Posted: 5/29/2016 10:11:33 PM EDT
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So I camp here in the desert above Vegas from time to time, and in the spring it is extremely windy. It blows my tent over, and after this last trip, the wind ripped my tent. So I threw it away, and am now in need of another.. However, this one needs to be as wind proof as possible.
Help me pick my next 4 person as wind proof as can be tent. Thanks! |
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Any decent tent should handle wind without tearing if you pitch it using whatever natural protection you can find, and with an end facing into the wind rather than broad to it. Use all the guy-out points and keep everything as tight as possible, it's flapping that causes tents to rip.You can also use a tarp staked out to windward, use trekking poles to raise one side and guy it securely.
The lower and more rounded your tent is, the more wind-resistant it'll be. I like my ALPS Mountaineering tents, a hybrid 4-season 2 person Jagged Peak 2 and a 3-season 4-person Lynx 4. A true 4-season tent is meant for use above the treeline in alpine environments and can be sealed completely to keep blowing snow out, while a hybrid is constructed to retain warmth but may not be sealed to the same degree. ALPS, Marmot, Kelty, and Big Agnes are all good tents that will last many years, with middle-of-the-road pricing (say, under $300.) |
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Thanks..
This is the desert, there is no natural protection you speak of. The wind can change direction instantly, and often does where we camp. It's right on the Colorado river. I used all the guy line points with the rain fly as it had eight more. I had my tent staked at 16 points including four more to my truck for a total of 20 spots.. And the tent still tore.. It actually tore on account of the fiberglass poles breaking in two. If you don't believe me, come to Vegas and we can ride to my spot and I'll show the wind to you. It's brutal out here. |
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Quoted:
Fiberglass poles indicates a cheap tent. So probably substandard sewing as well. The newest tents have aluminum poles. Geodesic domes or others with multiple overlapping poles and structurally more rigid. Exactly, I don't think I've even heard of a tent coming with fiberglass poles in ages. My Jagged Peak 2 has 2 poles that support the tent from 6 points around the perimeter. 
And with the fly on you can see how low it is and the shallow angles that let the wind ride over it. I've had it out in 40-50mph gusts with no problems. 
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What you need is called a 4 season tent or a mountaineering tent
Something built strong to withstand the big winds on big mountains. a descent four season 4 person tent is going to run you somewhere around $800+ ETA: If you can find one. Most Mountaineering tents are 2-3 people due to weight and the need for warmth as they are meant to be on expeditions. I still have my Northface Westwind 2 person. This model tent had been on K2 and survived 100+ mile and hour winds. I have personally had it in about 80 mph winds, but it only sleeps 2 well acquainted people. Having said that, since you are not concerned with snow loads, you may be able to use a well made 3 season tent, if it is very well made, What brand tent and model tent were you using? |
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Quoted:
So I camp here in the desert above Vegas from time to time, and in the spring it is extremely windy. It blows my tent over, and after this last trip, the wind ripped my tent. So I threw it away, and am now in need of another.. However, this one needs to be as wind proof as possible. Help me pick my next 4 person as wind proof as can be tent. Thanks! Nothing like 50 mph - gust to 70 in the desert to make a believer out of you! I have always had a name brand - Mountain Hardware, Marmot, North Face - 3 season tent and have done alright here NV / Cali desert. Like others have said, a dome type tent with low profile is best. I just bought Marmot Tungsten 3P but have not used it yet. Based on other tents I have had with near identical design, I think this would work for you. Get the something like MSR Cyclone or Ground Hog tent stakes. I have the Ground Hogs. Here is the same model in 4P:Marmot 4P Tent I got mine on sale for $160 landed. Found it on like page 6 of a Google search. Some small Mid Western Mountain shop. Everywhere else - $250. Here is a pic of inside my tent after one of these 'zephyrs'.... Keeps stuff interesting! <grin> 
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