SansBug: An Outdoor Play Tent & More

I’d never heard of a SansBug before being approached to give one of their pop-up tents a trial run earlier this summer. But since I knew we’d be heading off on our first beyond-the-backyard camping adventure at Leo Carrillo State Park, I figured I’d give it a go.

One of the SansBug’s big claims to fame is that it keeps bugs out (hence the name) – something especially important during the hot summer months. Unfortunately, by the time we actually put it to use at the end of August, there were no bugs to be found.

Ah, well. There was plenty else to enjoy about SansBug even without seeing how well it fends off no-see-ums.

But first, let me tell you what the heck a SansBug tent actually is. The model we tested – the SansBug I – is designed to fit one adult (or several kids as we discovered). It weighs less than 3 pounds and folds up to a disc a little more than 2 feet in diameter. Oh yeah, and did I mention that it sets itself up?

Here’s a short peek to help you see what I’m talking about:

We didn’t actually sleep in our SansBug (we had another tent for that). Instead, we set it up right alongside as a play tent for the kiddos.

Turns out to have been the big hit of the trip. The kids seemed to enjoy having a place of their own – a kid’s-only zone. What kid wouldn’t?

The Big Explorer also liked that it was easy enough for him to help set up, fold up and carry on his own back (even though he doesn’t look very thrilled here).

We’ll definitely be taking SansBug back out on the road next time we go camping. In the meantime, we’ll be pitching it in the backyard whenever a special play space is in order.

Field Test Results on SansBug

• We found SansBug to be an ideal play tent, especially handy when adults are setting up or taking down the rest of the camp, prepping meals or when the kids just want a space of their own
• Intended for one adult, the SansBug I fit our four kids aged 6 and under with plenty of room left over for toys & games
• Ease of set up is really something to behold – we’re talking seconds to put up a tent, people! (Note: Not something for kids to be doing without help from a parent)
• Folding the tent back up takes a little practice, but is also a quick process once you get the hang of it (Note: Users are warned to carefully watch the video several times before attempting to do so)
• Extremely easy to clean out – just lift it up, turn it upside down & shake it out
• Tent comes with two pegs for added stability, but I bent one of them trying to get it in the ground (read: not cool)
• In windy conditions – I’m thinking a trip to the beach, especially – SansBug could improve with more pegs for added stability
• We pitched our SansBug under cover of shade, so I’m not sure how much protection from sun the tent provides

Here’s a little more technical info you might be interested in: tent features include an oversized, two-way double-zip, easy-access entry, durable mesh freestanding walls, tough polyethylene flooring and a water-resistant carrying case which can be worn like a backpack. Double- and triple-occupancy options are also available.

Where to buy: SansBug.com
Cost: Retails for $46.95

The Giveaway
So what do you think – would you like to get your hands on your own SansBug? If so, you’re in luck! The company has been gracious enough to let me give one away!

To enter, leave a comment below telling me how you’d like to put the SansBug I tent to use. Good luck!

• This giveaway will run through midnight PST on Friday, September 23, 2011.
• Sorry, but this giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
• The winner will be chosen using the nifty random number generator at random.org.
• Winner will have 24 hours to reply to my notification; if I don’t hear back after that, I’ll pick another winner.

Note: Although we received a free SansBug tent to field test, this is an honest review based on my family’s personal experience. You can read my full disclosure policy for more information.