Lots of opinions on Canopies

[Ben]

Hi Steve and Karen,

It's good to see another "tarper" out here! I haven't tried deploying it by attaching it directly to the teardrop. I've mostly used mine in a "flying wing" configuration which allows me to open the vent during the rain and get outside and stay dry while it's raining. However, I really like the idea of being able to deploy quickly especially in areas without trees. I'll have to try this down at Assateague.

I just bought the 20 by 20 Kelty Noah which is a real beast of a tarp. To get the center high enough, I had to go way up the trees and put a lot of tension on the line. The 16 x 16 is more likely to be my default size. It will allow the whole teardrop underneath with plenty of room in the back for hanging out.

I'd love to see more of your phots of different configurations of the tarp. Here is a recent one of mine from camping at Green Ridge State Forest in Western Maryland:

 

[Steve and Karen]

You're right... I forgot to mention that this is a "tree-less" configuration, as we plan for a lot of travel in the southwest. It can go up with 5 guy-lines, however 7 makes it bomb-proof and keeps it taut across the back. The 7 tie-outs and catenary cut means that you can drop any number of poles to make partial 'sides' if you need some wind or rain protection. You could even do one pole at the back center point and drop both sides if its brutal weather. Just so you can envision its orientation, I had it attached to the trailer with the two- tie-outs at the bottom of the image (the 3.6m side). Sorry, I didn't think to take pics when I was doing this. I just posted the configuration that provided the most room.

 

[Ben]

Someday I hope to camp with someone who uses one of these and learn how to put this up. Thanks for posting!

Hi Jenn, There are a number of videos on Youtube that demonstrate how to deploy a tarp. The simplest way I've found is to run a ridge line between 2 trees which will form the high point down the center of the tarp. I usually run it diagonally (rather than down the center of the square like an A frame house). Using Prusik knots (super easy to tie) you attach the tarp to the ridge line. Then I use 2 poles on the other corners and stake these down to the ground.

These 4 attachment points work fine in benign conditions (very little wind) however when the wind/rain picks up, you will need to tie down the middle parts to keep the tarp from rising with the wind like a big sail.

Purists will use just rope to make all the attachments. I'm not a purist. A carbiner and figure 9 line tensioners make the process much more efficient and taut for me.

I hope this helps. I'd love to show you in person but I think you're on the left coast and I'm on the right. Ben H

 

[adrianneross]

A reminder for anyone with an REI Alcove shelter - you can buy replacement plastic hubs from Tent Pole Technologies: TentPole Technologies — Tent Pole Repair and Replacement Specialist

Last time I checked (2017), replacement hubs cost $9.50 each + shipping

Another thing to consider is adding more attachment points to the canopy so it can be guyed out more aggressively. I've got two more loops on each of the long sides plus three on the peaked side - the trick is to try to keep the fabric taut over the frame. Haven't had a chance to test it in severe weather yet but I'll update when I do.

 

[jfocallag]

While the REI Alcove has been discontinued, it looks like Kelty took over the design. Based on comments the REI sidewalls will still work.

Kelty Discovery Shade Shelter

 

[Van_and_Terri]

We use 6 bungee cords on each side of the roof to the edge to prevent pooling of water. 36 inch length seems to work the best.

 

[NH Wanderlust]

Has anyone used the Big Agnes Three Forks?
BIG AGNES Three Forks Shelter

 

[dustinp]

A while back I mentioned the Clam Pavilion Quick Set shelter, and how I thought it would be a nice one if a second entrance could be added so the only one it came with could be used for covering the galley. I sent my suggestion to Clam, who quickly replied with a Thank You, we'll pass that suggestion on to our R&D Dept.

A follow up email to them this spring made me decide if they were going to offer it, it wasn't imminent. So I decided to buy one, and add the second entrance myself.

