avid campers opinions needed...

[skootertrash]

i am lookin to purchase a small tent (small for me is at least 8'x8'). i have found a couple to my liking but cannot seem to find any reviews online about pros and cons or even product reliability and rain/wind protection.

i have not been camping (in a tent) since i was a kid and have no experience or knowledge of what to buy and why.

what im lookin for here is good/bad experiences with different products/brands of tents. so far my search has brought me to this one because coleman camping products would seem to be a no brainer and this one is the only one i have found with no-see-um mesh. if u have any suggestions from personal experience i welcome the feedback. im gonna need it to be fairly compact if im gonna take it on the bike. thanks in advance for ur help.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___92349

http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u346/therealskootertrash/gear/92349_l.jpg

[REXYRAY]

I camp a lot and I've never had a problem with Kelty. For myself when I camp alone I take a 3-4 person tent and it gives me plenty room.

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/products.php?type=8

[grennels]

IMO the best thing out there is Eureka Timberline 4 man. Outfitter version even better but more $$. I've been canoe camping for 35 years. They used to make a version called Alpine Meadows which was the shitz. It's what I have. It added a center hoop which really opened up the interior. They quit making it, don't ask me why. Same reason Kaw quit making ZRX I suppose. YMMV.

[SilverRex]

You should be fine with that tent. Get one that you can stand up in, if you can. Whatever tent you get, you should set it up once before you actually go camping in it, if you can. Helps prevent surprises. Fix your guy lines so that you will be ready for ground stakes. Make sure you bring a air mattress! Your back will thank you in the morning! Don't worry about about a compressor, somebody will have one that you can use.

I have a Eureka tent and use a Coleman Queen Double High Air Mattress and I sleep well while camping.

I hope this helps.

^p :kwick:

[btl68]

And you'll look like this carrying all that stuff on your ZRX...:lol:

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/8928/dsc03359dt9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[REXYRAY]

And you'll look like this carrying all that stuff on your ZRX...:lol:

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/8928/dsc03359dt9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

you're a funny dude, second time tonight you had me LMAO. That fram comic for dano was great. :beer: :beer: :beer:

[btl68]

you're a funny dude, second time tonight you had me LMAO. That fram comic for dano was great. :beer: :beer: :beer:Thanks!

You'll have more time to tell me I am funny when I show up out there in a few weeks for the NW rally...:grin:

I'm really not that funny

[REXYRAY]

right on :beer:

[REXYRAY]

Thanks!
I'm really not that funny

we know :laff:

[travis]

Coleman tents don't have the greatest rep. They tend to last a weekend or two of bad weather, maybe a few more if there's no wind or rain.

Kelty and Eureka tents are usually better made. Kelty is often hard to pitch tight, and they can get really loose and baggy in the rain. Eureka tents are always pretty well made, with the more expensive ones either having more features if it's a family oriented one, or being lighter if it's meant for backpacking.

IMO, 8'x8' is pretty big. You'll have to spend a fortune to get something that size that's small and light enough to pack on the bike. Think about going for a 2 person for plenty of room for you and gear, or if you're carrying the tent for you and another person, go for a 3 person for some extra space.

Campmor is a good place to buy from, but REI is even better, and the REI house brand is pretty reliable. Keep your receipt and they're very generous with returns should something not be to your liking - even after much use.

Take a look at this:
http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/750075

Or spend more and get a brand name like Sierra Designs, Marmot, MSR (really nice), Black Diamond - these things will last a lifetime.

[btl68]

we know :laff:
Whew! Glad you know. I don't want to mislead anyone...


And, keeping it on topic: Another + for Eureka brand tents. I have a big Coleman (pictured on bike) and it's HEAVY. Eureka tents are maybe 1/2 weight in the poles, FAR easier to pitch and have good features. Rain is never a problem, and my Eureka flows air better than the Coleman. Also, the Coleman doesn't pack back up well at all.

I should have left the SOB at KOTF and been done with it.

FWIW

[grennels]

Check out www.sportsmansguide.com

[TwoWheelsENuf]

For solo camping I have a North Face Rock. There's a vestibule where you can put your boots and any wet stuff. It's about 5'x7' inside, but that's just right for a bedroll and a gear bag.

I bought a larger (9'x9'?) Wenger tent off ebay for cheap. Not too bad, but the fly is designed to pool water in the center. Guess what happens then.

