But the L.L.Bean tent’s peak ceiling height of 6 feet 6 inches is half a foot lower than that of the REI tent, making it feel notably darker and less spacious. It typically costs more (in fact, the price has risen substantially—more than $150—since we first tested it) and lacks the convenient strap-equipped carrying bag we like. Since 2015, I’ve tested camping shelters and large car-camping tents on weekend trips involving more than a dozen families, and I have talked to dozens more about their tent travails.
A lower roof makes this shelter feel notably smaller than our top pick, but it’s also durably made and ready to pair with a superior rain fly (sold separately). Our favorite of the eight canopy tents we tested, the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter ticks all those boxes. However, it isn’t meant as a place to sleep; for that you should choose a regular car-camping tent. The rest of the process was funny too, with wimpy frizzy guylines, and inexplicable bits of plastic that are supposed to tighten them. I had to use every knot I’ve learned from rock climbing.
Greed, optimism, stinginess, and materialistic guilt thrashing together in a dance of futility that leads straight to the checkout counter? To make matters worse, sometimes I’m so ashamed of the purchase that I can’t even bring myself to return it. I’ve had them for 5 or 6 years and I have no complaints with this company and its products.
It was a nice size though and eventually got up with extra tape. Tried to buy replacement parts but they were discontinued. Repaired the cracked ozark trail screen house gable with duct tape and was able to use it one more time but then gave up on the cracked part and bought another smaller screen room.
Once you actually get this thing set up, it is great. My ONLY problem is that I lost the darn instructions, and don’t remember which pole goes where! This product, when properly set up, is wonderful. I actually use mine in the yard in the areas where my trees don’t give shade. Had it up for about 6 weeks last year, and it still looks new. This model has been discontinued and I only need two parts to fix it.