Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent Review


Product Review: Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $300 - $350

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a lightweight, spacious, sturdy tent for up to 3 people for use on backpacking or general camping. The high wall design makes it suitable for tall campers.

Pros:

The innovative design of the Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent makes it a cinch to assemble even by just 1 person. The inclusion of four curved, lightweight aluminium poles and the clip pole attachments make for a quick setup.

The steepness of the interior walls is brought about by the use of ridge poles which end several inches above the ground. This is one of the unique features of this tent, which creates more interior space compared to angler type structures. The use of a foot corner anchor system provides high fabric tension to prevent the material sagging.

Constructed of 30D PU Nylon ripstop fabric, the Losi 3 is both highly durable and resistant to rips, while still retaining a lightweight.

NEMO say their record for the most adults in this tent is 24. That gives you some idea of how spacious the interior is. However, we’d recommend no more than 3 adults max unless you’re intending to try to beat NEMO’s record.

The two door design gives you the convenience of easy entry/exit to and from the tent. Plus with two vestibules each camper will have their own storage area for camping gear. A cool mesh Gear Caddy is included which detaches for flexibility. It has two LightPockets which allow you to fix head lamps on to brighten up the inside.

A rollup style stuff sack is included which features separate compartments for the different parts. It features a cool glow in the dark chart so you can still read the instructions in low lighting.

The versatility of this tent allows you to create a shelter using the rainfly and the poles so the main tent can be left at home or in your trunk. This is great for the summer months when you want something to protect you from the sun.

Cons:

None.

Guarantee: Limited lifetime warranty.

Specifications

Trail Weight: 6 lbs 13 oz
Floor space: 50 sq ft
Vestibule space: 24 sq ft
Rainfly included: Yes

Summary

The Nemo Losi 3 Person Tent is a great tent which is worthy of its awarding winning status. Every user speaks highly of its quick no-hassle setup, highly spacious interior and brilliant all-round design. We highly recommend this Nemo tent, particularly if space is something you hold dearly.

We also recommend you get the optional Losi 3P Pawprint. This lines the flooring with a nice soft fabric for added comfort and provides extra floor protection.





Eureka Scenic Pass 3XT Tent Review


Product Review: Eureka Scenic Pass 3XT Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $150 - $200

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Eureka Scenic Pass 3XT Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a lightweight, dome-style tent for up to 2 campers with gear or up to 3 campers without gear.

Pros: 

At just 6 lbs 11 oz, the 3XT Tent is light enough to take on backpacking adventures without straining your back. The light green fabric color is elegant and blends nicely into most camp site scenery.

Quick and easy assembly – Setting up the Scenic Pass 3XT Tent on your own takes just a few minutes. The tent includes DAV Pressfit aluminium poles which are lightweight and durable. The use of tension clips helps make attaching the tent fabric onto the poles very quick.

Inside, the tent has a 48.75 square ft sized floor area with a centre height of 51-inches. It’s rated for 3 people, but we’d recommend only two so there is plenty of space to fit gear.

Two doors and two vestibules on either side of the tent give you good access and storage options. Each vestibule has 13.81 sq feet of storage space, which is ideal for two campers. Additionally, four storage pockets give you plenty of space to store smaller items, plus a gear loft in the centre of the tent which can hold about 10 lbs.

One of the doors has a no-see-um mesh panel which improves air flow for keeping cool. The mesh panel is fully adjustable so you can have as much privacy as you want.

The full-sized rain fly keeps you protected against heavy rains, making this a tent geared for murkier weather. Additionally, the polyester bathtub floor keeps the ground dry and waterproof.

Cons:

One drawback is that this is heavier than many other 3 person backpacking tents so hardcore backpackers may want to opt for a lighter tent.

The centre height of the tent is average so taller campers may find it a little too cramped.

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

We were impressed with the Eureka Scenic Pass 3XT Tent. It’s durable, lightweight, very quick to assembly and has very good ventilation. Unless you’re a hardcore backpacker who needs to pack a very lightweight tent, add this to your shortlist of dependable 3 person tents.







Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent Review


Product Review: Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $550 - $600

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a high-durable, all-weather tent which can accommodate up to 8 campers. Perfect for car camping.

Pros:

The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent is built for all seasons with its incredible durable and strong materials. The main material is its Hydra-Shield 100% Cotton duck canvas, which has been custom-woven for first class durability to handle the elements in all 4 seasons of the year. The polyester-reinforced vinyl floor is smooth, thick with double sewn seems and leak resistant. The frame doesn’t let the side down either. Its flex-bow frame comprises of thick galvanized steel tubing and 3/8 inch flew-bow spring roads to ensure maximum stability even in windy weather.

