Moss Tents Big Dipper

Most durable tent I‘ve owned in 50 years of wilderness wandering.

Purchased from a friend who owned a kayak and canoe shop here in town. He’d brought a few in to see how they would sell. We set it up in his shop yard. It was a bit tight at first, but I was impressed with all the little functional details.

Also purchased the footprint, which was a good idea considering where it would be used over the 30 years. Loved the fact that you could unzip all the windows for air circulation and zip them up when it was cold and damp.

The vestibule was a novelty for me at first, but realized the value later for storing boots and dry bags. Over the years I used it in the mountains and on the West Coast. Sat days with howling SE winds  horizontal rain with no problems with leaks or just staying up. Some of my colleagues were not so fortunate.

Aldo installed the gear loft for stashing pants and socks away from any dampness. Also could hang my candle lantern from the centre loop—pre-LED days! That and my headlamp and I was set for some bedtime reading. Kept my bear bangers loaded in my shoe.

Only once when one sneezed outside the tent did I consider using it. After an experience with some friends who had the back wall of their tent torn open by a bear I didn’t want anyone messing with my Moss tent! No food, not even toothpaste allowed in my tent. He took off huffing and puffing up the hill in the dark.

As someone else mentioned, I really loved the mustard yellow and red trim. It was still light and warm feeling on those stormy land-based days.

Also worked on the West Coast as a wilderness guide with youth. A paddling camp. They were in and out of my tent and didn’t cause any damages except to my binoculars!

After all these years of backpacking, canoeing, and kayaking and what I’ve seen of the new tents, I’m concerned about ever being able to replace this one with something comparable.

Background

Only Moss tent I’ve ever owned, but have used older inferior brands. Started out under canvas!

Expeditions are not in the works anymore as it seems that all my old paddling friends have knee, shoulder, or back problems that limit movement. Now I’m doing shorter trips with younger people. I’m only 75 now!

Best base camp tent ever for hot, cold, rain, snow, high winds or anything else.
Purchased in 1997 for $785 after a Walrus Mountain 360 left us soaking wet in the Big Horns. Has never let us down.

Background

Lots, in all seasons. Mostly summer in the Mountain West but many winter trips in the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, White Mountains, Minnesota, and Canada.

Moss tents are the best ever made in my opinion. Used in Colorado and Montana.

I now own three different Moss Tents, from the Solus 1-man to the Starlet and Big Dipper. These tents are the 'Rolls Royce' of tents.  

My 5 person family used the Big Dipper many, many times. We once had a very windy cold wet night although we were totally comfortable inside playing cards and games. Leaks are unheard of. We woke up with 4" of snow on the fly and didn't even realize it. They are bombproof and super durable.

Since it's now 2013 and they are still good as new, the materials were first rate. They are on the heavy side but will last and last. We love them.

One thing people don't realize is how the color scheme affects your moods. Red, cream and tan turned out to be very cheery, comforting and soothing.

Great, strong tent, has served me for 20 years.

I bought this tent in 1995, and it has seen over 100 nights of use, backpacking with friends (it fits four adults easily), Scouts, etc. The vestibule is huge, the materials first class, holds up to strong winds no problem.

Setup is OK once you get used to it, with color-coded pole sleeves. It vents well with two doors and lots of screen.

Overall, just a classic tent I've never regretted purchasing. I use a bivy now for backpacking, but I'll keep this big boy.

Indispensable companion for over 30 years.

Another reviewer mentioned how color affects mood—add to that the large screen windows that makes you feel like you have a luxury room with a view. Used from Newfoundland to Baja Mexico over 30 years (including 6 months continuous), I have never seen a better tent. During a 60 MPH wind storm on a cliff in Meat Cove Campground, NS (my favorite), all other tents collapsed and they wound up in ours for the night.

Background

Coleman, North Face, REI

One of the finest tents made, although somewhat heavy for backpacking. I have owned one for many years and it still functions better than new ones on market.

Would recommend to anyone interested in a 4-season tent.

Best tent I've ever used. Hands down.