Our scout troop purchased 4 Kiva tents for use at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
Two separate treks later (10 days each in Rocky Mtns, elevation from 6500 to 10,000+, variety of weather conditions) I can say the Kivas are boy scout proof. Three scouts plus gear in each Kiva with room to spare. Very happy with the purchase, they are gradually replacing our troop's traditional Timberline style tents.

Customer Service

While the tents are bombproof, 3 of the 4 stuff sacks separated where fabric encircles the drawstring. Replaced them with #6 Granite Gear toughsacks. No contact made with Mountain Hardwear for replacements.

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Ultralight tarps, Black Diamond Megamid, MSR and Walrus tarp tents, etc.

Raves all the way. At first I was worried about bugs crawling in, so I used the footprint, which does keep things clean. No bugs ever come in, footprint or not, bugville or not. Great ventilation in heat and insulation in cold. You can stake out the extra bits and create little vestibules all around; I've had four of us in there and there's still room for one more. Tent body plus pole weighs 4 lbs 2 oz, footprint weighs 1 lb 6 oz. Split it 3 or 4 ways and you're stylin'. My favorite tent so far, and better yet, its orange!. Bring the playing cards, its a party!

Customer Service

N/A

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Mountain Hardwear South Col, Mountain Hardwear Room with a View, Sierra Designs Omega CD

I work fulltime in the outddors as a trail crew leader for the Florida Trail, and also do other volunteer work around the southeast in addition to my backpacking time. I haved used my Kiva in all conditions and can say that it is the best tent that I have used. There is plenty of interior space which makes it suitable as a base camp but it is light enough to use for extended backpacking trips. I like that I can jump in without having to remove my boots, especially during cold weather. I have replaced the pole by using by trekking poles and an adapter. I found that after a few uses the washer on the pole will not keep the pole locked in place. But my Kiva has seen many rainy and stormy nights and i even lived out of it last winter in the highcountry of southwest Va. It is a great tent for anyone looking for plenty of room.

Customer Service

I have several pieces of gear by Mountain Hardwear including sleeping bags and outerwear and have never had a need to call custiomer service. Their products are the bomb!!!

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I have not tried any other pyramid style tents, but this tent has worked well for me so I have not felt the need to try others.

Finally a tent with enough space for 4, that's right 4 people, and UNDER 4 lbs. This tent is not for the closed minded! Basically, this tent is a 21st century version of the Black Diamond Pyramid. More room, better weather proofness (especially wind), and super lightweight. This tent is shaped like a pentagon (5 sides) and has no floor. A single pole is used to pitch it. It sleeps four people comfortably, and there is still room to pull in some gear. A slick vent in the top allows good ventalation, and the doors open wide for views and air. To keep the weight down to the minimums, use a pair of adjustable ski poles to hike with, and then use them as the center pole for the tent. This brings the tent under 4 lbs.! The 5 sides are more wind resistant than the pyramid design. A cool transparent window is on the tent wall also. This tent is really a winner!We have had it in rain, snow and sun just this season. Setting up is just a slightly different deal. There are two long tapes that help you to keep the geometric shape correct. This can be a bother in really bad weather, but as with everything,practice makes perfect. When pitched correctly, the tent is HUGE. I am still astounded by the footprint on this very innovative tent.

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I have worn out tents by REI, Walrus, Sierra Designs, Kelty, TNF, and Eureka. I have been using the aformentioned BD Pyramid for many years, and this is a better version.