We found this tent is very easy to setup due to its simple 4 pole design. It can be setup by just one person although we’d recommend you have an assistant. You’re looking at about 20 minutes to complete the assembly. Make sure you bring a good mallet with you as the steel-rod stakes are very heavy-duty. It comes in a very nice roll-up bag which cleverly wraps around the tent for easy storage plus has separate bags for the poles and stakes to make it easy to carry.

At the front and back of the tent are two large D-shaped with durable YKK zippers for easy entry and exit. The four large windows (two front and back) feature a no-see-um mesh for excellent ventilation. Additionally, the two funnel-flow vents keep air circulated.

The 10 x 14 ft sized interior with a 6 ft 6" ceiling height provides a very roomy living space. You can fit 2 adults and 4 children in the tent comfortably, but we wouldn’t recommend 8 people unless you’re prepared to be stuck for space.

For storing your camping gear there are two organizer pockets plus a customizable gear loft. There are also hooks situated in the ceiling which are very handy for hanging items on.

Cons: 

Heavy. With a pack weight of 79 lbs, you’ll need transport to get this tent to your destination unless you’re one of the world’s strongest men.

The tent cannot be stored away when wet or it will degrade the materials so you need to let it dry before packing it away.

Guarantee: Lifetime limited warranty.

Summary

For car camping, the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent has got all the hallmarks of a first class tent which can last for many years. It’s ultra-tough, spacious, well ventilated and easy to assemble/pack away. If you have a family of 4-6 people who don’t just want to camp in fair weather, this canvas tent should suit just nicely.





Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent Review


Product Review: Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $100 - $150

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a lightweight, roomy 3 season tent with great ventilation, for up to 2 people. The large size makes it suitable for people above 6 ft.

Pros: 

The Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent is very easy to setup due to its user-friendly two pole design. The assembly instructions are printed clearly on the storage bag for convenience. The tent features clip attachments which attach easily to the color-coded aluminium poles on the tent fabric for quick assembly. Eight strong aluminium v-stakes ensure that the tent is securely pitched to the ground. Most users report setup taking only 5-10 minutes.

The main material of the tent is made from polyester, which is lightweight and breathable for optimal comfort. The bathtub floor provides waterproofing to ensure the tent stays dry even in heavy rains.

Inside, the 35 sq ft floor provides ample space for two campers with gear. The 43-inch height isn’t the highest we’ve seen in a 2 person tent, but is still pretty roomy.

Interior mesh storage pockets situated throughout gives you storage space. The detachable ceiling loft pocket gives you extra storage if needed.

The tent features dual doors and dual vestibules, so you have the convenience of going out from either side of the tent. If you have a sleepy tent mate, this feature comes in particularly handy.

The no-see-um mesh wall panels ensure superior ventilation so your kept cool in the summer season and provide an excellent view so you can gaze at the stars while listening to chill out music at those long summer nights.

Cons:

The vestibule areas are quite small so you can’t fit much gear there.

We found this is a little bulkier and heavier than other 2 person tents.

Specifications

  • Weight: 4 lbs 11 oz
  • Floor space: 35 ft² / 3.25 m²
  • Vestibule space: 17 ft² / 1.6 m²
  • Rainfly included: Yes

Guarantee: Lifetime limited warranty.

Summary

While this isn’t the lightest backpacking tent in the market, the Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Person 3 Season Tent is a step-up in quality from other tents in the same class, but still remains affordable.

With its stylish looks, quick easy setup, roomy spacious interior, waterproof design and great ventilation, we whole heartedly recommend this without reservation to all budding backpackers.






Coleman Evanston 6 Screened Tent Review


Product Review: Coleman Evanston 6 Screened Tent

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $100 - $150

Consumer Feedback: Read Amazon Consumer Reviews on the Coleman Evanston 6 Screened Tent

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a spacious, weather-proof tent for up to four adult campers. Six people could fit in this, but only at a squeeze.

Pros: 

The Coleman Evanston 6 Tent is built to make camping life easier with its easy setup and lightweight design. Thanks to its use of continuous pole sleeves, the poles only need to be feed once so you can set the tent up in as little as 10-15 minutes.

