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GeoRock
Nomad
Posts: 329
Registered: 3-7-2003
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Mood: Always have one
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Tent recommendation
I often go camping alone, so a tent that I can set up myself is important. I am a pro at 2-3 pole tents; I just prop one side against a tree, rock,
or car tire to bend the poles and insert into the opposite end.
However, I came across a tent that requires none of that. The poles are built-in to the tent sides already. It is a simple expansion concept that
puts the tent together.
One lays the tent out flat on the ground; steps into the middle and lifts a "hub." A few shakes and the four pole legs are up. A quick pulling down
on the hub and the tent is up. One just needs to then put on the fly with its poles, and stake the tent.
I set it up about 5 times in a row to test it. After the first time, which took a bit to figure it out given bad directions, well, after that it was
a cinch. Quickest tent I've ever set up.
And the best part of it is that it is roomy inside. I can stand inside at the center. And I can put a Cabela's cot, actually 2 of them, inside if I
wish. Not all dome tents will fit the Cabela's cots.
So, if you are looking for a tent, here is the info:
www.kmart.com
Northwest Territory is the brand.
"First-Up Dome Tent" 9 x 9 feet
It is on sale for $80, marked down from $100 right now.
Shipping is free on their website until June 27th.
Note: I bought mine at a store on June 19th and it cost $90. Seems the online deal is better.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Here's a link with a pic:
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_089W171461110001P?v...
[Edited on 6-26-2009 by BajaNomad]
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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Hmmmm.........wonder if it has a "season" rating, like 3- season or 4 season.
The proof in the pudding of any dome is how well it withstands strong winds from one direction. GENERALLY, it takes a rather low ceiling with four
poles to stand up to serious winds. Otherwise they can flatten and render the rain fly useless on one side of the tent. The amount of bend strong
winds creates, especially on high profile domes, can also lead to pole failure.
Also, good quality tents will have attachment points inside the rainfly that attach to the poles in places. This helps create an even stouter
structure once you use guy wires and stakes on the rainfly as well. A RAINFLY THAT CAN BE STAKED SEPARATELY IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to keep the rain
from torrentials from coming through to the tent material. It also provides better ventilation in dry conditions.
I still have a four person Eureka! that I use for car camping. It has aluminum poles that are about 1/2 inch thick and an aluminum cap that is shock
corded to the top of the tent. This accommodates the poles. About 6 feet inside height. Very sturdy.
My backpacking tent is still my venerable old North Face VE-23 Skeeter. The entire top of the tent body is no-see-um netting. Nice on steamy nights
with no rain. Typical NOrth FAce quality.
I believe in spending more and getting a good, proven brand when it comes to tents. Northface, Sierra Designs, Moss, Eureka, etc.
The Coleman domes I have seen are absolute trash.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
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Location: Sonora
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Oh yeah, what are you going to use to protect the flooring of the tent from the cot feet? I carry strips of thick shag carpet.
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GeoRock
Nomad
Posts: 329
Registered: 3-7-2003
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Mood: Always have one
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Hook, I can guarantee that you would consider this tent trash as well. I understand your wanting quality products, and usually, I am of the same
mind. It's just that I have gone through so many tents that have the zippers fail that I am finally of the mindset that I don't want to spend
hundreds every couple years for a tent.
You are right in that this tent will not withstand strong winds well. I believe it will do alright with a few rains, but not serious pounding
sustained rain and NOT with strong winds.
For the type of camping I do, which is good weather summertime, the tent is fine.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Yeah...for sure....agree with all you say, Hook. That's why my tent has a Marriot label on it.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Yeah...for sure....agree with all you say, Hook. That's why my tent has a Marriot label on it. |
Dennis, an even chattier answer would have been " for sure, my tent is a Four Seasons". 
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BajaGeoff
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 1-11-2006
Location: San Diego and Campo Lopez
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Mood: Heading To Baja!!!
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My tent is a 4Runner model. It has air conditioning, a stereo and is already set up when I park at my campsite. 
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
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Mood: Skeptical
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I like tents with the Embassy Suites label. They have an atrium and glass cage elevators. I even had a bar, and aTea Dance with band in my lobby, but
that is another story.