We got home a couple days ago from a trip to Red Lodge, MT for a family reunion (the 31st bi-annual one) at my cousins, who recently moved there. We got a chance to use the modified Clam for the first time during the trip out and back at several campgrounds. I've included a few pics of it set up with the permanently attached wind walls in both their up and down positions, as well as a couple pics of the panel we added the second entrance to both open and closed. We pulled it with our 2015 VW Passat TDI manual transmission from Mora, MN to Indian Creek Campground in Mobridge, SD, to our VRBO in Red Lodge, to Wapiti campground in Shoshone National Forest just outside Yellowstone in WY, to Lakeview Campground in Bighorn National Forest in WY, back to Indian Creek at Mobridge, to home. A total of 2350 miles in 9 days, about 250 of which we were unhitched from the TD for scenic drives in Yellowstone and through Bear Tooth Pass in MT. MPG was 33.9 for the trip with quite a bit of mountain driving, but nothing off road. The Clam sets up, and goes down very quickly( less than 3 minutes), but you need to watch the video first(

), so that you know what you are doing. If you don't (my brother in-law has the next smaller one, and somehow got it set up inside out, and spent 3 hrs trying to get it right) it can be problematic. The other nice thing is it can be used for changing too if you don't mind the brief trip from the TD to the Clam. We spent $50 for the second entrance.

 

[Jenny n Rob #943]

How do you pay $50 for a second entrance? We are trying to decide between NB and Clam, we like the all in one of the NB, but also like the ease of set up of the clam, a second entrance might be the best of both worlds.

 

[skissinger]

The 2nd entrance is I believe a diy entrance. They sewed zippers on one of the triangle mesh, so it zips open. I suspect the $$ mentioned is for the zippers or other materials needed for the diy?

That’s a very clever mod, I tried my sister’s 6 sided clam and the single entrance didn’t make sense over the hatch, no real room to get back there. But the diy 2nd entrance is an awesome mod.

I have the 4 sided clam, and although I like this mod, for now I think I’ll stick with what I have, even tho it doesn’t go over the galley. The 6 sided, collapsed, is longer than the 4 for transport, too. Maybe one day though, if the 4 sided goes bad or ripped or something...

 

[Van_and_Terri]

We have the 4-sided Clam also. I believe it’s called the Traveler Model. It’s just the right size for 2 chairs and a small table when it’s buggy outside.

 

[dustinp]

We found a local guy who does some upholstery work as a sideline to put it in for us. I had checked with him before I bought it to see if he was willing to tackle it. I think the zipper itself was probably about $10, and the rest labor. We wouldn't have bought it otherwise since the galley takes up the only entrance it is made with, and makes getting in and out difficult without the 2nd entrance. I liked the all in one (built in screen and wind/rain walls) of both the NB, and the Clam, but liked the ease of set up of the Clam better. I have set it up, and taken it down each time by myself without difficulty.

I think they are similar in weight. The 8ft center height of the Clam makes it pretty long even when it's broke down and bagged, but it will fit in the 550's cabin on the diagonal, so we put that in first, then pack other cabin contents around it. I did send the pictures of the modification to Clam last week too, so maybe that will spur them to offer it in the future, but barring that, I think anyone interested in getting one would best check on what local upholstery / canvas repair shops would be available to install the additional zippered entrance before buying, unless you have the skills/equipment to add it yourself. You might want to download the pictures of the added entrance I posted and take them to the place you inquire about installing it with so they can give you and informed quote.

 

[Jenny n Rob #943]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your information. We are "trying" to wait until CICO to take a look around before we make a decision, however we do have local upholsterer in the area that we could check inn with. Did you purchase the zipper, or did your person making the modifications?

 

[dustinp]

He ended up getting the zipper. I had ordered a 5 yd bulk one through Amazon's marketplace, but when he started working on it, and opened the package from Amazon, he found they had sent one that was only 2 yds long, which was a little too short, so he ended up getting a nylon coil zipper for it, and I returned the too short one. The one he got did not have double sided pulls, so he ended up putting the pull on the outside for lower half, and on the inside for the upper half, which works OK but I think ideally it should have pulls on both sides for both upper and lower, or be one continuous zipper with pulls on each side.

 

[Jay & Valerie]

We just camped with a new Canopy from Eurmax. While heavy, it was great. It started raining on us and the canopy held up great, not one drop or leak. Very little pooling. Very durable and sturdy. Our last one (Summit 170) was good, but this is way, way better. Will post some video soon.

 

[Randy]

You should send pictures of your finished work to Clam!

We found a local guy who does some upholstery work as a sideline to put it in for us. I had checked with him before I bought it to see if he was willing to tackle it. I think the zipper itself was probably about $10, and the rest labor. We wouldn't have bought it otherwise since the galley takes up the only entrance it is made with, and makes getting in and out difficult without the 2nd entrance. I liked the all in one (built in screen and wind/rain walls) of both the NB, and the Clam, but liked the ease of set up of the Clam better. I have set it up, and taken it down each time by myself without difficulty.

