Showing posts with label columbia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label columbia. Show all posts

4/05/2011

Ameristep One Man Ice Shelter Review

Ameristep One Man Ice Shelter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I just received my new shelter and haven't set it up on ice yet.We had high wind warnings here with gust up to 45 MPH, so I set my new shelter up in an open lot.I was very pleased with how well it handled in the wind and with how well it handled the wind.It seems to be well constructed and roomy enought for someone of my size (6'4" @ 225lbs.) I can't wait to get it out on the ice.

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Product Description:
Ameristep One - Man Chair Shelter... a solo shanty! Ride out to the lake and put up your new Ice Shelter... there's plenty of room for you and all your equipment! Accommodates up to 32" jigging rods. Hammer in the traction spikes to keep your ice house from sliding away in a stiff breeze! On warmer days, unzip the windows and get some fresh air. Chair included. The rest: Quick and easy set up / take down; Three zippered windows with replaceable / removable vinyl windows and two additional zippered port holes; Black TECH shell with safety reflectors and vents; Large zippered front window opening; Convenient integrated cup holders; CPAI-84 fire-retardant requirements; Dimensions: 39 x 58 x 56"; Weighs 13 lbs. State Size. Order Today! Ameristep One-Man Chair Shelter

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4/02/2011

Black Diamond Bipod Bivy Bag Review

Black Diamond Bipod Bivy Bag
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For side sleepers like me, the Bi-Pod Bivy is way too tight in both the hip and shoulder areas. Also, I use the Therma-Rest NeoAir mattress which when fully inflated takes-up three inches in height.

I have reordered and have received the heavier but far more spacious Tri-Pod Bivy. Its size is just right for me.

The quality of both models is excellent.

I have two complaints with both models. First, the zip-up opening is much too small. The opening should have at least one more foot to facilitate entry into the bivy. Second, I don't understand why the outer seams don't come pre-sealed from the factory. Instead you are sent a tube of sealer and a syringe and must seal it yourself.

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Product Description:
The Bibler Bipod Bivy is both functional and comfortable. A shock-corded Easton aluminum pole arches over the head and shoulder area to provide a roomy space so you won't feel claustrophobic. A large zippered entry on the Bipod Bivy provides easy access, great ventilation and rolls back to reveal a generously sized, no-see-um net door. You can check out the stars, feel a pleasant breeze on your face - without the local mosquito masquerade joining your party.

Product Features

    Material: Todd Tex
    Seam sealed: Seam-taped
    Number of doors: 1
    Bathtub floor: Yes
    Ventilation: Mesh Panel
    Number of poles: 1
    Clip or sleeve: Sleeve
    Interior footage:
    Interior height:
    Vestibule footage:
    Packed size: 6 x 15in
    Packed weight: 1lb 13oz
    Minimal weight: 1lb 13oz
    Warranty: 1 Year
    Recommended use: Ultralight camping, backpacking, alpine climbing
    Country of Origin: China


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3/20/2011

The North Face Flight Bivy Review

The North Face Flight Bivy
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Pros
It is light! 1 lbs. 7oz.Lots of room inside.I easily put my Therma-a-Rest GuideLite Full pad and Reg. Size Mummy Bag inside the sack.There is a lot of head room for all your clothes.I could stretch out my arms above my head inside the bivy, (I'm 5'11")

Cons
Maybe not best for winter weather camping.I used this bivy sack over the weekend camping out.The temperature dipped down around 10 degree Fahrenheit and a lot of condensation built up on my bag.The first night I slept with it totally zipped up.The second night I left my face out so that I wouldn't breathe on my down sleeping bag.Both nights my sleeping bag was damp.I am uncertain if it was just too cold to for the fabricate to breathe.I think it will work find in warmer weather.

There are four ultralight straight tent stakes to hold each corner in place.But in the future I will swap out the stakes with Sheppard's hook type of stake later.

I am eager to use this in spring to see how it does.

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Product Description:
The North Face Flight Bivy (Fall 2010) - in stock now. FEATURES of the Flight Bivy by The North Face Room for gear above head area Large U-shaped top opening for ease of entry HyVent DT waterproof breathable shell DAC stakes with pull cord External loops at foot and head Fully taped, expedition-weight nylon bucket floor Large glow-in-the-dark zip pulls SPECIFICATIONS: Fabric: shell: HyVent DT 40D nylon ripstop, floor: 40D 210T nylon taffeta, 10000 PU coating Floor Area: 17 ft2 (1.6 m2) Trail Weight: 1 lb 5 oz (0.6 kg) This product can only be shipped within the United States. Please don't hate us.

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10/29/2010

Gigatent Mt Springer Family Tent Review

Gigatent Mt Springer Family Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Very roomy with an attached screen porch. This is very easy for me to set up by myself.Just have to remember to put the rain fly on the roof and fixing it with velcro at the corners before lifting it up.
In cold weather I use a small catalytic propane heater to take off the chill. It stands up to the wind really well. This one hasn't been through rain yet, but I have a Bear Mountain which stays perfectly dry so thinking this will too. I haven't used the separator to make two rooms in the back yet, I like the open space, it's huge.

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Product Description:
A large free standing cabin style tent with 2 rooms. With straight walls, an 80" center height and a removable room divider gives this tent plenty of interior space. The Combo room in front can be used as a floored screen room or as a sleeping room with large windows. 2 twin track doors on the sides of the Combo room provide entry options. The fuller cut rainfly provides superior rain protection while allowing the windows in the sleeping room to be open. The large windows combined with the large roof vents help to minimize condensation.

