What to write?
Here are some things to consider when reviewing a shelter:
Setup: How easy is the tent to pitch? Are footprint, poles, fly, stakes easy to setup?
Stability: Does it pitch tautly? Does it stay stable in wind, rain, snow?
Weather Resistance: How well does the tent -- floor, fly, and sides -- handle moisture?
Ventilation: Is condensation an issue? How well does the shelter vent?
Room & Storage: How's the room and headroom for users and equipment? How useful is any internal gear storage?
Packability: How do the tent and parts pack up for stowage, relative to pitched size?
Ease of Use: Do parts and features work as expected? Consistently?
Features: Any noteworthy features, designs, or technology? Do they live up to expectations?
Construction & Durability: How has it held up over use?
Conditions: Where, when, and how long have you used this gear?
Make it a Killer Review
Be fair Keep in mind commonsense limits for gear. Don’t expect a tarp to keep out the snow on Denali, or an ultralight rucksack to carry 50 pounds comfortably. Consider how the product performed during normal usage. Did it meet manufacturer claims? Fall short? Exceed them? More tips for a killer review »