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Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
That Swiss Gear tent, for the size it is probably a reasonably good deal. It's probably not a terrific tent though. I couldn't find any info on that particular tent but other S. Gear tents have problems with leaks. It'd probably be OK for 'roo, but I wouldn't take it on the trail. I'd hit the rain fly with some waterproof spray any make sure you don't camp on any low areas.
Post by nativepangean on Apr 30, 2006 19:18:19 GMT -5
no matter what size the tent is or how much you spend on it, remember to water proof them, last year my group made the mistake of buying a huge ass one from wal mart ( price may have had to do with its quality) and we forgot to water proof it, man on saturday i definatley wooke up in 1000 llittle lakes, all of our stuff inside was soaked, cell phones were kinda broke, either that, or make sure you bring somehting to life you a few inches off the ground, i said it before and i said it again, an inflatable raft with a blanket under you so you dont sweat/stick to it , works like a charm
Checked out your link to the Coleman tent. I've always liked dome tents. I had one of the originals from Northface back in 1982 - the VE23. My original tent only had the one door, like the one you have pictured. OK, but I'd look for a model with a door on each side so that one person does not have to crawl over the other to get in and out (a pain at night especially if one gets out to pee).
However, more importantly, I'd vote a no on any tent where the fly does not come all the way down on the sides. While you get better ventilation the 'bathtubf' bottom liner takes a hit from water running off the fly and in a heavy rain you end up with the outer 12 - 14" of your tent wet - no matter what is claimed. I was just at Springfest and saw this with happen to friends of mine - one with a Walmart tent and one with a Coleman. Maybe if they had put on some additional water proofing things might have been different, but.
If you don't use the tent more than twice a year for a day or two at a time I can understand watching what you spend. The rain is the big gamble..... Hope this helps.
Post by jambandjohn on Apr 30, 2006 21:35:35 GMT -5
Looks very simular to my Sierra Design. The mesh top is nice on clear nights, but if there's a heavy dew you will be wet. That's a very good price, too.
Columbia seems to be a good brand. I have decided that I am going to buy their Cougar Flats tent. All the reviews on Amazon were excellent.
Three of us are going - one couple, and one individual. Since it can be divided into two rooms, this is perfect. The main complaint that I've heard is that it can leak somewhat at the seam where the tag is sewn. A little sealent (sp?) glue should wipe that problem out.
I know it's sort of expensive, but like someone said in another post, this is the one thing you don't want to cheap out on. It's going to be your shelter for 4 days, might as well make sure it's one the big bad wolf can't blow down.
This is my 3rd Roo and I bought a new coleman dome tent 2 year ago. It has worked just fine so far, but I think I need a little bigger tent. Plus last year on sunday morning, we had some really gusty winds and the winds picked up and dropped a screen room on our tent, while we were sleeping, and put a small hole in it. The wind also destroyed this metal patio enclosure that these kids brought and had a small bar in it. The wind just picked it up and set it back down in a lot of pieces........So on that note I went out and bought a Columbia tent this year. They are expensive, but worth every penny. I searched e-bay until I found the one I like. I got a Columbia first up tent. It is 9x9 and like 8 foot high. It goes up in like less then 5 minutes. It has gotten great reviews, so I have splurged and bought something that will work down there and I can use again with no problems. Watch for the shipping rates if you buy some on ebay..they can be costly. I am waiting to get the tent and I hope it is at my house when I get home tonight....I will let you know how it is when I get the tent up this week.
As a vet of innumerable wilderness trips, a dry shelter can make or break a trip. Obviously you don't need something as nice as Dozer's VE23 for a festival or two each summer, but you should do a little research before buying. Try www.outdoorreview.com or www.gorp.com. In the lower price ranges I've been pleased with Eureka Timberlines, Kelty products and REI's house brand. Up the $ scale Northface and Mountain Hardware are great. If using a cheeper tent, string an A-frame tarp over it. It's a hassle, but not as much as (not) sleeping in a soking wet bag.
Great advice regarding other tents. The Columbia tent seems to be a much better option. The only down side is that you can only sit up in the center. However, for the price and if you are only using it for fests it seems to be a deal.
Last year the group next to mine brought a 20' by 30' yellow stripped graduation party style canopy tent. This was great- as we worked around their setup with out tents, they offered for us to chill under their big top any time. Sun and rain were no match for this monster. I say bring as big of a tent as possible and make some friends.
I truly do appreciate all this input guys! I think I've pretty much narrowed it down to either that Columbia one linked on the first page of this thread, or this REI one I ran across today...
Goodness, yes. Stick with the REI. Good price and great store support. Extremely liberal return policy, and a great repair shop if anything goes wrong. Also, I just received a flyer announcing their anniversary sale this weekend. Not sure if it's chain wide, but you should check with your local store.
wbennettjr, that tent is not too big. You will find you have more than enough room. For me an ideal setup is a tent to sleep in and a nice shade tent with mesh roll up sides to chill, cook, drink.....in. Some even have a big "pavillion" tent they pitch their smaller sleeping tent under for max rain protection (lord knows we have needed that the last 3 years!)
Thanks for the feedback. So you are saying I would have enough room to throw a canopy over the top of the tent and give us a little shade area too? Could you sort of give me a feel for how the spacing works in the parking/camping area?
Post by Lucid Interval on May 7, 2006 22:20:28 GMT -5
moonsky409 said:
Columbia seems to be a good brand. I have decided that I am going to buy their Cougar Flats tent. All the reviews on Amazon were excellent.
I know it's sort of expensive, but like someone said in another post, this is the one thing you don't want to cheap out on. It's going to be your shelter for 4 days, might as well make sure it's one the big bad wolf can't blow down.
and if you spring for a good one it will last you many more Roo's or whatevers than the wally world special... Its well worth it to pay for something thats functional IMO... and with the internet you dont really have to march down to a northface retail and pay top price either... Find something nice, it'll pay for itself....
The other side of the argument would be if you're going to go ballistic all weekend with some rowdy dudes or whatever and think some stuff might not come out of roo the same way it went in, find something practically disposable hehehe
Could you sort of give me a feel for how the spacing works in the parking/camping area?
I can answer this--
If you want a lot of space, you can get a lot of space. When you're ushered into you area, just hop out and start throwing your stuff all over. After that, make friendly with your neighbors and let them know you're trying to spread out a little bit. On the other hand, if you find a cool guide person, just tell them you want a little extra room. You can also just pull in "like an idiot" and stare blankly at the dude as you pull in crooked and awkward. In conclusion -- you can pretty much make as much room as you please.
I'd love to get an opinion or two on this. Is it too big for a possible solo Rooster? Is it too big for future solo camping? Is it even as big as it looks? I'm not sure about this one, but the price drew me in. I want something that's going to last. I need to make a flippin' decision.
that second one looks almost exactly like the kelty i bought this weekend. i read a very positive review of it online from someone who seemed to have plenty of experience with it. i don't know jack about camping so i'd also be interested if anyone here has a comment.
i don't think it's too big. i'm going solo as well.
