R-Dome vote

I also have a Kelty Noah (16x16) tarp and a recent purchase of a Clam Escape. For ease of deployment, the Clam is, hands down, the most remarkably easiest shelter. Really, really does take less than a minute to deploy. Great for a quick stop when setup and breakdown of dome is inconvenient and we want the extra space.  With optional side panels it's quite a nice private and comfortable room. I'm still working on a way to snuggle it up to the dome for a theater or man-cave addition!

The Kelty tarp is fun to play with and a good picnic table cover when space and trees permit. I suggest you play with different configurations in your backyard before going camping - unless you are not easily embarrassed. I have tried using it as a pod awing with very limited success. I can setup the dome so fast, it really doesn't make sense but I always bring it along because it's just such a small package.

Just yesterday, I wrote to PahaQue after seeing this:

It's really the best commercial awning design I have seen yet for a shape similar to the pod. I asked if they were working on a pod version. The answer I got:

Hi Fred, Yes, actually. It's already being tested and worked on. Right now we do not have an estimate on the release but it will be soon. Jason Rogers PahaQue Customer Service

I'm prolly going to get that too! Bottom line, all of these have their place and I can see using any one or two or three in different circumstances.

If I only had one choice. It would be the dome.

fred

I think it will be great when boondocking for extended periods.  At first, we set a threshold of more than 1 night.  But now I think it should be more than 3 nights, i.e. more than a weekend.  On short trips we're away from the pod so much that it doesn't seem worth it to set the dome up.  It's just my wife and I though.  I think with a bigger crew, the threshold would go down.

It doesn't seem useful to us in developed (dense) campgrounds - just too big.

For us, it's definitely worth the cost ($0).  If we had to buy it separately, not so sure.  The Clam is attractive at that price, or even a commercial EZ-up like we have, with walls and screens.

In my defense, I did say it was a non-vote, and I don't think I tried to persuade anybody one way or the other.

I look forward to giving it a shot this fall. Thanks for the insight!