I'd stick with REI, Marmot, BigAgnes, Mountain HardWear and Sierra Designs that you're considering as these are all high-end tents and avoid the rest (unlike you like lugging heavy tents around or need a semi-permanent setup, then canvas really shines). While some of these companies (Eureka!)offer good tents, they are few among their model lineup and it's easy to end up with junk. Don't overlook Ebay either, we have bought 3 Sierra Designs tents, the most recent a Bedouin6 (all new-in-the-box with lifetime guarantees) at 60% off MSRP. The other brands can be harder to bargain for due to lower production numbers. Keep in mind that tents larger than 10X10 reduce flexibility in choosing setup areas in campsites and often two tents work better than one large one.
Any suggestions...I am trying to replace my tent (Gander Mtn.)which is about 14 yrs old. It is a dome style, easy to put up, 8x8 floor, and has held up wonderfully. The problem I am having is most of the dome tents now have mesh in the roof (which seems crazy to me) therefore requiring the rain fly to be used every night. I like the set up my tent has which is 3 large windows that zip closed and 1 door. Unless it is going to rain, I leave the rainfly off and I can unzip a window and watch the moon and stars at night. I have replaced the plastic hub that holds the poles twice (I replaced the original rigid plastic hub by cutting one out of wood), and I would like to have something sturdy about the same size or a little smaller, that is easy to set up solo. I want aluminum poles and good waterproofing. (I ordered the Copper Canyon and it is a striking looking tent but seems a little flimsy, and has 4 plastic hubs and requires guy lines, so I have decided to send it back.) I usually go camping about 4 times a year- so not a lot, but I want a tent that will hold up like this one has. I am really having a hard time finding another tent, and wondering if there might be a better selection of dome tents w/o the mesh roof in the fall. Any suggestions? Thanks, Ruby
Welcome Ruby.. I agree with you on the mesh issues.. But this isn't saying that all of our tents are meshy.. Most of the mesh types tent are produced out west.. thus the mesh roof/ceilings. In my search.. it appears that more and more tent companies in Europe are turning to a less mesh version of the dome tent we use.. However, one tent company does come to mind..
Thank you. I took a look at their 3 season tents, and they look almost all mesh, also have 2 doors, and pricey. Do need ventilation on hot nights, but not on the roof where even condensation would make it impossible not to put the rain fly up. Hmmm...maybe I'll just keep the tent I have, buy some fresh waterproofing and keep it awhile longer.
Offline
