Texsport Willowbend Trail Tent 01904

For the same price as a wal-mart tent, the TexSport Willowbend is smaller packing, lighter, and performs far better.I slept through a Texas thunderstorm this weekend while camped out, and was dry as a bone after 4 hours of rain. The campsite was flooded, and water pooled under the tent, but not a drop in the tent. I strung up a tarp over the top (as any camper would when expecting rain) and camped all weekend with any issues. My friend did the same with his tent, and got soaked from underneath the last night. Mine is the dark tarp on the right in the first picture of the campsite.The tent has plenty of room for one person and gear, and vents pretty well in hot, humid conditions with even the slightest breeze, so long as it's lined up correctly.2 notes: bring plenty of stakes and extra cordage, especially if you plan on stringing a tarp over the top. I think I used 15 stakes, and ended up needing to make a few on the fly.Also, if you string up your tarp to give a front vestibule, it makes getting in/out of the tent a bit tricky.All in all, it's a very impressive tent for the price, weight, and size. You'd have to spend at least $100+ to match this tent and a $15 tarp.

If you're looking at this tent, you're cheap. That's ok. I am too. Embrace it. But you do get what you pay for. So at $20 I knew this would not stand up to backpacking if I just took it out as is from the manufacturer. But for $20 for the tent, and a little time & extra money invested in improving it, you can end up with a very serviceable tent that may not have the bells and whistles of the high end tents (isn't camping about roughing it anyway?), but it will keep you warm & dry if used properly. Knowing how to use it PROPERLY is a key. It may seem like putting more money than is worth it into a tent you bought because you're being cheap in the first place, but think of it this way: it is an investment. Without upgrading, your cheap tent is garbage that WILL fail when you need it most. Then you'll just have to buy another new tent or spend the money to improve this one in the ways I'm going to recommend like you should have done in the first place (in addition to extra time/effort to make repairs from any damage). So either shell out the big bucks for an expensive well manufactured tent in the first place, get sucked into an endless cycle of buying new cheap tents as they fail one after the other, or do it right the first time by improving a cheap tent to a good tent. A lot of the costs like tarp, stakes, & paracord upgrades are reusable and already are (or should already be) in your backpack kit anyway, so they pay for themselves over time.Without further ado, here is my 2 cents:1) As with most tents these days, you need to get better stakes than what's included by the manufacturer. No way around this. They are the light duty, thin steel type that will bend easily even when driven into relatively good ground. Get some stronger lightweight aluminum ones cheap from Walmart or somewhere else to replace them. This point cannot be emphasized enough for this tent because the key to keeping the A-frame design up using the poles is all tension. If the tension slackens at all (i.e. from bad stakes slipping while being pulled around in wind/rain/etc) then the tent will not be taut & stable shelter. It will then flap more and thus pull the stakes looser and thus flap more...etc. It will fail you when you need it most. GET BETTER STAKES THAT HAVE MORE BITE TO THEM!!! One alternate is to plan on using large, very heavy rocks/logs as dead-man weights with the guylines if they're available in the environment you hike. But that isn't always the case so I always keep the light, good stakes in the kit just in case.2) The line that is included is similarly not useable. It is too weak to trust to hold up even under normal conditions, let alone during a windy storm. This is not a free standing tent so if this gives way in a storm it will fall in on you & you will really regret not taking the time to upgrade it beforehand as you know you should have. Real 550 paracord is the best substitute in my opinion. Yes, its test strength is massive overkill for what's needed, but paracord is a good versatile thing to keep in your pack anyway and the more papracord I have around to scavenge if needed the better. But you can certainly use something in between--heavier than the flimsy included line but not as heavy-duty as paracord--if all you ever plan on using it for is the tent guyline or other medium duty applications.3) As you can see in the photo, pulling out the side guys creates a depression in the ceiling which could allow water to pool & leak inside. I sewed a small loop in the top middle to run a guy line all the way through the top from front to back so that when both sides are pulled taught, the top line keeps the tent top lifted up by the loop. Multiple loops would be even better to distribute fabric strain and I may add one on each side halfway between the center point and respective endpoints later if I have to. I'll wait to see how it works over time, but for now one loop in the middle seems good enough. Use small needle diameter for smaller holes but make sure it is securely sewn and well reinforced (use a tarp backing like you'll see for the side guy outs on the inside...I put my reinforcement tarp OUTSIDE to help reduce leakage possibility). Also, pay extra attention to any sewn areas when waterproofing (see below)4) This is not waterproof, period. You could just seam seal, which would help some, but the fabric rating is not high enough to stand up to the water pressure head from a normal storm, let alone a hard storm. The product itself does not list the spec, but I have seen it listed as 800 pu on another site and this seems likely...you get what you pay for & this is cheap. 