Our Teardrop BOONDOCKING Tent with ALL the BEST FEATURES...Minus One!

In this episode of Playing with Sticks we will be introducing you to our teardrop boondocking tent with all the best features…minus one! For our family a side entrance tent is essential for long stays in our teardrop trailer. We like to tell people that our side entry tent is our teardrop camper outdoor living room. A teardrop side entrance tent allows us to get in and out of the camper without getting wet, and is a great way for getting dressed in a teardrop trailer. Having an outdoor canopy off of the teardrop camper provides our family shade and protection from the wind and rain. We have also found a camping screen room is a must in Alaska because it protects us from the bugs and massive mosquitoes. These are just a few of the features our teardrop trailer tent provides. Check out this video to see the nine features this teardrop trailer has and the one feature we really wish it had!
Looking for a detailed list of all the camping gear we currently use? Link Below: www.amazon.com/shop/playingwithsticks
By purchasing items through these links there is no additional cost to you. Our family gets a small kickback from amazon for any purchases you make using these affiliate links.
The screenhouse tent that was highlighted in this entire video is called the Hasika All-Weather Diversified Instant Screened Tent. This outdoor screen house tent can be found on amazon at amzn.to/3NWZek2. Since this video has been so popular Hasika reached out to us and gave us a 20% discount code to be applied once you put it in your cart. The code is: 20PlaywStick
This episode of Playing with Sticks was shot at a boondocking location on the Knik River in Alaska. This is one of our favorite locations in Southcentral Alaska.
In this video we mention our 5 Best Teardrop Camper Tents video which can be viewed at • 5 BEST Teardrop Camper...
We also mentioned our trip to the Knik River Cabin to see the Northern Lights. You can find that video at • How We Get FREE Accomm...
The links above are affiliate links from amazon. By purchasing items through them there is no additional cost to you. Our family does receive a small percentage from items you purchase.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

If you want to see the side wall attached to the teardrop as a breezeway and protection from rain when exiting your small camper trailer check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpW2c4WZbrF9aac

[@ViciousVirgo857]

I have the Alvantor Pop Up Screened tent. It has the dual entryway with 360 view. But for privacy they have/sell the privacy sidewalls separately. I’ve seen them on Walmart website for $29.99. If you haven’t already found one you like.

[@500sudwithoutanyvideochall9]

bhai support karo na plz May 1 Small you tuber ho

[@500sudwithoutanyvideochall9]

bhai support karo na plz May 1 Small you tuber ho

[@janetdonaldson2632]

I have been searching many years now for a screen tent for our family of 5 that meets all the wants: large tent (minimum 12'x16'), full view screens all around with optional zip up covers, two entries, good venting on the roof to keep cool. If instant then it would be perfect. I thought I found it, but little smaller, in the Eureka Northern Breeze larger footprint. There was brilliance and not good all mixed up in that screen tent. It was a hot house, and head above roofline when standing (I'm 5'6"), and screen so thick the scenery looked blurry. Returned it with a letter of the pros and cons. Since then they improved but from looking at it don't think they raised the screen height enough, etc. Considering buying a Gigatent 12x18' and cutting out most of the floor.

[@neverendingweekend]

so,.. 3 years,.. did you find one? i like your 10 requirements a lot. but i need #1 as well. also "#2 cost" and "#3 not too big", are not that important.

[@marchaaaaaaaaaaaa]

This guy does a great job explaining and reviewing products with a friendly personality and vibe. They are a blessed family.

[@sre2341]

Great Videos guys.... I just thought i could offer some suggestions... - The guide ropes for the awnings should go over the grommet and around the pole spike that way the wind will not whip the flap up and the poles will just fall to the ground. - Yes as per Uwe Schroeder 45deg and peg at 45deg - GOOD CALL most Scouting / Military tents have 2 guide ropes per corner at 90deg to each other (can be over kill) - another comment made below is to water proof your tent *** be careful there!! as modern tent material are mostly nylons and some water proofings are petroleum based and the 2 do not mix well over time / i found that snow gear water proofing that is silicone based to be much better but only required after a few years of use. - When you get a new tent you really need to set it up a home on a warm / sunny day and wet it with the hose and let it dry a couple of times because during manufacture the needle doing the stiching leaves bigger holes than the thread and so most tents will bleed some water when first used... the wet / drying effect allows the stiching to swell up and the nylon or PE fly material to close around each stich hole. - Also candle waxes can have a negative / cloging effect on the zippers because wax and cold metal (of the zip) tend to bind once again "Atsko" snow sealing spray can which is silicone based is the best i have used over 40 years. - For those in Australia a sealed box to put shoes into is a must if you are in Funnel Web spider areas. (GOOD CALL!!) Cheers Scott

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This is the type of comment that makes us love making KZbin videos. Thank you!

[@sre2341]

I made my own tear drop that has pull out thin diamond plate shoe boxes under each door to keep creepy crawlies out and the inside of tear-drop clean. I love seeing what you guys are doing in other countries when camping. I put a bat-wing awning on mine and sowed additional Velcro closing panel sections to fit between camper and awning and if bugs come i attach the walls. Works well. Scott

[@designdoctor247]

"Do you want mama to take you on a nature walk?" Yes! Aaaaawwww love love love

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Those are the moments we love as well! We are so excited to get out there next month as we will be bringing out the new edition to the family. In a month we will be adding our 7 month old to the mix, which we are just so excited for!

[@designdoctor247]

@@PlayingwithSticks Ephesians 3:2 the lockdown can't take our nature walks away ...even if they are just walk abouts in the place we are safe

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@designdoctor247 We appreciate the Grace verse. Very true about the walks. We are taking two a day here. We are very fortunate to have beautiful lakes, rivers, and forests in our neighborhood. Another really fun thing the neighbors have been doing is putting stuffed teddy bears in their windows so the children in the neighborhood can go on "bear hunts."

