The Hoopster uses a central pole that supports a circular “Truss Ring” pole that extends the roof out and creates steep walls. This design provides a ton of space for relatively little weight. The fabrics are high quality and the pole is very strong. We've used the shelter is some high winds and it held steady despite the fact that the sidewalls have no support. Having good stakes (perhaps snow stakes) and lots of guy cord is critical to achieving a storm pitch.
Mountain Hardwear claims the shelter can sleep six but we feel more comfortable putting five inside. It works very well as a cook tent for as many people as you can cram in there (six are comfortable): just dig down into the snow to create benches and a center platform to support the pole and host your stove(s). You can tie lies across the tent to things out, like smelly wet socks.
We haven't used the tent for years yet, but suspect that it will last a long time. The critical factor here is the quality of the fabrics. This Hoopster is not intended to withstand intense UV exposure at high altitudes, at least not for very long, like $4,000+ base camp shelters are bred for. We have been very pleased with the tent's performance over at least 8 weeks of constant use.
The canopy and poles weigh 85.6 oz or 5 lb. 6 oz. This is EXTREMELY LIGHT considering the space and weather protection!!
Individual components weigh:10.7 oz stakes with guyline and sack
The tent pitches reasonably easily after a bit of practice. No circular shelter is easy to pitch, but once it's up you're psyched.
There are many: fast and light winter travel, group cooking, party tent, beach hut, etc.
The Hoopster is a great value.
Few other tents create so much fun and as many lasting memories as the Hoopster. There's something fantastic about getting friends together outdoors under the same roof. All of the people that have used the Hoopster LOVE IT.