1500 pu is the minimum of what you'd want on a decent double wall tent with a rain fly, and single wall barrier tents (as this is) usually go from 2000-3000 pu. So unless you only plan to use this tent for car camping when you've checked the weather in advance and don't expect more than a misty drizzle, then you NEED more waterproofing. So I mixed mineral spirits with GE II silicone caulk (use a 1:1 ratio and make sure you get GE II, not GE I because GE I releases an acid while curing, GE II does not). Take care to mix well into a complete liquid and apply quickly before curing starts in the bucket. Let it soak into all the fabric & be very generous working it into all seams especially. Let it cure for a good and long time. This method does increase the tent weight by impregnating the fabric with silicone, but is great waterproofing though it does make the tent even less breathable which encourages condensation if you don't vent the tent properly. If you feel water dripping on you after this the problem is probably not leakage from outside. See below about condensation. Also, this tent is a hothouse and the silicone will make it hold in even more heat. A trick is pitch it in shade & hang out inside like it's a lounge during the warmer daytime if you don't really have to. Also be advised that the most common commercially available seam seal liquids, tent repair adhesive patches, etc are designed for polyurethane coated nylon fabrics and WILL NOT ADHERE TO SILICONE TREATED NYLON (SIL-NYLON). You'll need silicone based sealants/adhesives in the future if you go this route.5) This style of tent design encourages condensation IF YOU DON"T ALLOW VENTILATION BY LEAVING THE FRONT AND BACK VENTS OPEN. Most of the time, you can do this without getting any water in (or at least much more than a minimal splash/spay) if you are creative and attentive to conditions like wind direction and strength, rain strength, etc and keep an just eye on it and adjust when necessary. I've also seen people modify the tent body with a homemade tarp vestibule to cover the opening(s) so they can stay fully open in rain without needing supervision. Do what you gotta do for what works for your purposes.6) Instead of (or ideally in addition to) the above, just pitch a tarp on a line over the tent to block rain. I normally don't even bother, unless I think the storm will be massively epic, but it can't hurt other times and could also block some sun to reduce the tent's hothouse effect a little. You don't need the tarp as a for a groundcloth since the floor is made of tarp type material already, Do still clean up the area you're pitching it on to prevent tearing the floor by sharp rocks etc underneath. A tarp is very versatile piece of gear so you'll find plenty of uses for it with imagination so it's nice to have one around anyway.7) Poles are lightweight aluminum, but cheap aluminum. Probably won't last forever, but used with care should last a while. If they do break in the forest, a stick can be easily modified to act as a replacement. The only thing to keep in mind about this is that sometimes (desert, high mountains above the tree line, etc) you may be in an environment where usable sticks are not readily available. Just something to keep in mind. A taut paracord line can be run between 2 attachment points at the proper height (like trees) and the line can be fed between the the 2 end grommets at the top on either side that the poles normally stick into as an alternate way to set up the tent.I'm probably forgetting something or not even thinking of something that could be improved so I encourage others to share their ideas on how they make their tents better.In conclusion, this is a cheap, unreliable tent as is that you should NOT trust in real camping or really even in car camping. At best it's maybe a toy to set up for your kids in the backyard. But it is also a cheap base tent that you can modify into a good tent. You can research the well-known advantages and disadvantages of the A-frame tent design and make your own modifications to turn it in into a reliable tent tailored for your specific needs and priorities. All things considered, doing this work makes it a durable tent you won't have to replace any time soon and most of the materials are multipurpose things you should have for camping anyway. So even with the additional INVESTMENT (meaning it will pay off in the long run) to improve the tent, it still turns out to be relatively inexpensive all things considered. I'd recommend it, but only if you're willing to go the effort to make it usable in real life.