[@MrGarda42]

One small tip for you since you mentioned the zips weren't great. You could try running wax (a piece of candle will suffice) along the length of the teeth of the zips. I've found that with cheap zips this helps in them running smoother and hopefully then they last longer. Once you rub the wax into the teeth you wanna run the zip up and down a few times to get the wax all over nicely. Cheers and thanks for taking the time up make this video

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for the great advice. We do this for our dry suits, but never thought about it for tents. Glad you saw the video and were able to give us this advice. It is pretty fun putting ourselves out there because we are learning at a much faster rate than if we were to try and figure everything out ourselves. Thanks again Mr. Garda.

[@rouxchat6033]

Great tip! Thanks. 😉

[@welcometoreality3450]

guess that will help slow water leaks too

[@kennylin4067]

Yes

[@pocobueno1]

We used a 10x10 Coleman pop up screen-ed tent for family camping in Minnesota and Ontario. It was the perfect size to cover most camp group picnic tables allowing our kids a bug free place to eat or hang out if it rained. It did not have a floor, which actually made it easier to move around and lasted many years. I would spray the roof with permethrin to kill any bugs that got inside. It was screen on all four sides, two of which had zippers. And it could be set up by one person.

[@gsansoucie]

Great review. I was sold until I heard the price and have the same concerns you do. The fact that the privacy panels swing out for more shade is a feature I never knew we needed. And we’ve been doing this for decades. Thanks.

[@rouxchat6033]

I travel in a truck camper with two senior cats and a pup. This tent looks like just what is needed to my camping gear so the boys can be outside with me. The boys wouldn't need to be tethered and mosquitoes wouldn't get them. Looks like a great way to hang out outside the truck camper with my boys avoiding bugs and knowing they can't slip their harnesses and wander off (cats are like Houdini). Love all the advice provided in the comments, such as water proofing, waxing the zippers, and the best way to use the support poles. Thanks for a great review.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad this was helpful. Like you said we have been following all the suggestions in the comments and the tent basically still looks and works like it is brand new. This tent hasn't been available most of the summer, but I just heard today from someone that it is back in stock. I also would highly suggest the Clam tents if you have the funds. These are built very well and so nice to have it setup and tear down in 30 seconds.

[@rouxchat6033]

@@PlayingwithSticks Yes, the clam is too pricey for me. Yours is perfect for my needs and I'll treat it gently. Thanks again.

[@AOWarwick]

Yes, you mention everything there is and you are not lazy! I see the effort you put in to get there where you want with the financial aspects on your mind. Yeah Coleman, this word did let a bitter taste in my mouth. In our 1981 backpackers tour, originated from Austria in Australia - the tent we had came with a light rain experience on the inside while it bucketed outside and all our stuff was dripping wet. Glad that the Aussie sun fixed our problem within less than an hour. But the next adventure came as we had a 2WD station wagon and found out the rain left us with a 4x4 road condition so we made the next 100 km finally very worked up in 8 hours - no big bickies when crossing the Outback of Oz. However, this was 1981 to 1882 and in 1986 we moved to Australia for many more adventures and just a little bit wiser in what to do. Love your videos, mate!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you are enjoying the videos. They really give us a great excuse to share our adventures with everyone. Sounds like you guys have had some pretty great adventures yourselves. We hope to make it over there sooner than later. Indonesia is familiar territory to us, but that is as far as we have ever made it.

[@PWlangford1]

Hi in the Canadian Army we used large nails (spikes ) as pegs you can epoxy or weld a big washer up by the head of the spike so you have a place to loop a guideline. Painting them a bright colour will help with the trip hazard. Get the biggest ones you can buy in your area. 🇨🇦

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great idea Peter. Thank you. These chintzy tent stakes they currently make don't seem to last very long for us.

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Typical that the government do not provide the army with enough funding to buy the proper equipment.

[@PWlangford1]

TrailerPark Supervisor sometimes ingenuity is number one. There is nothing to be ashamed of 🇨🇦

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Peter Langford yes ingenuity is good but the army should just have the right equipment to start like other countries

[@grntchstrmdws]

A great addition to tent camping is interlocking foam floor tiles (aka exercise mat). You get the benefit of increased insulation from the cold ground and they save your knees from the stray root or rock under your tent floor. The only downside is they will take up storage space. But I think once you experience them there's no going back.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love this suggestion. You will see in our camping mattress hack video that we use these on the floor of our teardrop trailer. But I never thought about using them at the campsite. Thanks again for this suggestion.

[@meanqkie2240]

I put a couple interlocking foam panels from “HarpyFreight” flat in the cargo boot of my small suv and slip one half under the edge of my airbed. Saves my knee and elbow getting in and out onto the cabin floor, saves the airbed from punctures from my weight rolling out and pushing off to stand. Plus warmer than floor or ground!

[@ValMRogers]

Just bear in mind those foam tiles are flammable and emit lots of toxic smoke if burned. Be extra cautious if using any kind of stove or heater in there.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@ValMRogers thanks for sharing that, I never gave that any consideration

[@joanies6778]

​​@@PlayingwithSticks Just leave them in the garage unwrapped for a while before using if you worry about off-gasing... but it depends upon which ones you buy. They make some for baby play rooms or exercise that I am sure are less toxic than the ones used in garages.

[@Td-zr1vy]

I bought this tent and I absolutely love it. I ordered my hiker and cant wait to use it with that instead of cot sleeping in it for now.

