Northwest Territory First Up Dome Tent 9.5 x 11

I was given a "6-sided" 11x9.5 Northwest Territory tent but without instructions. I was able to set it up to make sure it was in good shape with nothing missing or broken, but not absolutely sure I did everything correctly. The tag says it is item # 86-74-82 from K-mart but I cannot find any 6-sided tent images to match to verify my assembly. Kids are pretty much gone now, so it may be a moot point, but I'd sure appreciate instructions or advice before I keep or sell it.

Even without instructions, the setup seemed fairly obvious, though I have never seen the poles all connected together at the top this way. The design gives a more roundish interior and allows more flexibility in seating, movement, etc. than the rectangular tents I'm used to that lose the corner space (for the most part).

My wife feels like it has so much screen area without the top cover that we use it on our back porch as a screen room as well. It packed up nicely because all the poles fold into each other and the tent wraps around them nicely. Have only used it once since we got it, but there are no leaks, tears, or rips, and it appears it will last quite a while.

Our kids are grown now and out of the house, so we will either keep it for a screen room (see above) or possibly for retirement travel until we go the RV route.

Overall, this is the best tent that I have owned for base style camping. Not only can you get the tent up in under 60 seconds, you can also depend on it in torrential weather. During a Scout campout, my son and I went through an 8 hour downpour with winds gusting to 50 mph and only had a few drops get into the tent. I think I could have kept the tent bone dry had I properly seam-sealed the rainfly. Understand that this campout had 30 tents start and only about 5 stay dry after the 8 hour downpour.

I was also impressed with the structural integrity of this tent given its "first up" nature. Actually, when properly staked, this tent held when several others snapped under the 50 mph gusts including some aluminum pole tents.

At this juncture I'm conflicted as I have thought about selling this tent because I am now camping with the entire family and need a little more room.

I have had my first up for five years now and everyone keeps asking me where I got I told them K-mart. But no one can find one. The person who had the poles break must not have read the instructions. Mine has been out in storms and has never failed me.

I did have one of the shock cords come undone but that was my error. I neglected to use the extra tie downs and stakes for the rain fly.

If anyone knows where to find one let me know I have a list of friends that are all quite envious. I have my tent up in two or three minutes and theirs at best is up in twenty. And when I give it the 5 star never leave home rating I mean it stays in my truck year round for hunting, fishing, and camping.

Great tent. Wish it was still manufactured.

While I know that this tent is no longer made I am going to miss it. Mine finally broke to the level of non-repairable. I have used it for 11 seasons on 100+ camping nights with Scouts, weathered multiple storms with no issues.

If you have one and take care of it, the tent is very durable.

The floor was wearing thin after so many uses, but it was heavy enough to have cots in it for two adults and room to maneuver.

If you find one that is still in good shape it will probably continue to serve you well.

I'm 13. My dad just got this tent and I can't figure it out. i've read the instructions and everything. I put it up but didn't pull the hub down and while I was putting the rain fly over it, it collapsed.

I finally got it set up again and pulled the hub down, got it set up, and the front two poles fell, pushed them up but they sag inward a little and the corners are sagged inward also because of them, but it is standing. I also had trouble at first because I'm 5'2" and could not reach the hub, so I had to stand inside it and unzip the roof to get it up

Any advice or tips on the sagging?

I love the tents I bought two. Got tired of the putting tent poles together in 25mph winds and rain, with two kids. I found these tent 3 years ago at kmart. I had one of them get picked up the wind in process of taking it down.

It got some tears in it. I took the receipt, paid the warranty on it Kmart wouldn't honor it. I would like to send it back Northwest Territory and trade it in for another one. Kmart in Las Vegas, NV, doesn't carry them anymore. It's the hex dome 9.5 x 11.

Thank you
Kay Barkhuff

I attend the Creationfest for the past 6 years. My first year, I went alone, and needed help getting the tent up. This First Up is exactly what it says. My tent is the first one up. If you are a complete idiot, it might take you 7 minutes to get it up. After a few times using it, it takes about 3 minutes.

There is a lot of room, and it keeps you very dry. I'm trying to see if I can get another one, maybe a large one, although the 65" height is fine for me.

Don't do camping without it!

The tent is nice, but the rain cover flies off with a little wind. I tried to get it back but it attached to a tree about 30 feet up. Anyone know how to get a new rain cover?

I'm a 59 year old woman who goes camping alone. This tent is perfect for me. Easy to put up and roomy without all the "rooms". I like open and large tents.

I went camping at Yellowstone last year and someone tried to steal my tent! In the process, they completely destroyed it! A witness saw the guy but the rangers never found him.

I have tried and tried to find another one, but I have failed. Can anyone help me???? This tent made my camping trips much more enjoyable.

Good idea? Goes up fast, a little hard to pull lock down!

Used three times—short rods in top came out twice, last time set up in wind, not a good idea, three rods came loose tent flapping in wind still unable to get rods back in place. Tried to call company...long lunchtime!!

Would not purchase again unless problem is fixed.

The plastic pegs that hold the top of the rods in place broke the first weekend I had it set up. 3 out of 6 rods broke free and tent collapsed. The plastic pegs are too brittle. This was outdoors in the rain and wind.

Maybe if you set it up in your living room it would survive.

05/10/2008 in Tennessee.

GOOD NEWS -- FIRST-UP TENT IS BACK AT K-MART!!

Saw these "hex dome" "First Up" tents reincarnated as "Mac Kenzie Peak" at Oregon K-marts. Same tent with the first-up mechanism that makes setting up a breeze.

Price is $99. A real sleeper (no pun intended) tent design.

Found it so convenient, goes up in a couple of minutes. Used it on a cross-country trip, never a problem, would recommend it highly. In fact, looking to buy another, can't find a retailer that carries it, anyone know where? Bought the last one at K-mart.

One of the tiny plastic pins in the top piece broke the first time the tent was used, and one of the six legs came loose. Can I buy a replacement part? Where?