NEMO Equipment, Inc. Asashi 4P

[most versatile]

At a tick under five pounds, this freestanding dome is already lighter than most three-person tents. And the removable, 15-square-foot vestibule lets hikers go even lighter by leaving three ounces at home: Just zip off the vesti and zip in the waterproof door panel (included) when rain is unlikely or mileage high. Or turn the entrance into a full-blown front porch with the optional Trekking Pole Vestibule ($130, 1 lb.), which uses a staff to support the ceiling of a 24-square-foot vestibule that’s big enough to seat four people or stash a pair of bikes (with front wheels removed).

Setup is straightforward: “The color coding made it easy to pitch, even in blowing, miserable sleet,” reports one tester. Hammered by rain and snowstorms in Colorado’s Gore Range, the three-season Espri held firm—and stayed quiet, reports our tester. “We slept soundly as others were kept awake by rattling tents,” she notes.

Ventilation is better than most, thanks to big mesh panels and a rear fly vent that enhances airflow: Testers only saw condensation in subfreezing temps when seven people lounged inside. The 89-inch length and 40-inch height made it comfy for campers up to 6’1”, the width accommodates three sleepers, and the large door provides easy exits from anywhere in the tent. $390; 4 lbs. 15 oz.; nemoequipment.comGreat adventure doesn’t always need to be miles from the nearest outpost of civilization. But finding a big tent to pitch at J Tree or along the Kanc with all the style, quality, comfort and protection of a high-end backcountry shelter can be a challenge. Asashi takes the highly efficient pole configuration from NEMO’s award-winning Losi series and expands it into a spacious 4 person design. It’s a touring wagon on a sports car chassis. Setup is straightforward thanks to contiguous pole sleeves, ball and socket attachments for the pole ends and an intuitive, symmetrical design. Asashi also has great optional accessories like a link for joining two together and a Garage vestibule to give you a sheltered spot to work on your bike or sit in chairs when the weather turns for the worse.