Steve

[Lightspeed]

I have a Eureka tent. It is 36 years old (a three person, 3 lb. Timberline backpack version that I purchased while doing my thesis research in Algonquin Park) and while the coating on the floor is getting a little thin in spots, it was used, everyday for three summers (early May till early September) and many, many times since. Goes up easily, a great fly that keeps the rain out, and I added the vestibules to keep gear out of the weather but out of the tent. Typical of most tent specifications, it is tight for three but fine for two.

Since the Eureka is getting a bit long in the tooth, I went shopping again recently and purchased an MEC Tarn 3 (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302702837&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442537451&bmUID=1219159989166) tent from Mountain Equipment Coop Looks like a great tent with good room for 2 and excellent quality. Looks like it is going to be a keeper as well!

[Caper]

as a couple of people have mentioned, I would recommend that you get a tent with a vestibule... very handy :thumbs:

[skootertrash]

You should be fine with that tent. Get one that you can stand up in, if you can. Whatever tent you get, you should set it up once before you actually go camping in it, if you can. Helps prevent surprises. Fix your guy lines so that you will be ready for ground stakes. Make sure you bring a air mattress! Your back will thank you in the morning! Don't worry about about a compressor, somebody will have one that you can use.

I have a Eureka tent and use a Coleman Queen Double High Air Mattress and I sleep well while camping.

I hope this helps.



^p :kwick:

way ahead of ya on this one. already priced air matress and bed roll, when i was a kid that was the only thing i hated about camping was sleeping on the hard ground...the stand up height is important, i agree, but not to the extent that u get a crappy tent. i found a couple that were over 6 foot in the center but thats about all they had goin for them. the coleman is a compromise at 5'10". thanku for ur input.:beer:

[Wolfman]

Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes....etc. Eureka is a well made tent also. My tent, a Coleman Exponet, is small, has two doors, and packs under my seat on the Zrx. No vestibule, but it's ok for me. Check out the Sierra Designs tents....little pricey, but a bug free, DRY night is priceless.:thumbs:

I backpack as well as BIKE pack a lot. Weight and size are paramount when YOU must shoulder the load.

Btw..most, if not all of the better tents are made with "no see um" mesh. Meet you at the Appalacian Trail.

[skootertrash]

u guys have given me alot to look at. thanks for the reviews and product links. i just knew campers would come out of the woodworks to stand by a product that has served them well and bash the hell out of a product that totally let them down:thumbs:

i havent yet decided how im gonna go at skeenah......money has become an issue, which is why im lookin into the tent thing. as i dont have enough before skeenah to setup the car for trailerin. my thought was to get campin setup (very minimul but liveable) and load up the bike. i have decided if i do ride i will probably stop in valdosta for the night and camp. this would make for an interesting adventure once again. looks like i will spend as much on camping gear as i would on a trailer setup and hitch but have a place to sleep when im done on the cheap. if my thoughts on this are fouled........by all means set me straight...:laff:

[Wolfman]

:wow: :stpoke: Hey, how 'bout the Sierra Designs "Mothership" ??? It's only $3500 or so....but it is bombproof.:thumbs:

Just pickin'....if it's only for "occasional" use, get a cheap Walmart tent(OzarkTrail ?). I rode in one year and unloaded, then rode back to Walmart and bought a tent as well as sleeping pad, for less than $50.00:thumbs:

[skootertrash]

:wow: :stpoke: Hey, how 'bout the Sierra Designs "Mothership" ??? It's only $3500 or so....but it is bombproof.:thumbs:

Just pickin'....if it's only for "occasional" use, get a cheap Walmart tent(OzarkTrail ?). I rode in one year and unloaded, then rode back to Walmart and bought a tent as well as sleeping pad, for less than $50.00:thumbs:

i have noticed in my search that there seems to be alot of very expensive tents out there:eek: im confused as to why anyone would spend as much on a tent as i have seen for sale. for me, at the point the dollar amount reaches thousands of dollars it time to look into small campers.....:lol:

[skootertrash]

Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes....etc. Eureka is a well made tent also. My tent, a Coleman Exponet, is small, has two doors, and packs under my seat on the Zrx. No vestibule, but it's ok for me. Check out the Sierra Designs tents....little pricey, but a bug free, DRY night is priceless.:thumbs:

I backpack as well as BIKE pack a lot. Weight and size are paramount when YOU must shoulder the load.

