Command Post or Summit?

[Trytti]

Thinking of getting one of the Clam pop up style tents. What has been everyone's experience with them? Are they OK in a big wind to set up and take down? How hard are they to anchor to the ice? How well do they hold heat?

Want one that will fish 3 or 4 big guys and use as base camp. Will the Summit suffice or would it be better just to go with the Command Post?

Any thoughts or experiences appreciated.

Thanks!

[whateverisbiting]

We just got the 6x12 clam command post and had it out for three days just before the big storm. A big buddy heated it fine, temp was 15 outside. Might need more if it gets below zero, but I would not need more. Only needed two anchors when wind was low. The last day the wind picked up 20-30 mph. We had some trouble but that was only because it was our first time. We needed to anchor down the base, then pop it up, and put two anchors on the windward side. The two of us really had no trouble. Next time it is windy we are bringing out a drill with the anchor bit. The ceiling got a little wet, but it seemed to drip harmlessly down the sides. We just bought some carpet from fleet farm, marine black, to make a base so we know where to drill and keep the floor from getting slippery. It was $30 for the carpet and it is really light. In all, I love the extra space and is a good complement to a flip style.

[aberg22]

I was in gander mountin myself on saturday wondering the samething. I decided to spend the extra 50$ and get alot more sq ft. I am glad I did. I was playing around with it tonight and found if i pop the 3 sides of one pod and leave the roof up I can fold one side down and make it half the size. That way if it is only 2 or 3 it will be less to heat. I will just bring a zip tie and tie the poles together in the center. Go with the big one. That way you can have all kinds of room if need be. thats m2cents worth.

[Trytti]

Thanks guys! That is great info, looking like I will be getting the big one!

[servocam]

Trytti - I was going to go purchase the Summit (6'x8') as concern w/ setting up the Command Post (6'x12') with any wind and by myself.

You and Andy now have me considering to buy the Command Post - the extra 4 feet would be nice and I did not consider like Andy said - just leave one end down and you have a 6x6. I will have to play with both to see. Would be nice to have! If I bring the whole family + dog (5 + dog) then I have a nice area / living quarters. Besides, what's another 10 bls in the sled (i'll harness the dog to help pull it - my 50 lb bullboxer can drag my 80 lb daughter accross the lawn)

Clam Command Post

Center height: 78".

Weight: 40 lbs.

Pack size: 54"L x 15"W x 11"H.

Setup size: 6' x 12'

Price: $300

Clam Summit

Center height: 78".

Weight: 30 lbs.

Pack size: 54"L x 10"W x 10".

Setup size: 6' x 8'

Price: $250

BTW Andy - far from a shack. Nice tree-top lodge!

[aberg22]

I folded the 2 sides and end in then put the top down poped up it looks just like the otherones then. I was glad I played around with it. I am surprized they don't advertise it that way on the clam web site. Thanks for the comp on my shack. Andy I am going to try to do a video on setting up the Ice house and post the link.

[servocam]

I just purchased the Command Post @ Cabela's today. I tested it and the Summit. The Summit was easier to set up but on both, they need to put loops or something to grab on to on ever pop-out.

I could set up the Summit in like a minute and down in 30 seconds w/o anchor on the slippery floor. The Cmd Post was a bit more difficult - had a guy stand on a cornor like an anchor and made it much easier. Had it up in 2-3 minutes for the first time and folded down in <1 minute.

A guy there said his dad had one - I asked how he liked it and if any problems setting up by himself. His response was "Dad bought it last year, and has no problems setting it up. You need to drop anchors on the one side to make it easier and if any wind, you will have to teather that side."

Trytti - do like I did, just go to the store and collapse and set-up the display models. They are pretty easy. I figured for the extra money, the extra space is well worth it. And after Andy's comments, I can see using it as a 6x6 - I will experiement with that in my Garage.

Andy, I look forward to the thread w/ Video. Can you please post link to the new thread here?

[aberg22]

Here is a link to a quick video I made on making command post smaller. Sorry at the end it was dark inside. But people will get the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7mHviKTqs0

[chad austin]

If your gonna get one I'd hurry. I bought a command post yesterday and after going to thorne bros., gm in blaine and the big j in st paul I finally found one at gm in maple grove and they only had 3 left. thorne isn't getting any more this year and clam has over sold them. They are on back order for anyone who has any on order

[servocam]

Here is a link to a quick video I made on making command post smaller. Sorry at the end it was dark inside. But people will get the idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7mHviKTqs0

Thanx Andy! Mistake I made at the store when I tried, was I collapsed the roof. I think i'm going to go set it up in the basement and try it.