Bibler Tents Juniper

Review Date
February 13, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Brent P.(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Oklahoma City, OK.

Summary:
I have a love/hate relationship with this tent. The Juniper is proof that even the best gear is not perfect. First, the good points:
1. Good design with very usable floor plan.
2. Very light for the space it provides.
3. The self supported twin vestibules are brilliant!
4. Superb craftsmanship!
5. Small packed size for the space provided.
6. Very stable when staked.
7. I find myself very attracted to the overall tent package.
Now for what bugs me:
1. The coated nylon vestibules cover entirely mesh doors that feature VERY low sidewalls. When I have used the tent in really heavy rain, the inner floor gets soaked entering the tent because there is almost no sidewall to stop it. This has not been a problem in mild to moderate rain.
2. The tent features a top vent that has a very short eave to prevent rain entry. The overhang is just too short and I have had "sideways" rain enter this vent.
If Bibler would increase the coated sidewall height on the inner doors about three inches OR add ANOTHER uncoated or Toddtex sidewall four inches above the existing sidewall, the tent floor would not get soaked and cold air would not enter the tent at the sleeping level in cooler weather.
The eave overhang should be increased about three inches. If these two thigs were done the Juniper would perform much better in hard, windblown rain. In other conditions , the tent performs great!
I like the tent in so many other respects that I would still purchase it again, I just wish Bibler would make these two small changes.

Customer Service:
No experience.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
January 20, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Trevor(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Oklahoma

Summary:
Best all-around three season tent I have ever used. I can't say enough good things about it, but I'll try: meticulous craftsmanship/sewing, lightweight, stable (when staked properly), excellent ventilation, never had any condensation problems, easy to set up, spacious with high ceilings, easy entry doors, designed with door on each side so there's no crawling over a tent partner; lots of mesh storage pockets.

Drawbacks? Only one I can think of is that you need to seam seal the tent -- a job that requires a few hours to perform and twelve hours or so for the sealer to properly cure. Once you're done though, that's it! The rest is pure enjoyment.

I was initally hesitant to spend this much for a three season tent, but after having it a few years, I now consider the price a bargain considering how much I've enjoyed using the Juniper.

Customer Service:
Have not had any customer service experience with Bibler.

Similar Products Used:
TNF VE-25, Moss Stardome II, Marmot Solstice (1980's model), Marmot Nutshell, Bibler Kiva.