Honest Review of the Clam for a Single Traveler

[@elaineerickson2306]

Thank you for sharing your practical ideas. Weighing or staking down corners is invaluable to a 5’1” 115lb person.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Yes, and the stakes I featured in the video are great. It comes with a hammer that has this thing where you can pull the stake easily as well. I'm 5'4" or there about depending on if I'm shrinking. LOL I can pop the top. I have had some women say they needed a stool to pop the top. I have one of those as well, I keep it to use and put near those dangerous drop offs as a reminder not to step.

[@patriciaannetripp4844]

Thanks for this thorough demo and review. Like the ability to open the 'walls' half way! Would appreciate seeing a photo of your Clam set up by your van - "I like having it next to my van if I can pull over far enough and fit it in, the back toward the front of the van and the opening toward my van door. " 1 picture being worth a 1000 words and all that. :-)

[@JudiChristopher]

EXCELLENT VIDEO Thank you for sharing... NOTE: the background music was a little too loud sometimes, interfering with the volume of you voice when it was quieter... No need for background music... All we want is to HEAR YOU TALK.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Thanks for the tip!

[@KarenBlair-w6u]

Thank you! Your video has the best setup instructions I’ve seen. I won’t be camping until Thanksgiving and I intend to get lots of practice before then!

[@oldcrow6990]

I've been looking at these all month. Thanks for the great review. I'm subscribed. I see you're not recent, but I sure appreciate stuff like this. Thank you.

[@sandraatcheson5453]

You have made my day! Thank you so much for showing that it isn't as easy as so many videos make it look! I bought one of these on fb marketplace and just spent a looong time setting it up and doing a lot of cussing about all those videos with all those people making it look so easy! My roommate came home and we were discussing staking it down and then I came in and searched specifically for traveler videos and found yours! Thank you for all your helpful hints. Btw your last paragraph said you switched to refillable sand bags - I was wondering how you would find sand to refill them everywhere lol.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

I'm so glad it helped. I was actually cussing and crying when I got it and had to have a friend come over and do it. weighing it down is a dream. These are the weight bags I got www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QNRR72H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You fill them up with water at your campsite. I also got a hose to do it. It takes more time to fill them then to take sand bags out of my van, but the sand bags take up real estate in the van and are heavy. When these water things are empty, I store them away and they take up little room. I still tie down the clam when I can. If it is by my van, I do tie one end to the van and put the weights on the four corners. I like having it next to my van if I can pull over far enough and fit it in, the back toward the front of the van and the opening toward my van door. It gives me so much privacy. But the placement of the CLAM is dependent on what is around me.

[@EvolvingDaily65]

Nice calming video. I am getting a clam next paycheck! I camp out of my 07 Pilot.

[@coastalzipcode6290]

Great review! I was deciding between the 6x6 or 9x9 Clam Traveler. I wasn't sure the 6x6 would be big enough but after youe review, I think it'll be just fine for one! Thanks also foe the rain flap tip, I didn't realize flaps weren't offered on all models. Happy and safe camping!

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Did you get one? I hope you like it.

[@HerrP58]

Love how you attached the Clam to your van; sweet! Sorry to hear about your lung capacity. It’s inspiring for us asthmatics to still do cool things despite the challenges. Keep rockin’ it!

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Amen to that. The important thing is to keep moving. I love my clam.

[@OffGridOutings]

Great information on the Clam, has helped solidify my decision to get one for my teardrop!

[@debbrockmann7935]

Awesome video! I almost bought the one without the flaps. Thank you!!!

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Flaps are so important.

[@bebopkirby]

Bought one of those that pop up and fold back into a flat round shape. After watching numerous videos and even taking notes l tried it out. What a nightmare, just about gave myself a heart attack. Finally after a struggle, got it back in it’s case. This was about 3 years ago , after that one experience never used it again. Have a super low tolerance for any flying bugs while camping and have been wondering about this one . If it would be easier to set up. Great and honest video on the Clam. I think one needs to kind of take your time putting it up and not get to flustered the first time trying it.