Btw..most, if not all of the better tents are made with "no see um" mesh. Meet you at the Appalacian Trail.

holy carp dude the sd tents r too rich for my blood..........there goes my gas and beer money..:laff: nice tent though.

the eureka tents r reasonably priced for the size, so far leaning toward them from the positive feed back here and the price/usability:grin:

[skootertrash]

I have a Eureka tent. It is 36 years old (a three person, 3 lb. Timberline backpack version that I purchased while doing my thesis research in Algonquin Park) and while the coating on the floor is getting a little thin in spots, it was used, everyday for three summers (early May till early September) and many, many times since. Goes up easily, a great fly that keeps the rain out, and I added the vestibules to keep gear out of the weather but out of the tent. Typical of most tent specifications, it is tight for three but fine for two.

Since the Eureka is getting a bit long in the tooth, I went shopping again recently and purchased an MEC Tarn 3 (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302702837&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442537451&bmUID=1219159989166) tent from Mountain Equipment Coop Looks like a great tent with good room for 2 and excellent quality. Looks like it is going to be a keeper as well!

thanks dude the eurekas look pretty good, found one for 80. that seems will fit the bill.

http://www.eurekatent.com/p-48-tetragon-5.aspx

http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u346/therealskootertrash/gear/48.jpg

[skootertrash]

I have a Eureka tent. It is 36 years old (a three person, 3 lb. Timberline backpack version that I purchased while doing my thesis research in Algonquin Park) and while the coating on the floor is getting a little thin in spots, it was used, everyday for three summers (early May till early September) and many, many times since. Goes up easily, a great fly that keeps the rain out, and I added the vestibules to keep gear out of the weather but out of the tent. Typical of most tent specifications, it is tight for three but fine for two.

Since the Eureka is getting a bit long in the tooth, I went shopping again recently and purchased an MEC Tarn 3 (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302702837&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442537451&bmUID=1219159989166) tent from Mountain Equipment Coop Looks like a great tent with good room for 2 and excellent quality. Looks like it is going to be a keeper as well!

looks like eureka has been making tents for a long time, hope the quality that u experienced hasnt been sacraficed over the years.

thanks for the input dude, the eurekas look good and some at a decent price.

[Wolfman]

$3500 for a tent is nothing if your life depends on it. (we're talking mountaineering)
The Eureka tent above is an excellent choice. I was gonna reccomend a dome type,free standing one also. Domes have more interior room,and free standing lets you move the tent to a better location (like a better campsite) without taking it down. Bass Pro Shops has a good selection of Eureka tents .

[SilverRex]

way ahead of ya on this one. already priced air matress and bed roll, when i was a kid that was the only thing i hated about camping was sleeping on the hard ground...the stand up height is important, i agree, but not to the extent that u get a crappy tent. i found a couple that were over 6 foot in the center but thats about all they had goin for them. the coleman is a compromise at 5'10". thanku for ur input.:beer:

:thumbs: on the air mattress

Btw, I have the Eureka Tetragon 7.

[REXYRAY]

looks like eureka has been making tents for a long time, hope the quality that u experienced hasnt been sacraficed over the years.

thanks for the input dude, the eurekas look good and some at a decent price.
Did you check out the Kelty? Good luck with whatever you get I just wanted to post a tent like mine. This one is on sale for $180 at REI. They have 2008 overstock or so they say. Last time out in Eastern Oregon I set up this tent at 1:30 in the morning with only the deer and the moonlight and did it in about ten minutes. Personally I'd like the old army GP Medium which is like a house with two pot belly stoves in the winter. We used to mix JP4 with the diesel and they glowed red hot.

[skootertrash]

:thumbs: on the air mattress

Btw, I have the Eureka Tetragon 7.

so spill it...:grin: ......what do u think? easy setup as shown in the instructions? what size is the pack once its been unpacked once?

im torn between the 5, 7, and 9 at this point:brick:

[skootertrash]

Did you check out the Kelty? Good luck with whatever you get I just wanted to post a tent like mine. This one is on sale for $180 at REI. They have 2008 overstock or so they say. Last time out in Eastern Oregon I set up this tent at 1:30 in the morning with only the deer and the moonlight and did it in about ten minutes. Personally I'd like the old army GP Medium which is like a house with two pot belly stoves in the winter. We used to mix JP4 with the diesel and they glowed red hot.

yeah i looked at those as well but the price quickly scared me off.....:lol:

def lookin to go middle of the road on this one. i doubt i will ever use it in the cold (florida wuss) and it will probably only get used a couple of times a year during the warm months.

thanks for the input dude...:beer:

[High Speed 1100]

I have found the bigger the better, I like to stand up while putting on my pants.

