Re: [emrat:4137] Re: Redzerz Tent

Jay,

Thanks so much for the review and I am glad that you are feeling better!

We currently have one of the REI Hoodoo 3 tents. Thats a great tent for car camping for 2 people, when you can keep a lot of stuff in the car, but its definitely cramped for 2 people, plus a lot of gear.  In particular we found when you do a multi-day trip, and its raining, it isn’t the best option.  Trying to store gear, firewood, etc. for 2 people and have any room is tough. So is trying to change in and out of gear while laying on your back in the tent.  Also, when it is raining, cooking outside isn’t much fun.

So the Redverz tent really appealed to me.   Huge amounts of space to keep firewood dry while you are out on the bike, enough room to cook and eat in comfortably if it is raining, the ability to stand straight up and change in and out of gear.  I liked a lot of things about it.

I am sure it will be a longer setup than my Hoodoo tent, which is ridiculously easy, but I have never taken a tent camping that I haven’t set up and torn down at a minimum of 4 times before going.  So I am sure I can get it down to where I can do it in a reasonable amount of time, even if it is rainy.

I am sure I will do the same and keep the Hoodoo for short trips, and solo trips, particularly if only staying overnight in any particular spot before moving on.

- Sean

On Mar 1, 2014, at 9:21 AM, Jay Clawson <jayclawson@att.net> wrote:

Hi Sean,

 

I’m  finally getting some energy back after this killer cold.  Here’s my brief experience with the Redverz Tent in comparison to the REI ½ Dome 4-man tent I have used for several years:

 

1.      The REI weighs about ½ as much but seems only slightly larger than the Redverz when packed.  Either tent fits easily in the same space on my BMWs.

2.      The REI is quick to setup.  The Redverz takes longer, but with practice I should be able to hone setup time down quite a bit, although probably never as fast as the REI.  The REI had 8 stakes including the rainfly.  The Redverz has 16, but you can get by with 10 or 12.  It’s a very stable tent when staked out.

3.      The REI actually has slightly more interior, covered-floor space, maybe 10% more, but the sides slope more so the corners and edges are not as accessible.  The sides of the Redverz covered-floored area are nearly vertical.

4.      Of course, the big difference is the vertical interior height and the huge vestibule of the Redverz.  I can stand up fully in the Redverz, whereas I can rise only to my knees in the REI tent.

5.      The Redverz has zips all over for ventilation and access, which should be beneficial in hot and colder climes.

6.      The vestibule should prove to be extremely valuable in wet weather and it’s a great place to unpack and stow stuff.   I’ve only used it in mild weather so far.

 

I saw quite a few Redverz tensts at the Salem OR BMW rally last year.  After talking to several owners, I was persuaded to make the plunge.  I think it will prove to be a good investment.  However, I’m keeping my REI tent for short trips.

 

Jay