Kelty Deluxe Carport Review

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(More customer reviews)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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Product Description:
The large Carport DLX from Kelty® is a covered shelter that attaches to the side or rear of a roof rack and is designed to fit mini-vans and SUVs. It features taped seams, clip-sleeve construction and full-coverage retractable side panels.

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Texsport Spinnaker Auto/SUV Sports Shade Review

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(More customer reviews)This shelter is not bad for $40 but there are some significant drawbacks to it, and you may want to pony up the bucks for the Kelty or something else. I put it up for the first time today and immediately one of the pole clips snapped with barely any pressure. The first thing I noticed was the shock cords are absolutely too loose so the poles don't stay together well, so this was more of a hassle to put up than it should have been. The no-see-um window is a better idea than I thought it would be but badly sewn in and I suspect the zipper tabs will soon part ways. I still gave this a 4 because it's only $40 and I can see it will be functional despite these probs. Had I known though I might have gone with more quality.

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Product Description:
Use with any SUV or wall that you can support this shade, great for backstop and sporting events and will even attach to your tent or arbor.

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Sierra Designs Origami 2 Person Ultralight Shelter Review

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(More customer reviews)I have only used this shelter in the field for a two day trip, so that is all I have to go on...

My main attractions to this style of shelter were the weight to space ratio, and to the Origami specifically, the price (I paid $111). I looked at a similar shelter called the Trailstar made by a company called Mountain Laurel Designs, which is lighter (by nearly a pound) but those weight savings are accomplished through a compromise on the ease of entry; the Trailstar must be propped up on one side to get in, versus easy zipper entry. The Trailstar also would have cost me ~$35 dollars more.

I'm too cheap to buy adjustable trekking poles so I was stuck carrying the included adjustable pole, the lightweight ski poles I use are only 45" tall and that just wasn't quite enough to set up the tent properly and have an adequately comfortable space for two people and two dogs (medium sized dogs: Sheltie/Australian Shepherd mix). One thing I have not figured out is whether the listed weight includes the pole; with most tents it usually does, but I'm not sure with this one (I'm too cheap to buy a scale). Setup does take some practice; I have done it 5 times and still have not mastered it. One of those times was out in the backcountry trying to suspend it between two trees. Though it can be done and probably with some practice it can be done well, I did not find this to be a very practical method. If you can master it, it would save some weight and open up that space in the middle (possibly for another person, or just to allow you and your hiking partner to cuddle, if you so desire).

I was somewhat worried about bugs with the open design, but camping at about 8500 feet in central Colorado mid-August, I had no problems. The only other issue I had with the open design was with my dogs. I attached their leashes to the center pole and that was enough to keep them in the tent through the night, but it did not prevent them from a seemingly endless curiosity about what was going on outside the tent, and with just enough space for them to stick their heads out, this was a problem that interfered with sleep. The solution I'm working on is a curtain of no-see-um mesh to hang around the perimeter which will act as a visual deterrent and a little extra bug protection, while maintaining crucial ventilation, and only adding a few ounces of weight.

We did experience some light rain while we had the tent set up between the two trees and though there was no problem with water getting in, there was one point where water managed to gather on the bottom edge of the tent (I could not get the cord I was using (a couple of the included guy lines) taught enough to hold the tent up properly once I staked it out (it will take some practice and perhaps a different type of cord with less elasticity). As far as moisture in the tent, I had no problem with that, leaving about a 2-3 inch gap between the edge and the ground seemed to allow plenty of ventilation and it breathed much better than my last tent (single wall Eureka Zeus 2).

Well, I hope I have covered the important issues. Overall I think this is a good shelter but it really comes down to individual needs/preferences. If you like the security of at least one layer of mesh or sil-nylon between you and nature than this is not the tent for you. It is a good choice if you are trying to transition from heavier fully enclosed tent style to lightweight open floor tarps though. I would not pay the MSRP of $175 or whatever it is, you ought to be able to find it cheaper than that on here or Google shopping, I was not willing to pay more than $125, and I think that is about the most it is worth, otherwise I would pay a little more for something like a Golite Shangri-la 3 or Black Diamond Megalight or something like that. Well, I'm not sure how these reviews work, but if possible feel free to ask me any other questions about the Sierra Designs Origami 2 and hopefully I can help you. I hope this helps you make your decision!

