy setup. Due to my height, I'm not sure I could put it up by myself, in particular the fly. Although I was embarrassed trying to put up the awning. Instructions are not terribly clear on that point. (There are extra guy lines for the awning poles to latch them to the ground.)
4)Seams: Most seams are tape sealed, but you will need to seal up the others. No experience in rain.
5) Door Zippers: The flap which protects the zippers from the rain sure seems to get caught very easy in the zipper. I'm not sure there is much that can be done about that other than use care when getting zipping the door closed.
6) Awning: Nice touch, not terribly wide but would provide coverage in the case of rain when getting in/out of the tent. (see my comments about setup) It does look quite nice and could get you somewhat out of the sun.
7) Other: Nice touches with the partitions in the roof to be able to zip in a small screen to block the sun during the day and open them at night. Lots of small latches for things. Zipper on both sides for power cords (great addition). Top is totally open and would be quite dramatic without the fly cover IF you could trust it wouldn't rain. Fly Cover is not that easy to just "throw on". I'm not sure what you would do if it started to rain with the rain fly on. Comes in a bag with cloth handles that seems reasonably robust. And yes, we did get the tent back in the original bag, although I kept the poles and stakes separate. I'll post up additional comments once we've used the tent a few times more.
Edit: June 8th, 2007
We've done a number of "backyard" trips, and finally went to the wilderness to briefly try it out. I think most of my original comments are still accurate. Here's some updates:
1) The stakes are junk! We had some serious winds and the stakes would simply not hold the tent down. Fortunately I had purchased some Colman stakes (Coleman Tent Kit) for backup and at 2:00am I was out using them to get the guy lines to stay down. Having said that, the tent did ultimately hold up well in some very serious winds. (Hint: buy some good stakes and take a hammer)
2) Setup was as easy as ever. Tent fit well into our spot with no problems. Lots of room with 3 queen air mattresses.
3) Didn't use the awning. This seems to be a weak part of the setup. In a few nights in the backyard it simply can't hold up to any wind at all.
4)Tent fits nicely back into the original back and is light-weight (minus poles) I carry the pole bag separate but put everything else into the tent back. Not a big challenge, which is nice.
5) Continued issues with the zippers. I'm tempted to cut the black flap and Velcro it back when it isn't raining. You have to be very careful not to zipper the flap into the zipper. We've done this a number of times and you can fix it, but not a good thing during a middle of the night bathroom break.
6.) We used a combination of overhead lighting (Coleman Tent Light)and a small florescent lantern (Coleman 4D Pack-Away Lantern) and the combination worked out well.
Additional Feedback, June 23, 2007: All still accurate, a few more trips completed. The one issue I am starting to have is corner poles collapsing under very strong wind gusts. I'm no expert, so I'm not sure if this is a design defect or my inability to correctly put up the tent. See discussion below.
August 2010: The tent is still holding up quite well. We use it a few times each summer, nothing too rough. The overall quality is still there, no major issues. I still think you run a risk in high winds due to the high sided design, not sure there is much that can be done about that. I'm now back in the midwest, so no more strong canyon winds to worry about. But overall, good quality after 3 years of use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eureka Copper Canyon 1312 Eight-Person 13-Foot by 12-Foot Family Tent

Featuring vertical walls for maximal internal space, this 13-foot x 12-foot (156 square feet) freestanding cabin-style tent accommodates up to eight campers on cots. The tent includes a removable curtain so it can be divided into two rooms as well as being configured as a single room. Two D-shaped doors with side flaps permit private entry into each room and have large #8 zippers with covers for durability and rain protection. Six large zippered mesh windows open for visibility and airflow and close for privacy. Toggles keep window flaps off the floor and out of the way. A detachable awning shades the front. A fly with clear-panel skylights permits stargazing and includes pockets for storing storm guyouts when not in use. A port allows an extension cord (not included) to be run into the tent. A sweep-out point facilitates housekeeping. A hanging gear-loft supplies convenient storage.
Made of 1200mm, 75D polyester, the tent has nine steel and fiberglass poles that slip into sleeves during setup. Frame clips and ring-and-pin assemblies also facilitate setup. Mesh screens out insects as small as no-see-ums. The tent weighs 37 pounds and has a center height of 7-foot-3.
Eureka! tents' standard design features include bathtub-style floors that wrap up the sides to keep water out; nickel sliders and self-healing zippers; and factory-taped major seams to seal out weather.
Key Details:
Floor Size: 13 x 12 feet
Pack Size:10 x 28 inches
Center Height: 7' 3"
Minimum Weight: 37 pounds
Tent Area: 156 square feet
Seasons: 3
Sleeps: 5-6
Doors: 2
Windows: 6
Wall Fabric: 75D polyester taffeta, 1200 mm
Fly Fabric: 75D StormShield polyester, 1200 mm
Floor Fabric: 75D polyester taffeta, 1200 mm
Mesh Fabric: 68D no-see-um
Frame: 12.65 mm fiberglass and 19.5 mm steel