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10/04/2010

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

Wenzel Pinon Sport 7-by 7-Foot Three-Person Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wenzel Pinon Sport 7-by 7-Foot Three-Person Dome Tent

Product Description:
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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9/30/2010

Wenzel Ponderosa 10- by 8-Foot Four-Person Two-Room Dome Tent Review

Wenzel Ponderosa 10- by 8-Foot Four-Person Two-Room Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This tent was pretty easy to put up, even for a little first timer like myself ( I am under 5 feet and was able to do it by myself, although it recommends 2 people).Definately use 2 people if they are available, simply for holding the rods steady as the tent goes up.It drizzled a bit on the camping trip, and the tent held up well with no extra sealant, and was tall enough for me to stand in.The privacy curtain came in handy while dressing or napping, since I shared my tent with 1 other person most of the trip.The number of people that fits in the tent is misleading, the tent says it fits 4-5 people, when what it really fits is 3 twin size air mattresses side by side, with about 1 or 2 inches on either side.If there are just sleeping bags, no air mattresses, it could probably fit about 4 people.The tent comes down just as easily as it goes up and fits nicely into the provided bag.

Happy camping!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wenzel Ponderosa 10- by 8-Foot Four-Person Two-Room Dome Tent

Product Description:
Great for hiking and biking trips, the Ponderosa two-room tent is lightweight enough at 10.8 pounds to carry on a backpack or saddle bags yet spacious enough to sleep four people at once. The tent base measures 10 feet by 8 feet, with a height in the center of 60 inches--more than enough space for an informal game of cards at midnight. The removable divider curtain, meanwhile, adds a bit of privacy in crowded conditions. Construction details range from a shock-corded fiberglass frame with a pin and ring connection to a weather-armor polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating. The frame is designed for quick and easy setup--a far cry from the clunky frames of yesteryear--while the coated fabric is reliable and sturdy regardless of the weather.
And should the rains come pouring down, the tent's armor-tough seams and water-repellent threads, zippers, and webbing stand ready to resist. The tent even includes sonic-sealed floors that are welded (not sewn) to eliminate stitch and needle holes, ensuring that water from rain-soaked dirt won't sneak in. Additional details include three windows (two in the front and one in the rear), Dutch D-style doors for easy entry from either side of the tent, and four mesh roof vents for circulation and moisture control. The Ponderosa is backed by a 10-year limited 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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9/28/2010

Columbia Cougar Flats II 15-Foot by 10-Foot 8 Person 2 Room Family Cabin Dome Tent Review

Columbia Cougar Flats II 15-Foot by 10-Foot 8 Person 2 Room Family Cabin Dome Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Thus far, we have gone on 3 trips and due to rainy summer, encountered rain each trip. Tent was steadfast through some torential downpours with a very small bit of water on floor (we did not waterproof); nothing to complain about! We have two Intek twins and 1 Queen air mattress. The electric port was very convenient, the loft is great for holding pillows to keep clean. We even brought a regular box fan along last time; wonderful! Locker could be a bit deeper, as most items fall out. Most folks, including myself, did not find the instructions well-written. I've taken the liberty of typing up my own, adjusting as I've gained experience as my upcoming trip will be sans husband, like the first and I needed help as I'm a bit too short, so the order of directions is done with that in mind (along with 2 children helpers!). All are welcome to download my version of the Columbia Cougar Flats II instructions http://www.rocketlaunchers.org/documents/columbiacougarflatsii.pdf

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Product Description:
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 up to eight 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. In addition, the interior of the tent offers plenty of organizational features, such as internal pockets, cupholders for coffee or soft drinks, 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 polyester taffeta body and rainfly, steel and fiberglass poles, two separate doors, and a Camp Port for easy cable passage. 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
    Sleeping Capacity: 8 Person
    Number of Rooms: 2
    Packed Weight: 54 pounds
    Tent Floor Length: 15 feet
    Tent Floor Width: 10 feet
    Peak Height: 86 inches
    GoBe Dry Ultimate Rain Protection system
    Cyclone Venting system for better air circulation with rainfly
    Camp port for easy passage of cables
    Two windows and two doors
    Internal pockets, cupholders, and gear loft
    Wheeled carry bag
    Body and rainfly made of polyester taffeta
    Steel and fiberglass poles
    EZ Pak expandable storage duffle

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. They 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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9/19/2010

Coleman Free-Standing Tent Fan Review

Coleman Free-Standing Tent Fan
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm surprised to see negative reviews. We've been using these for 3+ years now and have no complaints at all.

We use them on our boat in the caribbean. the temps are 80+ w/ humidity at 80+ also. it can get hot and stuffy in the cabin. but not with this fan. it puts out a lot of air for a little fan. and the heavy bottom keeps it from flying around the cabin in rough water or falling over when kicked at night.

We run them every night, all night. batteries last about 2 weeks at that rate (about 125 hours.)but i always carry extras just in case.

Plan on using one (1) per person.

We finally replaced ours after the wiring became disconnected. I couldn't find a way in to that compartment to fix it. but at $14 each, so what.

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Product Description:
Easily provide powerful air circulation throughout your tent or RV with the Coleman Free-Standing Tent Fan. With adjustable 2-speed airflow control, the Tent Fan will run for up to 21 hours on a set of four D batteries (not included). The fan folds easily for convenient, compact storage and packing.

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