Bibler Bombshelter

I was a bit nervous spending so much money on a tent used primarily for motorcycle camping trips.  We were camping in Gillette Wyoming a few years back when out on the prairie a large storm with winds around 50mph kicked up. Tents were flying everywhere.   A friend of mine who was camped next to me in his tent was watching my Bibler Bombshelter lightly flutter in the heavy winds.  I never woke up.  Granted I had my riding suit and gear for a month on the road in the tent, but as the ground was so hard where we were camping I only had 4 stakes total in the ground and the tent still did not move.

This tent is usually used with just myself and occasionally my wife.  I find it is the perfect size for the two of us and our motorcycle riding gear.  I do have a small Bibler Awhanee and my wife does not want to sleep two of us in that tent.  Even on a recent trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) she preferred to take the Bombshelter.  

I wanted a four season tent and that is exactly what it is.  Very toasty on winter camping trips and cool enough on hot summer nights with the vestibules tied back allowing the breeze to flow through.

I recommend setting up this tent at least once prior to your first trip as the poles are on the inside of the tent and it does take some getting use to. After a few time setting up the tent you will come to enjoy the poles on the inside of the tent; especially if it is raining.

Another feature I really like about the Bibler Bombshelter is the color. I have owned many different color tents and am surprised how nice yellow is on the eyes when you are stuck in your tent on a rainy day. The color is uplifting to the spirits compared to a blue interior.

I conducted quite a bit of research prior to spending my hard earned money on this tent. I use it about 30-40 nights per year and I suspect it will last 30 years as I do take care of my gear. I am very pleased with my purchase and highly recommend this tent to anyone who wants a four season tent.

Lightweight for such a big tent, always dry except for condensation on poles, which are inside tent, tons of room, great vestibule, holds up great in wind.

Easy to set up once you learn how. Very lightweight for such a big tent, holds 2 adults, a child and 2 labs and a beagle and all our gear! Always stay dry in it and it holds up in the wind great — very sturdy. The vestibule is very large but makes for getting in and out of the tent a long crawl. Do need a little extra room to set up due to the size.

This is a good tent although I have never put it to the test under extreme conditions. I would recommend that you familiarize yourself with the setup before using it. Also I seam sealed the outside seems for better leak prevention.

I did have a problem with my first use, the velcro pole ties came apart. The poles place the ties under lots of force pressure. I sent the tent back to Black Diamond and they repaired it for no charge. I like a company that stays behind their product. After that I did not have another problem.

I really want to put it to a real test some day, driving winds and rain. It is described as a 4 person tent but I would not recommend more than 2 people with equipment.