Family of four—tent or tent(s)

[DAA]

...but I don't think there is a tent in the world that would make sleeping in wind like that very enjoyable. Wind just sucks.

I slept great in that tent, in that wind. Didn't bother me at all.

How did the Springbar do in that wind?

Would have been quieter inside, and the walls wouldn't have been caving in nearly as much. But I'd have slept just the same, so it doesn't really matter. But, my experience, Springbar kicks shit out of Hammerhead 3 for wind.

Also, it would take me at least 30 minutes to setup that old spring bar...probably more.

You definitely don't know how to set one up... Takes me under 10 minutes, by myself. Usually just a little bit longer when someone tries to help. I would add, les that sound like exaggeration, there are numerous people on RME that have seen me do it.

- DAA

 

[Cody]

I never can sleep well in the wind like that, and that's interesting the springbars hold up to wind like that. I wouldn't have thought.

I haven't claimed to know how to set one up very well, and it's probably a skill I'll be able to escape life without ever knowing. I've probably done it three times....twice as a tweenager, and once heavily drunk at 2 am on the beach with some bar shrapnel staring at me ha ha. I don't doubt they can be set up in 10 minutes by someone familiar with them.

 

[DAA]

About lag bolts for rock... I used to carry a cordless hammer drill and masonry bit and just drill holes for the Snow Peak stakes. Worked great. But was kind of a hassle.

The reason I take my Hammerhead to The Maze, is the lack of dirt in some spots for tent stakes. And I don't think it's cool to drill holes and stuff in those designated sites that get constant use. Note though, in the video - that Hammerhead is held in place with stakes. But also note how shallow they are. Those Snow Peak stakes are the stuff. Hammer them right into sandstone. Don't need to pound them in very far, they hold like crazy.

And they last forever and ever, even with constant heavy abuse. I haven't ruined one yet, put it that way. For something like an asphalt parking lot, they'll easily pound right into that. Have seen them being used that way for vendor booths and such.

- DAA

 

[DAA]

I never can sleep well in the wind like that, and that's interesting the springbars hold up to wind like that. I wouldn't have thought.

Wind or especially rain on a tent are hypnotic to me. Puts me to sleep almost instantly.

I have had Springbars come down in wind, twice. But it was way stronger wind than the wind in that video.

- DAA

 

[Stephen]

I never can sleep well in the wind like that, and that's interesting the springbars hold up to wind like that. I wouldn't have thought.

I haven't claimed to know how to set one up very well, and it's probably a skill I'll be able to escape life without ever knowing. I've probably done it three times....twice as a tweenager, and once heavily drunk at 2 am on the beach with some bar shrapnel staring at me ha ha. I don't doubt they can be set up in 10 minutes by someone familiar with them.

"Bar shrapnel" 🤣🤣

 

[Kevin B.]

I’m worried it wouldn’t free stand…. Or am I overthinking it?

You're overthinking it. Bury your stakes a couple inches down, double them up in an X if it's windy, you won't have any trouble. Those Springbars are solid.

 

[Kevin B.]

I’ve never thought to myself- you know what would be fun in the middle of the night when I have to piss? Climbing down a ladder.

Ask @cruiseroutfit about his special Nalgene.

I'm a Gatorade bottle man myself.

 

[Houndoc]

When our kids were young, the large spring bar was our perfect Lake Powell shelter.
Once they got older, using a couple smaller tents became our go-to for shorter trips.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Ask @cruiseroutfit about his special Nalgene.

I'm a Gatorade bottle man myself.

If you're getting out of any tent to pee, you're doing it wrong. Spend some time camping in -40°F temps and you'll quickly change your routine. That said, climbing down a ladder on e an evening isn't exactly difficult either. 😀

 

[cruiseroutfit]

The single perfect tent doesn't exist. I spent 53 nights camping this year, hoping to sneak in a few more before years end. Tents included a Kelty 2-man, Alucab RTT, a 4 man Springbar (certainly the warmest and most comfortable), a 2 person Springbar scout model and a cheapo we call Gary Coleman, a Costco special 3/4 man that just won't die.

