Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1 AL Tent

Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1 AL Tent

CUSTOMER REVIEW



On the advice of someone who owns a fleet of tents for commercial use I purchased this tent from the Alps Company. It was about $80 less than comparable freestanding solos from MSR, Big Agnes, and Mountain Hardwear. Despite the price difference, this tent is of the same quality as far as materials, workmanship, and design go. I was under the impression that Alps just copied others designs and that they saved their money in R&D. But this tent disproves that. The design is extremely practical. They took a simple timeless design with the two crossing poles and made a huge improvement to it just by adding an elbow resulting in more headroom where your head goes rather than in the middle of the tent where it is wasted. The innovative designs of the MSR Hubba or BA Seedhouse are great, but I really think this more basic modification performs equally as well. I know MSR used to provide the 3-sided stakes with some of their tents and that may be the only thing that is clearly superior to this Alps, which just provides your basic aluminum needle stakes.



The Zepyr 1 is roomier than I expected. Though you couldn't fit 2 sleeping bags side by side but I do think you could sleep two friendly people in here on a dry night. The Zephyr narrows slightly at the feet and leaves plenty of room for one person and some belongings. The vestibule is smaller than expected but should be adequate for a single pack. The Zephyr 1 requires the fly to have two included 12 inch guy wires attached to the bottom of the fly on each side in order to pull the fly from the body. With these in tack the fly did not touch the body anywhere, clearing by an average of about 2 inches. The poles have male fitting on the end and slide through eyelets attached to webbing on each corner. Fly attaches to each corner with adjustable side release buckles. A two piece spreader pole fits in above the door. Alps thoughtfully used a smaller diameter pole for this as it is non load bearing.



My first night in the Zephyr it rained lightly (1/2 of an inch in about 3 hours) and I stayed completely dry. This was in central Florida where humidity is high and condensation occurs every morning. I could feel only the slightest amount of moisture in the cotton teeshirt that was acting as my pillow. There was a bit of water pooling in the triangle created by the intersecting main poles and the spreader bar (maybe 10 mL), but nothing to be concerned about.



In sum, this has surpassed my expectations and it is definitely comparable to the products of the big gear companies. A bit heavier than a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL or a MSR Hubba but cost is 70% and 60% less respectively. I am convinced the price differential is not due to quality or R&D, but is instead due to the advertising campaigns of MSR, The North Face, and even Big Agnes these days. When you buy a Hubba you are paying for 2 page spreads in Outside and Backpacker. I will buy Alps again.

Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1 AL Tent

CUSTOMER REVIEW



On the advice of someone who owns a fleet of tents for commercial use I purchased this tent from the Alps Company. It was about $80 less than comparable freestanding solos from MSR, Big Agnes, and Mountain Hardwear. Despite the price difference, this tent is of the same quality as far as materials, workmanship, and design go. I was under the impression that Alps just copied others designs and that they saved their money in R&D. But this tent disproves that. The design is extremely practical. They took a simple timeless design with the two crossing poles and made a huge improvement to it just by adding an elbow resulting in more headroom where your head goes rather than in the middle of the tent where it is wasted. The innovative designs of the MSR Hubba or BA Seedhouse are great, but I really think this more basic modification performs equally as well. I know MSR used to provide the 3-sided stakes with some of their tents and that may be the only thing that is clearly superior to this Alps, which just provides your basic aluminum needle stakes.



The Zepyr 1 is roomier than I expected. Though you couldn't fit 2 sleeping bags side by side but I do think you could sleep two friendly people in here on a dry night. The Zephyr narrows slightly at the feet and leaves plenty of room for one person and some belongings. The vestibule is smaller than expected but should be adequate for a single pack. The Zephyr 1 requires the fly to have two included 12 inch guy wires attached to the bottom of the fly on each side in order to pull the fly from the body. With these in tack the fly did not touch the body anywhere, clearing by an average of about 2 inches. The poles have male fitting on the end and slide through eyelets attached to webbing on each corner. Fly attaches to each corner with adjustable side release buckles. A two piece spreader pole fits in above the door. Alps thoughtfully used a smaller diameter pole for this as it is non load bearing.



