DO BUGS BUG YOU? 🦟 CHEAP WALMART ROOM VS. EXPENSIVE CLAM ROOM

In this video we review two outdoor camping bug rooms. One a cheap one from Walmart that packs up really small but well… and the other a Clam Quick-Set Traveler room that even though it’s bigger might be better.
Here’s the link to our Amazon store: www.amazon.com...
BTW, Amazon is out of these rooms right now… here’s what you’re looking for: clam quickset screen shelter traveler
But they are available at Lowe’s: www.lowes.com/...

[@pafox1027]

I absolutely LOVE that Maggie now has a voice! And we love our small Clam, we too travel in a van and it stores nicely in the vans garage.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Glad you like your Clam, I think we are going to really like ours too.

[@lizchilders4154]

Originally, we got the biggest Clam. I called it “the body” as it was like carrying a dead body in and out of our small RV. Loved all the space when set up, but sold it. Got a smaller 6 sided one. Love it. Much easier to handle. Glad you got a small one that works for you. Clams are the best!

[@snowbirdlady7221]

Must have been huge! "The body" 😂

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We totally agree that Clams are the best. You get what you pay for in this case.

[@spellmadam2947]

Thanks guys.. Our best bug away tool has been a fan. A regular old room fan. We turn that on outside where we are sitting and it really works. Loved talking Maggie

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@lizdc1]

We have a 6 size clam, a 5 sided clam, and used to have a 4 sided clam. Our 5 sided sits in our Solis px van. We found our 4 sided was two small with our large dog. The 6 sided we take for larger family trips.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Wow, you like the clam as much as we do. Thanks for sharing.

[@lizdc1]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle yes it is like I am goldilocks with the clam .. looking for the just-right one lol. I have been camping for decades and then RVing for four years. I have gone through so many screen rooms. Mostly they were an awful pain to put up and down. The clam was the first one I found that seem just about perfect ...

[@larryvincent2098]

Lol Maggie you are hilarious!!! Clam Quick-Set Traveler that’s looks awesome for the wife and me . Thank you for finding this one. Thank you for sharing this video with me. ( BS & BK)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The small Clam works get for a small van. Thanks for watching.

[@BillSprague]

Thanks for a candid, honest review. Lowe’s to the rescue!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@judystreich7333]

Nothing ruins a good time like no-seems, love the clam and Maggie telling her daddy how she hates em too! Very cool video 🙋🏼‍♀️😎🐕🇺🇸

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@karenrogers6149]

We absolutely love our Quick Set Clam, especially when we are camping at Huntington Beach State Park where the mosquitoes & No See Ums are terrible. Ours is a bit larger because we have a 130 lb very large German Shepherd & he needs more space than Maggie does. We do have the sides for ours & they fit perfectly. They work really well to block sun in the summer or hold in heat in the fall/winter. One of the best purchases we’ve made for camping!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@sherriweber7105]

Glad you found something that keeps the bugs away. And that’s nit flimsy. Hope you were able to get some sides for it. It looks great and doesn’t look like it takes up a lot of room. Glad you have a spot for it while traveling. Hope you have a great day and weekend and see you soon!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The room is small and is working out great and yes not having to store inside the van is great.

[@David-jo4gt]

Extra Big Thank You. I wanted to go cheap Angie want's the Clam you just broke the tie We will order when we get back from Gatlinburg. Safe travels and Happy Tails.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

In this case I think you get what you pay for and we know how well our big old one has held up and how easy it was to put up and tear down. We are all about ease. Have fun in Gatlinburg.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Maggie's voice cracks me up! Love the Clam! Thanks for the review! Love to all 3! Safe travels and good weather! Jane in SC

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen always talks for Maggie but I never thought he would put it in a video. Thanks for watching.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I have a smaller (can’t remember the brand name) pop up gazebo, 6’x6’ same mechanism as the gazelle and plenty of room for myself and 2 not small dogs. I also have the Gazelle 6 panels but that’s a monster, practical if I’m using it to sleep in in hot weather since I have the panels which by the way they fit my smaller one too. Nothing like staying bug free. Even at night the bugs get attracted by the light, I had one trip surrounded by suicidal huge beetles that would fly to your face (ouch) or the fire. If you have the panels and there’s a fire ban you can get in, place a few panels, run the propane heater and enjoy the evening without being cold, plenty of ventilation so propane is safe. I absolutely love them as an extra place to sit since I tent camp often. Great video thanks.👍🏻

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for sharing your how you use your outdoor room. So many options.