[@montanadivacreations9267]

I love our Cam Quick Set Gazebo, Gazelle also makes them too. But it does only have ONE Door Entry.. but gosh it goes up and comes down in under 2 mins. We have an Aliner A Frame trailer camper, so it gives us the extra room to really not feel cramped when we are at a spot for awhile. We did purchase the extra side panels so those really offer both privacy, warmth and Sun Shade. So not perfect but gosh , super well made and fast up and down.. are worth the sacrifice of the extra door way, IMHO.. LOVE your channel.. it has helped us minimize our camping life. I really studied your channel when we were deciding between a Camper van or pull trailer. We got an older Aliner and it was the most cost effective for us, price wise compared to the Scamps or Tear Drops which were priced far out of our range.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are right with you on our Clam Tent. Yes, the one door is the only drawback. But the instant setup, privacy walls, tough construction. It has now become our go to tent when we are staying for only one night. The Aliner was a great choice. We have looked at them many times. Unfortunately they are very sought after up here in Alaska so picking one up used is pretty difficult. One of these days we will nab one for the channel. Fingers crossed :)

[@Propelled]

The large Gazelle. A wonderful tent with side walls. Does not have awnings but awnings are easy.

[@judyross182]

We used to camp with a 3 room tent and gazebos on three sides and then draped a large tarp over the whole thing. It kept the wind from blowing things around and helped keep everything doubly dry. We were campground hosts at Train Mountain in Chiloquin, Oregon, and this area provided respite during bad weather for the other campers when their tents were flooded. Another idea is to get tarps to fit between your extended flaps for shade. Put the ropes straight out from the poles and make sure that you tie a floppy plastic bag on the stakes so nobody trips over them. Solar light strings can be run down the ropes if you want to get fancy.

[@tiggrr27]

I've been looking for these very same attributes in a screen tent. After decades of big-tent assembly, this little bit of assembly is fine with me.Thanks for the suggestion!

[@garycalliham6643]

I like that you are camping and towing using a toyota matrix! I love my awd matrix. I put lift spacer's on min for a 2.5 inch lift and oversized AT tires it made the car ride way way smoother! the extra height of the sidewalls make a huge difference!

[@mikemead2315]

Excellent job hitting all the pluses and minuses!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you Mike. Your positive comment is much appreciated as usual!

[@jo-annel.wright2975]

Guy Ropes: I lived in a caravan for five years and used double guy ropes for the annex corners which is much stronger than a single. Think of the tent pole as the centre axis, the lines of the the ropes and awning as the X-Y lines and they NEED to at 90º angles.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great advice. We have never heard this before. This is the type of advice we were hoping to receive. Thank you Jo-Anne!

[@patriciaribaric3409]

With that view your tent is perfect!!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are so right! Doesn't really matter which tent you have if your view is looking into God's country.

[@eloyrodriguez6460]

Thanks for sharing part of your life experience with us👍 Great video God bless you and your family. Once again thank you👍

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Blessings to you and yours as well.

[@thomassherer5962]

Thanks for the great explanation of features AND Views of The Last Frontier! I lived in Alaska 20 years ago and haven't had the opportunity to come back. So, this was good for the soul! Pop-up? Be glad with what you have!

[@jguil4d]

About 45 degrees for your poles. How far out depends on conditions. If you are sure there will be very little wind and the soil conditions are good, you could put your stakes very close to your poles: putting the stakes further out will improve resistance to the canopy pulling the stakes out because the soil is too sandy or wind is too high.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Somebody finally answered our question. We knew the angle, but were not sure about the length. Thank you for your detailed answer Jason.

[@guidok3762]

Beautiful tent, perfect to be free of musquitos in your place. The same problem wehen we travel to Sweden. Best regards from The Netherlands 🇳🇱❤️🇺🇸👍✌️

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you! Love getting your comments from across the world!

[@dankramer7840]

Love your wonderful videos and your beautiful family. You are truly blessed. 😊Best wishes, much happiness, and continued success 🙏

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you so much Dan! Really appreciate comments like this.

[@davidf9630]

Thanks again, we will definitely look into the CLAM tent. For now I think we’ll focus on camping at the ocean sites. I would rather deal with a little wind instead of mosquitoes.

[@kirenireves]

I don't think the lack of pop up is much of an issue. A few minutes to set up a tent is nothing when you are, after all, out in nature to get away from the hectic city-life. Great videos and a lovely family.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Very true. We have also found with our boys growing that setting up the tent is one of the most fun activities. Sometimes after we get everything set up we are just sitting around twittling our thumbs. Lately we have enjoyed taking our time making our makeshift home more appealing.

[@MichaelCalvey]

So happy we found this channel. Wonderful videos with excellent content tailored to folks who actually want to get to, and experience, the outside.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you found us! We had the chance to check out your channel as well. Looks like you all know how to have fun. That lumafusion app looks pretty neat. The writing you did on the video was that by hand or something from within Lumafusion?

[@MichaelCalvey]

@@PlayingwithSticks Hi, yes it was done by hand but it used LumaFusion. Another KZbinr named Levi Allen posted an excellent tutorial on it. You might want to check it out, and check out his site as well - another great resource for people wanting to get outside. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXmkZWN-m7uWeNU. ... /edit: He actually used FCPX and another app called Procreate, the technique is editor agnostic though, both for video and drawing app. :)

[@CosmoWeems]

Thank you! With a small trailer extra living space is great. There is no perfect shelter but find a vertical wall shelter like a Clam Sky the most versatile and robust shelters made. Vertical walls, Re moveable walls roof and floor. Able to withstand heavy wind too! =Cosmo

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We agree the clam is definitely the way to go. We have mentioned to you in the past that we wish it had a second door so we could make it a side entry. But, like you said the x's give it the structural integrity needed to stand up to the wind and all the elements. A removable floor is something we also highly value in our tent. Thanks for watching Cosmo. It really means a lot to us!

[@kimberlyolson9477]

Cosmo Weem

[@catherinejackson6746]

I like to picture a screen room big enough to put the teardrop inside it, so you can access the kitchen and go in and out staying inside the screen, in the heat it would keep. Teardrop cooler too.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

With our 4X8 teardrop I almost thing that could be done. Our 10X10 awning almost fits over the entire trailer. I am guessing if we had a 12X12 we could probably pull it off!

[@joewoodchuck3824]

That is one fantastic idea! I had previously imagined one tent inside another for insulation value in cold wx conditions. But the TD inside is near genius. The only caveat is that the shelter of whatever kind one chooses cant have a floor unless a side opening is big enough to wheel the TD inside.

[@ianlindsey3616]

The Northern Breeze 12x12 Pricey but we love it

[@DIYM105Camper]

Hey guys Excellent job explaining the pros and cons of the tent, great video👍👍

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks guys. We are excited to see more of your new awning as well. These outdoor living spaces are so much fun!

[@MacgyverSharon]

Thank You! Had the clam traveler, but concerned about rain because walls bulge out. Ordering this one now for trial. Great info! Thanks for sharing!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Wish we got to this comment quicker. Unfortunately this shelter does not have a rain tarp. Rain only gets in when we leave the sides up accidentally at night. However, all the places we camp are not windy. I assume in the wind this thing would do pretty poorly in rain. There is a link from someone buried deep in these comments of a tent that has all these features, is instant pop-up I believe, and has a nice rainfly. I will try to find it again today. I never seem to be able to find it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Found it! www.camptents.com/shop/screen-tent/

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Oh my goodness that is huge! Had no idea it was that large.

[@cstedtler4964]

Hallo, enjoyed getting info on a tent. However, you share parts of your life with your family also. You are on an adventure by being close to Natur. Teaching your child by play . As a family you go ahead to find more enjoyment in your life. ... Skipole or Walking Stick instead of Tentpole is also is dual functionable. These little hacks are helpfull to have comfort and space. Wishing succes to attaching tent + trailer. .... Velcro ? no Wind :)

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it! We have cell coverage today and are responding to this comment while sitting in the tent! The view is incredible overlooking a river surrounded by glaciers and mountains! Thanks for the positive comment!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Maybe we should try Velcro. We've tried multiple suction cups so far and it hasn't worked.

[@sg7392]

Put the rope on top of the awning the it can be left slack without coming off. You can get suction cups that will fit the eyelet holes then just screw a nut onto the back nob of the suction cut to keep it from pulling out. Cheers Steve from Aus.

[@chiefonelung3416]

I like that tent. But with my 13-foot burro I am using a 10 x 10 first up. It has the screen walls and also the solid walls. But the reason I liked it it fits right up against the burro with the lip of it over the door trim so that if it rains you don't get wet going in and out.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We obviously haven't spent enough time looking at these tents. We knew they had solid side walls, but we didn't realize they made screen walls for them. Thanks for sharing this!

[@rebeccahardin1459]

I am buying me a runaway camper ths is perfect this is what i have been looking for. Thank you so much for the video.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are going to have so much fun with the runaway camper. If you don't follow Hanging with Herky you need to check them out. Also Charles Morman is probably the most consistent poster on here in regards to runaways.

[@Loyalwhiteknight]

Nice Rebecca, I believe I've talked my wife into a 4x8 Runaway. We will definitely want an awning and possibly a rooftop tent for when we have extra people out with us.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

With our growing family we have decided the rooftop tent and awning is a must for us as well. One more child and I don't think we will be able to fit in our 4X8 anymore :(

[@Loyalwhiteknight]

@@PlayingwithSticks I understand that completely. Will you keep the 4x8 and just mount the rooftop tent on top of it or will that not work with your teardrop? I know you can mount one on top of the Runaway.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We don't think our roof is strong enough to support the tent. We could mount an ARB awning to the top, but we think a tent may be pushing it for our home built wood frame.

[@bradmiller9993]

Watching this in 2022. Whats your updated opinion of this tent?

[@Travelin_Man1]

I wanted a clam for ease of set up but the lack of two doors convinced us to just get the tent you feature here. We just did a practice set up in the yard and it wasn't too bad. I think it'll work for us until we find a tent like the clan with two entrance doors. Thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We currently have a workaround to this and it has been very successful. Check out this video here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpW2c4WZbrF9aac You can do the same thing with a Clam just by attaching an awning/tarp above the door.

[@glenparker234]

I use to get little 1” or 2” c-clamps and clamp them to the little rain gutters on the edge of my van and stick the grommet on the tarp to hold the ends they work great and there adjustable

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great idea! We will definitely be trying something like this out next weekend. Thanks Glen!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks for recommending our channel. You guys do a great job we love your videos.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are most welcome! You know we love your channel, so we think everyone else should too :) Thanks for the nice comment about our videos as well. Lately we have had a lot of comments from Runaway owners or future Runaway owners. They seem to be pretty popular.

[@larrytucker222]

@@PlayingwithSticks My first KZbin channel was Hanging with Herky. It helped us make our decision to buy a Runaway. For a basic step up from a tent they are excellent.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We couldn't agree more!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks Larry we are happy you our following us and playing with sticks.

[@AskIveSolar]

Greetings Again Sir, I'll have to check out your other video. We are not outdoors folks but we like to go to the park and I would really love to have a nice pop up tent to get away from the bugs. That's my biggest hurdle to going to parks and stuff. Got my solar panel and rockpals and I'd be good to go.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I think a Clam tent would be a perfect fit for you. We love taking ours to parks and day trips. The only issue with them is they are quite heavy and quite long, so you just need to make sure you have space in your vehicle. Cosmo Weems just did a comparison video today of two different models. I haven't watched it yet, but I assume it will be good as he has great content. It will also give you a good idea of the carry size as well. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH-xfpKqgNearqc

[@pagewhite8177]

Thanks for the info!

[@ourscamplife5210]

Nice tent Glad you guys have made it out. We hope to be out soon!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you. It has been snowing here the past 2 weeks so it has put us back on standby mode for camping. Looking forward to seeing your adventures!

[@barbshubert9667]

I used your link and got this tent, and got the 2 year protection for $15…thanks !!