[@BridgetteMongeon]

If you don't secure one side down, you will just pull it around the campsite. Securing down a side gives you something to pull agains. I also think that it gets more flexible as you have it. I sure do like mine for my simple camping.

[@pegerickson]

Great review. I have the Venture clam which I believe is 9x9. I would like to get this one too in your review. Be easier on me to set up Although the other one is pretty easy to set up as well but this one seems to be more convenient. I want to purchase the steaks you have as well because the ones they come with I don’t believe are as good that still does the job. Thx again for the through review!🌸

[@BlackBizAdvocate]

I am seriously considering buying one, so thanks for the great video!!

[@WildcatPhoto]

Mine is hard to get up, so I tie one side to something and pull. Then punch the top up while standing on a stool. I have enough wind panels to cover the front when it's cold and run a heater. It's good for me and the dog, his bed, feeding station, chair, little table. I've had it a few years with camouflage wind panels that look good with the brown.

[@manondesrochers5729]

I love my clam too. Thanks to you for sharing I bought one.

[@JudiChristopher]

4:32 You have the one with the "Flaps"... but what is the name of that particular one? Thank YOU so much for telling us... That is great, and a game changer.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

I just added the amazon links I used to order them. I hope it helps.

[@JudiChristopher]

@@WomenSteppingOutside EXCELLENT... Thank YOU...

[@CarrieMtn]

I bought this clam based on your review and others. I took it with me to New Mexico this week and I couldn’t get it to stake down and the wind kept blowing it around. After watching you again, I’m encouraged to get better stakes and try again next week.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Be sure to stake down the elbows and not just the edges. Yes, I purchased a heavy duty stake kit, though most of the time, I'm just using weights. It will blow around if you are not able to way it down or stake it down. I got the weights for just that reason. Sometimes I can't get the stakes in the ground or I want it next to my van.

[@manondesrochers5729]

Thank you for sharing. I am also a solo traveller & this look perfect for me.

[@AliceSculpture]

Did you get one? Do you like it?

[@debbies2295]

Thanks for a great video. I just ordered the brown Traveller and a set of 3 side panels, & really appreciate your set up tips. I have a couple of USB rechargeable fans that I think will help keep it a little cooler. Love that your puppy looks so relaxed. Hopefully mine will feel the same way when he's in the bug-free zone. 😊

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Great to hear!

[@franny5295]

I don't know if you'll see this or not but my lungs are crappy too and hammering stakes as killing me. I found some that screw into the ground. Game changer. An impact drive is a whole lot lighter than sand too.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

I'm sorry about your lungs. It does stink. I moved to water bags so I didn't have to haul the sand bags. I fill them at each stop. They pack down well. Anything bending over is a problem. I have a to of foot stools everywhere so I can sit and do things. LOL

[@davidmanen5495]

Great video with a lot of good information. Thank you and safe travels.

[@lynnej.9357]

Thank you for this helpful video! We have a 12x12 Eureka Northern Breeze, but I would not be able to put it up by myself. I have often thought that the day might come when I would shift to one of these.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

As a single woman this works out great for me. I feel independent every time I put it up. I have switched over to water weights instead of sand bags.

[@DarcoSix]

I just bought one. Thanks for the review and tips

[@bethc3611]

Great set up! I got a CLAM last year and found the three sides with velcro windows sold as a set. It was a great deal! Haven't taken it camping yet but it's been a life saver outdoors when mosquitoes swarm! And after a torrential rain, it was dry inside. Its a great way to extend your space if you're living out of a van or car.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

I'm very surprised how well it does in a storm.

[@harrymills2770]

@@WomenSteppingOutside Properly staked and guyed, they hold up really well, although you might want to employ a center pole in more extreme conditions. I've seen where the roof wants to pooch in.

