REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

So let me start by saying I've lived in Colorado almost my whole life and have spent much of it outdoors. I've done everything from hiking the 14'rs to kayaking, to 4 wheeling, and even hiking in the back country in the dead of winter to camp. Most of my camping is above 10k feet. I camp in everything from 90+ degrees to 40 below zero. This tent is good for all seasons (if light snow). I bought a Taj 3 back in 2009 at an REI garage sale for about $80. I wound up selling it because I bought a MSR Mutha Hubba as well. Don't get me wrong. I love the Mutha Hubba too. I then tried to minimalize by going with a smaller 2 person tent. I am 6"2' and 250 lbs. Not fun in a 2 person tent. I sold my MSR Mutha Hubba tent because I needed the money at the time so I was stuck with my 2 person tent. This meant not much room in rain or bad weather if I needed to stay in it for long periods of time. Then, I was at another REI Garage sale and got another Taj 3 for about $49. I was so happy because the design of the tent is perfect for comfort. This past fall I went camping with a large group of people, some taller then me and they all had 2 person tents and I had the Taj and WOW. I was so happy. I also bought a bigger 1&1/1 sized sleeping bag so I didn't feel like I was in a cacoon. I was able to put my clothes and gear on one side of me and sleep in the middle and live like a king. The main things I like besides the room is that the design is rounded for wind to go around you, and tall without the structure being weak. The issue with the newer straight wall tents is wind factor. The only things I don't like (small gripes) is I don't like the plastic clear window right above my head. They should have put that somewhere else (probably in the vestebule), or not at all. Also, I think they should have some reflective material, either where the guy outs attatch or the guyouts themselves. My North Face Mountain 25 tent is full of reflective material and it really helps at night. I have been car camping the last few years, and use my MSR Hubba Hubba for backpacking, but now I have a Quad and a couple of motorcycles to where I can go anywhere. I will probably still use the Taj 3 for that so I can stay living like a king. I would definatley reccomend this tent to anyone looking for a good deal. It might be a bit heavy, but you definatley can tell it's worth it in stability. Can fit 3, but comfy for 2 and fits like a king for 1. I have seen REI drop the price sometimes down to like $169 so keep checking back.

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

Ok, so it's not bulletproof, but it might stop a b.b. I bought an earlier version of this tent around 2005, and the newer versions are probably even better. I've been out with this tent on roughly 20 trips between Montana and Wyoming and have never come close to having a problem with it's performance. I'm usually camping around 8,000 to 11,000 ft and have experienced all mountain conditions but heavy snow.

Water does not seem to get inside this shelter. Even in a torential downpour with extreme crosswinds, hail, and lightning, this tent will keep you and your gear dry. To have it at it's best, you need to use all the guy lines. It would be nice if the fly came down a few more inches, but that hasn't seemed to matter yet.

The fly is pretty big, and you can't see out of it except for one tiny window that will fog up. That is why, depending on the conditions, when I set the tent up I just attatch the fly to the very back of tent and let it sit there. If some weather comes up in the night, I just hop out and pull it right over the top. This way I can see the stars at night through the mesh top, but still be ready for some rain. In a heavy storm, I'd want it attatched at all points and guyed out tight. I really wouldn't want to be in any other tent in a heavy storm. The roundish design gives it superior strength in wind. I'm not talking about a breezey day, I'm talking about 50+ mph gusts.


Cons:

This is a big tent. It is a bit bulky and heavy for some backpackers. The bulk is worse than the wieght if you have a small to medium size pack. You could easily save a pound or two by going with something else, but if you have the room in your pack, a pound or two for a bombproof shelter is fine by me. I've been widdling my pack weight down lately and have found that light gear is made for light use. It's a gamble. I'm moving back up in weight by five pounds or so and find my trips a bit more enjoyable. I used this tent mostly by myself. If you have two people, share the weight and feel good knowing that you have one of the best shelters around.

The footprint adds about 1 pound, and I always bring it. The tent is easy to set up if you aren't a moron, however the first time is a little confusing. Don't be a moron; set it up once before you go out.