[@deborahmoore1111]

We love our Clam. Ours is the 5 sided one. Sitting in ours right now. Moss Park in Orlando.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We are loving our little guy too. Thanks for the comment.

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video!! Bugs aren’t a big problem in many areas in the west…but you have to be able to get out of the wind,and get warm…. Nice choice on the hut!

[@hshalom9113]

I saw some reviews on the screw in stakes that work well in wind. Always windy in the desert so i got them.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for sharing, sounds like we might need the sides before we go out west.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Great idea on the screw in stakes, we need to look into that.

[@marciagainey5155]

Nothing can spoil a camping trip (or even a back yard barbque) like bugs that are unrelenting. In the south (especially along the Gulf coast) the bugs can tote you off. So you need an escape. Chemicals can only do so much, not to mention leaving you smelly and greasy. So your tip to have a portable room is a good one. Thanks for helpful, practical information. Byeeee from NW Florida

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The room has been the way to go here in Florida. Thanks for sharing.

[@manondesrochers5729]

Yes you me both, bugs bug me a lot & living in Canada we have lots of those. Thank you for the review.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thanks for watching.

[@dawnloveless1165]

We love our clam pavilion with the side panels and we love Fort Desoto!!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We were really disappointed that we didn’t get the correct side panels we’ll have to look for them later. We love Fort Destoto too, we just spent nights there. Thanks for or watching.

[@ms.dschannel1564]

Love MINE too but make sure It is zipped up 1st when opening and zipped UP when closing..SO MUCH EASIER TO SET UP and TAKENDOWN❤❤❤❤

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the advice, I don’t think we zip it back up when closing. That does sound easier.

[@suefletcher6688]

Here is a tip I learned today. I mailed a package to Oscar Scherer State Park campground. I also wanted to order from Amazon but the bike cover could not be mailed to an Amazon box or counter. When checking in, I saw a few packages for what appeared to be other campers. I asked if I could have a package mailed to the campground and the ranger was very nice and said I could just to include my name, site number and telephone number so he could call me when it arrived. I don't know if all state park campgrounds allow this service, but Oscar Scherer did when I needed it. I know you like state park campgrounds so thought this might be a helpful tip for you or others.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for the information, we are actually staying at Oscar Scherer right now. I did not realize that SP would let you do that. That would help a great deal. Thanks for sharing.

[@barbshubert9667]

Thanks !! This is a great size for solo / duo campers.

[@chrismcelroy7915]

I'm so glad Maggie finally decided to talk on camera 😎

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We may have unleashed a monster with Maggies voice, there is no telling what she’s going to say next. Thanks for watching.

[@pattyk8594]

We have a clam too, the 5-sided one. We never used it for 2 years then we ended up at Luray, VA KOA and the only site they had available put us under a huge tree with 200 birds leaving us "presents" all over our site. That clam came in handy, we were able to sit outside with the dogs and not get "presents" landing on us :o)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Wow, I’ve would have never thought you would have to use it for that. Thanks for sharing.

[@ncwomanparker1708]

Did not know they made a clam that size. I love our big one, and it really does keep the bugs out!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We didn’t know they made that size either, it is really working out great.

[@nancymcelfresh4855]

We enjoy your videos! Thanks for the review of the screen tent- we just ordered one after we watched your video!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It has been working great for us. Hope you like it.

