We are using Dana Design Garuda for 2 years already in all possible conditions - snow, rain forests, deserts and overpopulated campgrounds always for our complete satisfaction - well ventilated, as dry as you may expect from normal tent to be, comfy but has enough space for two people if you want or should stay inside. To seal it took for us about 1.5 hour. Regarding the setup - after few times you can set it up in any conditions with half-closed eyes - the algorithm is quite simple. The only problem we had so far were zippers that started to separate and could not be closed about half-year ago, so we needed to send it to repair.

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north face; sierra design

I've only used this on a few trips so far, but I love it. It is a bummer that these tents aren't factory seam-sealed, but I took a weekend to seam seal the Tasir and a Garuda Kaja (single wall) and it only took about 5 hours total for both. My wife didn't like the way a non-freestanding tent tapers down toward your feet, but this is the largest 2p, 3s non-freestanding tent I have ever seen. You could fit a third person in there if you had to. There is enough room inside for me (6 ft), my wife, and both our backpacks; plus our large yellow lab in the asymmetrical vestibule. This tent would easily fit someone that was 7 ft tall. One of the nights we used it, it was pouring rain all night and we never even got damp. Great design and construction, strong materials and as always with Dana, built very stout. That's probably my only complaint--that it's a little heavy for a non-freestanding tent. Then again, I carry it with the included easton tubular stakes, footprint, and repair kit, so I can't complain about weight. If you are pitching a tent on ground that won't hold a stake very solidly, this is probably not the tent for you. The stake that holds out the foot end is put under a lot of strain. You might be best served tying that end off to a tree or a rock. Overall, a great tent for the price (not the $405 list, the Northern Mtn Supply sale price), and a solid 3-season performer. Definitely the best non-freestanding 2-person tent that I've seen. I still prefer a freestanding dome, though.

Customer Service

When Dana was in Bozeman, they always were very helpful and fixed stuff for free. I haven't tried them since they moved to Seattle, but a friend of mine had a Garuda tent that was missing a pole, and they sent him one out for free.

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SD Clip Flashlight REI 3s2p Non-freestanding of some sort SD Alpha SD Omega SD Stretch Prelude TNF Rock 22 Dana/Garuda Kaja

Used this tent last weekend over Memorial day. It took a bit to figure out how to set it up, but once one gets used to it I'm sure it will be a snap. The design of this tent is excellent, and although I haven't weathered a terrible storm yet, I can tell it will do an excellent job. The other thing I like about is that it is quite roomy for a two person tent. The double door opening is nice so you don't have to crawl over your companion in the middle of the night. This tent is 100% quality. The rainfly totally covers the main tent unlike some other tent makers. My only complaint is that the tent is not seam sealed, and believe me, to do this properly takes several days...

Customer Service

None so far

Similar Products Used:

Sierra designs

I got my tent and instantly set it up. It did take a while to figure it out at first, but now after setting it up 2-3 times it can actually be very quick. It is a bit bulky when stored which makes packing it in a pack a bit room consuming, but all you need is a different stuff sack such as a 8.00 compression sack "problem solved". The tent waas not seem sealed but it only took me 30 min to do so. And I find it very worth it to do so. I have had tents that have came seam seales already and I usually found the seals were not a good as I could do. If you are looking for a tent and you are a avid backpacker and love lighter loads without loosing sleep because you are cold, wet, and cramped up. I would recomend this product to you. All I would say is you better use it as much as possible because it loves to be in the GREAT OUTDOORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have fun and be safe on all you outdoor adventures.

Customer Service

I love the Dana line. I just wish they were still built in the states.But still a great product

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Walrus, north face, quest....

The size got to me, it was a tad bulky yet reasonably light although it came with some very strange parts and no instructions as such so i'm a little confused. it works really well and is the driest tent i have used.

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many cheaper Eurohike tents that leak a lot

Just got this tent last week at a very deeply discounted 179.00 vs 405.00 sticker price. So far I have very mixed feeling about this tent. First, full up it weighs 7lbs 6 oz not the 5 lbs+ as advertised. The weight includes a ground tarp with built in bag (nice idea), a huge pole/ stake bag, and a stuff sack big enough for 2 tents.
7 extremely high quality Easton stakes come with it and the poles are about the best I've ever seen.
The tent is way over built with huge double zippers for everything, even the panels over the mesh. There's about 50 feet of webbing with buckles, slide barrels and even bungee cord attached in various spots. I'm no set-up freak, but you could make a career out of tweeking all the various and sundry belts, tabs, pulls. More adjustments than an old square rigged ship!
Dana is kind enough to include 2 tubes of seam sealer and a syringe BECAUSE THE %$%## THING ISN'T SEAM SEALED AT THE FACTORY!!!!! They also include 4-5 pieces of various fabics for repair and a pole sleeve, Once you spend a 2 day period for sealing/drying it is a well ventilated dry (garden hose test) shelter for 2. Don't even try to set it up in the dark though.

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Kelty, Walrus