Summary: I have been hauling around 2 versions of the Meteor Light for years now due to their weight and length. I am trying to downsize my weight factor all I can, so I wanted to get something lighter. I am 6'5", so my options are very limited, so I did alot of research on weight vs height ability and found that the Canyonlands JUST meets my needs. Trip to the Grand Canyon worked well, especially with the weight factor. Just big enough for me and some gear and boots. Setup is easy, once you get the hang of where to put your stakes. I advise putting 2 stakes right at the corners near your head. This gives you full bloom at the upper part of the tent.
Funny story last trip. Went up to Shining Rock NF in NC and we camped in a nested area of daddy long legs spiders. They crawled all over the fly all night and it was a little eerie. Glad we were not aracnaphobic.
Anyway, the Canyonlands is low on weight and is just bigger than a bivy, but it works for long-legs like me.
Happy trails
Mtnscout
Similar Products Used: Meteor Lights
Walrus single fly
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: I want to add to what others have said by saying that the tent worked fairly well for me with the following caveats. The one-pole design means the tent's interior walls come together in a fairly sharp vee above your head. I like to read before sleeping and this tent's design means my book is squished into the roof walls when lying on my back.
The other problem is the way the door opens. When condensate is present, which is impossible to prevent when the night air is colder than your body perspiration, there is no way to exit the tent without getting your arm wet or dumping droplets of water into it from the door flap. In addition, the poles pass through a sleeve. Even though I had no problem doing this, there is no reason that any tent should use this technology unless it is a tent used in very severe weather condition.
Otherwise, it is light, it sets up easily, and it works well enough, especially for the price I paid for it. (A 2002 model for $150.)
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Reviewed by: Mark Bidleman(Unregistered User)
,
Backpacker
, from Rochester, NY
Price Paid:
$179.00
at EMS
Summary: I've had this tent for a couple of years. I have used it for a total of about 20 nights and been through a few heavy rainstorms. It has performed very poorly and seems to be getting worse. The rain soaks through the fly and eventually drips into the tent. The water that collects on the fly is much more than can be accounted for from simple condensation. During one particularly heavy downpour the rain was actually penetrating the fly in fine droplets. With a full screen tent body there is no second layer of protection. I've noticed that the door panel seemed to suffer the most and soaks through faster than the rest of the fabric. I've sealed the seams and attempted to waterproof the fly a couple of times to no avail.
The fact that I didn't read this concern from other owners led me to believe that perhaps it was defective. I sent it back to The North Face to be replaced. They promptly sent it back saying no defect was found and I needed to seal the seams. Thanks, $10 in shipping and my precious time wasted.
When it isn't raining this tent is great. I love sleeping under the stars without fear of black flies. I'm 6'1 and there's enough room to stretch out and change fairly easily. The vestibule is large enough to store boots but nothing more. But in the NorthEast I can usually count on rain about every time I head out.
Customer Service: Prompt and accessible but they don't live up to the quality I expect from the brand.
Similar Products Used: Kelty Vortex 2
Sierra Designs Light Year CD
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Reviewed by: Jeff Keenan(Unregistered User)
,
Backpacker
, from Houston, Texas
Price Paid:
$100.00
at eBay
Summary: The pros: it's lightweight; it feels like a tent, not a bivy; the all mesh body offers great ventilation (especially in hot, humid climes like Houston - I don't know how it would fare in colder areas); it comes with TNF's v-stakes, which are light but strong; it's easy to pitch; there is decent (if you're 5'11" or shorter) head room to sit right in the middle of the tent; the polyester fly supposedly won't sag like nylon; it's a pleasant color; and the reflective zipper pulls rock on dark nights.
The cons: it packs about the same size as a two-man; the vestibule is very small - you'll get boots in there but plan on leaving your pack outside; it's not freestanding; the door opens down (which means even when rolled up it can be stepped on); it doesn't come with a separate pole bag; the guy lines are built in and are at a set length; I wouldn't recommend it for anyone over 6 feet tall. Any taller and you'll be touching the tent walls.
I can only recommend the tent if you live in a warmer part of the country and can get it on sale. Next time I think I'll suck it up weight-wise (5+ lbs.) and go for a slightly heavier solo (Eureka Mountain Pass 1XT - great vestibules!) or a small two-man tent.
Customer Service: Haven't had to use them yet.
Similar Products Used: No solos. I have a Eureka Mountain Pass 4XT
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
4 of 5
4 of 5
3 of 5
3 of 5
