Swiss Gear tents

Discoinjapan

Well-known member
Feb 14, 2006
2,526
7
50
Yokosuka Japan via PA
Anybody have any comments on them?

I bought one last week and used it last weekend. We had some pretty severe wind coming through the valley and it tore off one of the sleeves that hold the poles in! I'm taking it back this week but wandering if its worth replacing with the same or refunding my money.
 

mjbrox

Well-known member
Jun 30, 2008
1,812
48
Golden CO
Discoinjapan said:
Anybody have any comments on them?

I bought one last week and used it last weekend. We had some pretty severe wind coming through the valley and it tore off one of the sleeves that hold the poles in! I'm taking it back this week but wandering if its worth replacing with the same or refunding my money.

I like REI tents.

Great price
Great Design
Great customer service
Great Warranty
 

ArmyRover

Well-known member
Dec 4, 2007
3,230
1
Augusta, GA
I have a couple of them, that my parents got for us years back. They have worked fine for general camping needs for my small family. Not something I would pick up for severe use or duty.
 
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Discoinjapan

Well-known member
Feb 14, 2006
2,526
7
50
Yokosuka Japan via PA
I bought it because it was the best one they had on base. Unfortunately their is not a selection. I know the REI tents are good, but I needed it in a hurry. Rei or NF I would have to order from the states and it would take a while to get here.
I guess I'll refund my money and order one online, although I was planning on going camping again this weekend or next.

I bought the 9 person Muerren tent. The thing was huge! But I almost always have the family and Weimariner with us. I do have a small 3 person REI for when just my son and I go.
 

flyfisher11

Well-known member
May 25, 2005
8,676
2
61
Wolf Laurel NC
For just me I have the Bibler Black Diamond Eldorado. Easy as hell to set up and no need for a fly.

When me and my wife only go I have a The North Face Expedition 36 (bombproof but a pain to set up)

For the family I have a Cabelas geodesic Alaskan Guide 6 (very strong and stable).
 

leeawalden

Well-known member
Feb 21, 2005
2,401
1
Atlanta, GA
I am still using my swiss gear tent I bought at Sams for $40 a few years back. Its not bad for what I use it for, but I am looking for a new one.

Check out SteepandCheep.com its a one deal at a time site. Its hard to explain but they have rotating deals that are at least 50% off....from knives to tents, headlamps, chairs, backpacks, shoes, jackets, fleece, pants, sunglasses, bags, etc. Not from no name brands either...patagonia, arcteryx, marmot, horny toad, NF, black diamond, etc. I have been waiting for the right tent to pop up on that site :cool:
 

mjbrox

Well-known member
Jun 30, 2008
1,812
48
Golden CO
leeawalden said:
I am still using my swiss gear tent I bought at Sams for $40 a few years back. Its not bad for what I use it for, but I am looking for a new one.

Check out SteepandCheep.com its a one deal at a time site. Its hard to explain but they have rotating deals that are at least 50% off....from knives to tents, headlamps, chairs, backpacks, shoes, jackets, fleece, pants, sunglasses, bags, etc. Not from no name brands either...patagonia, arcteryx, marmot, horny toad, NF, black diamond, etc. I have been waiting for the right tent to pop up on that site :cool:

steepandcheap is definitly a good place to watch, but it could take time.

Again, I would go to REI
 

Discoinjapan

Well-known member
Feb 14, 2006
2,526
7
50
Yokosuka Japan via PA
Well... I took it back today and they wouldn't refund me, they would only exchange! So I have the same crap, I'm hoping its just a manufactures default. The way it ripped was as if a knife or blade was run through it.. I guess well see.
 

Discoinjapan

Well-known member
Feb 14, 2006
2,526
7
50
Yokosuka Japan via PA
How you like that NF??? I'm a NF fan and would most definitely order a tent if it would stand up..

flyfisher11 said:
For just me I have the Bibler Black Diamond Eldorado. Easy as hell to set up and no need for a fly.

When me and my wife only go I have a The North Face Expedition 36 (bombproof but a pain to set up)

For the family I have a Cabelas geodesic Alaskan Guide 6 (very strong and stable).
 

mjbrox

Well-known member
Jun 30, 2008
1,812
48
Golden CO
Discoinjapan said:
How you like that NF??? I'm a NF fan and would most definitely order a tent if it would stand up..


When I lived in DC, I would not wear north face because I did not want to get mugged for it. I always wore Mountain Hardware, but amazingly enough, the ?street guys? commented how it looked better than NF??go figure
 

Discoinjapan

Well-known member
Feb 14, 2006
2,526
7
50
Yokosuka Japan via PA
I've heard fat jokes about fat people wearing tents but damn.....:victory:


mjbrox said:

When I lived in DC, I would not wear north face because I did not want to get mugged for it. I always wore Mountain Hardware, but amazingly enough, the ?street guys? commented how it looked better than NF??go figure
 

flyfisher11

Well-known member
May 25, 2005
8,676
2
61
Wolf Laurel NC
Discoinjapan said:
How you like that NF??? I'm a NF fan and would most definitely order a tent if it would stand up..

The Expedition 36 I have is bombproof. It is a four season tent build for serious bitniz. I picked it up new for less than half on fleabay. It is a three person which gives nice room for one or two. If you backpack with it it is good to split it up between two people because it can be a little heavy for one. I've been in it with very high winds and it was unflappable while others camping with us were having their tents lean in on them. I don't know if TNF still makes this particular model but look at all the new old stock places and ebay. I highly recommend this one if you don't mind a little extra set up time.

Cheers,

Mike

http://www.mbstores.com/nofaex363man.html
 

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Ed Cheung

Well-known member
Aug 23, 2006
1,584
2
Hong Kong
How u are going to use it, fitting it in the backpack and hike,etc? Is the weight going to be concern? And price range?
 

Ed Cheung

Well-known member
Aug 23, 2006
1,584
2
Hong Kong
Have you look at local brand such as OGAWA CAMPAL.
http://www.ogawa-campal.co.jp/camp/index.html

I had seen people use Kelty family tent as well, they seems to hold up good. or you can take a look at Big Anges as well.

If you want something that will really last, try Hilleberg.....but the price is a bit steep, the best part is that it got a big vestibule and the dog can stay out there.

But I think the best bet is your NF link, good price and can't go wrong with NF. Seems to be hard to find a good family tent nowadays. Seems like all the makers are focusing on 2-3 people tents.