[Caper]

I have found the bigger the better, I like to stand up while putting on my pants.



I'm with ya... size does matter, but I find inversion works well... :howard:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/CaperGreen/potp1.jpg

[REXYRAY]

I have found the bigger the better, I like to stand up while putting on my pants.

I usually get dressed outside...it really matters how much room you have on your rex, Blt68 looked like the the beverly hillbillys

get the kelty man...:jest:

[SilverRex]

so spill it...:grin: ......what do u think? easy setup as shown in the instructions? what size is the pack once its been unpacked once?

im torn between the 5, 7, and 9 at this point:brick:

Sorry for the late reply, but I came home from work yesterday and basically went straight to bed.

Yes, the set up will be easy with any of these three tents. My Brother has the Tetragon 9 and his tent sets up just like mine.

Now packing a tent and then putting it on your bike, well I have never done that, but if I had to pack my tent on Rex and would separate the tent and rainfly from the poles, stakes and my ground cloth as I believe that I could pack them down much smaller than the other items. I would then wrap my ground cloth around the poles and stakes.

There is a site that you need to visit. The site is http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/category/Helen_Twowheels_Bags_and_Straps This lady's packing instructions are excellent and they will give you some very good tips.

As far as which tent (5, 7, or 9), I would say the get the one that you like best and that fits your budget. I like my 7 and have never regretted buying it. I also like my brothers 9, which I have only seen once. My brother loves his because he can stand up in it. He is 6'. Skooter, if you like the 5, get the 5.

I hope this helps.

[skootertrash]

Sorry for the late reply, but I came home from work yesterday and basically went straight to bed.

Yes, the set up will be easy with any of these three tents. My Brother has the Tetragon 9 and his tent sets up just like mine.

Now packing a tent and then putting it on your bike, well I have never done that, but if I had to pack my tent on Rex and would separate the tent and rainfly from the poles, stakes and my ground cloth as I believe that I could pack them down much smaller than the other items. I would then wrap my ground cloth around the poles and stakes.

There is a site that you need to visit. The site is http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/category/Helen_Twowheels_Bags_and_Straps This lady's packing instructions are excellent and they will give you some very good tips.

As far as which tent (5, 7, or 9), I would say the get the one that you like best and that fits your budget. I like my 7 and have never regretted buying it. I also like my brothers 9, which I have only seen once. My brother loves his because he can stand up in it. He is 6'. Skooter, if you like the 5, get the 5.

I hope this helps.

:thumbs: thanks for the link and the input, not sure if im going to try to pack it on the bike yet but its nice to know my options....:grin:

[logmaster]

Until snow is a serious consideration, I prefer just a lightweight fly.

When it's nice you can use it as a ground cloth & pull it over you to keep the frost off your sleeping bag.

[logmaster]

Until snow is a serious consideration, I prefer just a lightweight fly.

When it's nice you can use it as a ground cloth & pull it over you to keep the frost off your sleeping bag, like we did last weekend @ 9000'.

[grennels]

Until snow is a serious consideration, I prefer just a lightweight fly.

When it's nice you can use it as a ground cloth & pull it over you to keep the frost off your sleeping bag.



No skeeters out there?

[SilverRex]

:thumbs: thanks for the link and the input, not sure if im going to try to pack it on the bike yet but its nice to know my options....:grin:

You are welcome! Let us know what you decide.

[logmaster]

No skeeters out there?

Some, depends on where & when. They slow down when it gets frosty. :grin:

[roadrogue]

I've been investigating a new tent for a while. I want a well made and easy to pitch and DRY and compact tent for a good price. That's asking a lot but what I've found is that Alps Mountaineering has a great rep for these things. If I could decide which model and size, I'd have ordered it by now.

I used a Eureka Timberline for many years. It's a good tent but it's not waterproof enough. The Alps Mountaineering are better. Read the extensive customer testimonials.

http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/

[GA Limited GM]

We just mailed our tent back home with all the camping stuff..hotels from now on out.:laff:

One of the biggest pains in our tent was the height. I couldnt set up without my head rubbing and getting dressed was easiest doing outside, which gets some odd looks from other camping guest. The side flaps couldnt be attached tightly down, so when we returned during some high winds, we found a tent full of sand. Oh joy.