My first night in the Zephyr it rained lightly (1/2 of an inch in about 3 hours) and I stayed completely dry. This was in central Florida where humidity is high and condensation occurs every morning. I could feel only the slightest amount of moisture in the cotton teeshirt that was acting as my pillow. There was a bit of water pooling in the triangle created by the intersecting main poles and the spreader bar (maybe 10 mL), but nothing to be concerned about.



In sum, this has surpassed my expectations and it is definitely comparable to the products of the big gear companies. A bit heavier than a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL or a MSR Hubba but cost is 70% and 60% less respectively. I am convinced the price differential is not due to quality or R&D, but is instead due to the advertising campaigns of MSR, The North Face, and even Big Agnes these days. When you buy a Hubba you are paying for 2 page spreads in Outside and Backpacker. I will buy Alps again.

Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 1 AL Tent

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Wenzel Kodiak Family Cabin Dome Tent

Wenzel Kodiak Family Cabin Dome Tent

CUSTOMER REVIEW



REAR BUILT-IN STORAGE CUBBIES:

The back wall of the tent has no windows but it does have two extended duffel size (2'wx2'dx8-14"h[graduated]) storage compartments and inside of those compartments are screen windows with internal zippers and external eave coverage. The screen windows are approx. 1" off the ground so this is definitely not the side of the tent you want facing uphill if you even suspect a light rain may occur. Other reviewers had difficulty understanding why there were screen windows in these cubbies, even speculating they cause a safety concern for theft or flawed attempts at cross ventilation. As a parent of young children, I'm going to address this with what was automatically obvious for us as our kids climbed inside and immediately zipped themselves up inside those storage cubbies. The windows are there for SAFETY...if a young child or animal is stuck in there without a vent, they would cook quickly inside - not to mention your deodorant or other goodies you may have stored in your bag inside of the cubby.



TENT FLOOR:

The base of the tent is the standard tarp-type material used in most tents and the seams where it is sewn to the sides of the tent are at ground level; this is NOT a "bathtub" style tent floor which has the floor go a few inches up the inside of the tent to allow it to keep water out if it accumulates as in a heavy downpour of rain. In other words, double check the forecast and if there is a chance of anything more than mist - you need a different tent or to add another tarp under this tent and clip it up the sides on the outside to help keep water flow out.



WINDOWS:

The side windows are triangles with the top tip pointed out at an approx. 35' angle from the tent, allowing moisture to run off the tent rather than in the window. Zipper closure is two zippers meeting at internal top point; this does add an additional secure line to ground on each side of the tent to keep it at that angle. The entire roof of this tent is a vent, made of screen material with the exception of a center solid support that runs both across the width and length of the tent [+]. There are roof eave triangle vents on either side above the side triangle windows. The front window with the # design gives the screen material support to prevent it from sagging as well as helping to minimize damage if you have a run in the fabric that tears open (it is not strictly for aesthetics as some others have concluded); it has 2 internal zippers down either side and the zippers stop at such a point that there is an additional 6" of window screen that is covered by the material and does not allow air flow due to this [design flaw]. *NOTE: vents do not have zippers/are not manually able to be closed and must rely on the tent fly for coverage; windows can be zippered to close



SETUP:

My husband set this up by himself in 40 minutes following directions to a T with 3 kids running circles around him. I had expected from reviews that he would need my assistance but this simply was not the case.



DESIGN: The light color material used on the majority of the tent reflects light and reduces heating passively through this. I like that the tent has only a single door and our children who will be sleeping in the portion of the tent without the door will need to wake us up to get out of the tent at night; this reassures me to my family's safety; if you have grown children or only adults camping, consider this. Each of the two rooms is equivalent in size and fits a queen size bed with walking room around one side as well as an area large enough to stand to get dressed and store bags or a cooler at foot or head of the bed. The sides of the tent are pretty close to perpendicular with the ground so you are less likely to accidentally brush against it and break the moisture seal at night, letting in condensation from dew.



IMPROVEMENTS: I wish there were ties to string up our lantern or flashlight pockets inside, it is large enough to need a light at night and that would've been convenient. The top edge of the tent sags inward above the window and door due to lack of support...a simple support lengthwise across the tent would easily fix this issue.

