The Vortex 4 by Kelty is the best backpacking, (Alaska ferry, etc. tent because of the excellent weight to room ratio. The tent weighs about 1 to 2 lbs more then the average 2 man but with the wings extended it covers about 90 sq. ft. You can stand in it bent over to put on clothes. It is self standing with two wonderful doors for access. I placed my tent next to the other tents on the Alaska (Alaska Marine Highway) ferry and everyone came to take a look. They nick named it the palace. They couldn't believe the amount of room compared to the ""ordinary"" tent. Then they asked the weight and found it was only one or two pounds more then their ""coffin"" motels. Many said they would buy it when they decied to buy a new tent. Then it rained (alot of that stuff here in S.E. Alaska, like 160 inches in Ketchikan a year). As their cramped ""coffin"" motels sagged, and became soggy they said to me as I came out smiling and dry. ""It's not fair"". ""I paid blank-ity-blank money for this dinky tent and I and my wife are miserable"". There is nothing better then a large roomy tent when you are caught out in extended rainy weather. Check all the tents nothing compares to the large Vortex 4. If you expect to need a tent toss out that extra snack bar or pair of pants or socks, etc. and carry the Vortex 4. It's one failing is that it has only two poles so it isn't as wind stable or snow stable as some hurricane tents. But that is largly a matter of pitching it in slightly more protected spots. The tent has great waterproofing (thicker coating then almost all other tents on the market) also it is quick to set up with nice slieves for the poles. Oh so roomy. By the way I am single so this isn't just a family tent, THIS IS THE ONLY TENT. Sit inside one for a few minutes with some gear. If you are going to carry a tent this is the one.

Customer Service

No need for service everything still works great.

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Kelty snowfall, marmot, etc.

I am concerned about the space in a tent, as I don't like having my head or feet against the sides of the tent. I ordered an XT version. When I received my kelty, it was a full 3" shorter than advertised in length, and 2" shorter than advertised in width. I sent it back and ordered a Eureka Mountainpass, which is great.

Customer Service

I purchased the tent from Campmor, and when I explained the problem, they took the return with no hassles.

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Eureka Mountainpass, Eureka Backcountry

I have owned my Vortex4 for 3 years and I love it. It fits 2 adults and a 135# dog and all our packs and gear with no problem and it keeps us warm, dry and still friends after long rainy weekends. The light colored walls add to the feeling of space inside. This is one tent that never leaves you feeling claustrophobic. When hiking solo I take a teeny tent, but if this tent is carried by 2 hikers the weight is quite acceptable even for long hikes and well worth it in comfort value! I would definately recommend the kelty nobendium tent stakes as well, ultralight weight and strong.

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Quest starlight, walrus arcrival, coleman dome

A great tent, but not for backpacking (8 lb. 11 oz.). Very large tent for 3 people, but 4 adults would be cramped, at best. Very easy to set up and virtually bomb-proof. Seam Seal the floor seams and underside of the fly every few years and this tent will keep you dry, even through torrential storms. The two doors are a great convenience. Gear loft and pockets are great for holding your headlamp, drying socks or whatever you need quick and convenient access to. Plenty of room in the two vestibules- 15 sq. ft. each. Ventilation for 2 people with the doors zipped shut is poor. Unzip the door a bit to let air in the mesh and it's fine.

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SD Clip Flashlight CD

We are a BSA Venture Crew (Formerly Explorer Scouts) on our way to a 10 day trek in New Mexico's Rockies. We planned to take our own tents, but the Vortex 4 won't be going with us. It's too large and comfortable, not mentioning its weight. But we did find that this tent will do a great job for us on weekend outings and through some major storms. The floor stays dry, the rainfly does a great job, and there's plenty of room.We didn't like the way thealuminum poles didn't want to come out of their sleeves when we broke camp, but the positives far outway the only negatives we could come up with.

Customer Service

No problems with customer service.

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None

We have used this tent on several trips into the Beartooths in Montana. We have had no problems with the cold weather, even on early spring nights (30 degrees or so). Good size for us and our dogs with some room to spare. Fairly lightweight and packs reasonably small.

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The North Face Himalayan Hotel. 10+ stars Huge!!! Extreme gear for extreme weather conditions.