We got the 4 person version for car camping. It was perfect for 2 and a conservative amount of gear. Loved the extra space and the screen room. The first time we used it, several poles bent right at the metal connectors. The thin "overhang" pole totally broke at one of the connectors. Because the fiberglass was visually compromised at the bends we couldn’t have confidence it wouldn’t fail later. and we had a second trip planned in 2 weeks. We contacted Bean and they offered to send a replacement tent so we could make our time frame. On the second trip EXACTLY the same thing happened again despite being REALLY careful and gentle pitching and breaking down the tent! It’s a shame because otherwise the tent is great. The arc is just too severe for the pole design. I think if they re-designed the poles with slightly pre-bent connectors to accommodate the arc, the poles might be able to withstand the strain. As it is, we are returning both tents....
Two of us recently used this tent for a motorcycle trip to the Cape. While it's biggish when packed, it fit on the bike fine and the weight wasn't that bad. Next time I'll use a compression bag for the tent and fly.
The extra room makes up for the weight because we were able to store two sets of saddlebags, all our m/c gear and our food inside the "porch" area, keeping everything dry and safe. While not a choice for hardcore m/c camping, it was perfect for our needs where we are travelling less than 200 miles from home (I'm on a 150cc bike).
I recommend getting the footprint because we did have a chipmunk visitor enjoy the Nutterbutters. The footprint wraps up the sides so creatures can't sneak in easily.
I am still fond of the concept of this tent with the separate screened in area for sitting and removing footwear.
However, the set up of this tent was difficult. The multiple zippers at the front of the rain fly (screen and door) made midnight exists difficult without using a light. Another difficulty with the rain fly zippers were that all 3 come together at a common point which means that once the tent is staked out, it is difficult to get the horizontal zippers closed all the way. I'm not sure how anyone would get 4 people in this tent. We had 3 and were wall to wall and door to door. The third night out it rained, and the footprint (also purchased at LL Bean) leaked at one of the middle seams. During the break down of the tent, we also noticed several permanently bent support poles.
I really like the concept of this tent. The circular doors on the main tent portion (not the rain fly), make for easy access and egress (no snagged zippers; no incompletely closed zippers). Lots of pockets. Plenty of head room, and as I mentioned above, I really like the "front porch" feature with the close-able screen windows. I am not giving up on Bean tents, but this one is going back.
I WOULD LIKE TO RATE LL BEAN KING DOME PINE TENT 4-PERSON TO AN OUTSTANDING 5-STAR RATING FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS;
1. I AM FROM MANITOBA,CANADA AND UPON ORDERING FROM THE INTERNET ITS INDICATED THERE THAT THEY HAVE THREE TO FIVE DAYS DELIVERY UPON RECEIVING THE ORDER TRANSACTION NUMBER OR COURIER NUMBER THROUGH E-MAIL.THE ITEM ARRIVES IN THREE DAYS.(VERY FAST DELIVERY). 2. VERY EASY TO INSTALL (10 MINUTES) 3. LOTS OF BIG ROOMS 4. WE DO CAMPING IN RUSHING RIVER IN KENORA, ONTARIO AND THE FIRST NIGHT WE EXPERIENCE VERY STRONG WINDS,THUNDER, AND HEAVY RAINS FOR PROBABLY ABOUT 3HOURS AND WE DIDN'T EXPERIENCE ANY MOVEMENT OF THE TENT AND ANY WATER COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE.THIS THEN GIVES US A VERY GOOD SLEEP.SINCE WE USED AIRBED WE FEEL LIKE WE ARE SLEEPING INSIDE THE HOTEL. 5.INSECTS LIKE MOSQUITOS,SPIDER AND OTHERS CANNOT GO INSIDE THE TENT DUE TO SECURE DESIGN. 6.DURING DAY TIME SPECIALLY AROUND 12 NOON ALL WE CAN SAY IS THAT ITS NOT HOT TO SLEEP INSIDE DUE TO A WELL VENTILATED AND SECURE WINDOWS. THERE IS ENOUGH SPACE AND PRIVACY IN OUR ROOM.EVEN MY GSD DOG HAS ENOUGH SPACE TO STAY. 7. DUE TO LOTS OF STAKES WHICH IS APPROX ABOUT 8 INCHES LONG THAT YOU NEED TO PUT INTO THE GROUND ON EVERY SIDES AND THE VARIOUS NUMBERS OF STRINGS YOU NEED TO TIE INTO THE STAKES THAT SITS INTO THE GROUND MAKE IT 100% SECURE AND STRONG AGAINST STRONG WINDS. 8.YOU CAN STAND NORMALLY INSIDE THE TENT. 8.THE BEST AND THE COOLEST THING WE EXPERIENCE IS THAT DUE TO HEAVY RAINS THERE ARE LARGE VOLUME OF WATER UNDER THE TENT FLOOR THAT HAS NO CHANCE TO SIPPED THROUGH THE TENT FLOOR.THE FLOOR STAYS DRY FOR OUR 5 DAYS STAY IN THE CAMPSITE.EVERY TIME YOU STEP ON THE FLOOR YOU WILL FEEL THE WATER AND MUD THAT STAYS UNDER THE TENT FLOOR BUT THERE ARE STILL NO SIGNS OF WATER THAT SIPPED ON TOP OF THE FLOOR (AMAZING).THIS TENT IS 100% WATERPROOF.
YOUR THE BEST L.L. BEAN! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
TO MY FELLOW CAMPERS : CAMPING WILL BE RELAXING ,OUT OF PRESSURE,WORRIES, AND EXCITING IF YOU BRING L.L. BEAN WITH YOU!!!