Wenzel Kodiak Family Cabin Dome Tent

CUSTOMER REVIEW



REAR BUILT-IN STORAGE CUBBIES:

The back wall of the tent has no windows but it does have two extended duffel size (2'wx2'dx8-14"h[graduated]) storage compartments and inside of those compartments are screen windows with internal zippers and external eave coverage. The screen windows are approx. 1" off the ground so this is definitely not the side of the tent you want facing uphill if you even suspect a light rain may occur. Other reviewers had difficulty understanding why there were screen windows in these cubbies, even speculating they cause a safety concern for theft or flawed attempts at cross ventilation. As a parent of young children, I'm going to address this with what was automatically obvious for us as our kids climbed inside and immediately zipped themselves up inside those storage cubbies. The windows are there for SAFETY...if a young child or animal is stuck in there without a vent, they would cook quickly inside - not to mention your deodorant or other goodies you may have stored in your bag inside of the cubby.



TENT FLOOR:

The base of the tent is the standard tarp-type material used in most tents and the seams where it is sewn to the sides of the tent are at ground level; this is NOT a "bathtub" style tent floor which has the floor go a few inches up the inside of the tent to allow it to keep water out if it accumulates as in a heavy downpour of rain. In other words, double check the forecast and if there is a chance of anything more than mist - you need a different tent or to add another tarp under this tent and clip it up the sides on the outside to help keep water flow out.



WINDOWS:

The side windows are triangles with the top tip pointed out at an approx. 35' angle from the tent, allowing moisture to run off the tent rather than in the window. Zipper closure is two zippers meeting at internal top point; this does add an additional secure line to ground on each side of the tent to keep it at that angle. The entire roof of this tent is a vent, made of screen material with the exception of a center solid support that runs both across the width and length of the tent [+]. There are roof eave triangle vents on either side above the side triangle windows. The front window with the # design gives the screen material support to prevent it from sagging as well as helping to minimize damage if you have a run in the fabric that tears open (it is not strictly for aesthetics as some others have concluded); it has 2 internal zippers down either side and the zippers stop at such a point that there is an additional 6" of window screen that is covered by the material and does not allow air flow due to this [design flaw]. *NOTE: vents do not have zippers/are not manually able to be closed and must rely on the tent fly for coverage; windows can be zippered to close



SETUP:

My husband set this up by himself in 40 minutes following directions to a T with 3 kids running circles around him. I had expected from reviews that he would need my assistance but this simply was not the case.



DESIGN: The light color material used on the majority of the tent reflects light and reduces heating passively through this. I like that the tent has only a single door and our children who will be sleeping in the portion of the tent without the door will need to wake us up to get out of the tent at night; this reassures me to my family's safety; if you have grown children or only adults camping, consider this. Each of the two rooms is equivalent in size and fits a queen size bed with walking room around one side as well as an area large enough to stand to get dressed and store bags or a cooler at foot or head of the bed. The sides of the tent are pretty close to perpendicular with the ground so you are less likely to accidentally brush against it and break the moisture seal at night, letting in condensation from dew.



IMPROVEMENTS: I wish there were ties to string up our lantern or flashlight pockets inside, it is large enough to need a light at night and that would've been convenient. The top edge of the tent sags inward above the window and door due to lack of support...a simple support lengthwise across the tent would easily fix this issue.

Wenzel Kodiak Family Cabin Dome Tent

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Wenzel Alpine 8.5 X 8-Feet Dome Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Gold)

Wenzel Alpine 8.5 X 8-Feet Dome Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Gold)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



GOOD:

> Price is right. It feels like decent quality at this price. Good value.

> Easy to build. Three poles and it's up. Almost can't do it wrong.

> Pretty big inside. The little mesh "loft" thing is a great place to put wallet, flashlight, etc.

> Pretty compact and fairly light when packed in its case.

> Carrying case has good handles and is big enough to hold everything (without a ridiculously tight packing job).

> The zippers work smoothly.



LESS GOOD:

> The rain fly is tiny. Looking at the picture, it's just that blue cap on top, maybe three feet across. That means the majority of the tent is waterproof, and thus not breathable. It needs more vents or bigger windows.