[@susanstrickland6774]

Oh yes, bugged by bugs. Glad yall were able to get a sc rm. Thats a nice one. We have a Gazelle that pops up similar to yours. Definitely worth it. Maggie ♥️. Be safe. 😊👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the comment, we appreciate you sharing.

[@CanadaFree.6014]

We have that same clam and works great for out little Hymer Aktiv van.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That’s good to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@pkarowic]

Great video, really enjoyed it. I am heading into my 5 camping season with the Clam Quickset Traveler and I have had no issues with it. The 4 camping season that I have use it in, I set it up just over 65 times. I have the panels and they are good keeping out the rain and wind. Speaking of the wind, my record with this in windy conditions is 45 mil/per/hr guest and it stayed right where I pegged it. Just so your know, in order for it to handle high winds you need to secure the 3 tie offs on the 3 side to the ground with steel stakes. I use 10 inch stakes for mine not just for the wind but because the ground is full of rocks under the surface and the plastic ones will just break. I live in northern Alberta Canada and this tent has been a great addition to my space. Take care.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What a great review and testament to the Clam Quickset. We love ours... especially when the bugs are having a party around us.

[@joycemoses2411]

We had the larger clam room, but it was just too much to carry. Thank you for the review of the smaller clam!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We were in the same boat. The smaller one works well for the van. Thans for watching.

[@sharonwisinger5162]

I have the small one. It worked great in south Florida.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Good to hear it is working great for you, we are liking it so far.

[@kevinsandells9933]

So if I got one of them and set it up in my living room. I wonder if my wife would stop bugging me. 🤔 😆

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is so funny… now every time I say something to Owen that bugs him he always say he needs to get the room out. Thanks for that 😁.

[@Van_Liberty]

That is the exact tent I have for my Embassy Traveler...

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I hope you are liking yours.

[@hshalom9113]

Just got the popup 10x10 room with the bug screen windows that has an air vent on top. Comes with sandbags besides stakes. I'm thinking of getting the teepee tent. Saw some good reviews on it.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Let us know if you get the teepee tent and what kind you get, we really like the look of them.

[@hshalom9113]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Will do. Just got a 2 or 3 rm tent with screen porch for a few $ more. Was on sale.👍 Probably next month or two i will pick it up. Definately need something smaller for short trips and the domes i have just aren't tall enough for me anymore! I gotta be able to stand! 😂😂😂

[@joellynjohnson1191]

I just ordered the clam traveler from your store. Best price and it appears to be in stock!! Yea.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy ours.

[@chipbrown433]

Count us among those that find Maggie's new voice *really* creepy. Her expressions speak for her just fine without it. That smaller Clam is pretty neat. Your legions of loyal fans have now cleaned out all the inventory at Lowes.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I agree that Maggie’s expressions speak for themselves but we have a lot of people who are loving her voice and that just add fuel to the fire if you know what I mean. Thanks for your input.

[@bertkelly7650]

LOL. Was Lynn doing a crazy neighbor impersonation from "Camping with Steve"?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I haven’t seen that episode. So, maybe.

[@richardcoyle2635]

We’ll have to look into the clam room. I hate those no serums.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We hate noseeums too, not much helps with them. Thanks for watching.

[@lindareeves83]

Thanks for the tip.⛺️

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome, we appreciate you watching.

[@mikeo.750]

Another great video. Question, what happened to your beautiful cargo trailer? So far your Revel seems too small for active travels. The trailer is a pain for parking but you can easily carry your toys. Happy Tails.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We still have the cargo trailer but we didn’t want to pull it all the way out west. We are missing our water toys here in Florida. I’m sure we will still use it. Thanks for watching.

[@Lenny_Boyle]

Thanks for sharing!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for watching.

[@sanddollar-ray9125]

Great tip thank you God Bless

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome.

