Update: May 2018. Two of my concerns about the tent have been moderated- This time I left the rain flap down over the window vent that is completely exposed (didnt attach the guy wire, so the window remained covered). If you dont think you need the added stability from the guy wire, it really does keep the tent warmer- actually too warm, it turned out, on this Memorial Day weekend of record breaking heat. There wasnt enough cross breeze, it got pretty sticky in there. My other problem was I thought the tent required two adults to put up; actually, there was only one time I absolutely needed another pair of hands, and those of my 4 year-old grandson sufficed.
As far as the size goes, I still maintain that parents with two small kids would be the largest group Id put in this tent.
Following is the original review.
Under the right conditions, the tent of my dreams. Spacious, well made, with this game-changing screened porch, not a droplet of condensation inside the tent for a week, nice head room... All for a little over $100? Great. What kept it from a 5 is the mesh quadrant in the rear that you cant seal up, as many others have commented. In the tropics thats ok, in the WI North woods in mid-sept, not so much. If youre expecting nighttime temps in the low 40s, make sure you have down bags, and you might consider staking the guy line in the middle of that screen straight down to keep it flat against the tent. I didnt try that but I dont think it would have affected the tents stability and it could keep the wind out at least. Size-wise, Id say its perfect for a couple traveling with a dog, or one older kid, two littles at most. The idea of 4 adults on two queen air mattresses in here seems crazy to me, but I suppose its possible if everyone keeps their stuff in the vestible and no one needs to use the door at night. Go with doubles if you can, for some space to use the door. The number of zippers in the tent are comical-8 zippers on the two doors. Not sure why. But getting in and out is a little complicated and noisy, Id say travel with fewer people and a luggable loo, that was my solution. Layout-wise, parents on a double cot with storage underneath, and kid or little kids head to foot on a twin or on jr. Mattresses arranged in an L would give most floor space. Dont even think about 5 or 6 people in here. Also, unless youre 62 or better, you cant get it up by yourself. Its easy and straightforward, but simply too big to raise alone unless you tower over the highest point. I enjoyed dry weather (!!) So didnt experience the wet vestibule, but I can see how clothes-pinning a tarp to the overhang would keep it drier in there, assuming you dont need to get out during the night. Not enough pouches for a big group, and wish there was some kind of structure to hang a line across, but these are minor compared to the benefits. Car camping couples, dont hesitate. Families of 5 should get the 8, in my opinion.
My favorite-ever warm weather tent
Update: May 2018. Two of my concerns about the tent have been moderated- This time I left the rain flap down over the window vent that is completely exposed (didnt attach the guy wire, so the window remained covered). If you dont think you need the added stability from the guy wire, it really does keep the tent warmer- actually too warm, it turned out, on this Memorial Day weekend of record breaking heat. There wasnt enough cross breeze, it got pretty sticky in there. My other problem was I thought the tent required two adults to put up; actually, there was only one time I absolutely needed another pair of hands, and those of my 4 year-old grandson sufficed. As far as the size goes, I still maintain that parents with two small kids would be the largest group Id put in this tent. Following is the original review. Under the right conditions, the tent of my dreams. Spacious, well made, with this game-changing screened porch, not a droplet of condensation inside the tent for a week, nice head room... All for a little over $100? Great. What kept it from a 5 is the mesh quadrant in the rear that you cant seal up, as many others have commented. In the tropics thats ok, in the WI North woods in mid-sept, not so much. If youre expecting nighttime temps in the low 40s, make sure you have down bags, and you might consider staking the guy line in the middle of that screen straight down to keep it flat against the tent. I didnt try that but I dont think it would have affected the tents stability and it could keep the wind out at least. Size-wise, Id say its perfect for a couple traveling with a dog, or one older kid, two littles at most. The idea of 4 adults on two queen air mattresses in here seems crazy to me, but I suppose its possible if everyone keeps their stuff in the vestible and no one needs to use the door at night. Go with doubles if you can, for some space to use the door. The number of zippers in the tent are comical-8 zippers on the two doors. Not sure why. But getting in and out is a little complicated and noisy, Id say travel with fewer people and a luggable loo, that was my solution. Layout-wise, parents on a double cot with storage underneath, and kid or little kids head to foot on a twin or on jr. Mattresses arranged in an L would give most floor space. Dont even think about 5 or 6 people in here. Also, unless youre 62 or better, you cant get it up by yourself. Its easy and straightforward, but simply too big to raise alone unless you tower over the highest point. I enjoyed dry weather (!!) So didnt experience the wet vestibule, but I can see how clothes-pinning a tarp to the overhang would keep it drier in there, assuming you dont need to get out during the night. Not enough pouches for a big group, and wish there was some kind of structure to hang a line across, but these are minor compared to the benefits. Car camping couples, dont hesitate. Families of 5 should get the 8, in my opinion.