Don't Bug Me

[westr212]

We camp mostly in the upper Midwest and do to mosquitoes we are considering buying a screen tent. I've looked at a number of models and have read the reviews on several units. I really like the clam products tents because they don't have individual pieces and seem to set up easily. I'm just wondering for those of you that are using screen tents, what have you found it works good and is easy to set up and take down. I don't like that the bulk of the unit is so large when it is knocked down for storage. Over six feet in length is somewhat limited on where you can store it during transport.


http://www.amazon.com/Clam-Corporation-9281-Quick-Set-140-Inch/dp/B00E3LF7FK

We plan to not use this very often as being confined is very counterintuitive to camping yet there are times when it's just mosquito season.

What have you found that is not too inconvenient to construct and store but keeps the mosquitos down?
Thanks, Paul &Wendy

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

We used one a few times when necessary. They don't "go up in seconds" as advertised, but it's not too big a deal.

As for storage bulk, it all depends on how much space you have available. We carry stuff like that in the car (a large SUV) we tow behind the motorhome.

A couple other observations:

1.The photos never show the ropes and stakes needed to tie it down.
2.The same mesh that keeps the bugs out also keeps most of the breeze out. That can make it hot inside on a nice day, but also makes it more comfortable on a day with a wind chill
3.Keep an eye on it in windy or rainy weather. It's surprising how quickly a gust of wind or a pocket of water can cause a problem.

 

[kdbgoat]

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-12-Instant-Screened-Canopy/dp/B00339C3FA

This is what we have and enjoy it very much. My wife is a mosquito and spider magnet.

 

[SMR]

we have a  Coleman  easy up 10'x10',
it takes about 10-15 minutes to set up. have had it for 7-8 seasons and 2 travel trailers and now the MH. it takes up some room but it is worth it to keep the bugs away. I think ours in the case is 12x12x 36-42".
we also use a fan to keep them away.

 

[JudyJB]

You might want to stock up on some of these as well:  http://www.amazon.com/Insect-Head-Net-Set-4/dp/B00LRM6ZI6/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1456263301&sr=1-2&keywords=head+nets&refinements=p_89%3AColeman

My son brought my California grandkids out to Michigan for 10 days of camping last June. I am a Michigander by birth, but I don't think my grandkids had ever even seen a mosquito.  Well, we got horribly swarmed in the UP, with mosquitos attacking worse than I had ever known, so I pulled out some head nets I had bought for Florida, and the kids loved them!  Kids wore them outside and inside the motorhome because the mosquitos were sneaking in under slides and everywhere.  They really do work! 

 

[vetmom]

We have the Wenzel Sun Valley Screenhouse, it's on amazon for $126.  We're very happy with this one, very spacious,12'x12', easy to set up, only 20 lbs and stores into 27x9x9 inches.  We've had it for five years now and have left it up even through strong winds and storms with no problems.

Cheryl

 

[Utclmjmpr]

kdbgoat,, stake your wife out 15 feet and sit back and enjoy the afternoon with a beer.>>>D

 

[RoyM]

;D I almost spit my coffee.

 

[kdbgoat]

kdbgoat,, stake your wife out 15 feet and sit back and enjoy the afternoon with a beer.>>>D

You don't like me very much do you? Haha

 

[PopPop51]

We have the Coleman 10X12 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00339C3FA/ref=psdc_10208057011_t1_B00E3LF7FK and use it occasionally.
There's a learning curve to setting it up and dismantling/packing it, but once you have the sequence down it's not difficult.
You've gotta love the "set up in seconds" claims. There are 3600 seconds in an hour, after all. We can set up or dismantle in less than 5 minutes if we're not in a hurry, longer if we are.
Stowed, it's a canvas package about 4' by 1.5' by 1' that weighs about 50 pounds. There are wheels on one edge of the bag that help with maneuvering it. It looks like the Clam is quite a bit longer (6') when packed. That would be an issue for us.
Either are probably good choices.

 

[kdbgoat]

We have the Coleman 10X12 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00339C3FA/ref=psdc_10208057011_t1_B00E3LF7FK and use it occasionally.
There's a learning curve to setting it up and dismantling/packing it, but once you have the sequence down it's not difficult.
You've gotta love the "set up in seconds" claims. There are 3600 seconds in an hour, after all. We can set up or dismantle in less than 5 minutes if we're not in a hurry, longer if we are.
Stowed, it's a canvas package about 4' by 1.5' by 1' that weighs about 50 pounds. There are wheels on one edge of the bag that help with maneuvering it. It looks like the Clam is quite a bit longer (6') when packed. That would be an issue for us.
Either are probably good choices.

That's the same one I posted a link about.

 

[westr212]

http://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/outdoor-recreation/camping/folding-patio-furniture/guidesman-trade-10-x-10-portable-gazebo/p-1444424244209-c-13024.htm?tid=7004444808981400432
I went with this Guidesman (which is designed just like the clam) for ease of set up, take down.  It is the same larger knocked down size of 72" by 12" by 12". Priced right at $149.

 

[tdst51]

We also use the Easy Up 10'X10'. You have to buy the screen part separately though; they don't come together. It comes in a rolling bag that is about 4' long and maybe 6-8" wide. The screen part comes in a small bag. And there is a learning curve. We haven't used ours since we bought our new RV, so bring your lawn chairs and beer, cause I can just about guarantee there will be a fight.    :