[@sandras1524]

we got an Alvantor pop up screen room last summer. super easy to put up. it even keeps out the no see ums. BUT, with a mesh that fine it also keeps out the breeze and we found it was hot to sit in. Ugh, I hate always using the bug spray but just can't get happy with a solution. Is the new room hot, how's the ventilation ?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It’s not been hot since we got the room, I’ll have to get back with on that. I don’t remember our bigger one being hot but we tend to use it more at night when it cools down. That could be a problem.

[@alexkoeslag5699]

The Clam Quik Set or the very expensive BasePro version we just bought are not worth it . We just set up our Cabelas Quick Set when a violent thunder storm roared through Southern Ontario and our Quick Set wound up being a swimming pool . They cannot withstand heavy rain !! Stay away

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Did you have it tied down? We’ve never seen had ours in really bad storm.

[@robertparry3476]

Thanks for the review. Owen I am like you the skeeters and especially the NSMs love my blood (but not Laura’s ) if they would only take a sip and not leave me with the three week itch. I might look into getting a clam traveler.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

So far we are liking the Clam traveler, it’s working well and riding well on the ladder.

[@robertparry3476]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle from your post I ordered one from Amazon which only had “used,like new” at half price. Like the idea of strapping to the ladder as we dont have room inside a Travato KL

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

@@robertparry3476 let us know how you like it.

[@snowbirdlady7221]

Question from a solo traveler: is this easy enough to set up solo? Wondering if you need to have 2 people pulling opposing sides at the same time to get it to pop out. Thanks for this little video. I'm looking for one right now!

[@sharonfields6703]

This is the same question I have. I would like to follow to get the answer. Thanks

[@snowbirdlady7221]

@@sharonfields6703 I decided to just go ahead and get one, but chose a diff brand because their fabric is waterproof. Cost a little more, but not that much that it wasn't worth it.

[@sandracimonetti5307]

I got the five sided one and I can set it up by myself- that is the main reason I chose it. It is big enough, but not too big. It fits in my teardrop trailer.

[@snowbirdlady7221]

@@sandracimonetti5307 I thought a 4 sided would be enough, but there wasn't one available. Got the 5 sided plus the wind screens. Good to hear you like yours!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You can setup it up by yourself, it’s a little stiff when you first get it but it gets easier with use. I stand on the skirt at the bottom to pop out the side when Owen isn’t helping. But like everything it is easier with two people especially having someone pulling on the opposite side.

[@P-Bizzy]

Your bike cover looks heavy duty. Can you share the info on the cover?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We have a new one now, and it’s a lot better and hopefully it will hold up better. It’s in our amazon store if you want to check it out, here the link if you are interested www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle.

[@srok62]

I've been looking at these for quite some time and just did not know what size would be best, I'm confident the traveler will be sufficient. Also....What cover are you using on your bikes?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The clam is good for two people a small table/cooler and a dog but it would get crapped with anything more. It does ride well on the ladder. The bike cover is a TeamObsidian Bike Cover it’s on our Amazon page under “Bike Items”. I just looked at the cover again and now it states it’s not to but just on a car rack while traveling, it did not say that when we ordered it two years ago, based on that you probably look for something else. It has held up well for us.

[@deborahann5552]

I hate no see ums! They are the worst and they get through screens. Did the clam really help?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We haven’t had no see ums as bad as that first night but it does help with other bugs, I will say we never had any problems with our bigger one keeping bug out. One of the things that I think helps is the flap at the bottom and making sure it pull out all the way around so no bugs can get underneath. It is made very well as it should be for the price.

[@NatureAndOther]

👍❤️

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for watching.

[@michaelbecnel63]

The one that's sets up the easiest and is packable..............

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That’s what we thought, it does fit well the a small van.

[@Leebeaux1]

Get a thermacell

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We have a thermacell and use it all the time. It didn’t seem to help with noseeums.

[@BurtGearhart]

Bugs??? U R camping in the wrong places. None in Sarasota!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We are really close to Sarasota right now at Oscar Scherer SP and there are bugs at night.