Shower Shelter Showdown

[Dave Bennett]

From reading this thread http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=854 I've narrowed my search down to these three -

Paha Que Teepee: Who has one? Is it a PITA to setup? Comments?
http://www.pahaque.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PQWO&Category_Code=tepee (the new colors are heinous!)

PETT Pup: Who has one? Is it a PITA to setup? Comments?
http://www.outbacktoilets.com/The_PETT_Systems-The_PUP_Privacy_Tent.html

Outback Porta Privy: Who has one? Is it a PITA to setup? Comments?
http://www.evergreen-outdoors.net/outback/porta_privy.htm

Zodi Hut: Who has one? Is it a PITA to setup? Comments?
http://zodi.com/Dealer/zodidealermedia1077.html

Other???

 

[Roaming Robertsons]

I'm also in the market and curious for real reviews.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I have the outback and I like it. Set up is like 3 seconds, take down takes a bit of getting used to. It's like folding up a very large sunshade and you need to get it just right.

 

[JackW]

I have a Paha Que and it is a pain to set up - practice might make it easier since I've only used it three or four times. It is spacious and stable once up though.

The Outback sets up quickly but is a bit smaller inside. Packing it up takes a bit of practice - quite entertaining to watch someone try to fold it back up the first couple of times.

 

[Mc Taco]

I have the Outback. As said it sets up very quickly, but does take some practice to get stowed. Do it wrong and you'll bend it. If I knew I would have brought it today to let you practice (and let me re-learn!).

 

[Bennyhana]

I have one like the outback. Setting up is a breeze and figuring out the secret code to get it back in the bag takes a bit to get used to.

 

[Gear]

I have the Paha Que and the setup time is way too long if you are not staying put for a while. Once up it is very nice.

For those with the Outback - Do you have trouble with it in the wind? Does it have someway to stake it down?

 

[mrlocksmith]

I had the Pett Shelter. I did not like it at all. The set-up was slow and if the wind was blowing the knuckle joints would bend and fold the shelter in half making it unusable.

Here we have a windy night at Surf and Turf at Pismo Beach in 2008. A few tents and shelters blew away that day. Kinda hard to poop sideways in the folded Pett Tent in the backgound Yet the Outback is still solid.

The outback is the best in my opinion. It sets up fast, holds up in the wind and it easy to put away with practice, it does not cost a lot and it folds so thin that fits behind a seat very easy. I store mine in my spare tire cover. You can't lose with this one.

Mark

 

[TangoBlue]

I have the Outback. Doesn't take up much space, lightweight, easy to set up, takes practice packing it up. I'm happy with it.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

OUTBACK PORTA-PRIVY
If it ever wears out I will buy another.

 

[Sawyer]

I had one very similar to the outback... I never could get it set up right. Hated the thing. finally threw out. Would like to see the outback and how it sets up in person. Seems to have a fan following here....

 

[Cabrito]

I had a Paha Que Teepee, but like others have said it takes some time to put up. If you are doing it by yourself it's really fun. (not). That is the main reason I sold mine. Plus it's got so many parts and took up a lot of space. I would have liked to keep it because it was really nice, but sold it and got the Outback.

Outback is just like everyone says - easy up and easy take down once you master it.

This thread would be neat with a poll.

 

[Redline]

I agree with the above comments regarding the Outback, not the roomiest inside but set up is almost instant if you don't need to stake it (about 1-2 min. if you do stake it). As stated, closing it is similar to folding a windshield sunscreen... once you have the technique it's about 5-10 seconds to close it, maybe another 15 seconds to stuff it into its case (after pulling any ground stakes of course).

My biggest concern would be that you're a big man Doc and that it may be too small for you. But they are so inexpensive and quick (great for a fast private potty set-up if needed) that I think you should give one a try.

I have a Springbar Cabana http://www.springbar.com/explore/canopies/cabana.html that I purchased because I was impressed with the rugged quality of the Springbar products. If I was going to be in one spot for several days then a structure like the Cabana (heavy, bulky compared to the Outback) might make sense. But for the type of overland travel many of us do, moving often, it's a pain and not worth the setup time in my opinion. In defense of the Cabana, I only used it once so I'm not an expert at the set-up.

I purchased my Outback after a buddy who had tried many others suggested it. Easier camp set-up AND pack-up means I have more time to relax and enjoy my surroundings. $0.07

 

[Ludedude]

I have the Bass Pro version of the Outback. It goes up literally in a flash but packing it away, well, the old saying about a monkey ************* a football comes to mind.

 

[Andrew Walcker]

Another Paha Que longtime user. I'm pretty good at putting up and taking down and it is still combersome. Once up and anchored it is worry free, which is worth some peace of mind on a windy night.