I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

[jthomp26]

Hello,

For a couple of weeks now, I have been searching for a new tent. I don't think one exists with the features I'm looking for, and I really don't understand why. I'm not concerned about the budget... so it's crazy to me that I can't find these things:

- 4(ish) person tent.. just me and my girlfriend (and soon a dog). I'm 6'2'', the g/f is 5'10'', and the dog will likely be really big.
- Strictly for car camping, so weight and stuff doesn't matter
- Not worried about inclement weather

Pretty typical so far... BUT,

- Mesh all around the roof and sides, like the Mountain Hardware Optic 2.5/3.5 tents. I want a "panoramic" view to look around at the stars when there's no rain.
- ZIPPABLE windows for privacy. I don't care if the roof is mesh only, no one is climbing a tree to look at me. I just want to be able to go to sleep looking at the stars, and then wake up and be able to close the screen around me so that I can get dressed.
- If it rains and I need to cover the roof, I can just put the rainfly on.


Basically, the best option I've found is the Optic 2.5/3.5. The problem with those tents is that I have 3 options for privacy:

1. After I've looked at the stars I have to hope that I'm still awake, so that I can put the rainfly on so it's already there in the morning.
2. In the morning, after I wake up, I could crawl out of the tent in my boxers and put the rainfly up so I can... wait no...
3. Just get naked and hope no one is looking.

Is there a tent for me out there?!

[Happy Joe]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

The mesh roof may be an issue (tents that I have had with this kind of feature were uniformly poor shelter, unusable in a couple of cases).
..It sound like you want a mesh roofed screenhouse.. a quick search;
https://www.google.com/search?q=mesh...&bih=820#imgrc=_
Turned up some possibilities for further investigation;
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trai...Porch/46271750
http://www.travelingmonarch.com/wenz...e-tent-review/

... no experience with either so this is not a recommendation.

We have given up on finding all that we want in a tent, we normally camp with a tent and either a tarp or canopy for open shelter , with walls & a heater in early spring late fall.
if we want to sleep under the stars, we sleep outside the tent (usually cold around 3:00 AM) (since we are often/usually a quarter mile or more from the nearest neighbor its not a big deal) mostly though; we like shady sites so the stars are not all that visible.

Enjoy!

[NYCgrrl]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

Sleep in sweatpants? :D

[tplife]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

Big Agnes and Mountain Hardwear are among those selling tents with abundant condensation-stopping mesh upper bodies, but as you know you have to pin the fly on to get cover. Our (discontinued model) Sierra Designs Bedouin has a nice feature that allows quick raising/dropping of a lower portion that gives visibility and ventilation on the bottom 8 inches or so of the tent fly, revealing a mesh strip on each side of the lower portion of the fly.

[a65hoosier]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

Perhaps an option: Check out the "upgraded for 2016" REI Kingdom series. The back internal room of the tent has full fabric (poly taffeta I think) privacy walls and a mesh roof. The other internal half of the tent is all mesh. The two "rooms" can be separated by a hanging fabric curtain. It has a full coverage rainfly that covers the entire tent. The fly also now has the ability to be able to be rolled up the sides (and toggled in place) allowing greater ventilation and views. Add the huge optional garage for additional weather protected space. Comes in 4P, 6P, and 8P versions.

Link: https://www.rei.com/product/894016/rei-kingdom-6-tent

Sleep in the front room with all mesh enjoy the stars, wake up and do your thing in the back fabric area...? lol

[actad]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

Ozark Trail makes a few cabin versions with zippable windows and no roof without the rain fly. The videos in the links give the best view of the screened roof. I would go with the largest one you ca fit in your vehicle for the best viewing of the sky, and lots of room for gear and the future dog. Below are some examples:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trai...ps-10/28911609

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trai...-Tent/42120623

http://www.walmart.com/ip/10-x-9-Ins...eps-6/42206183

I have an Ozark Trail screen room and found it was of acceptable quality.

[Irate Mormon]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

if we want to sleep under the stars, we sleep outside the tent (usually cold around 3:00 AM) (since we are often/usually a quarter mile or more from the nearest neighbor its not a big deal) mostly though; we like shady sites so the stars are not all that visible.

Ditto that - but then you would miss out on all the fun of the never-ending search for the perfect tent!

[JonnieHeelers]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

What about the kelty trail ridge? The new model has that "stargazing' feature where you can roll the fly up and then if you need to pull it down you can just stick your arm out the side and pull the fly down

[Happy Joe]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

Ditto that - but then you would miss out on all the fun of the never-ending search for the perfect tent!

As the saying goes; been there....

Now we usually go for 3 season tents that we can stand up in and are big enough for 2 people to move around in without, constantly, bumping into each other... (except for the 9x9 dome; we keep this for quick trips).

Enjoy!

[TexanFan]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

Found two at Academy.com. May be something like your asking about.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mage...dCatid=3496517

12x7


http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/slum...dCatid=3637013
10 x 9

[Billy The Impale]

Re: I'm convinced no tent like this exists.. and I don't understand why

I hope I'm not violating protocol by resurrecting an old thread or by top-posting. Let me know if I am.

But this reminds me of M*A*S*H. It always seemed to me that Hawkeye, Trapper, et al. had no privacy in that tent. Surely they didn't always go to the showers to change. But I figure there was some sort of in-camp protocol that meant you don't look in others's tents when you passed by. Add to that the light/dark differential meant you probably couldn't see inside much of the time, anyway, even if you were right outside. Add to the a little judiciousness in timing and manner of dressing and disrobing, and there probably wasn't much to see. I imagine some/most/or all would apply to some degree.

Hello,

Basically, the best option I've found is the Optic 2.5/3.5. The problem with those tents is that I have 3 options for privacy:

1. After I've looked at the stars I have to hope that I'm still awake, so that I can put the rainfly on so it's already there in the morning.
2. In the morning, after I wake up, I could crawl out of the tent in my boxers and put the rainfly up so I can... wait no...
3. Just get naked and hope no one is looking.

Is there a tent for me out there?!