For high durability is the tent fly is made of 75D polyester taffeta, while the floor is made from 1000D polyethylene. The heavy-duty 11mm fiberglass poles keep the main structure solid yet lightweight.

The interior floor space of this one room tent is a roomy 11 ft x 10 ft with a center height of 68 inches, which provides enough space to fit in two queen sized airbeds at a squeeze. While the rated capacity for this tent is 6 persons, we’d recommend it for no more than 4 adults to keep things comfortable.

Four large windows plus the Variflo adjustable ventilation system keeps the tent cool and ventilated. Additional features include an electrical access port so you can hook up to a power generator for powering equipment like lights or a portable TV.

Coleman’s exclusive WeatherTec system ensures bad weather is kept at bay so you enjoy your camping trip without getting soaked. Features include a Wind Strong frame for high resistance against heavy winds, a Zipper Protection which stops leaks entering the doors, Leak-free seams use Velcro attachments to provide superior protection for the rainfly, and Waterproof flooring enhances the strength of the tent floor to prevent needle holes developing.

The fully screened front porch area is fantastic for those long summer days when you want to relax in the tent with your family rather than explore your surroundings. Alternatively, it makes a great place to store camping gear which you want to keep dry. Being screened means you are protected against bugs and insects, which is nice.

A deluxe carrying bag comes with the tent. It’s nicely sized so packing the tent away isn’t frustrating.

Cons:

The front screened section of the tent doesn’t feature a zip, so it isn’t suitable for keeping out heavy rain or thunderstorms. However, the screen can be collapsed for greater protection against the elements.

There are only two storage pockets inside the tent. We’d have liked to have seen a couple more so each camper could have their own pocket.

The rear window cannot be zipped closed so it terms of privacy this aspect is a little disappointing.

Guarantee: 1-year limited warranty.

Summary

The Coleman Evanston 6 Screened Tent is a really impressive tent which delivers highly in terms of bang for your buck. It’s attractive, lightweight, easy to setup and holds up really well to wet, windy weather as many consumers can attest to.

I rate this as a strong buy if you’re after a quality tent for between 2-4 people.





Camping 101

Had it with the "rat race"? Got time off but not much cash to spend? Losing touch with your family? Sounds like an old-fashioned campout is just what you need.

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time getting reacquainted with your family. Great family camping getaways are easy to plan and inexpensive vacation options. Nature is everywhere, so you don't need to travel far for your camping trip. You can journey to a national park, drive to a local campground, or pitch a tent in your own backyard.

Camping 101 begins with the planning. This part of the trip is half the fun. Call a family meeting to decide where you'd like to go. Depending on your budget, you can plan to load up the trunk with tents and sleeping bags, pull a camper or drive an RV. The point is to treat your family to an unforgettable outdoor adventure, so it doesn't matter how you plan to camp or where you intend to go.

If you are new to the camping experience, it's probably a good idea to start out slow. Book a weekend campsite to get the feel for the camping lifestyle. Get used to cooking over a wood fire and sharing your space with wildlife, before you venture too far away from the comforts of home. Many campgrounds provide fun activities like pools, playgrounds, fishing or recreational boating, so check your local listings to see what adventures lie ahead.

Once your kids (and you) recover from the shock of having no television or Internet access, you'll all have an eye-opening experience. You'll realize the nature is fun. Camping opens the doors to a world of new activities, like swimming, rock diving, boating, fishing, hiking, catching butterflies, searching for fossils, and going wherever your energy level and imagination can take you. Campgrounds and remote parks are all filled with wonderful ways to enjoy the best nature has to offer. If you want to boat or water ski, many campsites offer these and other items for rent.

Don't expect to bring along your everyday dinnerware and automatic coffeepot for your campout. Remember, you will be roughing it, so pack accordingly. Bring plastic dishes and cutlery that can be washed and reused, but won't break in transit. Make sure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothes. Pack the food you'll need, plus a little extra, and keep a supply of ice on hand for perishables like meat and dairy. If you're bringing tins of beans, remember a manual can opener or pack your Swiss army knife. If you're not sure what to bring, ask an associate at your local sporting store to help you choose your camping needs. Call on friends who like to camp, and ask them for advice.

Just like your old scoutmaster used to say, "Always be prepared". Make a list and check it three times before you leave on your camping trip. Make sure that there is enough food and fresh water for everyone. Bring food that can be easily prepared on your campsite. Pack clothing for all kinds of weather. Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items. Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn't care what you look like. She just wants you to enjoy your stay.