Photo: The Coleman Instant Tent, Baja California. © David Huebner |
Back of Beyond PhotographyIt's tough to know how a tent will perform without using it for a considerable amount of time. Sometimes I wonder how durable a tent is going to be over time, and a few days of reviewing usually doesn't cover all weather conditions.
My good friends were heading to Baja California for three months camping and surfing, so they took the Coleman Instant tent with them for a second and longer review. Here's what they had to add to the original review.
From David Huebner:
Pros: We didn't have a single problem with the Coleman Instant tent in three months. It sets up quicker than a minute. Once you're used to it, it breaks down nearly as fast; and it will actually fit back in the bag, though that takes a few times to figure out as well.
Cons: Condensation, which is always going to be an issue with a single wall design as far as I know. Zipper was good but just a little tight at the upper corner. The curve could be straightened a bit to improve durability. And you can't clean out windows because they don't zip down all the way.
Additional Comments: It's an awesome tent. Held up in the wind, waterproof in the rain and easy.
[David Huebner is a writer, photographer and musician. His work can be found at backofbeyond.org]
More Tent Reviews: Coleman Instant Tent | REI Hobitat 4 | Easton Mountain Hat-Trick | Black Diamond Skylight
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The first solar eclipse viewable in the U.S. in the last 18 years will darken the sky before sunset on May 20, 2012. The partial solar eclipse can be seen best from California, New Mexico and Utah and will be viewable from 5:24 p.m. until 7:42 p.m. Pacific Time.
"Even though we won't have a total eclipse, the moon will be in position to block out 96 percent of the sun's light at the eclipse maximum, leaving what we call a 'ring of fire' around the disc of the moon," said Astronomer and National Park Service volunteer Dr. Tyler Nordgren.
National park rangers and astronomers from the National Park Service, local astronomy clubs and NASA will converge on several national parks with programs and hands-on eclipse activities for park visitors.
"This will be spectacular," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B.
Jarvis. "There are 33 national parks positioned for a great view of the
eclipse."
More: Plan a Stargazing Campout | Top 5 US National Parks to Pitch a Tent | National Park Events |Learn About the Annular Solar Eclipse and See it in Nevada
Photo: A total solar eclipse is seen on July 22, 2009 in Iwojima Island, Tokyo, Japan. / Getty Images
Where are you camping this weekend?
Photo: Montaña de Oro State Park is a top camping destination on California's Central Coast. | Monica Prelle