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Crusoe
Senior Nomad
Posts: 731
Registered: 10-14-2006
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Great subject....It really most depends on what kind of weather you are anticipatingand where you are going. The new cheap Colemans are pure rubbish.
Will last only a few months in the sun and the U.V. eats them alive and they are not designed to withstand any wind. For car camping and Baja windy
beaches and a rainy atmosphere like here in ther Pacific Northwest the new Base Camp series from R.E.I. gets ratings far and above any others. Ive had
one going on 5 years now and used it alot and still love it. The best!... Also, for backpacking the new M.S.R. line is very very durable well
engineered and quick to set up. I have a Hubba 1, and a Hubba 2. Some of the older Northfaces and Eurekas were great tents also but just a bit heavy.
Have fun! ++C++
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8088
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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I bought the alaskan guide tent from cabelas for all the reason Hook mentions. It rained torrentially up there for days at a time without a drop
entering inside. Best tent I've ever owned.
But like Georock says, those tents have little purpose in baja. I would think you'd want a tall, bedouin type of thing with good ventilation and
shade. Only problem would be those BOLA winds that could reduce you tent to tatters in 30 minutes.
That's when you curl up in your sleeping bag under the truck until morning. 
[Edited on 6-27-2009 by Skipjack Joe]
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Packoderm
Super Nomad
Posts: 2116
Registered: 11-7-2002
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I've used my North Face Starfire for about 13 years or so. I can't imagine it ever needing to be replaced. It cost big bucks way back when.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65292
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Gee Suzanne, isn't the Hummer big enough to turn part of into a bedroom?
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SKIDS
Junior Nomad
Posts: 48
Registered: 3-10-2009
Location: Jamul Ca.
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Geo Rock,
I noticed a REI 4- person tent on San Diego craigslist sporting goods section. Says like new. $ 100.00.
We have one just like it. We camped out at La Gringa 2-weeks ago for 7- days. Beautiful days but really windy at night ! I reccommend you get sand
bags and fill them up there and tie back at all angles. Held up fine. But take the rain fly off at night. I prefer to sleep in my rack hammock on my
Toyota Tacoma.
Skids
P.S While we were in BOLA we stopped by GECKO and talked to Dr. Abraham and checked out the outside of your property you have for sale.
NICE ! Still have a few years till I can retire.
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GeoRock
Nomad
Posts: 329
Registered: 3-7-2003
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Mood: Always have one
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Thanks Skids, we did a lot of yard work while at the Rock Casa in June and cleaned it up nicely. Abraham has a key for the house so he can show
people the inside if they wish. Next time, check out the inside. You never know.....perhaps your freedom years will come sooner then later!
Thanks for the tip on the tent, but I just went ahead and bought the one I mentioned at the start of this thread. It should last at least 3 years.
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jimgrms
Senior Nomad
Posts: 664
Registered: 9-30-2005
Location: oceanside ca
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Mood: its always good
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I use a tent cot just a large cot with a tent attached works great around 150,00 at gander mountain and cabellas ,
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8088
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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I have found it interesting in life that most people who ask for advice often end up doing exactly what they had intended to do from the very start.
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pappy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 679
Registered: 12-10-2003
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depending on what size/type of legs your cot has, i found plastic caps that go on exposed rebar works good for floor protection....
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GeoRock
Nomad
Posts: 329
Registered: 3-7-2003
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Mood: Always have one
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Thanks for the tips about the cot legs.
A friend of mine bought this tent. She set it up last night, in under 3 minutes and was delighted with the size and ease of set up.
It is a good deal for an inexpensive fair weather cheapo tent.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by pappy
depending on what size/type of legs your cot has, i found plastic caps that go on exposed rebar works good for floor protection....
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What are approximate dimensions of these plastic caps? I am always looking for a better answer to protecting the floor from cot legs.
You need something that will spread the weight of a cot out to AT LEAST 6"x 6" and doesnt have sharp corners.
Good, heavy gauge cardboard can also work; the kind that serious shipping boxes are made of. I have made strips that go from foot to foot width-wise
and are about 6-8 inches wide.
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