Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Screen Tents
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phisherman |
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mr.barley |
quote Savage Voyageur: "With 8 guys 20# isn't that bad. There's always a place to put it with that many guys.quote mr.barley: "wow...20 lbs?" |
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Saberboys |
quote Savage Voyageur: "quote Saberboys: "quote Savage Voyageur: "My friend Pikehunter had a Gander Mtn screen tent this year and I really liked it. It has two sides with zipper doors that tie off when not needed. But the feature I really liked was the rain gutters made out of fabric at the top of the tent. This allows the rain to flow down to the sides and the screen stays mostly dry. It worked great in the 4 rain storms we had. Don't buy one until you look at this one. It is a little heavy but we base camp and it is not an issue. " Thank you Savage! |
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jberns |
quote TallMatt: " BassProShops Bug Enclosure - 10x10 or 12x12 (around $60) Bought the 10x10 & weighed it at about 4#. It does not pack real small. Works great & sets up quickly & easily by tying it to trees. |
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Saberboys |
quote Savage Voyageur: "My friend Pikehunter had a Gander Mtn screen tent this year and I really liked it. It has two sides with zipper doors that tie off when not needed. But the feature I really liked was the rain gutters made out of fabric at the top of the tent. This allows the rain to flow down to the sides and the screen stays mostly dry. It worked great in the 4 rain storms we had. Don't buy one until you look at this one. It is a little heavy but we base camp and it is not an issue. " Hey Savage, could you shoot me the name or possibly post a link of the one that you used? I peeked at Gander and couldn't decipher which one it may be. Thanks! |
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Savage Voyageur |
quote Saberboys: "quote Savage Voyageur: "My friend Pikehunter had a Gander Mtn screen tent this year and I really liked it. It has two sides with zipper doors that tie off when not needed. But the feature I really liked was the rain gutters made out of fabric at the top of the tent. This allows the rain to flow down to the sides and the screen stays mostly dry. It worked great in the 4 rain storms we had. Don't buy one until you look at this one. It is a little heavy but we base camp and it is not an issue. " Here it is... Screen tent |
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mr.barley |
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amhacker22 |
quote mr.barley: "wow...20 lbs?" That seems heavy to me too, but if I was basecamping I'd take it in a second. I'd still long for, and probably eventually justify/buy, the CCS version though. |
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onepaddlejunkie |
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TallMatt |
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Savage Voyageur |
quote mr.barley: "wow...20 lbs?" This is not for everyone, that is for sure. I did not want to take it because of the size/weight. If you move every day no way. We took it for base camping as a cooking area for 8 guys. It worked very well for this type of camping. Last week the bugs and flies were very bad and it also rained. With the rain gutters on this thing they diverted the rain away, so we stayed dry and bug free. Yes it is 20 lbs but we only paddled about 5 miles and set up camp, so the 20 lbs is nothing at that point. Then we did day trips from there. I am glad we took it thinking back. |
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Squid |
Very cozy with four guys, but we very seldom had all four guys in there at the same time. And the one night when things were really horrible, we weren't going to complain at all about elbow room since it meant we could eat our chili without needing to slurp it through a headnet! |
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Frenchy19 |
quote OldFingers57: "quote tashit: "I got the double last week off ebay for $22.49 shipped. I haven't pulled it out yet but I'm going to sort of try it out this weekend. We are camping at Whitewater State Park and I'm bringing it along just to set it up and see how I like it, even though there aren't any bugs to truly test it out. I'm going to set it up under my EZ-up." Mine has arrived, and I will set it up under a tarp. |
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Frenchy19 |
quote tashit: "I got the double last week off ebay for $22.49 shipped. I haven't pulled it out yet but I'm going to sort of try it out this weekend. We are camping at Whitewater State Park and I'm bringing it along just to set it up and see how I like it, even though there aren't any bugs to truly test it out. I'm going to set it up under my EZ-up." I love Whitewater park; no bugs, great fishing! |
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OldFingers57 |
quote tashit: "I got the double last week off ebay for $22.49 shipped. I haven't pulled it out yet but I'm going to sort of try it out this weekend. We are camping at Whitewater State Park and I'm bringing it along just to set it up and see how I like it, even though there aren't any bugs to truly test it out. I'm going to set it up under my EZ-up." When you take it to the BWCA how are you going to set it up? Under a tarp like others have or just by itself? Let me know how it works out for you. |
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lundojam |
