We purchased the six-person Evanston tent for two reasons:
a) We wanted a bigger tent for hosting other people, and
b) We wanted a comfortable, bug-free place for our dogs to hang out in, since theyre particularly sleepy.
We took it camping for the first time yesterday. So far, so good. Note: the weather was perfect, so we have not tested it in the rain. Its large enough for two people and two large dogs (greyhounds with especially long legs), so it will accommodate four people comfortably. I wouldnt recommend six people.
Pros:
1. Without the rainfly, theres a lot of great natural light. The top half of the back panel is entirely a window without a zip-up shade, so if you need more privacy, youll have to put on the rainfly.
2. Its easy to set up, and very attractive. It took the two of us about 10 minutes to set it up the first time. The rods are even color-coded, so you know which one to use with the porch, and which ones to use with the main portion of the tent.
3. Its spacious. We had a queen-sized air mattress on one side, and bedding for our dogs on the other. There was more than enough room.
4. The screened porch was fantastic, especially for our dogs. They could sit in this area comfortably and watch us around the fire without being eaten by bugs. They REALLY enjoyed it (see photo). It can fit about two camp chairs as well. Its also worth noting that the door to the main portion of the tent is like any other normal, exterior door for a tent, so in nice weather it feels like it has two rooms.
5. This is the largest tent weve ever owned, and we were concerned it may not fit in the trunk of our car, a Toyota Camry, along with all of our other camping equipment. Fortunately, it does!
Cons:
1. Its difficult to fit back in its bag. We will probably buy a larger duffle bag for it.
2. Because of the way the zippers meet on the front porch, theres no lip to keep debris from being blown/tracked in when the zippers are unzipped. This isnt necessarily a big deal, but I was glad we had brought a dustpan.
3. As other reviewers have noted, the porch will clearly get soaked in bad weather. Its entirely open, which is lovely on a beautiful day, but the rainfly does not cover it. Luckily, at least seems to have anticipated this, and has provided a small mesh opening on the floor of the porch under the door, allowing water to drain without bugs getting in. Theyve also elevated the main door of the tent, so that any collecting water on the porch would not affect the sleeping quarters. It seems well conceived, but we will provide an update as soon as we test the tent in the rain.
Overall, this is a wonderful tent. Stay tuned for updates!
Great for dogs and great for people!
We purchased the six-person Evanston tent for two reasons: a) We wanted a bigger tent for hosting other people, and b) We wanted a comfortable, bug-free place for our dogs to hang out in, since theyre particularly sleepy. We took it camping for the first time yesterday. So far, so good. Note: the weather was perfect, so we have not tested it in the rain. Its large enough for two people and two large dogs (greyhounds with especially long legs), so it will accommodate four people comfortably. I wouldnt recommend six people. Pros: 1. Without the rainfly, theres a lot of great natural light. The top half of the back panel is entirely a window without a zip-up shade, so if you need more privacy, youll have to put on the rainfly. 2. Its easy to set up, and very attractive. It took the two of us about 10 minutes to set it up the first time. The rods are even color-coded, so you know which one to use with the porch, and which ones to use with the main portion of the tent. 3. Its spacious. We had a queen-sized air mattress on one side, and bedding for our dogs on the other. There was more than enough room. 4. The screened porch was fantastic, especially for our dogs. They could sit in this area comfortably and watch us around the fire without being eaten by bugs. They REALLY enjoyed it (see photo). It can fit about two camp chairs as well. Its also worth noting that the door to the main portion of the tent is like any other normal, exterior door for a tent, so in nice weather it feels like it has two rooms. 5. This is the largest tent weve ever owned, and we were concerned it may not fit in the trunk of our car, a Toyota Camry, along with all of our other camping equipment. Fortunately, it does! Cons: 1. Its difficult to fit back in its bag. We will probably buy a larger duffle bag for it. 2. Because of the way the zippers meet on the front porch, theres no lip to keep debris from being blown/tracked in when the zippers are unzipped. This isnt necessarily a big deal, but I was glad we had brought a dustpan. 3. As other reviewers have noted, the porch will clearly get soaked in bad weather. Its entirely open, which is lovely on a beautiful day, but the rainfly does not cover it. Luckily, at least seems to have anticipated this, and has provided a small mesh opening on the floor of the porch under the door, allowing water to drain without bugs getting in. Theyve also elevated the main door of the tent, so that any collecting water on the porch would not affect the sleeping quarters. It seems well conceived, but we will provide an update as soon as we test the tent in the rain. Overall, this is a wonderful tent. Stay tuned for updates!