Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As a longtime camper and camprground host in an alpine high altitude setting with frequent winds in access of 20 mph and snow in August we have had plenty of opportunities to test a number of screened and non-screened shelters: REI Alcove, EMS (10x10), Coleman(10x10) Pahaque (10x10) and finally the hexagonal CLAM., The verdict: 1. The REI Alcove is sturdy( thanks to steel poles that make up the frame, but requires sewing screen panels to work as a screen house. 2. The EMS has a great sturdy aluminum pole system that goes up quickly, but it lacked modesty/rain panels and the slanted no-see-um sidewalls in combination with the small roof size does not provide effective protection from rain. 3. A Coleman 10x10 screen house was the easiest to set up, but the flimsy pole system was no match for high winds. That leaves both the 10x10 PAHAQUE screen house (under $500.-) with straight walls, modesty panels, high ceiling and a rainfly VS the CLAM (around $250.-) with a unique pole system (similar to hunting blinds. The Pahaque has served us well, but after it blew over two years in a row, due to snapping guy lines that resulted in bent and broken poles (without pole replacement option from Pahaque) it was time to look for solutions and/or alternatives. Friends introduced us to the CLAM and after setting it up and surviving both high winds and a summer snow storm in mid August our family has voted the CLAM as the overall winner for the following reasons: 1. EZ to set up and light enough to careully lift over any 8ft long picnic table. 2. Thanks to straight walls minimal rain entry when using 5 modesty panels. : 3. Wind resistant due to unique pole system that has each of six panels bulge out as long as winds are light. Once wind picks up, one or more panels, including the umbrella shaped roof panel are pushed inward (side panels) or downward (roof panel). In the worst case it causees the CLAm to collapse, as intended and without breaking poles. 4. The addition of 6" tent stakes and sturdy 10' cam buckle straps helped reduce the chance of the side panels being pushed in. 5. Following proper guy out, the next storm (this time with snow) only pushed down on the roof panel, to the extent of creating a funnel that collected the snow. No real issue as the roof panel can be pushed back up from the inside to shake off the snow and finally pop up the roof to its original position.. Note: A Clam erected over a picnic table would allow the roof panel to drop down as far as the top of the picnic table. . 6. Checking the clam web site we are delighted to note that spare parts are available. Five stars for sure. and we suggest taking a good look at the brown Clam, as the light roof is said to trap less heat during sunny daya, AND the brown one has a roof flap that guides rain water over the outside of privacy panels instead of running off on the inside. Enjoy.