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Squid |
We were fortunate to have a steady breeze for several days, but on those evenings when the wind died that the skeeters came out in force, it was absolutely magical. (I felt kind of ashamed, truth to tell, because eating dinner and watching the sun set over the lake from the bug-free comfort of our little screen house felt a little too much like sitting in my dad's screen porch back in civilization. I mean, isn't the B-Dub supposed to be all about the suffering?) * Speaking of which -- does anyone know if there are still bugs in the forest? |
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LuvMyBell |
quote TallMatt: "quote Teenda: "quote TallMatt: " BassProShops Bug Enclosure - 10x10 or 12x12 (around $60) Since this will be your 1st setup....... If you are bringing corner poles and a center pole.....ignore the following...... Your biggest issue without poles will be finding 4 trees to tie the corners off in a square shape. It's also nice if you can setup underneath a tall tree limb so you can tie off the center of the top. Otherwise you will need to rig some sort of center pole or the top WILL droop down into the interior of the screen enclosure. This is a bit tricky if you set it up under a tarp for protection from the rain. It's a bit of a hassel, but IMO well worth it to keep the bugs at bay for a reasonable price point. If I lived closer to the BWCA and was able to trip 5 or more times a year, I wouldn't hesitate to spend the money of the NEMO and might even splurge $600 - $800 on the quality CCS model. For use 1 and sometimes 2 trips a year, this $70 model works perfectly for me. |
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Moonman |
quote lundojam: "We bought a Eureka something something and leave the poles at home. Bring lots of cord to hang and it's not a problem to set up; in fact I enjoy figuring it out. Tip: give it a quick blast of Raid fogger after you set it up. " I do the exact same thing. I have two screen rooms from older screen houses that I use without poles. One is 8x10, the other 12x18. Very sweet and really nice and light without the poles. Just bring lots of lightweight rope as you mentioned. Guys think it will be a real bother or will not work without the poles but then are all crowding in there and loving it when the evening mossies descend. If you know a selection of knots for tightening (taut line hitch is awesome), you can customize to the site and get a perfect pitch. Moonman. |
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Canoe42 |
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LuvMyBell |
I have the 12' x 12' model but our group size is always 8 or 9. It really has come in handy the last couple years. We can cook, eat, talk and play cards while in camp without worrying about bugs - all for the low price of $70. I just couldn't justify $250 for the Nemo or $550 - $850 for the 15' x 15' CCS when this alternative is available. Time will tell about the quality and how long it will last. |
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Frenchy19 |
quote Squid: "Given the elevated threat of bugs* this season, I splurged on one of the Sea to Summit double box nets referenced above. We set it up under our tarp, and didn't regret it for a single minute. Glad to hear the screen worked for you! I will be using mine for the first time on an upcoming trip with one of my daughters, and I always look forward to playing around with new gear? Got any pics? (And I would be willing to bet there are still bugs in the forest;-) |
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Canoe42 |
quote MagicStik: "No problem....i just paid the $84 for it. :) Was that for tarp and netting? |
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Frenchy19 |
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Doughboy12 |
Everyone knows there are NO bugs up there, the fishing is better, no Jack Wagons to deal with, no camping restrictions, and on and on...it's nirvana man. (Too soon?) |
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Frenchy19 |
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OldFingers57 |
quote Frenchy19: "Has anyone tried the Sea to Summit Box Net Shelter? Nice price ($60 on Amazon with the Permathrin treatment, %50 without the Perathrin) and lightweight, although pretty small. Sea to Summit Box Shelter " This item was mentioned over on another post about mosquitos. Someone had it and loved it. They had it attached under their tarp. They had these Sea to Summit dbl nets over on ebay for around $22-29.00 |
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Frenchy19 |
quote OldFingers57: "quote Frenchy19: "Has anyone tried the Sea to Summit Box Net Shelter? Nice price ($60 on Amazon with the Permathrin treatment, %50 without the Perathrin) and lightweight, although pretty small. Sea to Summit Box Shelter " Thanks, OF57! |
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MagicStik |
What are some of the screen tent options out there? Magic |
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TallMatt |
I've thought about picking one of these up and sewing some loops at strategic corners for easy suspension in camp. Result would be a ghetto screenhouse without the weight and bulk of poles etc. I think the reason I never bought one is the manufacturer says it is 8 lbs when stowed away and 14x13x5 (a second tent). I'll keep dreaming about a CCS or Nemo tarp. Until then, we'll continue to be tortured while making dinner, eat in the tent, and unceremoniously throw our dishes out the tent door for cleaning in the morning. Those mosquitoes can be BAD ... even with full body coverage, a headnet, 100% deet spray, Ultrathon deet lotion, and those little battery powered OFF! fan repellent things. |
