REI Clipper Tent - 2012 Special Buy

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

I've used this tent extensively since buying it in 2010. I've backpacked with it in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Mt. Ranier National Park, the Payseten Wilderness, Olympic National Park, the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and best of all North Cascades National Park. It's kept me comfortable and dry in below-freezing temperatures, light snow, 90-degree blistering sunshine, and driving rain. I have no plans to replace it. It's that good.

You must ensure that the fly is taut if you want the best ventilation and water shedding. Another reviewer commented that it will gather rain in a depression at the top of the fly. I have experienced this, too, but I realized that it was my fault for not pitching the fly properly. The tent includes three extra stakes and guy-out rope to secure the sides and rear of the tarp. Properly pitched, the tent will not leak in snow or driving rain.

The tent is not the absolute lightest, but it makes up for that in durability. I can't afford to buy a new tent every few years, and this one is in great shape after all of the above use. It's plenty light enough for 13-mile days in true mountain terrain. You cannot beat the price. I bought the footprint to go with it.

I've attached a photo of the tent set up on a tiny peninsula in Ross Lake in the North Cascades. You can see the necessary black guy lines at the base of the fly. The two extra guy lines (with the yellow reflective cord) were only placed because a big thunderstorm rolled in as I was pitching camp. The wind was easily strong enough to take my hat off my head and blow it into the water. Tent was fine.

I love the included gear loft. Very handy.

Not the best for really tall people. I'm 5' 9", and it's cozy. A six-foot person would be okay, barely, but a 6' 2" person should probably buy a longer tent.

Last thing--snow. Notice the structure of the poles when the tent is pitched. It creates three interlinked arches which transfer the weight of snow to the ground. Many so-called three-season tents would be useless in snow because their pole architecture is only strong enough to hold up the fly itself.

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

The tent is easy to set up, is sturdy, and not heavy. For two people and gear this tent won't work, unless you're packing very light. Also, the fly has a depression in it and rain will collect in that depression. We had about 3/4 of an inch one night and the next morning water was beginning to drip. Overall, a good deal, but this tent has some drawbacks.

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

I've had the older clipper for a number of years now and I love it. No issues. Always my go to tent, and was afraid I might wear it out some day So when I saw the 2012 special I couldn't pass it up. Now I'm even more excited with the improvements made on it over past models. Perfect for solo or duo campers in any conditions. I know I'll be looking at quite a few more years with it again.

Comments about REI Clipper Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

I bought this tent after much research, consideration, and reading more reviews than I can possibly remember. I needed a new two-person tent, and I decided on this one based on reviews of past models. For the money, I'm not sure if you can find a better tent! This tent packs extremely well and is lightweight; tent set-up is incredibly easy and quick; the tent is quite durable; and I love the design of the tent "windows," for they let you lie and look out at your surroundings so you won't feel separated from nature.

Now, the tent is a TRUE two-person tent...don't expect the Ritz Carlton; I take it with me when I camp with another person and when I camp on my own, and it's just fine. When I'm alone, I can set it up and take it down in a cinch, and I have plenty of room, but that's not really saying much (I'm a 5'4" woman). I also don't have a problem fitting two people into the tent (with room for a couple of small packs), but to be forthright, it's pretty cozy. If you are okay with being "as snug as a bug in a rug," then, I don't think you're going to find a better tent for the money.

This tent is one of the better gear buys I've made, and I definitely recommend it!