Outside shelters: Gazelle or Clam?

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

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. 

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.

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. 

+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. 

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

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 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.