[@amylambert2365]

You can buy brown flaps to match the brown clam.

[@BridgetteMongeon]

I don't know. I have seen the brown ones here and there. But it did not matter to me. As long as I had those flaps on the top to guide the rain.

[@dalelarson7005]

Thanks for a great review!

[@maryvalent961]

I struggle with my Clam. I think that height and arm length makes all the difference. I’m short. I’ll have to try weighting the far side. Thanks!

[@jtosti66]

Great review, thank you. Like the set up very much

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

It works for me.

[@grayman618]

Great review and thank you for pointing out the flaps! I see others who have reviewed this and noticed that the water would run down on the inside of their clam. Had I not watched your video I would have never seen that there is an option so thank you. Also beautiful campsite.

[@AliceSculpture]

It is funny that they sell two kinds. I mean how much more could it cost to make flaps and it really makes a difference. I have decided to bring the water proofing spray with me next time and give it another spray.

[@RJ-qb3vj]

Great review of The Clam! I think the one with the flaps is called The Traveler. We have a similar Gazelle tent, they are so easy to put up. I like the side covers you have.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

I love my side covers and do wish I hd one that fit the front as well. But a tarp works

[@goxyfly]

Best review yet! You also gave me some good ideas and tips! Thank you, 👍🏻

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Thanks. I love my clam!

[@lauravictorious4670]

I'm trying to decide between the 9x9 or 11.5x11.5. If I go larger then I could put it over a picnic table, but it's more to transport. But in the smaller one I could still put in a small folding table and cook on that. But I keep coming back to the Clam for a durable, easy to use screen tent.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

It was a hard decision at first, until I needed to do it by myself, then it was a no brainer. Plus this takes up a lot of real estate when folded in my van. This is something to think about. The smaller was it for me. Plus, I often like to put mine right next to my van. Any bigger and I can't. Getting from my van to this is so important during storms. especially if I connect the two with the tarp. I have so much more space, don't feel cramped, and have a place to put things outside the van.

[@lauravictorious4670]

@WomenSteppingOutside thank you for your response. I may be camping near Livingston lake come the fall.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

@@lauravictorious4670 in texas? I'm in texas

[@lauravictorious4670]

@@WomenSteppingOutside yes, Texas, but I'm up north for the summer.

[@phinephilm]

Thanks, Bridgette! This was so helpful. 🌹Sandy

[@richardspurlocck5165]

Outstanding review--great detail!!

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Glad you liked it!

[@roseport20001]

Great, informative. 🎉💓 Thanks

[@AliceSculpture]

You are welcome

[@corynardin]

Thank you for sharing.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

You are welcome

[@yogigermain]

Awesome presentation…. Thanks for sharing

[@myrootsgraspNewsoil]

Great review and info! Ty

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Thanks for watching!

[@GratefulOverlander]

"Doing it a few times loosens it up" 😂 😉 yes ma'am. It does Loosen that clam!

[@colleenwehrle6358]

Honestly, I watched your video before ordering my Traveler so I knew what to expect when trying to put it up. I am older than you (5'6" and 69 yrs. young) but for the life of me as hard as I tried I could only get two of the hubs pulled out. I didn't think I could put the thing up once I was in the campground so I ended up returning it. I'm so sad about it. It cost around $50 to ship it back. :( I had no trouble putting up a Gazelle T4 tent which has the same type of system. The Clam Traveler is a great product. I just wish I had the strength to pull out all of the hubs.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Agreed- The first time I tried I had a hard time, and if it is not staked down it is impossible. I think after it is done a few times it helps. Glad the Gazelle worked. and was probably cheaper.

[@sharonzzevenbergen4840]

Nicely done. thank you. i'm a single senior. good to know my options. Blessings*SharonZ WA

[@BridgetteMongeon]

I love it! the perfect extra space, I often tarp over my entrance to my van and then to the clam for a foyer experience, especially if it will be raining.

