Customer Reviews

Bibler Ahwahnee Tent

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With this 2 man tent you don't need 2 tents: one for winter and one for the tropics. I was worried before I purchased about condensation on a single wall tent but it turns out this is no problem. Ventillation is excellent - summer or winter! I use it as a one man tent (it's light enough!) and it is sooo roomy and bright. When the weather is fine and warm just unzip both doors for a 6 billion star view. It is unlike any tent I have ever owned. Follow instructions for setting up and it is then easy. It's probably not up to full on winter gales when pitched in stupid places but for anything else it covers it all - and with style!

I have had my Bibler Ahwahnee tent for about 15 years. When I bought it the footprint was 90" x 78". I believe that now you get a smaller, 2 person version, but same design as mine. Old version: 48.75 sf vs 33 sf for the current model. So, if I needed a similar size today it would be the Bibler Bombshelter. No hesitation here. You pay for quality and that is what you get!

Add on's that I love are the two attics (which are nothing more than mesh shelves that attach to the interior poles) and are perfect for stuff you'll need like lighter, matches, pills, whatever. Your necessities are in plain sight but out of the way. I have a butane stove for inside cooking. I highly recommend if you do this to hang it low or put a heat barrier (tin foil?) on the ceiling. The heat rises and I feel uncomfortable with the fire danger.
For winter I used the snow anchors and they do work. If you stake the tent properly it will withstand very high, storm type winds. It is very solid in that regard. I've been inside with 60 mph winds blowing and the tent was solid. I recommend seam sealing with silicone. Bibler also recommends this. I love the single wall design.....no condensation! I also love the interior poles because you can use them for hanging stuff up.....candle,drying socks,etc.

I will add that I am sold on single wall tents. Period.

For summer use it does not get any better, especially if you get the optional rear door vs. standard window. Ventilation is superb.

The vestibule is a "must" if there is any chance of rain plus it is nice for shoes, sharp objects, dogs, cooking, etc. I like a dry and clean tent!

Set up.....easy with practice.

Lastly, Todd Bibler's credo always was to build the finest tent, no shortcuts, just the absolute best tent for the intended purpose. It is a tent that will last a lifetime with proper care. I keep mine clean and dry and stored in an closet, not the garage. With all the accessories, the stove, the groundcloth to pitch it on, the vestibule, the two attics, the snow anchors, etc. I paid over $1000 back in the 90's and I would do it again. In fact, I'll probably buy another smaller, lighter one for solo jaunts but once you have had a Bibler, nothing else will satisfy.

I suggest yellow (if available) as the color of choice. It is very bright inside at dawn and dusk and you can spot your tent from a long way off!

It's coming along on a multi-month European motorcycle tour and will be perfect for a basecamp tent.