Is it a tent hammock or a portable treehouse? Either way, Tentsile bills itself as "the world's most versatile tent," with structures that can accommodate two, four, or even a whole family of eight campers — suspended in the trees!
Conceived by architect and treehouse designer Alex Shirley-Smith, the London-based Tentsile line "provides separation from floods, sand storms, earth tremors, cold and lumpy ground, as well as offering increased protection from wildlife, including insects, snakes and other predators." Seems like it would be a good idea for that timid city friend who's venturing into camping for the first time!
It also sounds like it would be a fun and portable solution for families that don't have suitable trees in their backyards to build treehouses, but still have trees that can support a lightweight structure. The company is currently developing a stand to allow setup of the Tentsile on the ground.
The tent is made of a collapsible frame of webbing straps with fire-retardant and UV- and water-resistant polyester panels. The unique design features a level, trampoline-like floor and semi-rigid sides that are held in place by tension, so you won't roll into another person the way you do in a hammock. Each tent configuration also includes vestibules and storage areas.
According to Tentsile's website, a new line is in the works, but you can email them for more information on the current tents.
Find It: Tentsile, price available upon request
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It's like a bra for your family.
LOL
In the cartoon version, an animal would chew through the rear strap while they're sleeping, and the whole family would be catapulted into the next forest.
so... as long as you can find 3 large and properly grown trees all in proper placements, someone wants to climb all 3 trees before being able to rest, and everybody likes climbing rope ladders each time nature calls / it's time to cook / sleep / get supplies ... you're set.
this is something more like one of the world's least versatile tents.
no thanks, i'll keep my plain old boring tent.
Perfect for pretending to be in The Hunger Games.
Wow. Such negativity. I have an Eno hammock that I picked up for relaxing in trees, well, everywhere. I tried sleeping in it on a summer camping trip and haven't used my tent since. In warmer climates (which I guess is everywhere this summer), hammocks are much much cooler, less weight to haul around, and far more simple to set up. If you are in a wooded area, you are going to find trees that work. My hammock straps are adjustable, so I actually have an easier time finding decent trees than I did finding a good flat spot for a tent. I can't speak for these tent/hammock things specifically, but it looks like they use a similar strap system. If I were shopping for a tent for a family camping trip, I'd seriously consider this. That said, these might be a bit of overkill, a regular hammock might be a more cost effective way to achieve a similar effect, though, it looks like these tentsiles are designed to give a flat surface to sleep on, which can be tricky in a traditional hammock.
I think its brilliant!
This is totally going into my Zombie Apocalypse Survival kit!
Negativity? I love bras.
I would be incredibly nervous sleeping in that with seven other people.
I am a hammock fan...some may call it the ultimate sleeping bra...true. The bivvy ones with rain fly and mosquito netting are great--much better than sleeping on the ground. Since I saw one of these tent-mocks on Pinterest, I have been dying to try it--before I buy it. I can imagine it is a serious BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP to tumble out the door in the middle of the night...
"provides separation from floods, sand storms, earth tremors, cold and lumpy ground, as well as offering increased protection from wildlife, including insects, snakes and other predators."
Actually, it would result in your feeling earth tremors to a greater degree. Instead of being directly on the ground, you'd be swinging between swaying trees.
A friend of ours has one of these and I am so jealous when we go camping. He claims it's incredibly comfortable and being a hammock fan anyway, I'm sure he's right.
As for "find 3 large and properly grown trees all in proper placements, someone wants to climb all 3 trees before being able to rest" .. well, it's not that hard actually. The ropes are very adjustable so pretty much ANY trees will work. Also, our friend doesn't put his up very high. I've never even seen a ladder for it. He just puts it high enough to get inside easily. I'd assume (unless there are bears or other reasons to be highly elevated) you can put them at whatever height you'd like.
Huzzah! A pinata for bears!
My only experience in a tent, was on the Greek island of Samos in the early 80's. I was asking around where to sleep for the night & a young, handsome, Greek guy told me about "Skylight Motel". It turned out to be a tent with holes in the top and he was the owner & occupant! As I recall, I passed on the opportunity, but perhaps I missed out on a starry night on the beach.
What happens when you need to get up in the night? Long way down to the toilet....
Apart from that, it's cute.
There seems to be a lot going for it except I would absolutely despise having to deal with going to the loo in the middle of the night.
Agreed. But I want one!