[@KarenKefauver]

Super helpful

[@jas77450]

Hi there. I recently joined your womens hiking group. Haven’t been yet. Like you I’m having health issues breathing since Covid. Also, I’m in my 60s. Was looking for something light and simple for tent camping to shield from wind and rain, also for cooking. Don’t cook in my tent. This looks good as does the 5 sided. My concern is it gets too hot to use in summer per other reviews. I’m in Katy to. Do you find it unbearable in sommer. Great review.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Well. I stop camping in May and don't start up again until fall. Bur the moment Galveston state park opens up, I will be going there and will try it out. On the coast there may be enough breeze.

[@Cindy-fc6rh]

What sand bags did you use? I have the traveler but am only 5 ft tall so it’s a struggle! Especially trying to push roof up!

[@RVingTheCountry]

A fellow RVer just sold me one for $100. Good buy. Perfect for my dog and I.

[@AliceSculpture]

That is a great buy

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

so cool. How do you like it?

[@ursuladubrick4434]

Thank you! Very informative!

[@Mike_at_QC]

What kind of table are you working with there? I am debating between this model and the next size up but want to be able to fit my table, which is 72" in length

[@brotherbear9452]

Just ordered one of these today. I have an elderly, sick pup, and I'd rather spend as much time with her outdoors, to keep things interesting for her (and myself). But of course, mosquitoes can be a real drag when you're trying to work and you hear them buzzing by your ear in the evening.

[@BridgetteMongeon]

It is great to keep them out. It is hot in the texas heat, so plan on fans inside.

[@chrisnielsen3562]

How do you know which ones have the flaps for the side panels? Do you just look at the picture on the box?

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

typically the small green one does not. But this color does www.amazon.com/Clam-Traveler-Portable-Camping-Outdoor/dp/B07DDNGWQ5/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3C0MXTVJK4PT8&keywords=clam+shelter&qid=1685462085&sprefix=clam+shelte%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-10&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.c3015c4a-46bb-44b9-81a4-dc28e6d374b3

[@rickschultz5159]

Hi...just wondering if you have ever used a propane heater or propane fire pit inside your clam. I was thinking maybe on a low setting it wouldn't be too hot to melt the fabric. Any experience with that? Thanks

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

I have seen a camp host do it in a bigger clam. We did an electric in a bigger clam with the side. I have not done propane in small one and would not consider it safe, I have however, used an electric in my smaller one with the sides on and a tarp in front.

[@rickschultz5159]

@@WomenSteppingOutside Thats a good idea...thanks

[@timlist4173]

what size would I need to put the picnic table in it that are at most campgrounds?

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

not this size, the one that is bigger than this. and I'm not sure you could walk around both sides of the clam.

[@daynaphipps4912]

Does the doorway zip closed?

[@terrigrazor7987]

Wonderful review! Thank you! Just bought a traveler. Was wondering about your sandbags ... can you provide an Amazon link for them or the weight of each one? I'm up in age and need something that will work but not overly heavy. Thank you so much! Love your name and the way it's pronounced! Also thought the background music was very appropriate... don't know what the other commentator meant about it being too loud. 🤷‍♀️ Anyhow thanks again and God bless you!

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

I don't remember which ones I got I have had them a while. You will have to buy sand to put in them www.amazon.com/6-Pack-Canopy-Sandbags-Outdoor-Without/dp/B0994BD5GF/ref=sr_1_9?crid=38VG3Z9RYF06A&keywords=sandbags&qid=1657033907&sprefix=sandbags%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-9&th=1. They are kind of heavy filled and a pain in the butt to store in the van. I wonder if having 5 gallon buckets that I fill with water would be better, but then I'd have to lift the buckets to the clam. Still, the sand bags come in so hand in many ways. IF you can put stakes in the ground, not sure you would need them. I have shown which stakes I got. The hammer in the kit helps you to get the stakes out of the ground. I just will never go with flimsy stakes ever again. I make everything as easy as possible with the lung disease. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Thanks for the comment on the music. My voice is quieter in the campground as I don't want to disturb my neighbors. But the music is of Harry Sheppard, a well known jazz vibaphone player who is one of my closest humans here. He is up there in age, and am glad he is attached to those things I love. happy travels.