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Product Description:
Origami tarps are everything from a full-coverage backpacking shelter to an airy sunshade for a day on the beach. Multiple guy-out and stake-out points allow you to pitch in a variety of configurations to withstand gusty winds and adapt to changing climatic conditions. Designed from five equilateral triangles with a full-length zipper down one seam, any side can be staked at ground level for more coverage, or tied up for easy access or for lots of ventilation.

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MSR E-Wing Solo Tent Review

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(More customer reviews)The E-Wing is definitely small and certainly solo. I have used it with (and plan to always use it with) a bivy sack and although the weather has been mild (so far) I trust it will block the weather when required. There are many ways to configure this with poles, stakes, ties to trees, and all combinations.

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Product Description:
The minimalist MSR E-Wing Solo tarp shelter is designed to provide a bare minimum of protection and also as an emergency shelter that you can carry with you at all times. It comes factory compressed in a stuff sack that's smaller than a soda can and can be stowed virtually anywhere. Use as a poncho, minimalist shelter or in combination with a bivy sack for added protection. Nicely versatile, it can be set up with trekking poles, sticks or tied-off overhead with guy cords.
Specifications:

Capacity: 1
Weight: 6 ounces
Floor dimensions: 44 square feet
Interior peak height: Variable
Packed size: 4.5 x 3 inches

About MSR
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) designs, manufactures, and markets innovative adventure gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The ever-growing MSR product line is most popular with mountaineers, backpackers, and campers. MSR is the industry leader in reliability and quality with every product it focuses on--tents, stoves, water filters, snowshoes, cookware, climbing gear, fuel, and related accessories. All of MSR's products set the benchmark in performance throughout the specialty outdoor industry. MSR is also one of the most widely distributed brands in the outdoor industry and provides products to more than 1,200 specialty retailers in North America and export to more than 30 countries.
MSR Materials & Workmanship Guarantee
MSR warranties the materials and workmanship in every MSR tent to the original owner. If your MSR tent has received proper care, but fails due to a defect in manufacturing, the tent will be repaired or replaced at MSR's discretion. Repairs due to accident, improper care or negligence where MSR is not at fault--including sun degradation, mildew, wear and tear due to hard use--will be performed at a reasonable charge. MSR offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner on all MSR tent framework. If your tent pole breaks, MSR will repair or replace it--free--for the lifetime of the tent, upon postage paid delivery to the MSR Product Service Center. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser. Proof of purchase is required.
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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Eureka Northern 12' x 12' Breeze Screen House with Awning Review

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(More customer reviews)This screen house is wonderful if at times you want to keep out the rain, wind, or sunlight. All sides have drop curtains so you can raise, lower whichever ones you want. Set up was easy and one person could do it. The product quality is excellent....you get what you pay for!! Poles are sturdy.Poles to use a curtain as an awning are included. My only fault is that guy ropes to tie the tent down are not included....a mystery because it certainly would not be a big added expense. The best price was at Amazon...more than 100 bucks saved!

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Product Description:
A great choice for backyard barbecues, days at the beach, or evenings lounging at the campsite, the square Eureka Northern Breeze is nicely light and easily transportable thanks to its aluminum frame. It has a 144 square foot area (12 by 12 feet)--just right to fit a standard-sized picnic table--and a roomy 7 foot, 7 inch center height. The near-vertical side walls also provide more usable interior space. This versatile screen house also features four side walls that can be used as waterproof walls or awnings--with 64.5 square feet of awning-covered exterior space on each side.
The 150D polyester splash cloth and roof provide excellent UV resistance, and offers more durability than other screen houses with 75D polyester roofs. The strong durable shockcorded aluminum frame attaches to the body by a central hub and clips for a fast and easy set up every time. Other features include two full-length doors, no-see-um polyester mesh walls, and an optional snap-in floor (sold separately).
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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Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the Coleman Hooligan 3 for car camping and used it for the first time this past weekend.I did not purchase through Amazon as I found it locally for $20 off, but I feel the Amazon price is fair and would not hesitate recommending it at the current price ($79.99 on 28 Jul 2009).

The first thing I did upon bring it home was un-pack it and set it up, followed closely by applying a silicon water repellant spray to the entire rain fly.This is imperative, especially with a tent at this relatively low price point, since factory waterproofing often leaves much to be desired.