> Lack of breathability means more condensation inside the tent, even in dry weather. You need to open the windows and door vents as you sleep. BUT, open windows are not waterproof any longer, so if it rains, you'll be awakened by raindrops. If you anticipate rain, you have to close all the vents, which means condensation will get you moist inside anyway...

> The general construction is light. Materials are thin. I will have to be careful to move zippers slowly so I don't tear anything.



OVERALL:

Overall, I am satisfied. This will get us through many Cub Scout campouts, all for the price of renting a tent three times.



I think a better tent in this size is the Eureka Timerline series, but it costs almost three times what this one costs. That tent has an entire roof that is breathable, with a huge rain fly. So if I had it to do over, I might just buy up to the Eureka and be done with it - the tent I'll probably end up buying at some point, anyway.

Wenzel Alpine 8.5 X 8-Feet Dome Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Gold)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



GOOD:

> Price is right. It feels like decent quality at this price. Good value.

> Easy to build. Three poles and it's up. Almost can't do it wrong.

> Pretty big inside. The little mesh "loft" thing is a great place to put wallet, flashlight, etc.

> Pretty compact and fairly light when packed in its case.

> Carrying case has good handles and is big enough to hold everything (without a ridiculously tight packing job).

> The zippers work smoothly.



LESS GOOD:

> The rain fly is tiny. Looking at the picture, it's just that blue cap on top, maybe three feet across. That means the majority of the tent is waterproof, and thus not breathable. It needs more vents or bigger windows.

> Lack of breathability means more condensation inside the tent, even in dry weather. You need to open the windows and door vents as you sleep. BUT, open windows are not waterproof any longer, so if it rains, you'll be awakened by raindrops. If you anticipate rain, you have to close all the vents, which means condensation will get you moist inside anyway...

> The general construction is light. Materials are thin. I will have to be careful to move zippers slowly so I don't tear anything.



OVERALL:

Overall, I am satisfied. This will get us through many Cub Scout campouts, all for the price of renting a tent three times.



I think a better tent in this size is the Eureka Timerline series, but it costs almost three times what this one costs. That tent has an entire roof that is breathable, with a huge rain fly. So if I had it to do over, I might just buy up to the Eureka and be done with it - the tent I'll probably end up buying at some point, anyway.

Wenzel Alpine 8.5 X 8-Feet Dome Tent (Light Grey/Blue/Gold)

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Wenzel Pine Ridge 5 Person Dome Tent

Wenzel Pine Ridge 5 Person Dome Tent

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Just received this tent yesterday; my husband (who has experience erecting dome tents) was able to put it up alone. I have tent camped since I was a small child, am now >50 and am no stranger to tents. This is a decent tent for the money.



The Pros:



Easy set up



Excellent "bath tub" bottom which is weld seamed ......... the bottom is polyethylene which is much more

durable than nylon taffeta which is very commonly used. The bath tub style bottom comes up about 4" from the

bottom, wrapping along all sides of the tent. It is not sewn .......... it is "welded" somehow (hot pressed glue

perhaps?); there are no thread seams on the bottom edges of the tent - very important if it rains! (" The sonic-sealed,

polyethylene tub-style floor, meanwhile, is welded and not sewn, eliminating needle holes that might otherwise attract

water seepage.") This was the primary reason I purchased this tent, other than the reasonable price.



Center height is 60" as stated which is excellent for a dome tent of this size and the other main reason

I purchased this particular tent.



Nice green/gray color which blends in with a "woodsy" environment.



Excellent ventilation for summer camping.



The Cons:



The zipper does take 2 hands. The "design defect" that one or more reviewers alluded to is actually a zipper "storm

flap" to keep rain out off the zipper. You need to NOT be in a rush and use one hand/finger to keep this storm flap

away from the zipper and your other hand to actually pull the zipper. Pretty simple: Take your time.



The interior size is slightly smaller than stated: Interior dimensions are 7'8" (4" shorter than stated) and 9'6"

(6" shorter than stated size).



Where are they gonna put the 5th person!? This is described as a "4 or 5 person tent". Huh? Our sleeping bags are

32" across. Most sleeping bags measure 28" - 34". You do the math.............! We have 2 twin size air mattresses in

the tent right now, with our sleeping bags. It would hold a 3rd person, but wow, would that be tight! How do you step

in and turn around without falling on or stepping on someone else? Very comfortable for 2 people and a small amount

of gear. It would be tight with 3 people if all wanted air mattresses, and almost impossible with 4 people.



The "2 room design" is a joke. I did not purchase it for the "2 room" concept, and I don't intend to use it. The room

divider is merely a sheet of nylon taffeta to suspend from the ceiling. If you are using a light in the tent you are clearly

visible through the divider and from the outside. Pretty standard for any nylon taffeta tent.



The tent entry way is cumbersome. Because of the "two room" design/theory, there are two zippers. Each comes from

the bottom, outside corner up to the top center. The zipper does not go in one large semi-circle (180 degree arc), nor from one

bottom corner up and around to the opposite top corner like most tents. This makes the entryway a bit "snug" and some

may find it bothersome. It was not a deal-breaker for me, but a bit weird.



I would prefer a larger rainfly with greater coverage. The rainfly which comes with this tent barely covers the large

ventilation windows along the sides of the tent. A rainstorm/thunderstorm is going to put this rainfly to the test and I

suspect water may come in along the sides in the event of a very windy storm.



Other:



The "Weather Armor polyester with a polyurethane coating" is imperceptible, probably because it has to be breathable.

I would like it to SEEM more waterproof; the nylon taffeta does not really need to be breathable on this tent IMO, because

this tent has impressively large ventilation areas along the side walls, front and back windows and mid-roof. It would be

reassuring if the walls were a bit more sturdy and at least appeared more waterproof, but this is certainly not unusual for

modern tent designs, unless you spring for an super expensive, rare canvas tent. Time will tell if the tent is waterproof

and can stand up to a thunderstorm. I will try to update this sometime and let you know!



Update: This tent has been up in our "mini woods" on our property now for 2 weeks straight. During that time we have had three thunderstorms, one in which water came down in sheets, producing 2" of rain in 20 minutes. Two of the other thunderstorms had impressive winds. The tent took on just a tiny bit of water near the front opening; I am assuming it came in thru the zipper or perhaps leaked down from the rainfly and entered along the doorway. I do not have a separate tarp over the tent but I did apply 2 entire cans of Scotchguard tent weather-proofer on it.

Wenzel Pine Ridge 5 Person Dome Tent

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Just received this tent yesterday; my husband (who has experience erecting dome tents) was able to put it up alone. I have tent camped since I was a small child, am now >50 and am no stranger to tents. This is a decent tent for the money.



The Pros:



Easy set up



Excellent "bath tub" bottom which is weld seamed ......... the bottom is polyethylene which is much more

durable than nylon taffeta which is very commonly used. The bath tub style bottom comes up about 4" from the

bottom, wrapping along all sides of the tent. It is not sewn .......... it is "welded" somehow (hot pressed glue

perhaps?); there are no thread seams on the bottom edges of the tent - very important if it rains! (" The sonic-sealed,

polyethylene tub-style floor, meanwhile, is welded and not sewn, eliminating needle holes that might otherwise attract

water seepage.") This was the primary reason I purchased this tent, other than the reasonable price.



Center height is 60" as stated which is excellent for a dome tent of this size and the other main reason

I purchased this particular tent.



Nice green/gray color which blends in with a "woodsy" environment.



Excellent ventilation for summer camping.



The Cons:



The zipper does take 2 hands. The "design defect" that one or more reviewers alluded to is actually a zipper "storm

flap" to keep rain out off the zipper. You need to NOT be in a rush and use one hand/finger to keep this storm flap

away from the zipper and your other hand to actually pull the zipper. Pretty simple: Take your time.



The interior size is slightly smaller than stated: Interior dimensions are 7'8" (4" shorter than stated) and 9'6"

(6" shorter than stated size).



Where are they gonna put the 5th person!? This is described as a "4 or 5 person tent". Huh? Our sleeping bags are

32" across. Most sleeping bags measure 28" - 34". You do the math.............! We have 2 twin size air mattresses in

the tent right now, with our sleeping bags. It would hold a 3rd person, but wow, would that be tight! How do you step

in and turn around without falling on or stepping on someone else? Very comfortable for 2 people and a small amount

of gear. It would be tight with 3 people if all wanted air mattresses, and almost impossible with 4 people.



