We need a 3-person tent (room for 2 + gear) that feels spacious — at least 4 feet high — because one of us is claustrophobic. We would like easy set up — we tried continuous sleeve but would prefer clip or sectional sleeve. Weight around 10 pounds for sea kayaking. What do you recommend?

Arnie and Linda

Expert Answer:

I'm currently testing an Ambition 35 ($530) by The North Face, and I think it might well fit your needs. It feels spacious because it is tall and the front vestibule doors can be left open without rain entering. No need to close it up tight and feel enclosed in ugly weather! The small plastic window helps when the doors are closed.

In damp coastal climates, you'll enjoy the great ventilation — vents high in the ceiling of both tent and fly allow good airflow even in wet weather or when there is no wind. However, the pole sleeves are continuous — something you seem to dislike. I prefer continuous sleeves over sectional sleeves — when it's raining they allow you to lay the fly out over the tent to keep it dry while you insert poles, and you can't do that with clips either! Maybe you've encountered pole insertion difficulties with sleeves that are not slippery enough inside, or poles with a grabby surface finish? These are not problems on the Ambition 35.

Clips do allow easier pitching than sleeves in high winds — you can more easily fasten the tent floor down tight, then set up the poles and lift the secured tent up to connect the hooks. Clips also win over sleeves if the site is surrounded closely by bushes or snow block walls.

The Ambition 35 is high up in that 10-pound range, but it is a top-quality item with lots of room, and I think you'll like the height and space, all of which add weight.