Setup was quite simple and pretty quick.I set it up alone during the at-home shake down, but had my fiancée to help at the campsite over the weekend.It does go a little faster with two, but it's very doable solo.The poles are typical fiberglass with shockcord and insert into sleeves on the tent; I would have preferred clip-on hooks rather than sleeves so the tent can be erected after you bend the poles individually, but for the price of this tent it's acceptable.

The tent itself is composed mostly of screen material with a door on one side and a small zip open vent on the other.If you want any kind of privacy at all, the rain fly needs to be on the tent at all times.The floor of the tent is made up of heavy duty plastic tarp material and looks like it will hold up well if taken care of.The floor of the tent is large enough for a Intex® Camp Air Bed with Pump with about a foot of room to spare on two edges if you push it into the corner.With a smaller air mattress or just sleeping bags you would easily have room for a substantial amount of gear if you kept it to two full-size occupants.

The rain fly goes over the tent and covers it pretty much to the ground.There are no windows, save the entryway and a small ventilation opening opposite, but it's not really big enough to be considered a window.Don't expect to have much of a view from inside the tent.The rain fly attaches by hooks at the corners of the tent (rings where the tent poles attach) and hook-and-loop strips which wrap around the poles to keep it aligned.The system works pretty well, but could certainly be better, though that would raise the price of the tent.

One of the key features of the tent, at least for my application, is the vestibule.This was a rather important item for me as I bought this tent for family camping and wanted to be able to put a porta-potty nearby for my fiancée and three year old daughter to use in the night without traipsing all about the wilderness.I haven't actually used it for this yet, as the campground we stayed at had facilities very nearby, but based on the amount of space it should work out fine.Aside from the potty, it also makes an idea place to store shoes and any wet items that shouldn't come into the tent itself.We had a small (15 gal) tote and a couple pairs of shoes out there and still had more than enough room to get in and out of the tent.There is no floor in the vestibule, but I remedied that by getting a ground cloth that was a bit larger than the footprint of the tent and using the excess to form the floor.Works great and helps keep the inside of the tent free of dirt and mud while keeping your shoes nice and dry.

Our first night out in the tent it thunder stormed pretty hard; we were confined to the tent for almost an hour and were unable to converse with our friends (in their tent no more than 10' away) over the rain, even when shouting.The tent held up to it great, though how much of that is due to the tent and how much the extra waterproofing I can't say.There were a couple of very small drips, but nothing that would have ruined our night had it continued raining.I intend to touch up the waterproofing before our next outing in two weeks and this should solve the drips, hopefully.VERY impressed with this tent in wet conditions, overall.

One thing to be aware of is that the entry into the vestibule is relatively low and somewhat small.I am average height (67" 170 lbs) and had no trouble getting in and out, but someone a bit larger and/or less spry might have problems getting in and out.

A couple of issues:

The stakes are cheap aluminum and will bend if you are trying to drive them into hard soil.I bought a 4 pack of nail-style steel stakes and used them for the corners of the tent and they worked out fine.I will be getting a few more to use for staking out the vestibule and the guy lines for the rain fly as well, but for light-duty camping in good weather and soft soil you might be able to get away with the cheap factory stakes.

There is a small pole that holds the ventilation opening open that I had trouble with as it kept popping through the grommet meant to hold it in place.Not a big deal, and only took a second to fix, but annoying none-the-less.I'll rig something up to prevent this next time we go out, should be a simple matter of a small washer or a swatch of cloth.

Overall I am very happy with the tent, especially since I found mine on sale.It has a few quirks, but will work for me until I save up enough for a nicer tent and probably a while after that too.It sets up and packs away easily and would be difficult to beat for the price.Don't forget to waterproof, it is VERY VERY worth the time and money to keep yourself (and your stuff) dry.

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Product Description:
A great choice for casual campers/backpackers, motorcyle riders, RV campers and scout troops, the Coleman Hooligan 3 Tent is designed for easy setup. The Hooligan 3 sleeps 3 people comfortably, with an 8'x7' footprint and center height of 4'10". The full rainfly and dry-entry vestibule provide convenient access and adjustable airflow as part of Coleman's Comfort System; the entirely-mesh inner tent provides maximum ventilation. Continuous pole sleeve and an exclusive pin-and-ring design make setup a breeze with the 8.5mm & 6.3mm fiberglass poles.

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