Is anyone using the REI Hobitat 4 person tent?

[cybervet]

I'm looking at tents, have almost settled on the Eureka Mountain Pass 3. It seems like a great balance between pack size and spacious. I want to be prepared for guests. BUT ... I now see that REI has the Hobitat on sale for less than the Eureka. Is anyone using that one that can tell me how bad it is to get packed onto the bike? I like the looks of the tent, but am concerned about the size of the poles on the ST.

Thanx.

 

[Mark]

10x10 inch with 17 in poles.
That is a *big* tent.

If the pole size is the only stopping point you can get a set of shorter tent poles made to order in either 3 season or 4 season.

 

[rjs987]

I am liking the ALPS Mountaineering Extreme 3 Outfitter Tent for a replacement for mine when the time comes to need it. Alps also has the non-Outfitter versions in 3 person and 2 person. Their 2 person poles fold down to 18" I think. I currently have a MountainSmith tent with 2 poles that cross each other twice similar to this one, more stable in wind and weather. Just missing the extra pole crosswise to make the tent wider. My MountainSmith is also a 2 person tent but is plenty big enough for one (me). A 3 person is usually plenty big enough for a guest. If you really need to fit the tent in the saddlebags the poles can be packed separate on the seat (what I do), the tent alone will compress down a lot. Poles don't need to stay dry. Or do as Mark mentions and have a set made that folds down shorter. There is a post somewhere on this forum with contact information of someone who can do that for you.

BTW- you planning a party inside your tent? :grin: