[M.T. Pockets]

TreeDoc, have you gotten a tent yet ? Sorry I didn't post earlier. I've had this tent since '95 and love it. I got the 8 man version for family camping and it works great. I have the fiberglass poles, I'm sure the aluminum ones are better but don't stay home just because you have fiberglass poles, if these poles can't handle the conditions it's time to get to the vehicle anyway.

For 3 people I'd suggest the 8 man. I spent a week in Alaska a couple years ago hunting caribou near the Mulchatna. Not a tree in sight and it blew like crazy for a week. The outfitter provided the tent - A Cabela's Alaskan Guide Model. I pitched it in the willows and it stood up fine. The outfitter had a shed full of them. It was a 6 man and it did get a bit crowded with 3 men & gear. The vestibule is a must for storage & cooking.

I go out of my way to take care of my tent, keeping it clean & storing it dry. I use a plastic liner underneath and another smaller one inside the tent.

This tent has been out for over 10 years and has stood up well. No tent is perfect, but this one serves it's purpose well at a reasonable price.