ISLE Switch Pro SUP Review: Perfect SUP for Overnight Camping

Unfortunately, you have to buy a separate groundsheet for the Wawona 6 and for most other tents its size as well. Both Base Camp tents have two doors and lots of mesh in the main tent body. But unlike the Mineral King 3 and the Tungsten 4, the mesh on each Base Camp tent starts high on the walls—more than 4 feet from the ground. This design is a big plus for people who regularly camp in crowded campgrounds and don’t like to get naked in front of strangers.

Inflating this beast with the hand pump is the most exhausting part of the day. (ISLE does offer a $145 Custom Electric Pump.) And rolling it back up can sometimes get a little frustrating. My buddy Diego used my Explorer 2 while I carried most of the gear on my Switch Pro. As we zipped past kayaks, canoes, inner tubes, and fishing boats, I never once wanted anyone else’s rig.

As a frequent backcountry hiker and camper, I have to admit it’s nice not to worry about weight. An hour later, we found ourselves facing a 6-foot-high dam of logs, which we crossed in about 3 minutes by hauling our boards (with gear still attached) over the blockage and continuing on our merry way. Compared to other ISLE models, a thicker, comfier foam pad covers the entire Switch Pro. A series of loops on either side make it easy to clip on more gear, tie on to other boards, and attach the kayak seat (same as the Switch). And given that it rolls up into a backpack, I think many paddlers will accept the compromise without a second thought. From my own experience, I can say that the Switch Pro certainly feels sturdier on the water than my ISLE Explorer 2.

ozark trail canopy tent

Air mattresses have a bad reputation for sagging over time, but this two-pump system is designed to prevent just that. The first pump inflates and deflates the bed and has an automatic shut-off once fully inflated. The second pump stays on all night and automatically adjusts the air pressure to keep it fully inflated. You can pick between three pre-set firmness levels and adjust the firmness from there. It stands at an 18-inch height and features circular coils for support and a flocked finish on top for softness.

Imagine camping and living by the majestic Meramec River, where your days are filled with adventure, laughter, and the company of friends. While we share insights and celebrate the adventures that outdoor gear like Ozark Trail can offer, our site is independently run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Offers high-quality outdoor equipment at competitive prices, making outdoor adventures accessible to all. We found that company representatives are reluctant to estimate the lifespan of their tents.

But when ISLE released the Switch Pro, we decided it was worth a revisit. Just a half hour of driving from my apartment in east Atlanta, I can hop on the river and find myself immediately surrounded by nature’s abundance. Singing birds, bubbling rapids, and the frequent absence of other humans — I’ve had some of the best days of my life lately. The North Face Wawona 4, which we used to list in our Other Good Tents section, has been redesigned; it’s now made of polyester, not nylon. I do repairs on homes, swimming pools, recreational vehicles & PC Computers when I am off of work.

Use the extra stakes and guy-lines provided to stabilize the vestibule as much as you need. Families who regularly pitch their tent in rainy locales need a wind-fighting tent with a good-size vestibule for storing wet shoes and gear, as well as a full rain fly for added weather protection. Car campers who plan to brave miserable weather will appreciate the extra strength and ozark trail canopy tent protection of the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent. The main bodies of our other picks are structured with two main poles with added support from smaller brow poles. The Base Camp, by contrast, has four full-size aluminum struts woven throughout it, somewhat like a basket, plus an additional brow pole that frames the front entrance and supports the larger of the two vestibules.

A full rain fly with easy-attach color-coded clips covers the tent body and adds two large vestibules. Like the Mineral King 3, the Tungsten has aluminum poles that are connected at the top (for lightning-quick pitching) and pre-bent, which increases the dome tent’s headroom. Adults as tall as 6-foot-3 can move about this tent standing upright. ozark trail shower tent With a 44-square-foot vestibule, and 86 square feet of interior living space, the tent has plenty of room to house beds, cribs, gear, pets, and camping furniture. Zippered doors can enclose the vestibule fully, so it serves as a separate room for the tent, or you can leave one or both open, so the vestibule can act like a porch or mudroom.