[@joemomma1751]

Hey, PWS. The poles you got with your tent should have sufficed but, I noticed two things. You need to run the line for the poles at a 45 degree angle. 4-6' from the pole should be enough distance to stake the pole line (whatever makes it easy to walk under or around the line). Also, you had the line attached to the pole underneath the tarp grommet. Attach your line to the pole above the tarp grommet. That will help prevent the wind from lifting the tarp off of the pole. Buy some bright colored green or orange 550 paracord and replace your pole lines. Paracord is stronger and the bright color will help prevent you from tripping over them. You can also tie some bright colored streamers or trail markers on the lines to make them more visible. Get some heavy duty plastic or metal stakes for your poles (whatever works best for the ground there). The stakes supplied with most tents are the cheesy thin metal "L" shaped stakes that you can't hammer into the ground. Hope this was helpful.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This is exactly the information we were hoping to get. Thank you! We kept wondering why our poles would fall over occasionally. You think it would be common sense, but some of this stuff we need help from you all to figure it out. Thanks again for the advice.

[@stevewhitaker1474]

Thank you Drew. Excellent information and tips.

[@ipedros7]

Looks good. Setting up is the same as setting a tarp shelter. There are vertical and horizontal degrees and gets complicated to describe. So hope you can visualize. All guy ropes (vertical plane) between 45 and 60 degrees preferably, the wider the angle the better the support. Pegs in ground, at a 45 degrees in pole direction, with the purpose to trap and resist the ropes from being pulled out. Its ok to have one guy per pole. From a top down perspective (horizontal plane), you want to create an X: Tarp corner to corner, to guy rope and into the ground supports/pegs. On more breezy conditions or where there isn't space for the single guy rope to go to 45degrees, its best to add a second guy rope to create a triangle/tripod support (2 guys and one pole). With 2 guys per pole, its no longer an X, as you're creating the triangle, (still going down to ground at 45/60 degrees on the vertical plane). I usually set the pole base a touch back, towards the middle of the tarp shelter (say 3-4 inches), to create a minor angle - resists wind better. In rain, lower one pole a little to direct water away. Alternatively, on one tarp side, add a guy in the mid section and pull it down a little to create a channel. Depends where you'd want to channel the water. HTH

[@koalafan1576]

I love this tent.

[@jessicaleeann164]

Thank you for all the information! It’s so awesome .

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Our pleasure Jessica!

[@davidf9630]

Hey man. Thanks for the great video. We just got back from a 3 day camping trip with our teardrop and we can definitely relate to the (bug) issue. We are gonna look into different types of bug proof tents.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are most welcome David! We are a little jealous that you have bugs already. Our mosquitoes are starting to come out, but it is still definitely early spring up here. Good luck with the bug proof venture. If it is just bug netting you are after it is hard to beat a CLAM tent. Sets up in seconds and built to withstand every thing you can throw at it. It is a little costly though.

[@uweschroeder]

For the ropes: 45 degrees would be optimal from a physics point of view. Picture a 90 degree angle and then add the rope at 45 degrees. You can simplify the forces along the 90 degree lines: up (i.e. an updraft) and sideways (regular wind). Of course there's everything in-between out there and the only one you're not really concerned about is the one coming straight down (maybe on the bottom of a cliff or something). In a simplified view, a 45 degree angle gives you equal ability to counter the forces going up or sideways. Ideally you'd also hammer the peg in at a 45 degree angle so it sits at a 90 degree angle to the rope. Mhh, KZbin comments should allow pictures - a single graphic would be so much easier than words :-) PS: for the suction cups to anchor the side flaps to the teardrop: if your teardrop surface is smooth, get cheap suction cups for cameras with a standard screw (usually a 1/4 inch by 20 screw). Those suction cups with the lever are much better than the regular bathroom or fridge suction cups. If there's a harbor freight store in Alaska I would go for their cheap window install suction cups: they're a few bucks and designed to lift and install auto glass - so they lift a lot for a 3 or 4 inch cup and you pump them like you see in james bond movies. Those things will stick come wind or rain.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This is great Uwe. You honestly painted a very good picture. Thanks also for the tip on how to drive the stake.

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Uwe Schroeder wrong

[@uweschroeder]

@@trailerparksupervisor7046 Is that all you got? If you think I'm wrong you need to come up with a better explanation than "wrong". So please explain why it's wrong.

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Uwe Schroeder do your own research. You are clearly wrong

[@uweschroeder]

@@trailerparksupervisor7046 Clearly? Because you said "wrong"? What is clear right now is that you have no argument to back up your "wrong" claim and telling people to "do their own research" is essentially saying you have no idea what you're talking about. So let me put it like this: unless you can come up with a reason why tent lines and pegs should not be in 90 and 45 degree angles it's you who's wrong. Well, maybe I shouldn't write whole sentences, so how about a classic one word response: WHY?

[@mah6183]

We do something similar with an OzTent - and yes, pop up would be great. Like you suggested, connecting the tent and tear with an awning is good, but suction cups never worked for us. We attach the awning grommets to a rope that crosses over the tear to the tongue on one end and bumper on the other. As for the rope angle..? I make it as close to 45 degrees off the pole, and about half the height of the pole outward... And pray that nobody trip over it😯

[@PlayingwithSticks]

When we got our tent we called it our "poor man OzTent." We tried the suction cup this week with no luck as well. I am guessing we will be doing a similar rope across the teardrop rig as you did. Thanks for the tip on the angles and distance. We had ours at about 45 degrees, but we made the ropes much too long. And yes, they are definitely a tripping hazard. If they trip anybody hopefully it is the bears to give us a 1 second head start to know they are coming :)

[@mah6183]

We found our OzTent on Craigslist. The original idea was that with the flat side, we could go directly from the tear into the tent. It didn't work, but its a nice tent.

[@markhanson6880]

Great video! Thank you for all the great info!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it Mark!

[@tony-ce7qp]

beautiful people and perfect job on the tent....peacefull wishes!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you Tony. This is a really kind comment. You made our afternoon!

