As part of a new series of videos, I will be reviewing “Tiny House Gear and Gadgets.” All of the products featured in this series will be gadgets that I use to enhance my lifestyle. For my first review, I wanted to share my Tentsile tree tent, which I use as an extra bedroom and as a hammock for my yard. I get so many questions and compliments on this piece of gear. I adore this multi-use product!
Multi-purpose Tree Tent for a Tiny House spare bedroom
Outdoor space is very important when it comes to tiny house living. I use my tree tent as a hammock for relaxing, and as a spare bedroom for visitors. I also take it on camping trips. That means this piece of gear has tree seperate purposes in my life! Don’t you love multi-purpose gear?
More comfortable than a regular tent
Not only does the Tentsile Tree Tent earn me style points for uniqueness, it is also very comfortable and spacious. I don’t know about you, but I hate sleeping on the ground. This Tree Tent combines the reclining support of a hammock with the weather protection of a tent. And did I mention the design is based on the Ewok village from Star Wars? How cool is that?!
Set up and other features
Setting it up is relatively easy, once you get the hang of it. Tentsile has several videos on their YouTube channel explaining set up, balancing, insulating and other hacks. I actually think setting it up is half the fun. As long as you have trees, you can hang it anywhere! Go high, over water, or on a hillside. It doesn’t matter!
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I have the “Connect” Tree Tent, which is the middle size offered at Tentsile. It sleeps two comfortably, and my dog even sleeps in it with me sometimes. I’ve used it in rain storms, and it handled the weather just fine. The Connect packs relatively small, but it wouldn’t be a good choice for backpacking trips. Use the smaller tree tent by Tentsile, called the “Flite,” if you are looking for a lightweight alternative. Tentsile also makes larger Tree Tents for family camping.
Watch a video of me using the Tentsile Tree Tent!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY8bQ0fPVmw[/embedyt]One of my favorite features is that the tree tent completely unzips, creating an open air hammock. It’s really nice to sleep under the stars when the weather is perfect! I have to give this product a great review. I absolutely love it.
One thing to consider: Even in warm weather, put a wool blanket under your body. Mosquitoes can bite right through the shell, leaving you with a zillion bites and a lot of itching. And don’t ask how I know.
Thank you! One question, does it get wet inside the tent (ceiling) in the morning? A few years backs, I wanted to buy this tent and use it for my cycling trip across Japan but after reading a few bad reviews of water leaking, I didn’t go for it. If this works, I would love to buy one for my next cycling trip 🙂
Author
With the rain cover, it stays completely dry. For a cross country bike tour, this could be a really comfortable and cool tent. Although, as I mentioned, the Connect version is not super lightweight. They have a smaller version – the Flite – that might work better. Also, you have to always find trees!
Many of the houseboats I’ve seen lately have used single-purpose solar-powered/assisted devices. Do you use anything like this? Not so much in the lighting line, but small fridges, or commmunication/entertainment devices.
(Besides that solar-powered hot tub trailer ;^)
Author
Yes! I could do a review of my Goal Zero Yeti Solar Generator. Thanks!