Outside shelters: Gazelle or Clam?

JeffroNC

Clams are about $300 and Gazelles are about $70 less. Does anybody have experience to help me decide?

TABaker

I"ve been in both.  They get pretty warm inside.  The mesh/screen is so fine to keep out no-see-ums that it cuts breeze.  A fan helps.  Other than that, the Gazelle quality seems to be just as good.  

LonesomeRoad

We have a Clam. Very easy to set up and we really like it.

Fatman1966

Clam

DenisP

Clam has worked well for us for the past couple of years.  We were lucky enough to get it as part of a heavily discounted end of season sale at Bed Bath and Beyond.  The wind panels have come in handy at times for privacy, and windblock. I agree that it can get warm. 

Sharon_is_SAM

@JeffroNC - here is some good, real world comparison https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f51/clam-or-gazelle-88869.html
and a review https://thetenthub.com/garden-patio/pop-up-gazebo/

Jackie_Dave

I too will be looking to purchase a screen tent for this upcoming camping season. As I was reading the comments that have been posted, one poster mentioned to make sure to buy one with a "Rain Guard" so not to let in the rain coming off of the roof. So, I finally found what he was referring to. If you look at the roof designs, there is absolutely a difference. So I suppose it depends on the conditions in which you are using the shelters. Is it worth the added expense for the rain guard? That's up to you.

Tampakayaker

We got a similar style from Costco on clearance last fall for a little over $100.  Its a Lightspeed Pack and Go Gazebo.  It sets up quick, seems sturdy.  Only thing missing compared to a different screen house we had is a hook in the middle to hang a lamp.

Not sure if Costco will be carrying it again this year.

Marceline

Jackie_Dave said:

I too will be looking to purchase a screen tent for this upcoming camping season. As I was reading the comments that have been posted, one poster mentioned to make sure to buy one with a "Rain Guard" so not to let in the rain coming off of the roof. So, I finally found what he was referring to. If you look at the roof designs, there is absolutely a difference. So I suppose it depends on the conditions in which you are using the shelters. Is it worth the added expense for the rain guard? That's up to you.

I have the green one that lacks the flaps. I’ve only used it in the rain a few times. With the wind walls it was drier than I expected. But if I lived in an area where I’d be frequently camping in the rain I’d probably get the one with the flaps. 

norwood

+1 on the Clam. Easy set up and quality construction. Highly recommend the rain flaps.

Verna

+2 on the Clam. I have the 6x6 with the walls and it served as a workshop, a bike garage and a cooking area out of the rain and wind in AZ for two winters. The fabric is still very flexible, not brittle at all. 

TomCanada

We got the Coleman 11*11 and love it.  Got for about $140CAD at Costco (around $110 USD) and have used for a few seasons ready. Big enough to house a picnic table and still move around it!

https://www.amazon.ca/Coleman-Instant-Screen-11x11-Feet-Center/dp/B00K7ZWL5U

Deb55

We love our Clam. It's a miracle of engineering--literally sets up in a minute! 

JeffroNC

Thanks for the great input folks. 

Travelin3D

We have a Gazelle and have been very happy with it. One thing to note with either brand, is that they are six feet long when folded up so you may need to be creative when stowing it for travel depending on your traveling setup.

Tampakayaker

Travelin3D said:

We have a Gazelle and have been very happy with it. One thing to note with either brand, is that they are six feet long when folded up so you may need to be creative when stowing it for travel depending on your traveling setup.

We laid ours on the floor between the bed while driving.  Luckily we were only going to one campground and set it up while we were there so it was out of the way.  If it was just a stop over I guess I would throw it in the back seat of the truck overnight.

BlueYonder

We opted for the Gazelle G5, which is adequate for the two of us as a sun/insect shelter. We have a 400, so we can comfortably retreat inside the camper in heavy or extended rain events, and the collapsed size of the shelter is about 62” long, which will stow sideways above the wheel wells of our Ford Ranger TV. Very easy to put up and take down. Amount of space needed, and expected conditions for use will vary for each of us, so choose based on your requirements.

MadCityJack

We love the Gazelle. It is quite easy to set up and take down and often lift it over the campsite wooden benches/seats to minimize bug hassles.