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Ragged |
quote MagicStik: "After our buggy trip last year and all the bug talk this year I am considering the purchase of some sort of screen tent. I don't care if I have to tripple portage...I don't want to go through that buggy experience ever again. CCS if you want the best and have the money for it, much better tarp top, otherwise Nemo makes a couple. I have their really small/light one, a 7X7 Elite and also their biggest offering, the 12 X 12. Had the big guy set up last week and it sure was nice to be able to cool off shirtless after cutting/splitting a bunch of wood (it was warm). It was also nice to eat/cook in peace and fillet fish without having to swat skeeters off with nasty fish hands. We had a bigger group so its large size wasn't a real Burdon, don't think id bring the big/heavy one in with 2 or 3 people, id opt for a smaller less bulky one. |
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wingnut |
The 10x10 screen room weighs almost 10 pounds without the poles. |
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TallMatt |
quote wingnut: " I plan to use my eureka screen house without the poles. The cast aluminum center piece that the poles plug into on the screen room fits perfectly in the quad loops that are sewn into my CCS tarp. I think I'll be able to string the tarp up with the center of screen room hooked into the quad loop and tie off the corners to the tarp lines. Should be able to tie the screen room up and out of the way when It's not needed. Thanks for sharing the weight on a similar item. Almost enough to make me pick up the bassproshops one, since they mailed me a $10 off coupon recently. The main drawback to no-see-um mesh is that it's heavy. |
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dblwhiskey |
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OldFingers57 |
the other shelter I have is a Eureka shelter house the type that takes aluminum fram poles. However I don't have the poles for it so I string it up like a tarp. One door access. Kinda a pain in the ass set up as it's not really designed to be used without the poles/frame. |
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Savage Voyageur |
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3Ball |
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LuvMyBell |
quote dblwhiskey: "If you don't want the cost of buying a CCS screen tarp, I know Piragis used to rent them for a fairly reasonable price. You might even check to see if they still have any used ones for sale." Piragis' website shows they rent and sell the 12' x12' and 9' x 9' NEMO Bugout Bug Tarp. They have already sold out on all their 2013 used stock. No mention of the CCS screen tarps on their website. However they still have used CCS ultralight 15x15 tarps for sale for $325. New price is $450. |
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dblwhiskey |
quote LuvMyBell: "quote dblwhiskey: "If you don't want the cost of buying a CCS screen tarp, I know Piragis used to rent them for a fairly reasonable price. You might even check to see if they still have any used ones for sale." I would make a call up there, they don't always have all of their used gear listed on the website. I have also found that what they list on the website doesn't always match what you rent. I think they list their sleeping pads as Big Anges but I have rented the Nemo from them or they list the the Crazy Creek Chair but yet they also rent the Helinox. I did a quick look at their website and it shows a 9x9 and a 15x15 bug tarp with screen walls. I think the 15x15 is a CCS. Like I said I usually call to verify the details. |
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walllee |
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redoleary |
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TwoByGreenCanoe |
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MagicStik |
MagicStik |
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MagicStik |
quote phisherman: "Just picked this up w/a 25% off additional coupon...$62 bugamid screen shelter " May I ask where you got the 25% off coupon? I don't see one on the site. Thanks, Magic |
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onepaddlejunkie |
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thistlekicker |
quote Savage Voyageur: "quote Saberboys: "quote Savage Voyageur: "My friend Pikehunter had a Gander Mtn screen tent this year and I really liked it. It has two sides with zipper doors that tie off when not needed. But the feature I really liked was the rain gutters made out of fabric at the top of the tent. This allows the rain to flow down to the sides and the screen stays mostly dry. It worked great in the 4 rain storms we had. Don't buy one until you look at this one. It is a little heavy but we base camp and it is not an issue. " We have the same screen tent and one of the 3/8" fiberglass roof poles just snapped in a moderate wind. I'm debating if and how to replace it (fiberglass, aluminum, or an entirely new structure). If I was looking for a new screen house, I'd definitely look for something with aluminum poles. |
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phisherman |
May I ask where you got the 25% off coupon? I don't see one on the site. Thanks, Magic Sorry Magic, one paddle is correct...it was only a 48 hour coupon...I forgot to include that vital piece of info...if I see any similar deals I will post them. Phish |