[@baccaratwinningstrategy4sale]

Great video ! I would put the tie downs 45 ° as always from opposite corner with an imaginary line between as extending it for better holding the tent as well ! But that is just me ! Because both side goes down as tie downs 45° keeping this smallsize awning straighter and tightly ! Remember 45 ° + 45 ° = 90 ° and that holds up very well strongly

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@karlt8233]

Screen tents are awesome to have when camping in a small trailer. Gives added space for lounging/cooking and protection from insects and light misty days.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We had our out today and honestly it took our day from a good day to a great day. Last week we had all the sides up and found we were a bit cold. This week we put down two sides, left two sides open, and cranked up the Little Buddy Heater. It felt like we were in the lower 48!

[@alvashoemaker8536]

There should be a way to make that breezeway btwn tent & teardrop; otherwise...great combination!! Love your videos...! 😃🙃👣

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks Alva. We actually were able to put together a great breezeway. You can check it out at kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpW2c4WZbrF9aac

[@slamboy66]

Love the ski poles.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you liked that. Tried to be as resourceful as we could be.

[@chlebowg]

A cheap pole would be cutting a 2x4 in half, then nailing a nail to the top to go into the grommet. Cheap strong tent stakes large 10" nails with washer.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Cheap is what we need. Those poles if you were to do multiple canopies would add up fast. Thank you!

[@chlebowg]

You can also just use 6-8' sapling about an 1-1.5" thick. Tie line to grommet (two half hitches) and then use a clove hitch knot to sapling and then run guy line down to stake/ground using a tautline hitch. (Used to be a Eagle scout so know my knots)

[@jimstephens4844]

This tent is now available for sale on Amazon with a delivery date of May 31 2021! I bought one today because of your video. Thank you for the recommendation. It must be meant to be!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is so great to hear. It really was meant to be because that thing is rarely in stock. We have been using this tent all year and absolutely love it. Like we tell everyone, if you baby it, it will last. It might even last if you don't, but I am not willing to take the risk.

[@ibiubuok]

You do a great job and show good ideas with your videos. Thanks!

[@DaveK84]

You guys should check out the gazelle or clam pop up screen rooms. A bit pricey but we enjoy ours.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We love both those tents. They are built tough too! We mentioned both of them later in the video. They both have almost everything we need, but are missing 1 or two features.

[@mikemead2315]

*Awning Poles* * Hey, multi-use thus cheap has my vote. Kudos on the cross country ski poles. * Hiking poles. * Some brooms etc, have handles that screw off. * Paint roller adjustable extensions. * Plastic pipe from hardware store. Could get multiple diameters so they store inside one another.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for the extra idea Mike. We actually have two paint roller extensions that would be perfect for this.

[@mikemead2315]

Playing with Sticks, paint roller extensions are very popular and versatile for even things like antennas.

[@costa2984]

very good review, thank you

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. Lately we have been telling folks if your budget is on the lower side go with this tent. If you have $200-$300 to spend on a tent we would suggest the Clam as well.

[@georgemullett5153]

Great vid. Glad you made it through the winter. If you ever come to New Brunswick, Canada, you can camp in our driveway.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it George. No winter seems to be similar up here lately. The last few have been unseasonably warm and fairly low snowfall. Those winters seem to be the hard ones. I assume you may be experiencing some warmer winters in Canada as well. Thanks for the invite. We will definitely take you up on that. We typically stick to the west coast, so getting to your neck of the woods would be a great adventure for us!

[@georgemullett5153]

@@PlayingwithSticks we are under flood watch right now. Spring is always unsettling here in our small village. Last year we were trapped in our village for a week. Summer is aw3some here.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That sounds rough. I work out in rural Alaska and we have quite a few small villages that go through that same struggle about every other spring. Spring break up can be really tough up here. Hope it all goes well for your community. I bet your summers are incredible!

[@samanthadodd8112]

😁

[@samanthadodd8112]

Sorry won't let me delete

[@randykunath.afterbbn]

Great channel, try using some rebar stock for stakes easily bent with a torch vice and hammer. What’s the coldest you have stayed out boondocking? Some awesome advice thanks for sharing.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Rebar...great suggestion. Would love to find something that doesn't bend out over time. That would do it. As for cold, we are quite the wimps as we bring our two boys 3 years and 8 months out with us. With the boys we only go down to the upper 30s. We keep saying we are going to do a mid-winter adult trip just for fun, but we haven't done it yet.

[@jodyk4949]

Thanks for sharing this vlog on your tent. But wait! I had no idea you could tow a tear drop with a small car, a Matrix?! I have a C-max and Ford says not to tow, but now seeing this...I'm going to break some rules. I'm heading over to your channel to see if you talked about how to tow with a small car. I hope you did one??? Have a continued awesome outdoor experiences. Best wishes!

[@shanslam1970]

What an incredible location!!!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed the location. We are really excited for everything to start greening up.

[@koalafan1576]

Ooo yes I heard America’s love (bald eagle).

[@MrCbell57]

Nice. I'm building my tear drop. So this will come in handy. The tie downs strings for awning poles coming off a 90 degree corner would or should be 45 degrees. Or as close as you can get them depending on space or area you are in. No laws or regulations in setting up tents. Just imagination. Like yours with the xcountry poles. Good idea.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

What size teardrop are you building Rick? Any fun features you are adding?

[@MrCbell57]

@@PlayingwithSticks since Ive just started to even recognize they have these build, well Ive known about them for years but always thought it would be like sleeping in a coffin. What size do you have? Mine will be an in between size or medium. I’m just having issues with the skinning and where to get aluminum that is affordable. Last place I found online wanted $899 per 4x8 sheet of .032! Plus $150 shipping. I’m not finding the aluminum material so may have to do the poor mans fiberglass.