Bonus is it will fit under the seat of the ZRX.

[skootertrash]

I've been investigating a new tent for a while. I want a well made and easy to pitch and DRY and compact tent for a good price. That's asking a lot but what I've found is that Alps Mountaineering has a great rep for these things. If I could decide which model and size, I'd have ordered it by now.

I used a Eureka Timberline for many years. It's a good tent but it's not waterproof enough. The Alps Mountaineering are better. Read the extensive customer testimonials.

http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/

thanks for the link........some great info on that site:thumbs:

[skootertrash]

We just mailed our tent back home with all the camping stuff..hotels from now on out.:laff:

One of the biggest pains in our tent was the height. I couldnt set up without my head rubbing and getting dressed was easiest doing outside, which gets some odd looks from other camping guest. The side flaps couldnt be attached tightly down, so when we returned during some high winds, we found a tent full of sand. Oh joy.

Bonus is it will fit under the seat of the ZRX.

pack size verses tent size is one of the things i have been wrestling with since the start of this info gathering mission. in the end i believe that the size of the tent (length, width and especially height) will win out and i will have to deal with the pack size.....

if i can do hotels or cabin/room for cheaper than the tent setup i probably would do this instead. this year i am def on a budget, which isnt bad it just requires better planning. if i can get a room for about 50. a nite that would save the whole hassle of the tent thing and cost about as much as all my gear to camp. for me the best of both situations would be a camper......but thats next year....:)

[roadrogue]

After doing this camping thing for the last 30 years, I find that I use my bivy sack most of the time because it's compact and easy to pitch and pack. Unfortunately it basic survival in the rain (but you do stay dry) and it sucks for skeeters. But most of the time it's fine. It's what I've used for the last 8 years or so. Small is good. I still want a Alps Mountaineering tent...... and they come in pretty damned small.

[Wolfman]

I like this one from Columbia. The storm doors are on the INSIDE of the no-seeum netting, a feature I really like, as well as two vestibules. Not too bad on price either. 79.99 at Bass Pro Shops

http://www.columbia.com/Product/7/Equipment/760/Tents/5826/Mt-Logan.aspx?viewAll=False

[Wolfman]

Until snow is a serious consideration, I prefer just a lightweight fly.

When it's nice you can use it as a ground cloth & pull it over you to keep the frost off your sleeping bag, like we did last weekend @ 9000'.


Down "here", you will occasionally wake up nose to nose with a possum or SKUNK ! I prefer to at least have a screen and /or nylon between me and said stinky animal.:stpoke:(why I like TWO doors also)

Looks like a cool place to camp. Got room for one more tent ? :cloud9:

[skootertrash]

I like this one from Columbia. The storm doors are on the INSIDE of the no-seeum netting, a feature I really like, as well as two vestibules. Not too bad on price either. 79.99 at Bass Pro Shops

http://www.columbia.com/Product/7/Equipment/760/Tents/5826/Mt-Logan.aspx?viewAll=False

thanks again for another great link....:applaud:

[REXYRAY]

Down "here", you will occasionally wake up nose to nose with a possum or SKUNK ! I prefer to at least have a screen and /or nylon between me and said stinky animal.:stpoke: :cloud9:

Boris my mini schnauze just got sprayed by a little skunk, whole gallon of tomato juice couldn't take that stink out and it was a small one. I got sprayed by an adult skunk while in the army, it made me throw up it was so strong. I must've really scared it out relieving myself in the middle of the night.

[Wolfman]

Boris my mini schnauze just got sprayed by a little skunk, whole gallon of tomato juice couldn't take that stink out and it was a small one. I got sprayed by an adult skunk while in the army, it made me throw up it was so strong. I must've really scared it out relieving myself in the middle of the night.

I feel for ya' man. That's some horrible stink . I've had to "re-locate" camp before because of the stinch.:cry:

[REXYRAY]

thanks again for another great link....:applaud:


kelty kelty kelty....or did you get one yet? :stpoke: :beer:

[skootertrash]

kelty kelty kelty....or did you get one yet? :stpoke: :beer:

:lol: i actually found a kelty that i liked but it wasnt the one u suggested. it was a 4 man tent with a 6 foot center height..............way beyond my budget...:laff:

[Wolfman]

Here ya' go ....I want this one.:loco
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-tents/2-meter-dome.html

[skootertrash]

Here ya' go ....I want this one.:loco
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-tents/2-meter-dome.html

:wow: :wow: