Time to get a real tent.

[rusty_tlc]

http://www.apachetents.com/index.cfm

Any first hand experience?

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

FYI, Overland Journal will be running a comprehensive test of family-size ground tents soon, probably summer of 2008. Several models mentioned here are already in the lineup.

 

[Moody]

How do they (Springbar) fair in wind? I've looked at their site before but never talked to anyone that owned one.

Pretty bomber in the wind, but they REQUIRE staking to keep them upright...I grew up camping in the family camper, 6 man. They are heavy, and bulky, but do amazingly well for a single walled tent.

 

[AndrewP]

Thanks Andy, I think we want to stick with a tent that one person can set alone. That way one of us can get dinner/breakfast started while the other set/breaks down the tent.

I've been looking at the Timberline. I think it's about the best choice I've seen for what we need.

Neither one of us wants a RTT so thats not an option $$ or no. Good thing to because the $$ would probably be a show stopper.

Just understand you can't really stand up in the Timberline.

I had an older Timberline as well, bought to go on a bike adventure in 1984. It just died this past season when one of the door zippers finally broke. I'll bet I spent 300 nights or more in that tent. My son Jeff can set it up in 3 minutes. You just need to be sure you never loose the plastic cross "t"'s. Carry an extra if you buy that tent.

 

[spressomon]

Any first hand experience?

No...I looked at them before I bought the Eureka Titan. If I would have bought the Apache instead I might still have it and use it .

 

[IZZYDUSIT]

I know that REI is bad word in this forum, however they make fantastic tent in their "basecamp" models available in 4 and 6 men configuration.
roomy, planty of headroom, great ventilation for summer, with full lenghth rain fly that withstood some heavy down -poor and stayd dry and comfortable for 3 days straight!!
price is around 400 bucks but the warrenty is hard to beat-do not like it? bring it back with no question asked!!
and no I don't work for them...lol

 

[rusty_tlc]

Just understand you can't really stand up in the Timberline.

I had an older Timberline as well, bought to go on a bike adventure in 1984. It just died this past season when one of the door zippers finally broke. I'll bet I spent 300 nights or more in that tent. My son Jeff can set it up in 3 minutes. You just need to be sure you never loose the plastic cross "t"'s. Carry an extra if you buy that tent.

I think we will be okay with the low head room. If Eureka's web site ever gets back on-line I'm going to look in the bargin basement to see what hey have available in returns. Last time I looked they had some great deals.

Thanks for the G2 on the cross pieces, I'll order extra with the tent if we go that way.

 

[tdesanto]

I know that REI is bad word in this forum...

???

Don't mean to hijack, but I wasn't aware that I wasn't supposed to like REI.

 

[Ursidae69]

???

Don't mean to hijack, but I wasn't aware that I wasn't supposed to like REI.

I shop there regularly. Some members of this and other sites take issue with REI's stance on wilderness issues.

I agree with IZZYDUSIT, the customer service at REI has been awesome in my experience. I have two mountain hardware tents that I think are great.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Mountain Hardware Casa 6

A bit big but tall. That seems to be the trade off.

 

[Nullifier]

I plan on doing a full review. I am waiting to see if there is interest in it being covered in overland or not. The shipping process is easy from A.U. just not cheap. I had 2 R.V.4 models shipped for $500.00 Of course they were in huge boxes which is what made it so expensive.

THey are in process of locing for a U.S. distributor. They have been taking there time because they are looking for someone who will do it right. Not just be the "distributor" so they can get a good deal and sell the tents directly. They want a full U.S. dealer network set up. SO if you are not in an immediate rush I'd say in the next 6 months they will be shipping containers to the U.S. which should help on the shipping. I am going camping this week since it finally cooled off so i will post some new pics later this week.

 

[IZZYDUSIT]

I like the oztent idea, I was trying to inquire about the rv3 from Urbancruiser dealer but the guy never returned calls or email.
I like to explore the possibilty of the oztent opposit my trailer mounted Eezie Awn. It will be used for a awning protection over ladder when raining and a storage/dressing room/dining area/ mother- ln- law/ guest room.

keep us all posted when there is a U.S dealer.

 

[Topher Walters]

I have the REI 6 person dome tent that has worked for me many years. I think they now call it the base camp model. It is easy to set up and great in wind and rain. The only problem I had was that the zipper on the door has two zippers that zip together in one corner near the floor. In the dark I set up on a red ant nest one night. They managed to find their way into the tent through the spot where the zippers come together. Those little boogers hurt something fierce in the middle of the night between your toes.

 

[paulj]

Mountain Hardware Casa 6

I recently picked up a MH Lightpath3 on sale at REI. It's described as a light generous 2 person plus dog. Peak height is 4', but interior floor space is enough for a full size air mattress, though I intend to just use thermarest size mats. I haven't used for camping except for an overnight in the back yard. It was easy to setup even in the dark.

These days we usually sleep in the car (Element), but every now and then need a separate tent. For example when it's too buggy or too warm to sleep in the car, or when the best camp sites are a short walk way. This MH is intended to replace a light but cramped Kelty Zen.

If you browse the sales and outlets of places like REI, Campmor, and Sierra Trading Post it is possible to find good prices on tents by companies like Mountain Hardware, Sierra Designs, and Kelty.

My largest tent is a Walrus Armadillo Posada that I bought at clearance prices at the Reno REI while on vacation several years ago. It's no longer made since Walrus was sold to MSR. It has the typical '4 man' floor area (7' long, and wide enough for 4 20" sleeping pads), but also has a 4 x 7' mesh enclosed vestibule. It was a nice size for sitting out 3 days of intermittent rain on the coast of Queen Charlotte Islands.

But something that is equally valueable for sitting out bad weather is a tarp (or two). We tend to use the tent only for sleeping, thus keeping sleeping bags and gear clean and dry. So having a dry place for cooking and other daytime activities is nice.

paulj

 

[rusty_tlc]

I'm a tarp kinda guy, I always have a couple along.