The Snow Peak Vault 4-person tent offers a compelling blend of spaciousness and robust construction, making it an ideal choice for car campers prioritizing comfort and quality. This in-depth review delves into every aspect of the tent, from its initial unpacking and straightforward setup to its impressive interior dimensions and durable materials. We'll examine the ease of assembly, the thoughtful design features, and the overall performance of this substantial tent.We'll explore the tent's impressive waterproof rating, its cleverly designed ventilation system, and the practicality of its multiple doors. This review also critically assesses the tent's weight and the cost of optional accessories, providing a balanced perspective for potential buyers. Ultimately, we aim to determine whether the Snow Peak Vault's premium price tag is justified by its performance and features, considering its suitability for various camping scenarios.
Pros And Cons
- Gigantic size
- Straightforward setup process
- Three doors on the fly
- Two large doors on the inner with mesh and fabric panels
- Smooth two-way zippers
- High-quality materials and construction (good stitch work and seam tape)
- Plenty of doors and guidelines
- Thick poles designed for cold weather
- Large sleeping area with enough space for two chairs and a small table
- Reasonably priced ($330)
- Not enough space for four people to be comfortable in the front area
- Heavy (20.3 lb)
- Expensive ground sheet and entry pad kit ($170)
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Unboxing and Component Breakdown
The Snow Peak Vault 4-person tent arrives in a sturdy storage bag with convenient grab handles and two-way zippers. The bag contains the tent inner, the tent fly, the poles (three sets plus a repair sleeve), stakes, and guy lines.
A detailed instruction guide is included, making setup straightforward. The package includes 24 tent stakes and 12 guy lines. The tent itself is surprisingly large, which is both a benefit and something to consider for storage and transport.
Setup and Fly Features
Setting up the Snow Peak Vault is surprisingly easy. Three color-coded sleeves (orange, red, orange) help with orientation. Remember the red sleeve goes at the front.
The fly offers three doors—one at the front, one at the back, and one on the side—and twelve guideline placements. A vent is located at the front door, and the fly design allows for increased airflow by pulling away from the inner tent at the bottom.
Inner Tent and Dimensions
The inner tent, once installed, adds two large mesh doors (front and back), each with a fabric panel for added warmth and privacy. Both doors feature smooth, two-way zippers.
The overall interior space is remarkably spacious. Measurements revealed approximately 97 inches wide, 66 inches tall (inner tent), and around 68 inches long, providing ample room for two people and gear.
Materials, Specifications, and Price
The Snow Peak Vault is constructed from durable polyester materials: a 75D polyester fly with PU coating, a 68D polyester inner, and a 210D polyester oxford floor with PU coating. It boasts a 1800mm waterproof rating for both the fly and floor.
Weighing in at approximately 20.3 lbs, this tent features a retail price of $330. While impressive considering the size, an optional ground sheet and entry pad kit costs an additional $170, which seems disproportionately expensive.
Overall Impression and Conclusion
The Snow Peak Vault 4-person tent is impressively large and well-made, showcasing excellent quality in stitching, seam taping, and overall construction. The clever inner tent clip system simplifies setup and takedown.
While the spaciousness is a significant advantage, accommodating four adults comfortably might be a challenge. The high-quality materials justify the price ($330), though the additional cost of the ground sheet and entry pad kit is questionable. Overall, it’s a recommended tent for those who prioritize space and quality over ultralight backpacking.
Ultimately, this tent is excellent for car camping, offering a roomy and comfortable experience. However, the relatively heavy weight, high ground sheet/pad price and the slightly limited sleeping space for four adults should be considered.