Playa worthy Tent - your favorites...?

[Dave-O]

Hi all, playa on my mind...
I have a Tent related question as I am looking for a decent sized playa capable tent that zips completely closed (ie no open mesh panels).

I'm looking for at least an 8'x8 (4-6 person), but prefer something in the 10x10 or larger size.

Any suggestions on make, model, price, and online-stores/websties would be appreciated.

Many thanks,
~David

p.s. Here are the tents that I have found in my research so far:

Kodiak Flex-Bow Canvas Tents (various sizes from 9'x8', to 10'x14)
(these seem to be sold out til after BM, maybe...?)

Eureka Tents (i am told the following all zip fully closed - no mesh):
HEADQUARTERS TENT
Titan Tent
Equinox 6 tent

PINNACLE cabin tent #237

Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model Tent
http://www.cabelas.com/

Springbar Tents
http://www.springbar.com/

[Dave-O]

a couple more items:
I am a 13 yr play veteran so I have a good skill set managing structures on the playa.

I used to have a Kelty Ridgeline 8x8 tent that ended up with a terminal rip after cleaning last year (made it to 13 playa visits... RIP)
That tent zipped completely closed and had awesome zippers (YKK), sturdy poles, and excellent structural integrity (never blew down once, but I do know how to tie things down...).

The Eureka tents seem pretty cool and are more in line with the Kelty style I used to have (nylon not canvas, so its lighter).

I'd use the tent for car camping at festivals like Lightning in a Bottle, Priceless, etc. so I dont think I want a super big tent as finding real estate at a festival for a monster tent can be hard...

many thanks in advance...
David

[Dr Jet Sinister]

We have two Kodiak Flex Bow Tents from Cabela's, one in each size. They are fantastic playa tents. Sturdy, will zip completely closed, and, with a rug on the floor, seems fairly dust free. Cabela's website shows they are in stock.

[Dave-O]

Thanks for the info. Are the Kodiak tents heavy/bulky? I haven't owned a canvas tent so i am curious about its size/portability. I'm sure i'm capable of carrying it, though usually there is plenty to carry when car camping...
many thanks,
David

[peachandpapa]

We have used four canvas wall tents from 9x9 to 16x20 for the past few years. Heavy and bulky but very comfortable and very sturdy. Will last forever! The Cadillac of tents! Look up on the web Denver Tent Co. or Montana Wall Tents.

[Dr Jet Sinister]

You wouldn't want to take that tent to walk-in camping unless you're a professional power lifter. As peachandpapa said, it will last forever.

[Irreverent Moniker]

I use a sweet Mountain Hardware 4 season tent that is completely enclosed (no mesh except for two zipped windows

[Trishntek]

The Kodiak 10x14 has two separate bags which helps you to share the load relatively comfortable. Just a guess, I would say the hardware bag is 25 pounds and the canvas bag is about 25 pounds. Both bags are actually tougher stuff than the tent itself! They also come standard with 12" stainless steel stakes.

For car camping or a short walk they are worth the bulk. imo

[Dave-O]

Update on the Pinnacle tent (mentioned above in my earlier post as a tent option) from someone who bought one and just set it up for the first time recently. The windows/doors dont fully zip closed (i.e. two zippers on the sides of a square window zip it up but then the flap ties off at the top so it will let dust in).

I'm leaning toward a Eureka Equinox 6 tent or a Eureka Titan Tent. Eureka tells me that these tents zip fully closed. i saw someone post here on eplaya that the Eureka Equinox 6 tent does zip closed and they liked the tent. Personally I like the dimensions and height of the Titan tent a little better.

I saw the posts RE the Kodiak tents, but 50 pounds of gear in two bags is a bit much for me and my car camping ways at the various festivals I've attended as some of them require you to hike your stuff quite a ways to your camping site.

What to do...? Anyone use Eureka tents? Anyone use the Eureka Titan tent?

many thanks,
David

[StevenGoodman]

My 10x10 Springbar weighs 62 pounds, according to the website. Heavy, but tough.

Martini Steve

[Purrjian]

I have the Equinox and it does zip shut. Fairly easy to put up.