Catoma Outdoors Twist Backpacking Tent - 1-Person, 3-Season

I bought this tent because I am building up a solo option for backpacking. I don't plan to sleep under a tarp, and this one offered more options and headroom than a straight bivy. It's very easy to pop up, but the directions for folding it back up leave much to be desired, especially steps 8 and 11. By the way, what step 8 really wants you to do is make 3 stacked circles (that info would've helped me out). I think after 5 or 6 times practicing it, it won't be a problem anymore. I believe the description said there was a fly and footprint only fast pitch option, with included footprint. Well, that is not the case-- there was no separate footprint included, it was a combined screen/ bathtub/ pop-up wire and fly pitch deal, plus the ridgepole and stakes. There may be a way to pitch it with only the fly, but there are no instructions included for alternate pitch options, and the fly only option wouldn't have a floor with the pieces that were included. I was disappointed about that. Nonetheless, a pretty cool and light enough to carry tent for a fly/ bug nest system that isn't sil-nylon.

I am 5'3" and have plenty of room in this tent as a bivy; I can even squeeze in my husky if my feet are cold. It is easy and quick to set up; just toss it. Adding the fly takes about a minute more. It takes less than a minute to put it away. It is ligher and roomier than other solos or bivies I have seen or used. I tested it in great weather, so I can't speak to the water resistance, but the fly is generous so I can't imagine problems there. I like the idea of being able to use just the fly as a quick shelter. My friends called it a butterfly house because it looks delicate, but it is a pretty serious piece of equipment. It wows my backpacking friends. This shelter is a fine place to crash at the end of the day.

Purchased even after reading height concerns, well I'm 6' tall but only 150 lbs and the tent is great! Very easy to set up & take down! Packs up incredibly small! Would buy again if available.

I ordered this last minute when my husband found out that there was an odd number of men on his annual backpack trip. He said this is a sweet little tent. It is light and easy to set up. The size was perfect for him--he is a small, slender man.

This tent is absolutley perfect for me - I'm a tiny person, so the size doesn't get to me, but I could easily see how someone larger might start feeling pretty claustrophobic. It sets up in seconds! Putting it away is a little more difficult, but if you practice a couple times, then it's no big deal. Having origami skills helps with learning to fold this tent back up! I love this tent, and feel very happy with my purchase.

I bought this for it's compact size, light weight, and quick set up. When motorcycle touring, I normally spend the night at motels, but I bring this tent and a small sleeping bag with me for those "just in case" situations that crop up now and then.

The Catoma Twist is a pretty neat tent. I like how easy it is to set up ("drop of a hat" is true). Taking it down is also no problem. There are instructions in the tent bag with pictures. Fold it up two or three times at home and it will be very easy. The folding is a matter of 10 seconds I would guess (just be careful to make sure that it does not pop you in the face during the last step, lol). I was looking for an alternative to a bug bivy. I wanted something that lets me sleep under the stars but keeps little nasties out of my bed. A bug bivy would cost pretty much the same. Nevertheless, with a bug bivy you would need some other piece of equipment in inclement weather to protect yourself from the rain. A waterproof bivy, as another alternative, would give you (probably) less interior space at a much higher price point. You could probably find something lighter than the Twist but most likely not at the STP price and not with the option of having a full-fledged double-wall tent if the need arises. On a negative side, forget about pitching the fly only with hiking poles and/or the backbone pole. I tried it and it seems to me to be a pretty lame sleeping arrangement (which is unfortunate). Sure, you can do it but it certainly does not compare to a real tarp or using the base+rain fly or base and a tarp. I contacted Catoma about this and they agreed that the fly-only pitches are not ideal. They will revise the design in the future (and are looking for input from their costumers). My ideal set-up will probably be a tarp in combination with the base of the Twist. A tarp will give you many more pitching options than the rain fly of the Twist. With the tarp I will be able to leave the rain fly (and maybe the backbone) at home and only use the base (with two stakes) as bug bivy, sheltered by the tarp, no matter the weather. I used the base and backbone two weeks ago in the desert and had a wonderful night underneath the stars. It was my first night ever without a rain fly and I can only recommend it. I must have seen ten shooting stars and very much enjoyed being embedded in the environment rather than being separated from it (through a rain fly). I pitched the rain fly as minimalist sun shade with many guy lines and two hiking poles. But again, this is not comparable to the possibilities that a designated tarp would give you.

This is a very nice tent. very easy and fast setup, something to consider when a summer thunderstorm is about to break loose. The seams are nicely taped, and the length is fine. Again a little more width for those of us that are getting the middle aged spread.

The design is great: light and sets up in seconds. I had to return this tent, because I am 6'4", and the tent is too small for me. If you are under 6', you will want this tent.

It's really small. I don't think a 6 footer would be able to stetch out comfortably. I'm 5'3" and feel a little claustrophobic in it. Looks like it's well made. It sets up instantly, and once you figure out how to close it, you can do it in a minute. I think it would be excellent for backpacking, but I would want something larger for car camping where comfort is a little more important. I can't decide whether to keep it - on the chance I'll start backpacking - or return it.