I think this tent is great! It has a nice mesh top for stargazing. Quality is as good as any I've seen. If you stake it out taut, you shouldn't have a problem with the rain. One thing I think is a must is the optional footprint. I've tried using PE tarps but they usually end up hanging out the sides collecting water. I especially like how the vestible is attached to the tent and not the rain fly. I think this makes putting on the rainfly that much easier. I can't say enough good things about this tent; especially when its on sale for less than $100. For the money, you just can't beat the small size, ease of set-up, and classic REI quality.

Customer Service

Whether you mail order or buy directly from the store, REI's customer service is unbeatable.

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coleman, kelty, walrus, sierra designs

I have had this tent for about five years. It is an overall great backpacking tent. First, the good stuff: It is light weight and compacts very small. I have even fit it inside the sleeping bag compartment with my sleeping bag in my backpack. The poles snap together quickly, and the continuous sleeve design makes set up a breeze, even in the dark. The rain fly is great at keeping the water off the top, but needs to be guyed out using the attached guy points to keep the wind from blowing the rain up underneath. The rain fly can be rolled back, and offers opportunity for some serious star gazing. The no see-um mesh does its job perfectly, and I haven't had any material or stitching failures in about 100 nights sleeping in it. It has an adequate vestibule, it isn't big enough for two backpacks, but it is ok for one and a couple pairs of boots. The tent seems very durable, and I like the way the rain fly clips into the poles. The interior is roomy enough for a backpacking tent, and one can sit up inside, but not two. It stands up under normal windy conditions you're likely to encounter, it's sleek design seems to be made to buck the wind. The small size of the tent is a plus in that it if it ever gets wet, it is very easy to pull up the stakes and let it dry by hanging it up in a nearby tree. I think to have the set up instructions sewn onto the bag is a nice touch, as are the two interior mesh pockets.

As far as negative comments go, some things I don't like about the tent include the small vestibule, and the typical thin aluminum tent stakes that come with it. They bend easily and I have replaced them with some heavy duty Easton aluminum ones. The wind can push water up under the rain fly, as the sides of the tent only go up about 4 inches, but if you guy out the rain fly and pull it down tight, it seems to alleviate this problem. When you unzip the mesh door, the only option is to have it lay on the floor of the tent, or the ground. It can be rolled up, but it still seems in the way, and prone to being walked on. I would rather have the option of having it open, but rolled up into the ceiling.

Customer Service

Overall a great tent for decent price.

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Other no name backpacking tents, less money, less value.

The Tent performs well, packs well, is easy to set up. Not being freestanding is a bit of a pain. I have not used this tent under extreme conditions. But it has done well with moderate rain and sleet.

Customer Service

It's good to buy from REI!

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My wife and I love this tent. It's perfect for two people who aren't very big and like to cuddle! (may be a little cozy for two guys who aren't that familiar...) We have used it in muggy Oklahoma and chilly Colorado, and it's always performed well. Quick to set up - only two poles. LIghtweight. And despite the way-cool window (groovy for fire-fly watching on warm summer nights) the rain fly holds in the heat.

Customer Service

REI rocks!

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I really can't believe how much everybody else is raving about this tent, I found it to be quite horrible. I owned this tent for a few years, but only used it 5 or 6 times (it was just a spare, I really go camping on average 2 to 3 weekends per month throughout the year). From my experience, it's difficult to get it to stake out w/out the sides caving in, and even if you do succeed the slightest sprinkling of rain causes it to collapse back in on you, no matter how you may try to tighten it. The door mesh started to rip out around the zipper, and the vestibule zipper not only sticks a lot, but mine completely busted. You have to be very careful when attatching and staking out the fly if rain is a reality, because...well, I'll just say you'll get wet if you don't. Bottom line: you get what you pay for. Cheap price=cheap materials and workmanship.

Customer Service

Fortunately, REI took my tent back (even w/out a receipt) and gave me a full refund for credit towards a different tent.

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I used a REI NiteLite for about a year and found it to be a good, solid summer tent. My favorite part was the top. Part of it was mesh so you could stargaze when the rainfly was off. NiteLites are light, easy to pack and easy to set up. REI usually puts them on sale for $100 a couple of times a year. At that price, you can't lose. The new models come with three aluminum poles, which gives a lot of extra support in windy and stormy conditions. The old models only had two poles.

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I really like this tent. It's compact. light, and very durable. On one of my trips (week long bike tour) It rained everynight so I couldn't take full advantage of the window during that time, so I used the rainfly. We had 15mph winds some nights and I didn't even secure the rainfly like they wanted(just the velcro :)). I was still super dry. The only time I was uncomfortable was when I didn't put the rainfly and dew was everywhere, but that's not too often for me. When the insides do get wet, it doesn't take long to dry due to that huge window. the little cubbyhole is great to put some xtra stuff. The new Al poles are great. The third one gives great stability to it and opens the tent a whole lot more. It's a great weekend tent with the girlfriend and a nice thing to have in case your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. I'd reccomend this tent for all you mountain bikers and touring cyclists out there. Not to heavy and easily staked. Just watch out for the dew

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some generic tent that snapped in half

Excellent tent, have owned it for 3 years and absolutly love it. Not being free standing has it's weaknesses. I have used this tent in extreme conditions everything for sleet, down pours lasting 4 days, snow, and just about anything you can dream up. It is a 4 season tent if you can stand a little uncomfort, though use caution when snow loading may occur, it tends to sag a little. But I love it, I never had any problems with it.

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Seirra Designs Solo, North face Nebula, Walrus ???, All kinds of Eureka's

I like very much this tent.I got it for a present and it served me well.I dont know much about tents, but I think it is quite all right for the prise.

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I bought this tent mainly to bike tour with because it is light,compact & is relatively easy to set up. For the price it has been a great tent. I love the mesh top in the summer time. It keeps you cool & provides a great view of the stars. In winter with the rain fly attached I have never had a problem with water leaking in. Just make sure the fly is tight. I haven't used it for windy camping yet so I can't comment on it's performance there. The vestibule provides adequate usable space for your boots, pack, etc. Newer model has a third pole added in the middle of the tent body which will improve stability & prevent sagging. If you want a good solid 4-season tent this isn't the one for you. If you're looking for a light, packable good all-around tent I would recommend this one.

Customer Service

Have not had to use customer service with this tent yet but REI stands behind their products 100%.

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