[@bobarganbright180]

Looks great, except the few tents I have tried leak badly, even when sprayed with repellent. One was about $80. Winds around 15 to 20 mph made this dome tent collapse. I think a mini van plus a tent like this would be good for one person. A utility trailer for an atv and or a kayak Would be doable vs a camper.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I often go back and forth on my needs. One thing lately that has really changed camping for us is instant pop-up tents. Sometimes I wonder if one of the larger 2 room instant pop-ups and a couple of the small cots would be more reasonable than a trailer. At some point I will have to try it. Its just tough walking away from that REALLY comfortable teardrop trailer bed.

[@herrp8765]

Good info as always. Thanks, Drew.

[@waynehead7271]

I think it was about #6 ... Your best bet for setting up a tension line is to use an iscocilese triangle measurement. (45/90) Just try it ...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Will definitely be trying this out. Thank you!

[@tanyapizzolattoshimmerngtarot]

Bob Wells shows the Clam Shell Pop up takes 45 seconds to get it out of the bag and pop up.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

45 second setup, now that sounds great!

[@terisalund3367]

@@PlayingwithSticks I like that one as well but it doesnt have 2 doors.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@terisalund3367 That is how we feel as well. I told Cosmo Weems I cant wait for them to make a version with two doors. But, Cosmo much wiser than myself, said that it wouldn't be possible because of the "x" bracing supports are where the 2nd door would be. He said these "x" braces is what gives the Clam tents their rigidity.

[@twocentproductions5326]

Zig says he has one on his van down by the river works good for his austere living except in wind and rain storms, it funny how things go to shit in a good storm!

[@mikemead2315]

One more pricy potential. T4 Plus - has attached screen room. Another Gazelle. Multiple doors. Inside and outside rooms. Instant up/down. $349.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

The T4 plus looks great. Obviously a little larger than we would like, but has all the features. The first time we looked at it we thought it only had one doon. Thanks Mike!

[@Loyalwhiteknight]

Great video. I would definitely get a pop-up tent but putting that one up in five minutes isn't bad at all. Did y'all waterproof it? I know as soon as I get a tent or enclosure the first thing I do is set it up in the yard and waterproof it. Awesome scenery by the way.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We usually waterproof our tents as well. But funny enough, because we sleep in our teardrop we didn't even think of waterproofing it. Thanks for the reminder we will definitely be waterproofing the tent before our next trip.

[@Loyalwhiteknight]

@@PlayingwithSticks lol....You sound exactly like me. Glad my comment reminded you that you hadn't done it yet. I will be curious to see how this one holds up for y'all.

[@mikemead2315]

What is a good way to waterproof? Is it just the seams or the fabric too?

[@Loyalwhiteknight]

@@mikemead2315 You'll want to do both. Walmart has a spray which I use for the entire fabric and then there is a specific roll on stick that they have that I use on the seams. They both work pretty well especially if you're using the window covers as an awning and it starts to rain, just remember to drop the poles a little so the rain can run off of it and not pool.

[@mikemead2315]

Shawn Showalter, Thanks! Great Info!

[@mccamps4729]

Are you guys still using this tent? We got an inexpensive screened tent from Wal-Mart (Magellan), a 12 x 12 with two openings, and we put it over the back end. It makes a great living area. But it’s not a pop-up and we’ve already had poles break etc. and it doesn’t have privacy screens. Guess you can’t always have it all and at a reasonable price! Regardless, we enjoy it immensely.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you for sharing this. Always nice to know there are other options out there for folks. We currently use our Clam tent about 80% of the time due to the instant pop-up ability. But, just the last few weekends of travel (yes, boo were are on school schedule so we are now limited to weekends), we have used the tent multiple times. We are still surprised that it looks just like the day we bought it. But, like we tell everyone, we really do baby it!

[@kennethdebbiedavis865]

Check out the clam Quick Set. Its what you want.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We love the Clam Quicksets. They meet almost all our requirements. The big thing they are missing for us is the 2nd door. The second door makes it so we can walk out into the tent straight from the teardrop without being exposed to the elements.

[@tinabeane]

Thanks, helpful information regarding looking for a tent.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad it was helpful Tina!

[@Kimmykaw12]

Great video. Thank you.

[@jrodriguez8216]

Thank you love this review

[@gfp1011]

I just saw your new 9 Shelters for small campers. Is this still your favorite? Which one is? As always your videos are great. Thank you so much!

[@sherrcon]

I love it...you guys are great!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you. It is comments like these that make being KZbin creators so much fun!

[@sherrcon]

@@PlayingwithSticks/ I am trying to convince my wife of the advantages of teardrop trailers but no go...I asked "would you rather spend $10-$15 g's extra with a 12 year loan to get a regular trailer that will have problems down the road?"...I told her she was crazy and she gave me a funny look...lol...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@sherrcon Maybe you can convince her to be a Scamp enthusiast. this year we have really figured out how to distribute the weight in the scamp to really reduce the gas mileage and the wear and tear on the car. We have a video that we will put out sometime this summer or fall about scamp gas mileage. It does pretty darn well, especially compared to a regular RV.

[@rustyberg6467]

I have the Kuma... love it but only 1 door....

[@alethawittmann8557]

Did you ever find a ten that also popped up? I am looking but not finding it yet. Thank you for your great video, Ally

[@tagamigigoslow4678]

Ya if ya find an all in one lol and maybe rectangle lol I agree tho

[@JAD400]

Wow nice views

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you liked them!

[@bryangreen3158]

Look at the Clam popup tent

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes! We love it. I think we talked about it a little in this video. Or maybe I edited it out. Our only issue was that it didn't have two doors. But, that is no issue for us now. We just put an awning between the camper and the Clam. This way we can stay out of the rain gettiing in and out, but can also get outside straight from the tent or teardrop.

[@lisamorand9607]

You could weather spray the tent to help water resistance.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you. You are the second person who mentioned that. We will be picking up a bottle this weekend. We have the roll-on type for the seems, but have never used the spray.

