Quest Preying Mantis

I have had my Preying Mantis for four years and I continue to be impressed with it every time I use it. It is a snap to set up. However, to make the setup easy you must take care in packing it up (as most of the poles are attached to the tent). I can set it up, solo, in 3 minutes.

The vestibule is enormous, and every square inch can be utilized. Two packs, wet clothes and boots, still leaving room to get in and out or cook a meal or for your K9 friend.

The best part about the tent is that you can roll the fly back exposing the vast area of side wall mesh screens for ventillation. This is very desirable on those hot humid nights with next to no breeze.

The tent is very wind and rain worthy as well. I have been in torential storms, with winds gusting to over 50mph and never a drop of rain has gotten in. I have gone winter camping with it and it was not even slightly bothered by 4" of freshly fallen wet snow.

There seems to be a rash of old stock piling up in stores around the Toronto area and I've seen them discounted for as much 50 percent off. If you're looking for an excellent 3 1/2 season tent, grab one fast.

Great freestanding tent for backpacking and cycle trips. Vestibule is about 1/2 the size of the tent again, but does not need to be staked out. Fly must be on at all times to give structure, however, it can be rolled back from the foot end all the way to the head at the vestibule. This makes it easy to unroll should it start raining in the night.

Lots of ventillation!! You can cook in the vestibule and store your packs as well. If you will use the tent on the west coast, you'll want to seam seal it. Not many seams to seal, so it only takes a few minutes. Wind? We were assaulted by very, very strong winds on an interior plateau in BC in the middle of the night and of course it broadsided us. The pegs we had used to stetch out the fly a bit were torn out, but other than that there was no flapping and the rain that came with it didn't even make it into the vestibule area. Comfortable inside, even if you are 6'5"!

Best tent I've ever owned.

The weight is not bad, but the interior size is excellent and vestibule is huge with super easy access. A true freestanding tent, not one of those wabbly things that require staking. Three great spots to store small things including overhead.

Best part is that this tent is unbelievable in the rain. I've never bothered to waterproof it but it has never let a drop in. The first time I used it was in an unbelievabe storm in Georgian Bay, it literally pissed. There was so much water under my tent (I didn't use a footprint and was camping on rock) that I could push my hand down about 4 inches into it, but not a drop inside.

Also is a comfortable sleep due to maximum ventilation. Tent is mostly screen which allows moisture to vent. No more waking up sweating and spend the morning drying out everything.

PROS: it's pretty big. I'm 6'4" and fit well.

The vestibule is huge; we store two packs in there and there's still room to get in and out. On the last trip, there was enough room for me, girlfriend and dog.

The fly rolls back in nice/hot weather for outstanding ventilation.

CONS: weight - it's a bit heavier than other popular tents.

Setup- it takes a little longer to set up, not overly difficult though. Not fully freestanding--requires that the fly be used. The fly rolls back from the main tent for great ventilation, but still covers the vestibule.

I purchased my tent a month ago and tried it during the first rain storm. After an hour in the rain the super dooper coating started to peel off like loose skin. There is about an inch of water inside now after another hour. I think that i will send this back and look for a better tent.

Went from a Walrus Arch-Rival to this. Night and day! I love the vestibule. Perfect for changing your clothes, cooking in inclement weather, and hanging a candle lantern. I store two packs under the vestibule. Best tent that I have seen yet. Don't think there is one that compares.