I think they are similar in weight. The 8ft center height of the Clam makes it pretty long even when it's broke down and bagged, but it will fit in the 550's cabin on the diagonal, so we put that in first, then pack other cabin contents around it. I did send the pictures of the modification to Clam last week too, so maybe that will spur them to offer it in the future, but barring that, I think anyone interested in getting one would best check on what local upholstery / canvas repair shops would be available to install the additional zippered entrance before buying, unless you have the skills/equipment to add it yourself. You might want to download the pictures of the added entrance I posted and take them to the place you inquire about installing it with so they can give you and informed quote.

Y

 

[dustinp]

You should send pictures of your finished work to Clam!



Y

Actually I did Randy, but unlike the two times I corresponded with them before about adding a second entrance as an option, and got replies within the same day, this time I haven't heard back from them.

Of the nine days we were on our trip out to Red Lodge for the Clam's maiden voyage, we had rain on every one except the day we left, and the day we came home. We did have some seams leak on the roof of the Clam, and in my email to Clam with the pictures of our mod. I also mentioned the seam leaks, and that I thought their production line quality control may need some revisiting over that issue.
They had mentioned that the 2nd entrance modification I wanted might need to be done by an upholstery shop in one of their earlier replies to my inquiry of getting a second entrance added, but also that if I made a modification to the shelter it would void their warranty on it too, so I should take that in to consideration. So that may be why they didn't reply.

The owners manual does say they use seam seal tape on all the seams, but that where the velcro tabs that hold the poles in place are located, the tape may be interrupted and that if the customer would like to increase the waterproofing, they could purchase and apply some seam sealer themselves. I did that this past week using one of the recommended products :Amazon.com: Seam Grip WP Sealant Adhesive: Sports & Outdoors I set the Clam up, got out a step ladder and sealed all the roof seams from the inside from the peak out to the walls, paying special attention to the velcro tab areas. I also sealed the seams where the wall panels and roof panels join as well. It took about an hour or so, and even though I ordered 4 tubes of the sealer based on the manufacturers coverage estimates, I ended up using just 2 of the tubes. I used the separate metal handled brush as the cap type brush didn't work well in the upside down position I was working in. I left the Clam set up for 24hrs to let the sealer cure, and it seem like really tough stuff, so I am very optimistic we'll stay dry next time around.

 

[Anne-Marie Jensen]

Hi everyone. I'm an older solo 550 camping woman (dog as copilot) looking into side tent/ shelter options that are easy to set up, large enough to sleep a guest, house the all important portapotti at night, and comfortably accommodate a couple chairs during the day. I've read through most of the postings on the canopy thread and wonder if anyone has thought about taking an SUV tent and McGyvering it to attach to the roof rails and seal all around the door opening. I watched a setup video on the Napier Backcountry but am unsure how it could work for my needs. Any pearls from the group? Thanks!

 

[NH Wanderlust]

I purchased the Big Agnes Three Forks Shelter from EMS on sale for $150. The REI one was no longer available and I didnt like the idea of having to put up bungee cords to keep the rain water from pooling. So far I've just set it up in the back yard. I think it will work well. Its tight above the galley hatch and I may raise up the two front legs an inch or two on blocks. We will see how it goes next weekend. Right now it's in our backyard campsite.

 

[George & Ellen]

Hi everyone. I'm an older solo 550 camping woman (dog as copilot) looking into side tent/ shelter options that are easy to set up, large enough to sleep a guest, house the all important portapotti at night, and comfortably accommodate a couple chairs during the day. I've read through most of the postings on the canopy thread and wonder if anyone has thought about taking an SUV tent and McGyvering it to attach to the roof rails and seal all around the door opening. I watched a setup video on the Napier Backcountry but am unsure how it could work for my needs. Any pearls from the group? Thanks!

Hi Anne-Marie,
If you look on page 8, towards the bottom, of "Lots of Opinions on Canopies" you will see my Napier SUV tent at -2 below zero. It works great in the summer as well with all the screens. I liked it so much that I bought another used one for the time that this one wears out. Feel free to send me a Private Message and we can talk about the tent.
George