[@lisamorand9607]

Your welcome, my husband sprayed the spray while I was in the tent. I slept in the truck that night. We got a small travel trailer 3 yrs ago. I loved your tent video because we went something to sit outside in away from the bugs. Have a great summer.

[@astrovantony9551]

I have a Astro Van with window and a generator. Those two additions were a great investment. I have been looking for a tent now. I like your tent and the price. I do like the Clam though. I subscribed to your Channel and thank you for a great Video. Be safe and best of luck to you and your family. .

[@PlayingwithSticks]

The van sounds great. The tent has been such a great addition to our camping experience. You won't regret purchasing one.

[@astrovantony9551]

@@PlayingwithSticks Hello and thank you for your reply. Can you send me a link plz. Or one you get credit for if I buy one? I am in Ventura County, CA. Santa Paula. My name is Tony And thank you again.

[@yeah4me1]

Came here because of "From She To Me" channel recommended it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Oh my goodness that is so nice of her! You are honestly the first person to come over here from another channel. How exciting! We feel like real KZbinrs! Isn't "From She to Me" an amazing channel. We just stumbled upon it not to long ago. Thanks again for checking out our small camper life!

[@wmarian5027]

Hello...your features are all features on my list! Still not another tent out there like it, I think, I've been looking. But 2 years since this video, any updates on the tent?

[@davidbourgeois856]

Thanks for this video, I'm in the market for a square-drop screen tent, do you have an update for the durability of the tent? Thanks!

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You're welcome D!

[@hoilp]

So this video was done a few years ago. Wondering if you found that this tent held up and if it is still available? I am just purchasing my first teardrop and am looking for a screened tent that will help expand our living area. Your criteria are exactly what I would like to see, but have not seen any that quite meet all of them. The clam might if you purchase all the accessories, but I'd prefer not have to take out a second mortgage to pay for a tent (I guess that means there is one criteria it doesn't meet.) So what is your 2023 suggestion for a boondocking tent?

[@mrhalfstep]

With one guy line on each pole, as you seem to be doing (rather than two lines on each pole), using the front edge of the awning as a reference, stretch the guy line to form a 135 degree angle with that front edge. I think that may be what you mean when you say 45 degrees. That will have the line pulling equally to spread your two poles apart (tightening the front edge of the awning) and pulling them away from the tent enclosure (tightening the side edges of the awning). Any other angle will pull more in one direction than the other. Next, angle the guy line at 45 degrees, relative to the ground. Almost any angle will work, but 45 will make it difficult enough for the stake to pull out in the wind. A greater angle with the ground (a more vertical guy line) will make it easier to pull out and a smaller angle (with the guy line closer to horizontal with the ground) will make the stake even harder to pull out, but will do so at the increased risk of tripping on the line because it will be splayed out so far around the tent enclosure. 45 is about the best of both worlds. I noticed in the video that you had the loop of the guy line on the pole peg and then the awning's grommet on top of that. The wind can get under the awning and lift it off of the pole. I would put the pole through the awning's grommet and then loop the guy line over it to hold the awning on the pole. A wordy explanation, I know, but you did ask 🙂

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great explanation! Thank you 🙏

[@_suspi]

I've been waiting to pounce on this when it came back in stock in Amazon. I have one of those Ozark Trail instant tents that clips onto a collapsible frame. It seems like an easy mod to swap the frames from that tent to this screenhouse.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That would be really awesome if you make that work out. Please let us know Andrew if that ends up working for you.

[@d-n-dproductionz6762]

Hey Andrew, did the mod work? Which model Ozark Trail instant tent do you have? Thanks!

[@samanthadodd8112]

I've been looking for that tent but pop up too for the last month. Haven't decided what I'm sacrificing 2 doors, complete netting, or pop up. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We have tried quite a few tents. We have settled on a Clam Quick-Set. The only downside of them is that they are quite pricey. They also do not have awnings, but we plan on sewing them on this spring. We love the Clams for how well they do in wind, the high ceilings, 30 second up and down, and the open floors. Good luck on your search.

[@samanthadodd8112]

@@PlayingwithSticks Thanks for responsing. So the tent in the review isn't very good? The clam doesn't have a floor in it does it?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@samanthadodd8112 The tent is great. Unfortunately, we have found through the comments here that most of the time it is out of stock. So we decided to get a more common tent, so as we make modifications to it we can share it with others and know that it will probably be in stock. As for this tent in the video it is still the main tent we use , but we haven't been highlighting it in our videos as much due to its limited supply. Our tent iis still in like new condition, but like we said in the video we do baby it. For our family we have found not having a floor has been great because it makes cleaning up the campsite easier and one less surface to worry about ripping. But, if you live in the lower 48 where there are snakes and other creepy crawlies you may want to floor. Appear the floor just traps are food smells that makes one more reason for bears to come 🙂

[@samanthadodd8112]

@@PlayingwithSticks Thank u so much. I live in the South a lot of creepy crawlies. I do think I'm going to order this tent. I may put an 8 x 8 mat in the bottom so I won't rip it. Thanks again for all the help.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@samanthadodd8112 somewhere hidden in all these comments is another tent we found. I have trouble locating it. But it has all the features of our tent, plus a rain fly, and I believe it's an instant pop up. If you have time to scroll through the comments you will be able to find it. But again the tent in this video is great, we just suggest adding some waterproofing to the seams and maybe waxing the zippers occasionally beings they are not YKK zippers. Again we've had no issues with this tent, but we do take preventative measures to make sure it lasts us for years.

[@RobinHood89566]

Check out Outwell ... i think the model is the Milestone Pace and the Milestone Pace Pro. Been looking for an addition for my micro camper and came across this high quality german company. "Drive-away awaning" is what you are looking for. You would have retrofit the attached part....

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for this Robin. It looks very similar to our tent! Good find. Looks like it is sealed better than ours, has a great little built in awning, and enough mesh to enjoy the views. And, it typically is pretty hard to top German engineering. Again, thanks for sharing this Robin!