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MagicStik |
Magic |
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GSP |
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buz |
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BnD |
quote 2old4U: "If I had to sit in a screen tent all day because the bugs were so bad I'd stay home and go when the bugs died off. How you gonna have any fun or catch any fish if you are lugging a big screen tent and cooped up in there all day?!?! Don't make sense to me.."I was kinda thinking the same thing. However, I agree they can be unbelievable but, even then I think I would just move to another campsite with a more lake exposure and breeze. |
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2old4U |
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LuvMyBell |
quote TallMatt: "When considering weight, what do you guys think about the performance of no-see-um mesh vs. mosquito netting in the BWCA? The denser no-see-um has a much higher weight and pack size compared to plain mosquito netting." Both will keep the bugs at bay......Once you've made the decision that you need a screen enclosure for your BWCA trips, it really boils down to cost. The lighter versions like CCS weigh what, 4 lbs. The heavier no-see-um like the Bass Pro enclosure weigh in at 8 lbs. In the big scheme of things do you really notice a 4 lb difference in your pack? And even if you do, it is worth the cost difference? You make the call. I will say that the Bass Pro screen enclosure is made to accompany the EZ Up type canopies and does not have a tarp roof. So, you'll also need to set it up under a tarp if you plan to use it in the rain. I went through the trouble of modifying mine last year to remove the no-see-um mesh roof and replaced it with a 12' x 12' sil nylon tarp that I had sewn in it's place. It's still heavier than the CCS, but I get all the functionality for 1/8th the cost. |
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TallMatt |
quote 2old4U: "If I had to sit in a screen tent all day because the bugs were so bad I'd stay home and go when the bugs died off. How you gonna have any fun or catch any fish if you are lugging a big screen tent and cooped up in there all day?!?! Don't make sense to me.." The screen enclosure is just to have a comfortable place to eat lunch or dinner in (or maybe hang out if the weather is crappy). In my experience the skeeters really start ramping up at night time, and aren't too bad during the morning or afternoon. If you're out on a canoe they're not too bad regardless, so you can travel and fish all you want. BUT... try and sit still at camp at 8 or 9 pm to cook dinner after being out all day ... you will be eaten alive. Plus, can't always predict how the bugs are going to be when you trip. The nice thing about canoe camping is a few extra lbs in your pack doesn't really matter too much. If you end up not needing to set it up, great. If the bugs are bad enough to make you consider cutting your trip short ... that's when a bug shelter would shine. I ordered the BassProShop enclosure after someone here cited it as being 4 lbs. Comes in the mail today. Will be testing it out up north over the weekend of the 4th. |
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TallMatt |
quote LuvMyBell: Thanks. I honestly had been waffling on which bug enclosure to buy for >1 yr. I am in my mid-20s and found that I am replacing most of my cheap gear that I bought as an undergraduate student with higher performance / smaller / lighter stuff. My new philosophy is buy it right the first time instead of dealing with the headaches of crappy gear or the extra cost of eventually upgrading. I considered the bugamid that was linked earlier, but I didn't like the sloped edges - I want something we can cook in, and it seems like the bugamid (although a solid product - lightweight, easy to suspend, etc.) is more for sleeping. Hard to get folks to sit underneath it with the sloping edges, and if you are touching the wall, mosquitoes can still bite through it. Also considered the Nemo and CCS systems, but like you mentioned, there is a premium price to pay if you purchase one of those. I have a few silnylon tarps from Sportsman Guide (which they no longer carry -- the ones I bought were ~$30 apiece, their new product line is about $80 for the smallest tarp). When my BassProShops enclosure gets in today I'll have to see about sewing on loops for suspension / see how I can rig it up with my tarps. I think it would actually be advantageous to have a modular screen/tarp system. No bugs? Set up the tarp. No chance of rain and moving on from camp the next day? Set up just the screen. For the 4th I'll be sleeping on a cot outside with the bug net up and a tarp over the top as a shelter (I got a huge cot from Cabelas which I don't want to put in my tent; it's heavy and I don't want the feet to damage my nice camping tent). I went with the smaller 10x10 since I figure that will be plenty of space for 4 folks. Think I might dunk it in a bucket of permethrin solution, too. Tendency (at least where I'm going for the 4th) for daddy long legs and other creepy crawlies to go underneath stuff and sneak into gear. If I come up with a nice system I will take some photos and post them on here as inspiration for you other folks. |
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Teenda |
quote TallMatt: " BassProShops Bug Enclosure - 10x10 or 12x12 (around $60) Thinking about taking a "ghetto" screen myself. I have been looking for an inexpensive option so I don't have to sit in the tent every evening while hubby enjoys the campfire! I get swarms of mosquitoes around me and tons of bites while my husband can be 8 ft away and not have a single insect bothering him! |
