REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

Another example of a very well designed REI tent. I am puzzled as to why it has been discontinued. The Clipper is rock solid in the wind and sheds rain very well. Vestibule is good size for gear storage and stakes all the way down to the ground. The window is a nice touch as well. A comfortable space for two with a floor size/shape that accommodates two pads and sleeping bags nicely. Plenty of head room even with the cool gear loft in place. I like the fact that the door is solid fabric half way up, which eliminates breeze from blowing through the tent on a windy night. I wouldn't change a thing; it's perfect just the way it is.

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I picked up this tent at one of the infamous REI "Garage Sales" for half its original retail price. It had been returned because it supposedly had a hole in it....after much searching and taking it on a 3-night paddle trip, I finally found a tiny pin-hole near the door. A little tent tape and that problem was quickly resolved (and well worth the small investment I made purchasing this great tent!).

This tent has served me well on several multi-night canoe/kayak trips in a variety of conditions. The Clipper has made it through thunderstorms, hail, and torrential downpours, and not once has it leaked on me. After practicing a few times, the setup is a breeze, and speaking of breezes, with the rainfly off, this tent is stellar on hot days by the river! The ventilation is a major plus, and when taking early spring and late fall trips, the rainfluy really helps to keep heat in as well.

I like to joke that though this tent is designed for two people, you have to really, REALLY like the other person to share. I've always used mine as a solo tent, and it has just the right amount of space for me and my gear. When my boyfriend joined in on the camping fun, I graduated up to a Taj 3 tent (which I also adore), but this lil' guy will always have a special place in my heart.

If you're looking for a fantastic, bomb-proof one person tent, grab these before they're gone. It's a shame it's been discontinued, as I think this is a really fantastic little tent!

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I purchased the Clipper after being very impressed with our Taj 3 tent. The reviews of each are similar, which is a good thing. This is a very sturdy tent , rainfly works great keeping heavy winds and rain out with no problem. Rainfly allows you to create an awning or tucking it out of the way while still giving you some protection from the wind. Vestibule is just the right size for boots and pack. Set up is easy enough a cpl. times at home and you'll be gtg. The Clipper may sleep two, probably a little tight though. I purchased it more for solo trips or me and our dog and it has plenty of room for us. Attic,interior and vestibule pockets allow for great storage. Very good ventilation, we stayed comfortable in all but the more humid days. Again would recommend the footprint with purchase, floor is a little thin. Also, we needed 5 extra stakes to completely guy the rainfly out. The Clipper is a great tent for an even better price. In my opinion if your looking for a fairly light and durable solo tent look no further. If you really need the room for 2 plus gear you will be much happier with the Taj 3 and just split the weight. Both tents are great for our backpacking or car camping trips. We couldn't be happier with REI.

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I PURCHASED THIS TENT IN 2003 AND HAVE USED IT MOTORCYCLE TOURING, BACKPACKING, CAMPING WITH THE SCOUTS AND MOST RECENTLY ON A BOUNDARY WATERS TRIP. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THIS TENT. I HAVE BEEN IN WIND AND DRIVING RAIN AND ALWAYS STAYED DRY. I HAVE USED IT WHEN TEMPERATURES WERE IN THE 20'S AND IT STAYED REASONABLY COMFORTABLE. IT GOES UP AND DOWN IN MINUTES AND THE STORAGE BAG HAS GREAT STRAPS ON IT FOR ATTACHING TO YOUR PACK OR MOTORCYCLE.

THE TENT IS BEST FOR ONE PERSON... YOU WOULD NEED TO REALLY LIKE YOUR TENT MATE. MY WIFE AND I DID USE THE TENT TOGETHER ON A WEEK LONG CANOEING TRIP. TWO STANDARD SIZE SELF-INFLATING MATS FILLED THE TENT FRONT TO BACK AND SIDE TO SIDE PERFECTLY. THE VESTIBULE IS NOT THAT LARGE AND WE LEFT OUR PACKS COVERED OUTSIDE THE TENT AT NIGHT (WORKS OK SOLO GEAR FITS IN TENT).

I WANTED TO PURCHASE A SECOND FOR MY SON A FEW YEARS BACK AND IT WAS DISCONTINUED.... WHEN I STUMBLED UPON IT THE OTHER DAY I THOUGHT I SHOULD TELL MY STORY... I LOVE THIS TENT

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I used this tent summer 2010 for a three week bike tour in the central and northern Rockie Mountains. It packed nicely, went up well, kept me dry in a rain storm in Yellowstone, and was roomy for one person (I'm 6'3").

The construction was good quality. I loved the attic and spacious side pockets!

The vestibule is really too small, almost useless. It worked for a single person, I kept everything inside. But for two, you will have to leave your gear out in the open.

It's not the very lightest, nor does it pack as small at the best, but for the price it hits a real sweet spot.

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

This really is a great tent and has a large interior. I am about 6 foot tall and I can easily sit up in it.

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

This is not a detailed use review, as I just pitched it in the living room. We went with a square shape instead as my wife was uncomfortable with the mummy bag shape. Since the wide part is toward the door, you will end up either with your heads together and some space at the bottom or with your heads at the door (as designed.) I thought the tent was sturdy, beautiful, and felt bad to take it back, but my wife's preferences trumped the beautiful design.

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

Purchased Clipper in 02'. Primarily use backpacking & motorbike camping. Bomber design,fly keeps heat in tent very well. Camped in high teens and it performed well. Great for motorbike camping as well. Only issue was zipper went south in 2010 but REI fixed it just fine.
Great one person tent for 6'2" adult. Two people would be too snug however. Love my Clipper!

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

Received the tent and quickly set it up, which was pretty easy. Beautiful tent and design, unfortunately it's going back. I thought the tent was pretty heavy when I pulled it out of the box and sure enough the entire stuff sack with contents is almost pound heavier than the stated total weight. Since the tent was to be used primarily as a solo tent, nearly 7lbs for a solo tent is a no-go. Considering our 3-man is lighter than this tent, this tent would still be a no-go if I was sharing the tent. As for space, there's plenty of room for one and gear inside, though two 5'10" adults would be pretty tight and touching the sides and definitely in the foot area. Another drawback for me was no covering for the vinyl window in the fly. If you wanted privacy there's no way to cover it. Considering I group hike, this is a big deal. If the tent were a bit lighter and the window either removed or able to be closed, it would be going on the trail with me. Oh well...

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I've used this tent for backpacking and car camping. I bought the footprint too. Like most REI products I have not been disappointed. Easy setup, nice gear loft and pockets. The vestibule is a descent size for 2 packs and boots. Unless you really need to shed some weight, or you're significantly taller than 6', this tent is great.