All have their tradeoffs and highs/lows. Gary works with dogs. They've slept in the Spring Bar but I'm the asshole that doesn't want dog hair all over in my Spring Bar thus Gary Coleman gets spared from the DI pile. If I've got the space (vehicle) and need (2+ persons) the Springbar is hands down the best ground tent for me. Sets up in 10-15 minutes with cots included, absolutely dry, warm and super comfortable.

 

[BlackSheep]

Ask @cruiseroutfit about his special Nalgene.

I'm a Gatorade bottle man myself.

If you're getting out of any tent to pee, you're doing it wrong. Spend some time camping in -40°F temps and you'll quickly change your routine. That said, climbing down a ladder one an evening isn't exactly difficult either. 😀

I agree - hardly matters what the weather is, if you have to get out of your tent to pee you are doing it wrong. I have a pair of nalgenes in my van.

 

[Rot Box]

All very good info thanks again fellas! 😎

 

[1969honda]

I agree - hardly matters what the weather is, if you have to get out of your tent to pee you are doing it wrong. I have a pair of nalgenes in my van.

We'll all try to remember to avoid the Nalgenes if we ever ride in your van🤣

 

[N-Smooth]

I agree - hardly matters what the weather is, if you have to get out of your tent to pee you are doing it wrong. I have a pair of nalgenes in my van.

Getting out of the tent to pee when it’s pitch black in the wilderness and being scared to death is the best.

 

[Rot Box]

I remember my old man had a canvas Coleman from probably the 1960’s I’d say. We used it all growing up. He was able to set it up fast and effortlessly… mostly because we (kids) weren’t paying attention or helping in any way—weird.

Fast forward to me as a young adult I borrowed this tent one time…. Yeah thirty poles all different lengths… I gave up after what seemed like hours of F-bombs, blood, sweat and tears. Needless to say I slept in the front seat of my Subie that night. I know—cool story bro.

I’ll give this spring bar my brother has a chance but if the ptsd comes back I’m out 😂

 

[Kevin B.]

I’ll give this spring bar my brother has a chance but if the ptsd comes back I’m out

You're gonna love it. Peg it down, put the springy bars in the sleeves on the top, lock the spreader between them, then two more poles between the spreader and the ground. Like Kurt says, they're awesome tents if you don't mind the drawbacks (weight and bulk when packed, mostly).

 

[Rot Box]

Sweet and I’ll set it up in the yard beforehand to get familiar with it. Might be a good idea.

Size wise it won’t be a problem car camping and such.

 

[Tonkaman]

Funny, this thread has me realizing how poorly setup I am for camping alone. Everything I have now is for 3+ people and just not worth dealing with when solo camping.

 

[Skylinerider]

I've had dozens of different tents for the fam, from huge canvas wall tents (think elk hunt camping) to ultra light backpacking tents(black diamond mega mid), lots of coleman, and even did the travel trailer thing for a while. I now have 2 Marmot Limelight 3 person tents that I absolutely love. Me and my girl in one and the kids in the other. They are pretty lightweight, but there is a lot of headroom, and they are extremely well made, and are awesome in the wind. I went with some Big Agnes sleeping bags and pads and it's been a great setup the last few years.

 

[bryson]

Word on the street (dirt road?) is that this is a pretty dang good tent, and it's got a good discount right now too...

Gazelle Tents T4 Hub Tent, Easy 90 Second Set-Up, Waterproof, UV Resistant, Removable Floor, Ample Storage Options, 4-Person, Sunset Orange, 78" x 94" x 94", 22272

Gazelle Tents™ rugged design and ease of set up makes the perfect ground tent for your next overland or car camping excursion. The T4 Hub Tent, our most popular tent, is the ultimate pop-up camping tent. It provides 61 square feet of floor space allowing you to sleep up to four people with...

gazelletents.com

Plus this (not sure if it works in conjunction with the already discounted price, but it's worth a shot!):