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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5/04/2011

Kelty Deluxe Carport Review

Kelty Deluxe Carport
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I have a 2000 Honda Odyssey that is big enough for my wife and I to sleep in while camping, but not big enough to store all our camping gear at the same time. So, when I came across the Carport Deluxe in a catalog I knew I had found the answer to our problem. It was *perfect* on our first outing. At night we'd keep it down with all our gear inside the shelter and there was still tons of room (this thing is HUGE) for changing, or reading, or eating dinner, etc. During the day we'd put it up as an awning and it was great for shade (once again, it is much bigger than we expected, but that is a *good* thing). We've also used it for tailgate parties at Anaheim Stadium, and it can be used separate from the van as a shelter at the beach. It has performed perfectly for it's purpose.

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The Kelty Carport Deluxe is a car camping tent in the most literal sense possible. One side of the three-season Carport attaches to your roof rack, and the other side extends out to provide a covered space next to your vehicle. Use this shelter for tailgating, as a storage area at a car camping site, or as a staging area before you hit the trail. The sturdy aluminum poles and clip/sleeve construction make the Carport easy to set up and take down. Extra poles allow you to heighten the shelter and sidewalls roll up so you can walk underneath it. The medium Kelty Carport is designed to fit most station wagons and sedans while the large is for your minivan or SUV.Product Features
Material: 75D 450mm Polyester taffeta
Dimensions: [M] 87 x 94in (221 x 239cm); [L] 116 x 126in (295 x 320cm)
Packed Size: 8 x 27in (20 x 69cm)
Tie Points:
Pole Included: Yes, 8
Weight: [M] 8lb 5oz (3700g); [L] 9lb 9oz (4300g)
Recommended Use: Car camping, tailgating
Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime
Country of Origin: China


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4/22/2011

Chinook Long Star 3-Person Fiberglass Pole Tent Review

Chinook Long Star 3-Person Fiberglass Pole Tent
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I bought this tent because as a first-timer, I was looking for something easy to use and reasonably priced. This tent was extremely easy for one person to set up (though the directions say something about a sleeve which I've still never found...) and at 7' by 7', it is roomy enough for me and my dog to sleep comfortably. (Before I bought it, I used painters' tape to lay out a 7' by 7' square on the floor to make sure my big sleeping bag, gear, dog, and I would all fit inside comfortably). I'm not sure how it will hold up to the test of time- it does feel very light and I question just how sturdy it is, but I had it set up in some significant winds and it did just fine. One of the features I really like is having the front vestibule. It's very handy for putting things that you want out of view, but not necessarily in your tent- hiking boots, dog towels, etc. The vestibule has two openings - one on the front and one on the side, which is kind of hard to see in pictures. The tent comes in a small bag, and is light to carry. It is ideal for 1-2 people. 3 would be kind of tough to cram in here though, someone would definitely be touching the walls of the tent- never good for keeping dry. One downer is that if you want to have the windows of the tent open, you have to go around to the outside of the tent to open them on the fly. Also, you'll want to get some decent tent stakes- the ones that come with it aren't really that sturdy and bent the first time I used them. Other than those small inconveniences, I've been very happy with this tent. I'll update once I've had to use it in some weather to let you know how it holds up. I've already waterproofed it with some Camp-Dry, but we'll see how well it does in a rain.
Update: Had some rain this weekend, and it did great- no leaks. I did use three cans of Camp Dry, which may have been overkill, but I was very impressed with how sturdy it felt in the wind and with the fact that even the corners stayed nice and dry.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Chinook Long Star 3-Person Fiberglass Pole Tent

Long Star 3 Person Tent, Fiberglass poles.Capacity: 3 person - Minimum weight: 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) - Poles: 2 + vestibule - Height: 4-Feet2-Inch (127 cm) - Floor: 7-Feet x 7-Feet x (210 x 210 cm)- Tent area: 48 ft2 (4.5 m2) - with Vestibule area: 71 ft2 (6.6 m2)

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4/08/2011

Chinook Tornado 6-Person Fiberglass Pole Tent Review

Chinook Tornado 6-Person Fiberglass Pole Tent
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very roomy. the tent poles over the doors are cheap. 1 broke on the 1 day. I don't like the tubes at the top that you have to thread with the poles, but other than that it's good.

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The rugged, yet lightweight Tornado 6 person tents feature a sturdy 3-pole configuration with high side walls for excellent stability and roomy interior. The extended bib on the fly front provides protection from the elements, while allowing greater ventilation during hot weather.

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