Size and weight are the only things that should be a deterrent. I pack it without the stuff sack. That makes the size more manageable, and takes off a little weight. (My 2005 version is 1 pound heavier and cost around $350 with footprint).

I couldn't be happier with my Taj 3. I love the room, and when it rains all day, you can stay comfortable inside for hours. For the price it's at now, I want a second one. I've put some serious mileage on this tent, and it has proven to be the best piece of equipment I have ever purchased, both in durability, reialbility, and funtionality. It still has zero rips or holes and all the zippers work great. It might stop a bullet, but I'd jump in front to spare my tent.

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

Set it up with rainfly for rainy night. It did great.

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

Used it this weekend on a backing packing trip in southern California. It was a little on the heavy side thats why i marked it down to 4 stars rather then 5. went together very easy and quickly. I worked out any assembly issues at my home. put together in about 10 min, taken down and packed away in 15 min. Comes with a compression sack which helps. We had some 20 MPH winds push through and the tent held up great. Did not feel any wind at all inside and kept a decent tempature. i would recomend this.

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

I bought this tent after my wife felt too cramped in my Halfdome 2 tent. The Taj 3 is very roomy, even with three people sleeping in it. It is easy to set up, and has kept us dry so far through a few mountain thunder storms. It's a little heavy for two people to share for a backpacking trip, but fine with three people. I can't think of any improvements.

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

I am 56yo. Used this tent on a morotcycle trip from Wyoming to southern Colorado. Really enjoyed the ease of set up, the low weight, compact when packed, roomy when set up. The fly is great, though the plastic window does tend to stick to the tent if it (the window) becomes damp, which then lets the dampness trickle down inside the tent. But, this is not a big deal for me. I could bring my chair inside the tent and with a little effort I could sit in the chair and get dressed.
Six riders on this particular trip. By the end of the trip everyone had made the comment I had the best tent for what we were doing. I must say I agree. The only negative about the whole deal was the day after I bought the tent REI dropped the price by $60.00.....figures.
Set up is not typical, set it up at home BEFORE you head out. One set up in a relaxed, "honey would you bring me a beer?", setting and you will have it down. Set up is just contrary to the set up of most tents....is it difficult?...NO..just different.
I would buy this tent again without hesitation.

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

I just used this tent in 30 mile an hour winds on Mt. Whitney and it held up beautifully!

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

Took this tent on a week long camping trip with my son. We cycled through the mountains and set up the tent at a different spot each night. Wow! Not sure there could be a better tent. Love the window to see out with the fly on. Super cool equipment net. It did not rain once but i could see the seals on the seams. Solid door zippers allow you to open and close with one hamd. One thing, practice setting it up a couple times before you leave. Not super easy but fine with practice.

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

I call this tent my Spaceship. It is usually the weirdest looking tent in the campground. I love it.

It's been through thunderstorms and downpours, and nary a drop on the inside. It's kept me warm and dry.

The first time I set it up, I needed help, and I still did it wrong, but with the instructions stitched right onto the bag, I haven't had trouble since.

The fly is secure and confident. The pockets and attic are convenient and sturdy. The vestibules are a great place for boots, and thereby keep the floor clean.

I've taken it car, bicycle, and motorcycle camping and it takes up so little room it's silly. I haven't backpacked with it yet, but if I do, I bet splitting up the weight will be a solution to the extra heft it will add. It's perfect for 2, haven't tried 3 yet. But if I do, it'll probably be on that backpacking trip and the third person will be carrying the poles.

I can't wait.

Comments about REI Taj 3 Tent - 2009 Special Buy:

So far this tent has been great. The first time I used it was for a backpacking trip and it was nice that there was so much ventilation, but kept the bugs out. The second time I used it is what prompted this review. I was on an overnight leadership training for Boy Scouts and we had a severe thunderstorm come through at 3 in the morning and lasted for about a hour and a half. This storm had driving rain and 50-60 mph winds. I stayed dry through the night and the tent held up like a champ. That couldn't be said for the other two tents (not REI tents) next to mine that were completely leveled in the wind and had about an inch of water in the bottom of their tents. Definitely worth every penny for this tent.