The first thing you need to know is that this tent was bought cuz I had no other choice. I was sleeping in a one man Eureka down at Havasu Falls (Grand Canyon area), and the main fiberglass pole snapped. I was unable to repair it, and needed a replacement the next night. I was on an Indian reservation, and went to their local fish and game store to see what they had. They had only this hunting tent, for almost nothing, so I bought it. I have been in love ever since and am ashamed I ever spent more for a tent.I am a big backpacker, and always had a top of the line tent that cost 100's of dollars that was light weight and small. No, this is not the smallest, but not big at all. No, this is not the lightest either, but maybe a pound heavier than most (see caveat below for size and weight).The unparalleled things about this tent... It is by far the easiest tent to assemble, repair, or replace items such as poles or ropes I have ever owned, and it is extremely simple to set up in the dark (did once at a tactical campsite when it was 19 degrees with no flashlight). It is also THE most waterproof 3 season tent I have ever had, but I also use in the winter. Btw, four season, double lined tents are generally both expensive and heavy as well. This one is VERY durable, and see very little need for more, except extreme situations when 4 season tents are a must (i.e. avalanche territory)Now, earlier I said this super cheap hunting tent is slightly heavier and bulkier than one that I had that cost almost $400. For me though, it is now both lighter and smaller. This A framed tent only uses two poles, and are sized to use Trekking poles as a substitute. Being able to ditch the poles it comes with makes a pretty big difference.In the end, best tent I ever had, and the absolute cheapest. It makes me laugh to realize this tent was bought out of desperation. I now own 3 of them, though 2 are back up, and the first one is still going strong after 1year of constant use, and 3 years of time. It was used to Thru the AT, the PCT, the NCT (though only 700 miles of the NCT), the C&O, the GAP, and so many others.

Awesome little tent. Better than I thought it was going to be. The bottom tarp is good quality. My friend has the same tent just different brand and we both noticed this one had a thicker, stronger floor. And this tent was cheaper. Only thing is the rope it comes with is pretty weak. It's way to thin so u do want to replace that. Anyways I would buy it again. Pegs are actually not bad. There just normal metal ones. I thought they would be worse than what they where. Shipped to me real quick. Got it in a couple of days after ordering. Really happy with this. It's perfect if u just want something small that u can strap to your backpack and go. Very light weight. Hope this helps someone.

I feel like those that are giving this tent 5 stars have never actually used this tent. I bought this for a September weekend hiking trip in chilly Manitoba Canada. I set this tent up and thoroughly sprayed it with silicone waterproofing. Sadly the waterproofing this tent needs is far beyond what a spray can do. We crawled into our tent in the evening to find where the side cords are attached leak, leaving puddles on both our bags. Nothing like a went sleeping bag in 6c weather. Also, the screen window for ventilation opens from the outside... rendering it completely useless if you need to open it in the middle of the night... or close it if it starts to rain (it is not covered by a fly). It’s got some good qualities and with some modifications will make a decent tent, but as it is... my $11 poptent I bought as a kid was better than this. All the cons listed below are manageable and I’m going to put in the work modding my tent... but for the amount they charge for how it comes... find a different tent.Pros:Very light.Could use trekking poles for tentSupplied poles are SO lightPacks up VERY quicklyWarm!Cons:Seams need seal tapeMajor condensation- no ventilationNo way to hang anything.No accessory pouchesCould use a vestibule of some typePegs are heavy... heavier than the poles! LolTent cords... throw them away, get sturdier ones.No way to open window from insideTent flaps are tie close, not zipper (screen is zipper)

I bought this tent for fall deer hunting. I wanted a light weight, fast deploying tent for me, my rucksack and boots. It met that expectation to a T. Now the bad, this tent is unfinished. The seams all have visible stitch holes and will leak if it rains. I pitched it in my backyard for 2 days and as expected it was flooded inside. I will still use this tent but first, Im going to spend 2hrs and $10 using a seam sealer on all the seams. Second I threw away the ropes that came with the tent and replaced them with 10ft of 550 paracord ($10). I will still use this tent this fall but with the upgrades plus a 10x10 tarp flying over it, it should make for a decent 3 days deer base camp.

