Need a bug shelter for car camping? Look no further - the MEC Hootenanny Bug Shelter is a great option!
Cost: $295 CDN
Where to get: Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)
The description on the MEC website says the bug shelter is excellent for family campers (plus other info) and I agree! I give 5 out of 5 stars!
Positives about the bug shelter:
- Comes in a small carry case
- Folds back into carry bag easily
- Simple pole and tent design makes for a quick set up
- Instructions for set up on bag so they can't get lost
- 4 mesh walls, water resistant top = maximum air flow
- Zippers on all 4 mesh walls allows for convenient access in and out
- Ability to tent peg the mesh walls out farther to give more space internally
- Keeps bugs out! Unless there was already an ant hill on the ground haha!
- Does pretty well in rain but it will come through the mesh (obviously). This is a bug shelter not a rain shelter - still we use it in the rain and it's dryer than outside!
Things that would make the bug shelter more awesome:
- A loop at the inside top to be able to attach an LED lantern
- Waterproof or resistant wall additions that can be purchased for people that do want it to be able to be used more in the rain
Here is the Hootenanny next to the MEC Cabin 6. SUV in picture to show size of both structures set up. The bug shelter allows for a great cooking, eating and playing space with kids. I leave a clothes bag in it so I can change the kids from muddy wear to PJ's before bed time in the bug shelter to keep the tent cleaner and with less stuff in it. Throw a picnic blanket on the ground that is waterproof on one side and it's a play space. Camp chairs or a picnic table also fit in bug shelter with space to walk.
Our friends that also have this bug shelter keep it up all summer at their cabin and it has weathered very well!