I had a REI Roadster solo tent, which is no longer made.
I used for about three times. I guess I got that very infrequent lemon of a tent since on the second usage I had one of the fly tie-downs come detached, which upon closer inspection, was never sewed on. It appeared to have been temporally glued in preparation of sewing. I didn't freak out about it since a few stitches would solve the problem. But, I also noticed that the fly coating was becoming sticky. Hmmm, now that was odd and not normal in my past experience of tents.
After that camp out, I hung up the tent to insure it was dry then packed it away. Several days later I notice on the hallway floor a nice circle of thick, clear plastic, and after wondering for about 30 seconds what it was, tossed it in the trash and forgot about it.
My next trip was to Providence Canyon, under cloudy sky's. Upon setting up the tent and draping the fly over it, I gasp when I saw a nice perfect 10" circular hole. The light bulb went off and I now knew what that clear disk was, the plastic window of my fly (which was not sewed either). I was able to figure out a way to cover the hole with a plastic bag so I made out ok on this trip.
Since REI provides a 100% guarantee I decided to send it back and get a new tent. I settled on the MSR Hubba solo tent.
I will be using this on my Bartram Trail backpacking trip in a few weeks. It is much more roomy than the Roadster. I hope it works out ok.
UPDATE 06/18/2013: I am still using the Hubba solo tent and it has performed fantastically. It is fast to setup and has proved weather tight in raging thunderstorms. I have zero complaints with this tent. All components are holding up and I highly recommend this tent.
I used for about three times. I guess I got that very infrequent lemon of a tent since on the second usage I had one of the fly tie-downs come detached, which upon closer inspection, was never sewed on. It appeared to have been temporally glued in preparation of sewing. I didn't freak out about it since a few stitches would solve the problem. But, I also noticed that the fly coating was becoming sticky. Hmmm, now that was odd and not normal in my past experience of tents.
After that camp out, I hung up the tent to insure it was dry then packed it away. Several days later I notice on the hallway floor a nice circle of thick, clear plastic, and after wondering for about 30 seconds what it was, tossed it in the trash and forgot about it.
My next trip was to Providence Canyon, under cloudy sky's. Upon setting up the tent and draping the fly over it, I gasp when I saw a nice perfect 10" circular hole. The light bulb went off and I now knew what that clear disk was, the plastic window of my fly (which was not sewed either). I was able to figure out a way to cover the hole with a plastic bag so I made out ok on this trip.
Since REI provides a 100% guarantee I decided to send it back and get a new tent. I settled on the MSR Hubba solo tent.
UPDATE 06/18/2013: I am still using the Hubba solo tent and it has performed fantastically. It is fast to setup and has proved weather tight in raging thunderstorms. I have zero complaints with this tent. All components are holding up and I highly recommend this tent.
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