Comparing (sealed) Tents

Jackie · Post by **Jackie** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 2:09 am

I'd like to know of tents that can be completly closed-off: I purchased a Coleman but it has vents that can not be zippered off, instead, they are covered by a flap. Needless to say, this will let all the dust in and I don't want that to happen, so I'm returning it but before I need to know of posible replacements. That's where you come in

I'd like to know:
Model and maker of tents that can be completely closed off?
Approximate price?
Where was it was purchased?
Does your model have net pockets? Window(s)?

Thanks!

Rendrag · Post by **Rendrag** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 7:45 am

About two weeks ago Big 5 Sporting Goods here in SoCal ran an ad for Suisse Sport's "Mammoth" tent model (12x10, $99 on sale for $79). I too was looking for a tent with windows that closed and this model has 'em. When I went to buy mine there was only one left at the local B5 in Huntington Beach.

Based on replies to a similar message I posted several weeks ago, zipperless mesh windows/panels now seems to be the norm. So you have to keep you eye out for 'older' tent models and when you see one, grab it.

Good luck.

sparkletarte · Post by **sparkletarte** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 8:55 am

Miracle of miracles, I found one on the weekend. It's a no name made in China model, 4 person tent, orange & green, ~72"x72"x56". It has two doors with mesh and zippered covers, no other windows, no other bells and whistles. It was $89 Canadian at the Vancouver, BC Army & Navy on Hastings St. Since there's no brand, all I can say is they do exist. You could try getting the Army & Navy phone number to see if they do mail order to the US.

Stormy · Post by **Stormy** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 9:42 am

Oh come on, embrace the dust. For it will surely embrace you.

nocturnal_steve · Post by **nocturnal_steve** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 11:18 pm

I looked at the " Suisse Sport" Mammouth at my local Big 5 The price was lower here, this weekend in Santa Barbara. It is similar to the Kelty I have now, the mesh windows have nylon flaps so yoiu can close the windows but the top is open mesh so the tent " breath's"...am I missing someything here ?

I always have had a problem with dust in the tent after a couple of afternoon's of wind, so I am looking for a something that completely closes.
I went to a couple of other stores, and open closable side windows and open mesh top is all I saw. Its looks like I'll have to custom sew some ripstop nylon into the four mesh panels at the top if I want a dust free environment.

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 4:59 am

We leave the rain fly off our tent, then cover the mesh with a bigass comforter or quilt held on with spring clamps. We've done this with our big crappy Coleman, our no name, and our little REI tents, has kept dust out everytime.

Comforters are thick enough to keep the dust out and insulate the tent. Must be under a shade canopy though, not at all waterproof.

TheJudge · Post by **TheJudge** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 8:28 am

Resistance is futile. Really.

Just keep the tent closed and keep the rain fly on. The dust is going to get in no matter what.

If you are sleeping the conventional way, you can try covering your bed with a large blanket so the sheets will stay cleaner, then just shake the dust out of the blanket before going to bed. That also works.

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 8:46 am

In 2000 my Coleman Vagabond died. It was beautiful, canvas, big, with a high ceiling. It had survived '99 only because I kept all the windows and door open. The air flowed through it, with the dust being somewhat "filtered" with the mesh. If you don't remember, 99 was the year of 75mph storm that lasted over 24 hrs, "calming down" to 35mph the next day. I'd also made the frame from conduit, not that cheap aluminum crap. At all 6 points, I had bungee guy lines tethered to rebar.
I would cover my queen size bed with a single sheet, pulling it carefully off when I went to sleep. I always had a clean bed. All my supplies stayed in snap top totes, which kept the contents reasonably dirt free.

In 2000 I kept the same policy. However, a helpful neighbor closed everything up while I was away, believing that by closing it up, this would protect it from the windstorm. It did the opposite. From a "normal" storm of 35 mph, the tent was torn up, and the frame was horribly bent. I lost my tent by it being "sealed up."

I strongly suggest you re-think your plan to secure your tent to keep dirt out, because the air pressure differential will make it POP.

Comparing (sealed) Tents

Comparing (sealed) Tents

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Suisse Sport's "Mammoth" tent and dust.....