Sierra Designs Tengu 2

Just as some other tent reviews, I too spent way to much time looking at every option out there. The final reason why I chose the Tengu 2 was the huge vestibule/ porch/ kitchen/ doggy pen. While zipped can accommodate 2 adults nicely, while open the third person is just half in half out.

Have used it in the Appalachians 5+ times 2 were rainy and the amount of condensation was very easily maneagable (i.e. depends on humidity, amount of rain, and amount of heat produced while sleeping...bottom line worst case scenario for me I noticed some condensation on the underside of the rain fly and continued to poke and prod til I finally had water drip in my face). Not condensation proof but it would be wise to move cautiously if you see any on the inside of the fly.

Setup is pretty straight forward, 2 DAC-featherlite poles joined by a swivel in the middle, then the fly clips to those and holds the tent up. Now the actual pole you need for the vestibule can get a little demanding during setup and breakdown. It basically is being threaded through the seam of the vestibule, then bent and secured to the actual tent body. It takes about 6-8 minutes alone to set up (and I don't move fast). The floor is not waterproof so please invest in some type of plastic tarp of some sort.

The actual inside area of the tent is very roomy. for both the head, feet, and pack if you so choose on those nights it likes to downpour. Have camped with 2 people and we had plenty of room to basically take everything out of our packs and line the walls with (not that we had to). Also have taken my dog many times and the floor is still very strong and shows no signs of wear or tear. If for some reason you need it to be a 3 person one night or two, it has no problem what so ever. That being said you will be elbow to elbow and feet to face.

I do recommend cutting the mesh pocket liners from the inside, they have a tendency to pull the walls in on you with just the smallest amount of weight in them. And get rid of the stuff sack it comes in, you can pack it down to about 7"x11" with a good stuff sack and just pack the poles on the outside of your pack or down the side of it.

Great tent for when you're not backpacking. I camped 30 nights in mine last year, and I'm still proud to use it.

I'm a scoutmaster, so have a bit of gear to keep in a vestibule, and the Tengu's is the largest I could find in a 2-man tent.

Also has dry entry where the roof overhangs the door. Climb in during rain and your tent interior stays dry...big plus, and inexplicably getting harder to find.

Lots of pockets on the interior provide off-the-floor storage for glasses and gadgets.

It goes up or comes down in about five minutes.

Top vent eliminates condensation in cold weather.

Great tent - I knock off .5 point for only fair hot-weather ventilation.