[@qhughes4555]

im sold i want one now

[@christinaroseman9926]

Thanks for this informative video. Be honest, is it scary to camp on your own as a solo woman?

[@BridgetteMongeon]

I'm writing a memoir about starting the Houston Women's Hiking group and how it began by wanting to go in the woods, but afraid of being alone. I worked through that and do a lot of things to make myself more comfortable. I always camp in state parks, for now, that may change ad I plan another trip. If you are scared you can stay near the camp host. They are there to help. No, I'm not frighted. I do camp in a van though, and feel more comfortable doing that. There are lots of things you can do to help yourself feel safe. I do understand the apprehension though. However, the alternative is I would never do it waiting for others, or have to do it on their time. Now that I have Houston Women's Hiking if I didn't want to go alone I could find someone at the drop of a hat. Also, there are even some CALTO events. Camping Alone Together. You all go alone, but you know there is someone just over then ill or down the road. Frankly, I love camping alone, and now that I do it, I have everyone hooked, so family now camps regularly as well.

[@christinaroseman9926]

@BridgetteMongeon Thank you so much for your quick and honest response. Getting my courage up to do this..this helped!

[@christinaroseman9926]

Hubby has zero interest in camping, so I'll be on my own.

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

Not at all. And we have group camps like the All women camping trip twice a year as well as CALTO Camping Alone Together. Where you go by yourself, but you know other women are around if you need help.

[@douglove7444]

Is there a reason you got the green panels instead of brown to go with your brown Traveler? Thanks!

[@BridgetteMongeon]

no, They were the ones I found for the best price.

[@gsp8489]

How strong are they in really windy weather? Do the poles get bent?

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

I had a really windy day and a late set up and put everything in the shelter. I did not stake it down, but tossed a couple of weights on the back. It blew over. It would be one of those things that would blow away. I now weigh down all 4 sides and tie down as many as I can. Being that often I'll get a large campsite drive I like to have it set up right next to my van. So I can't always tie it down, but I try. I have had some heavy rains and nothing. I would assume if anything happens it would collapse the top but not break the clam. However, in rainy weather I am known for taking a tarp and tapping over 1/2 of the clam and then to my van so I can get back and forth and have a covered walk way. I assume the rain goes over my tarp. I use c clamps to the gutter of my van, which are the best things for holding tarps and often will use ratchet straps.

[@pamspeers8873]

enjoyed the video. thank you. but I could not figure out where to get the side panels. since you said that this item does not come with side panels, and you have a set of side panels. who did you purchase them from?

[@BeTheLightOfYourOwnLife]

Amazon has them

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

These are the sides I got www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E5BHB6Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@WomenSteppingOutside]

They were 49.95 Th calm is this one www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TMBEMQ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@gordoncrawley5826]

Good video, but the music bugged me. I want to hear you.

[@Grevlain]

Pop the roof first...it will change your life.

[@BridgetteMongeon]

really? OK Im trying that next time.

[@lorihamlin3604]

Is there a reason why they tell you to pop roof last? Why don’t have screen room but do have gazelle t4 clam style.

[@JeffeysMom]

I am a disabled senior that travels in my wheelchair 2010 dodge grand caravan. I have been looking at tents for when the grandkids go with me but they all have the floor that that prevents you from driving your power chair inside. So I definitely plan on investing in a clam! Thanks for the video n safe travels❤️👍🏻🚐 JeffeysMom ps still debating on the 6x6 or 9x9.

[@BridgetteMongeon]

Keep trucking, you in your wheelchair and me with my lungs. We got this.