User Review: Slumberjack Raptor

Reviewed April 13, 2003 by Kurt

Rating:
Design: minimalist shelter, free-standing capable
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: very simple
Weight: 4 lb 5 oz
Price Paid: $130

The tent is well constructed and triple stitched. The bathtub-style floor is thin but seems tough enough. The ventilaton is excellent, as the entire tent (except the floor) is mosquito netting and mesh. The fly fits like a second shell and is very tight. The doors (both sides) are huge for such a small tent. It is very easy to get into and out of.

There is a lot of attention paid to detail: it has a "shelf" made of netting along the top, clips to hang a bow on (or your stuff), a sleeve on the left sideto secure a fishing rod or rifle, a "hood scoop" on the front of the tent by your feet, the attachment points of the fly have flaps to cover the ends of the tent poles, and the camouflage is excellent. The unorthodox angles and curves contribute to the camouflage effect.

When you sit inside and look at how everything was sewn together, it looks quite impossible. It's a marvel of tent engineering.

The Raptor uses the more durable fiberglas poles. There was an issue with their supplier (years ago). The section of the pole with the most stress (crosswise, overhead) would break. When I made a request to buy a new pole, they sent me one for free from their current manufacturer. the older poles can be identified by a 'crook' in the overhead section, the newer poles are all straight and not as stiff.

Pros: quick and easy setup, excellent ventilation, excellent camouflage, very versatile, looks cool.

Cons: If it rips anywhere, the tent will self-destruct because everything is stretched. Water can pool in the 1-foot triangular section on top. The floor could be thicker. I don't think it's made anymore, therefore spare parts (replacement poles, fly) might be hard to come by.

Summary: If you want a camouflage tent that doesn't look stupid, this is the tent for you. Otherwise, consider the cons and see if you can find something better.

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