This past May I went on a 7 night kayak trip down the Green River in Utah. We started at Mineral Bottom and ended at the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers. I had recently purchased a Mons Peak Night Sky because I was intrigued by the capability to change the size of the tent from a 3 to 4 person. There have been many times where someone from our group decides to join at the last minute, which requires either bringing along another single or double tent or changing the tent in my pack to a larger size. In this instance my granddaughter had a break from her movie production job and decided to come at the last minute. So, amazingly, within 5 minutes I converted my Mons Peak IX tent from a 3 person size to a 4 person size. I must note that we always use a one person larger tent size than the actual number of actual people sleeping in the tent. I assume this is a concept followed by most. I have purchased over 20 different tents over the last decade. Hilleberg, Big Agnes, MSR, Nemo, REI, Marmot, Kelly, and Sierra are the bulk of them. 2 person, 3 person, 4 person, Ultralight, 3 season and winter tents, a different size or style for each backcountry location. Alaska, Iceland, Germany, Canada, all the Western and South Western States make up the various locations I have camped. I have lost track of the number of nights and miles, but each are well over the thousands.

This past May I went on a 7 night kayak trip down the Green River in Utah. We started at Mineral Bottom and ended at the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers. I had recently purchased a Mons Peak Night Sky because I was intrigued by the capability to change the size of the tent from a 3 to 4 person. There have been many times where someone from our group decides to join at the last minute, which requires either bringing along another single or double tent or changing the tent in my pack to a larger size. In this instance my granddaughter had a break from her movie production job and decided to come at the last minute. So, amazingly, within 5 minutes I converted my Mons Peak IX tent from a 3 person size to a 4 person size. I must note that we always use a one person larger tent size than the actual number of actual people sleeping in the tent. I assume this is a concept followed by most. I have purchased over 20 different tents over the last decade. Hilleberg, Big Agnes, MSR, Nemo, REI, Marmot, Kelly, and Sierra are the bulk of them. 2 person, 3 person, 4 person, Ultralight, 3 season and winter tents, a different size or style for each backcountry location. Alaska, Iceland, Germany, Canada, all the Western and South Western States make up the various locations I have camped. I have lost track of the number of nights and miles, but each are well over the thousands.

cont'd from Part 1 The Mons Peak IX tent exceeded my expectations at every level. Since this unique concept was my main reason to purchase it I was very surprised when I saw the quality of workmanship and attention to detail. The fly cover with the unique extended skirt to block out the wind and dust was just fabulous. The quality of materials in everything from the poles to zippers and fabric was superb. The night sky tent was an amazing way to fall asleep looking at the stars. We had a few cloudless nights where we didn't need the fly cover and because of the moonless sky (New moon) we could see the Milky Way streaking down at us. The zippers did not ever snag or catch when opening or closing. Since we were mostly kayaking, the weight was not our biggest concern on this trip so we brought along the footprint that came with the tent. If on a backpack trip, however, I would not even use the footprint as the floor material is a 68D rip stop and feels stronger and more durable than the major brands. It also came with a great repair kit if needed. (Purchased separately with the rewards program). Even if the base wears out you can just purchase the zip out bottom without having to buy the whole tent. The zip out bottom is how you change from a 3 person to a 4 person.

cont'd from Part 1 The Mons Peak IX tent exceeded my expectations at every level. Since this unique concept was my main reason to purchase it I was very surprised when I saw the quality of workmanship and attention to detail. The fly cover with the unique extended skirt to block out the wind and dust was just fabulous. The quality of materials in everything from the poles to zippers and fabric was superb. The night sky tent was an amazing way to fall asleep looking at the stars. We had a few cloudless nights where we didn't need the fly cover and because of the moonless sky (New moon) we could see the Milky Way streaking down at us. The zippers did not ever snag or catch when opening or closing. Since we were mostly kayaking, the weight was not our biggest concern on this trip so we brought along the footprint that came with the tent. If on a backpack trip, however, I would not even use the footprint as the floor material is a 68D rip stop and feels stronger and more durable than the major brands. It also came with a great repair kit if needed. (Purchased separately with the rewards program). Even if the base wears out you can just purchase the zip out bottom without having to buy the whole tent. The zip out bottom is how you change from a 3 person to a 4 person.

Cont'd from Part 1 and Part 2 This tent from Mons Peak IX is all around the best tent I have ever purchased. The simplicity in setting up the tent with the color coding makes it the easiest and quickest setup I have used. You all know the importance of that when a rain storm is rolling in. 5 stars to the rating! The cost is approx $400 less to buy this tent than to purchase two tents in different sizes. I hope this concept is carried through to combining one or two person tents. I also would like to mention that the ventilation looks superb but obviously the hot dry climate of southern Utah in May makes ventilation a non critical issue this time of the year.

Cont'd from Part 1 and Part 2 This tent from Mons Peak IX is all around the best tent I have ever purchased. The simplicity in setting up the tent with the color coding makes it the easiest and quickest setup I have used. You all know the importance of that when a rain storm is rolling in. 5 stars to the rating! The cost is approx $400 less to buy this tent than to purchase two tents in different sizes. I hope this concept is carried through to combining one or two person tents. I also would like to mention that the ventilation looks superb but obviously the hot dry climate of southern Utah in May makes ventilation a non critical issue this time of the year.