Model 7211 (Mid-Size Trucks)

There are sometimes sales on the competitive edge products site. It's legit and we got ours from there. Don't get the added tent cover for the top unless they changed the design in the past 3 years. It pulls the tent in too much imo and is a freaking PAIN to get on and put the tent up with it. The added vestibule in the front is a great add tho. We used to have a kodiak truck bed tent also and loved it! That too stood up to some crazy winds camping while we literally watched people chase their tents and other truck bed tents collasped in. We sold it tho because our 13 year old dog couldnt get up and down off the truck bed easily anymore. There's also a trick I found setting up the side poles of the kodiak, I have a small brick in my truck and I use that to prop up the side pole for more leverage before I slide it onto the hook. I'm 5'2" and 125lbs so the brick makes it easier for me setting it up by myself. Get the VX one with the side windows, it makes a huge difference. We recently bought a camper but still use our tent/lend it out to friends with crappier tents. One thing i was planning on doing was creating some sort of vinyl cover for the windows so we could open them for more light/see out of them but still block the weather.

I'll never not own an instant tent for normal camping. I have my kodiak for desert camping but go instant if youre going on a normal forest trip lol

I use a Kodiak. Use my ATV to haul it in, pretty bulky but bombproof.

The T5 definitely has better bug protection - they redesigned the floor attachment system and the seams are way more solid than teh older models. I've used both and the difference is pretty noticeable That said, if you're really worried about setup complexity, the Gazelle instant tents are still gonna be easier to deal with than a Kodiak even if you mess up some velcro alignment. Worst case you just walk around and double-check everything before you get in for the night 💀 Being anxious about gear purchases is totally normal but don't let it paralyze you - both tents will keep bugs out fine if you take 2 minutes to make sure everything's sealed up properly 😂

My Kodiak tent feels like something I could live in long term for a year, winter through summer. I camped in it last year during a night where it rained 20mm with 70km/h wind and I woke up bone dry, and the awning even stayed up. I also have a small backpacking tent for when I'm camping somewhere I can't access with a vehicle.

I like my Kodiak but the brightness is an issue; is there any way to effectively control the light level? It's a real killer for trying to plan super late/sunrise adventures when you can't get back and rest well at dawn. (Inb4 eye mask)

True. After 10 years of music festivals and Outerbanks week long fishing trips, there is not much wear on the ol' Kodiak. It's definitely a car camping tent unless you love toting heavy packs.