Love the tent. Taking it in the west highland way in Scotland. I needed something light and this fits nicely in my pack. The poles and pegs I'm not using. The poles will be replaced with my walking sticks during my trip. The pegs will be replaced with better ones from Amazon. I had to apply seam sealer and waterproofing to the tent. Happy to say it stays dry now after a week of heavy rain. Tested it out on my property. If you looking for an inexpensive two person tent, buy it.

La tienda se veía muy frágil, fue fácil armarla pero debo decir que me sorprendió bastante porque hizo muchísimo aire y la tienda se movía muy poco y jamás se derrumbó, mucho más fuerte de lo que se ve, además no entra el frío, el precio es accesible para la calidad del producto.

Ok for a kids 1st tent for the backyard, but i wouldn't recommend this for any hiker or serious camper. The quality is very cheap. No seam sealing, no zip on the front flap (the mesh does have zips) and the mesh is a very open weave, which will allow the smaller critters such as midges through. The poles are not shock corded and the the peg points are haphazardly stitched to the corners. The back window looks like it was stitched by a half blind 10 year old. My recommendation is save a little more and buy something a little more quality.

first impressions: the tent itself is good, the poles are good. the "rope" is cheap paracord and probably not long enough to reach the ground!and the *10* stakes (only need 6) are all rusty, will need to be replaced. hope to get some good weather so I can actually set this thAng up and test it!Dec.21. 2016.update: May 30, 2017, finally got some good enough weather to set this thing up ... and I was right about the cords not even reaching the ground, never mind pulled out at an angle to stake down. Will contact mfr for recommendations!!!

Inside length (corner to corner) is 82" (not 84"). If you're taller than 6'1" and prefer not to have your feet or head touching the tent then I'd suggest finding something different.I'm happy with the materials and like how lightweight it is. No show in the product pictures but there is a small window on the far end which is great for air movement.Update: Pitched the tent in the backyard for 2 weeks. It has endured a couple storms - strong wind and heavy rain. Materials, seams, and stitching all holding up great. The only leak is at the two middle sidewall tie-out points. They need to be seam sealed.

Came in time awesome condition nothing missing thick rugged base on it it fits my Kamp-rite Cot only taking up half the room inside 👍 youll a need seem sealer if its gunna rain on your trip (extra so if youre one of the dummies on here who doesnt use a tent tarp for some reason...) but other then that its my fave tent i own 😎

Set it up inside to look it over and the tent should work for me. Can't open or close rear window from inside tent? Confuses me...Also the zipper on front screen is rather light and flimsy along with poles so I'm hoping it holds out.

I got this tent about 2 years ago and I finally had the time and nice enough day to set it up. Once I read the instructions and started it was easy enough to set it up. My only complaints about this tent is the guy rope are cheap junk and they need to be replaced with quality cordage and the stakes are the same to. Other then that it's a excellent product. Just replace the ropes with paracord and buy some good stakes and she's ready for the trail.

Nice little tent I wouldn't expect to be fully waterproof. Great play tent for kids or 1 man if used with a fly or cover.

Tiene un buen espacio interior, hay que tomar en cuenta que no resiste lluvia constante o muy fuerte, solo algunas ligeras, por lo que viene bien montar una carpa y la tienda abajo de la carpa.

Mal tienda. Tiene materiales muy plasticos la cual al despertar estar sudoroso por la mala respiración. Lamentablemente no pude regresarla porque se me doblo una estaca. Pero mejor compren una tienda mas alta.

great little tent. I can recommend heights of up to about 6'2" with this thing. I would also recommend waterproofing and seam sealing it. Fairly light and compact which surprised me.