*Cough* Ayer Power Package *Cough*
That being "coughed", here's a quick review:
My wife and I are downsizing to a condo that will allow us to travel more (less maintenance, easier to "close-up" for long periods of time, less expensive, etc.). Our objective is to eventually buy a proper overland vehicle (still debating in my mind) when the time (retirement) comes in a couple of years. For now, we have a parking space underground in the common garage. Our Jetta is allowing us to save on gas in the mean time.
But I'm getting antsy! I need to go hiking and do weekend trips. That's why we opted to buy an Ayer tent from Tepui. I chose Tepui because of this thread and the fact that Box Rocket is so involved and that the product improves with the reviews found in this thread.
Living in Montreal, Canada, I had to order it from
North Shore Off-Road. The ordering process was easy (all web based) and it came in fairly quick (about 1 week).
The installation was longer than expected... Those nuts take forever with hand tools! But about 2 hours isn't bad for a first time. I was very happy to see everything needed came with the product (ratcheting wrench).
Here's the result:
About a week later, we did a real world test in a Provincial Park. On the first night we had a big thunderstorm! I was really impressed! All four windows were open and we barely had a drop of rain. Just a couple of drops blown in here and there. Also, it was awesome to have the cool breeze all night long.
A lot of people stopped by to watch.
The size was good. If I had a bigger car I would have bought a bigger tent but we don't really feel cramped. For 2-3 nights at a time it will be fine. My wife and I are "small people" and Alfie, the 12 pound Chihuahu-mix trail running machine, never tires from the view. The only problem he has is which window to look out from? So many choices!
The mattress was comfortable enough for camping. No complaints.
Once you get the hang of it, set-up time is pretty quick. I wouldn't say it's faster than a tent but it certainly is easier. You don't have to mess with spikes in the ground, roots under your lower-back, un-level terrain, etc.
My only complaints are:
- The tent travel zipper isn't easy to start. You eventually realize finess is better than force.
- I wish the side straps compressing the tent closed were with plastic buckles instead of Velcro (which is an easy mod I saw on other threads).
- I wish the ladder would not scratch the bottom of the tent floor during travel. I'll just put some pieces of foam or rubber with tape on the back and replace them with wear.
I'm looking forward to purchasing fitted sheets, the power package and... hopefully, tamper proof stainless steel nuts (
HINT-HINT, NUDGE-NUDGE) to prevent theft.