The "2 room design" is a joke. I did not purchase it for the "2 room" concept, and I don't intend to use it. The room

divider is merely a sheet of nylon taffeta to suspend from the ceiling. If you are using a light in the tent you are clearly

visible through the divider and from the outside. Pretty standard for any nylon taffeta tent.



The tent entry way is cumbersome. Because of the "two room" design/theory, there are two zippers. Each comes from

the bottom, outside corner up to the top center. The zipper does not go in one large semi-circle (180 degree arc), nor from one

bottom corner up and around to the opposite top corner like most tents. This makes the entryway a bit "snug" and some

may find it bothersome. It was not a deal-breaker for me, but a bit weird.



I would prefer a larger rainfly with greater coverage. The rainfly which comes with this tent barely covers the large

ventilation windows along the sides of the tent. A rainstorm/thunderstorm is going to put this rainfly to the test and I

suspect water may come in along the sides in the event of a very windy storm.



Other:



The "Weather Armor polyester with a polyurethane coating" is imperceptible, probably because it has to be breathable.

I would like it to SEEM more waterproof; the nylon taffeta does not really need to be breathable on this tent IMO, because

this tent has impressively large ventilation areas along the side walls, front and back windows and mid-roof. It would be

reassuring if the walls were a bit more sturdy and at least appeared more waterproof, but this is certainly not unusual for

modern tent designs, unless you spring for an super expensive, rare canvas tent. Time will tell if the tent is waterproof

and can stand up to a thunderstorm. I will try to update this sometime and let you know!



Update: This tent has been up in our "mini woods" on our property now for 2 weeks straight. During that time we have had three thunderstorms, one in which water came down in sheets, producing 2" of rain in 20 minutes. Two of the other thunderstorms had impressive winds. The tent took on just a tiny bit of water near the front opening; I am assuming it came in thru the zipper or perhaps leaked down from the rainfly and entered along the doorway. I do not have a separate tarp over the tent but I did apply 2 entire cans of Scotchguard tent weather-proofer on it.

Wenzel Pine Ridge 5 Person Dome Tent

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Wenzel Klondike 16 X 11-Feet Eight-Person Family Cabin Dome Tent (Light Grey/Taupe/Red)

Wenzel Klondike 16 X 11-Feet Eight-Person Family Cabin Dome Tent (Light Grey/Taupe/Red)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



FANTASTIC! The first time we set this tent up, it was in the house, just to get an idea... Took us about 15-20 minutes. It wasn't bad at all. But it DOES take two people!! Our first experience on the road with it took us to the Grand Canyon where we arrived at 9:00pm. It took us again less than 25-30 minutes to set it up (in the dark) using only a couple flashlights.. Do make sure you stake the corners down FIRST before you raise it. You need one person outside the tent, and one inside to raise it. After that, using the stakes to secure it was a breeze... Having so many windows and a full mesh ceiling was great for star gazing after a long day. We put a king sized mattress in the second room, and had plenty of space to move around.. This tent is so big, our puppy (Shih Tzu) named Kujo, got plenty of exercise just running from the door back into the 2nd room.



The first room is great to leave all your bags,cloths,shoes etc....and it has a floor in it, so you are not walking on dirt like some two room tents...



The 2 nights we spent at the Grand Canyon (May 10-11,2010)-(to verify winds)we experienced 75 mph winds.. This tent DID NOT MOVE! And the reason it didn't move was because it securly tied all the way around. The only thing we could hear was the wind, not the sides flapping in the wind like most tents.. We have recieved many compliment on this tent..



I researched every 8-12 person,family tent out there with three things in mind..1) Tall enough to move and walk around in. 2) It had to have a screen ceiling. 3) Had to have shock cords...BINGO !! I HIGHLY recomend this tent to everyone. When Wenzell designed this, they found a winner.... I am so proud of this tent, We can't wait to go on our next road trip...



