Kathmandu Lansan

Not rain-proof, drafty – I actually have the Lansan Plus; but these comments might help those considering either Lansan or Lansan Plus. The "Plus" version has a large vestible on the front of the tent, making it very long and a good design for stowing extra gear, I use it for car-camping mostly, paid $375 for it. I've had it about a year and taken it on a dozen trips, but on 3 occasions when it's rained heavily a litre or two of water ends up in the tent (fortunately my matress has a vinal base). The problem seems to be the short fly, which is about 5cm off the ground, and it's easy for water to seep between the sloping fly and above the tent's foot; I think this is the case with both Lansan and Lansan Plus models. Any items in the side pockets weigh the inner tent down and exacerbate the problem; (so don't use them if it's likely to rain, I ruined books that way-even empty, this tent has leaked). The inner "door" is fine mesh and on chilly nights cold air flows right through it on to your head (the tent won awards for venting, but I'm rarely too hot in a tent). It's not the fastest tent to erect or pack with 3 poles and more velco straps and pegs than most tents it's size. I also wish the fly door zip would open from two ends instead of one, it can only open right over the inner fly, wetting the inner tent when it rains, so be vigilent keeping it closed (nb: this last comment is only for the Lansan Plus version). Hasn't tested it in hgh-wind areas yet. I'm going to try salvaging this tent by stiching a skirt around the fly, adding a non-permeable inner door and perhaps an extra fly zip. If I can be bothered. I bought an EPE-speedy 2 man tent for $150 and LOVE it for car-camping; it's so fast & easy, so I haven't bothered unpacking the Lansan for a while, but I'll probably dig it out again for longer trips. Large vestible (only in the Lansan Plus version), side windows handy. Leaks, drafty, some design issues I'd like to change, slower to set up and pack up than most 2-man tents.