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TallMatt |
quote Teenda: "quote TallMatt: " BassProShops Bug Enclosure - 10x10 or 12x12 (around $60) The 10x10 weighs in at 7 lbs on my bathroom scale in a large size granite gear stuff sack. It is larger than expected but still smaller than my Kelty Gunnison 3.1 tent. I am excited to test it out for the 4th. |
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lindylair |
Abo screen house Don't know much about this brand but with the current 35% discount off their already very good "regular" prices it can be had for $61.72. Kelty Screen House For you basecampers who really want luxury, this Kelty might work. Not as much screen material which may be a negative to some. And heavy but with the discount it is $149.97. I have never brought a screen tent but I would consider it for a basecamp type trip. Anyways the site is great, similar discounted prices on all kinds of products. |
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Frenchy19 |
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Frenchy19 |
quote drglock: "quote Frenchy19: "I just bought the Sea to Summit double on Amazon ($50 with 2 day shipping). Will give my impressions after it arrives and I get a chance to fart around with it." Will do. For a solo or two people, it looks like a good deal, especially if set up under a tarp. Should have it tomorrow. |
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tashit |
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drglock |
quote Frenchy19: "I just bought the Sea to Summit double on Amazon ($50 with 2 day shipping). Will give my impressions after it arrives and I get a chance to fart around with it." Dont forget! I am considering buying the same one and would love to hear your feedback on it. |
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tashit |
quote Frenchy19: " I spoke too soon. There were very few mosquitos, but the gnats were terrible! I am SO glad I brought that screen with. My parents were at another site and went and bought a screen tent they were so bad. I'm guessing it had to do with all of the recent rain? I am happy with the screen though. It isn't huge but at one point we had 5 adults in chairs, a baby, and a 75 pound lab. It was cozy but not too bad. I will try to post a pic when I'm at home. quote OldFingers57: " I plan on setting it up under a tarp. |
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MagicStik |
quote Canoe42: "quote MagicStik: "No problem....i just paid the $84 for it. :) Sorry...just catching up on the post again...that was just for the netting. Someone else mentioned the slope...there are tie out points on the netting also. Out of the box it looks good but not tested yet. Magic |
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tashit |
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Doughboy12 |
quote BnD: "quote Doughboy12: "I can't believe someone hasn't recommended just going to the "Q"...Why such a hater? Life is short move on." Just pokin' the bear...its what I do. |
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BnD |
quote Doughboy12: "I can't believe someone hasn't recommended just going to the "Q"...Why such a hater? Life is short move on. |
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OldFingers57 |
quote tashit: "I think after this picture we still fit another chair in the far left corner... Well it looks like it worked out pretty well for you. |
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Jonas333 |
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/timber-creek-10-x-10-screen-house/pid-532853 |
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PineKnot |
We stuffed the netting into a stuff sack for a sleeping bag with a final size about 12" by 20" and it weighed 2-3 pounds. Not sure it's feasible for a solo trip, but for a small group it did great.... |
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gkimball |
Bought it about 4 years ago at REI, but this year was the first time I put it up. Not horribly expensive and very light. Needed to add better guy lines. Worked well for mosquitos, but the netting is not no-see-um or blackfly proof. Both of the latter should be in decline when you go. It really helped this past June! |
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Hawbakers |
Also ordered a pair of hiking boots but will have to try them on first. Had good reviews so if my feet like them I'll let ya know. Shipping is free on orders of $75 or more. |
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TallMatt |
quote Hawbakers: "Ok Thanks TallMatt. I ordered the one from BassPro shops. It will work in my REI Alcove shelter for base camping. Not sure if I will use it on my upcoming trip, husband will have to okay it. If it really only weighs 3 lbs we may justify it. I weighed mine in at around 7 LBs on the bathroom scale (which is probably older than I am, not sure if it is accurate). 10'x10'. It packs into a large size granite gear stuff sack and is about the size of a tent. I soaked mine in permethrin and will be using it for my week-long trip starting next Tuesday. I will try and get some photos in action. My test-run yard setups look similar to Pine Knot's photos a few posts above here. A 12'12' tarp suspended with the screen tent tied to the tarp lines with prussiks. 2 of us will be using it in lieu of a tent (with an 8'x8' tarp as a "blanket" in case there is a driving rain)... Hopefully we don't regret the decision. |