Swallow
Reviews
Viewing: 1-4 of 4 |
hikinedd - Nov 27, 2002 2:55 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled Review
The previous reviewer is correct in that the Swallow isn't your all-occasion tent. Great conditions warrant a lighter, less bulletproof shelter. What makes this our favorite tent is its versatility and comfort: 1) 40/17 sq ft -- ample space for two; 2) 2 doors (huge, versatile door in front, smaller door in back; 3) all doors and windows zip up for 4-season protection; 4) plenty of mesh storage pockets; and 5) the rainfly front has 2 zippers, allowing you to create an awning with the addition of two trekking poles and cord.
We've been buffeted by big wind and awakened once to drifts halfway up the sides. Very solid.
The weight's not too bad (8.5 lbs) considering the benefits of having a 4-season tent that can withstand the elements at night, then open up wide when the weather turns warm during the day. If you want you can just take the rainfly, poles and available footprint and set up a shelter with the awning.
(Actually, our favorite tent is our $35 Ridgeway from Costco we use as our carcamp tent; it's huge, fits an air mattress and is surprisingly watertight. But the Swallow is our favorite backpacking tent).
We've been buffeted by big wind and awakened once to drifts halfway up the sides. Very solid.
The weight's not too bad (8.5 lbs) considering the benefits of having a 4-season tent that can withstand the elements at night, then open up wide when the weather turns warm during the day. If you want you can just take the rainfly, poles and available footprint and set up a shelter with the awning.
(Actually, our favorite tent is our $35 Ridgeway from Costco we use as our carcamp tent; it's huge, fits an air mattress and is surprisingly watertight. But the Swallow is our favorite backpacking tent).
Pufflebrush - Apr 24, 2003 7:59 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled Review
This tent is bombproof. Completely watertight. I spent 2 days in this tent and it didn't leak once. High winds and snow are no problem for this tent either. Once during a paticularly nasty little storm this tent survived gale force winds and heavy snow throughout the night and into the next day. This tent can handle just about any any type of weather you can throw at it. Very roomy inside which makes for more comfort when sheltering from the storm. Is a great spring/summer/fall tent. Has lots of mesh for venting but that can be zipped up for cooler weather. The two vents in the fly on top of the tent do an excellent job of reducing condensation and those same vents can be closed up tight from the inside-if necassary The two seperate enterances and 2 vestibules are a nice added feature.. I wished it was a pound lighter. At about 9 pounds its a real heavyweight in todays tent market. But 9 pounds is also a decent weight for a 40 square foot tent that can be used in almost any conditions with almost every feature found on a tent. Also very durable--I have used my Swallow 20+ times and it is still in great shape.
lisae - Mar 8, 2007 1:28 am - Voted 5/5
Swallow
I've had and used a Swallow for about 10 years now, and it is still going strong. I consider it a 4 season tent for the areas where I camp; ie the desert and here in CA. It hasn't leaked when subjected to heavy rain or snow and is okay in very windy weather.
Mine is a two person tent, so only has one vestibule and door.
One thing I really like about it is that it comes with set up directions sewn onto the 'burrito' bag. Great if you go brain dead when setting it up in the middle of the night.
Mine is a two person tent, so only has one vestibule and door.
One thing I really like about it is that it comes with set up directions sewn onto the 'burrito' bag. Great if you go brain dead when setting it up in the middle of the night.
Viewing: 1-4 of 4 |
mpbro - Dec 30, 2001 8:56 pm - Voted 4/5
Untitled ReviewAn ideal California summer tent would have two poles, only mosquito netting on much of the wall, and a minimalist fly. The Marmot has three poles, solid nylon plus mosquito netting over the windows, and a heavy fly.