Walmart had the best price of anyone.. I "researched it!" :)

Wenzel Klondike 16 X 11-Feet Eight-Person Family Cabin Dome Tent (Light Grey/Taupe/Red)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



FANTASTIC! The first time we set this tent up, it was in the house, just to get an idea... Took us about 15-20 minutes. It wasn't bad at all. But it DOES take two people!! Our first experience on the road with it took us to the Grand Canyon where we arrived at 9:00pm. It took us again less than 25-30 minutes to set it up (in the dark) using only a couple flashlights.. Do make sure you stake the corners down FIRST before you raise it. You need one person outside the tent, and one inside to raise it. After that, using the stakes to secure it was a breeze... Having so many windows and a full mesh ceiling was great for star gazing after a long day. We put a king sized mattress in the second room, and had plenty of space to move around.. This tent is so big, our puppy (Shih Tzu) named Kujo, got plenty of exercise just running from the door back into the 2nd room.



The first room is great to leave all your bags,cloths,shoes etc....and it has a floor in it, so you are not walking on dirt like some two room tents...



The 2 nights we spent at the Grand Canyon (May 10-11,2010)-(to verify winds)we experienced 75 mph winds.. This tent DID NOT MOVE! And the reason it didn't move was because it securly tied all the way around. The only thing we could hear was the wind, not the sides flapping in the wind like most tents.. We have recieved many compliment on this tent..



I researched every 8-12 person,family tent out there with three things in mind..1) Tall enough to move and walk around in. 2) It had to have a screen ceiling. 3) Had to have shock cords...BINGO !! I HIGHLY recomend this tent to everyone. When Wenzell designed this, they found a winner.... I am so proud of this tent, We can't wait to go on our next road trip...



Walmart had the best price of anyone.. I "researched it!" :)

Wenzel Klondike 16 X 11-Feet Eight-Person Family Cabin Dome Tent (Light Grey/Taupe/Red)

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Tahoe Gear Willow 2 Person 3-Season Family Dome Camping Tent - Black/Grey

Tahoe Gear Willow 2 Person 3-Season Family Dome Camping Tent - Black/Grey

Product Description

Explore the great outdoors and setup camp with ease in the new Tahoe Gear Willow Tent. Great for sleeping up to two, this tent is ideal for a quick and easy camping trip. Equipped with easy setup poles, stakes, guy ropes, and rain fly for unexpected weather, the Willow is ready to help you take on your next vacation or adventure outdoors.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I ordered this tent to have an extra as many of my friends never seem to have one available once the camping trip is planned. It is very affordable and incredibly easy to set-up. Admittedly, I'm not always the best with directions, but this was the smoothest construction of a tent I've experienced. I managed to complete the set-up without any pinched fingers or bruised ego. Two of my friends used the tent for a 4-day camping trip and had no complaints. It rained very heavily for two of the nights and they managed to stay dry. I was happy to feel how light the entire set is as we're often hiking to different camps and need to carry all of the gear. I'm looking forward to bringing this along for many more camping trips in the near future. I am very pleased with this purchase and would recommend this tent to friends.

Tahoe Gear Willow 2 Person 3-Season Family Dome Camping Tent - Black/Grey

Product Description

Explore the great outdoors and setup camp with ease in the new Tahoe Gear Willow Tent. Great for sleeping up to two, this tent is ideal for a quick and easy camping trip. Equipped with easy setup poles, stakes, guy ropes, and rain fly for unexpected weather, the Willow is ready to help you take on your next vacation or adventure outdoors.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I ordered this tent to have an extra as many of my friends never seem to have one available once the camping trip is planned. It is very affordable and incredibly easy to set-up. Admittedly, I'm not always the best with directions, but this was the smoothest construction of a tent I've experienced. I managed to complete the set-up without any pinched fingers or bruised ego. Two of my friends used the tent for a 4-day camping trip and had no complaints. It rained very heavily for two of the nights and they managed to stay dry. I was happy to feel how light the entire set is as we're often hiking to different camps and need to carry all of the gear. I'm looking forward to bringing this along for many more camping trips in the near future. I am very pleased with this purchase and would recommend this tent to friends.

Tahoe Gear Willow 2 Person 3-Season Family Dome Camping Tent - Black/Grey

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