🏕️ Gear Review: White Duck Rover Scout Tent (8'×13')
Retail Price: White Duck Outdoors Rover Scout FR Tent 8×13 — $790
My Purchase Price: $355.83 (REI Re-Supply)
I recently picked up this tent through REI’s Re-Supply program, which sells used and returned outdoor gear. The note attached to this one said the original owner “couldn’t set up the tent.” Challenge accepted! I was curious what that really meant—and whether I had just scored the deal of the year or inherited a problem in canvas form.
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Backyard test setup — October in Kansas, calm and dry. |
⚙️ Setup & First Impressions
Setup was easy, though this is a large tent and takes time. I went slowly and got it fully pitched solo in about 45 minutes on a pleasant, windless day. Every part—poles, stakes, guy lines—was present and undamaged.
As for why the original owner returned it? My theory: inexperience. I’m 57, and I set this up by myself without breaking a sweat. It’s not a complicated tent, but it’s heavy canvas and real gear, not an instant-popup. One guy line had been re-tied with a slip knot instead of a fixed loop like a bowline—so maybe it was just “too much tent” for the previous owner.
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| Excellent ventilation: mesh sides with roll-up canvas panels on all four walls. |
🏕 Comfort, Space & Function
This thing is roomy. I can easily fit multiple cots and a tent stove, and there’s still room for a small table and chair. I can stand upright with headroom to spare—and so can a tall friend who stopped by to inspect it.
The canvas quality impressed me right away: heavy-duty yet flexible. It rolls nicely without that stiff “crack-when-cold” feel. Stitching appears solid throughout.
Ventilation is where this tent really shines. Fine insect netting wraps all four sides, and each door and wall can roll completely up. Even on a mild October day, air moved freely through the space while the roof canvas blocked sunlight. I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs on a hot Kansas afternoon.
The floor feels extremely durable and waterproof—more like tarp material than fabric. It inspires confidence for extended stays.
🌦 Weather & Performance
I haven’t yet tested it in rain or wind, but that’s next on the list. My goal is to run an overnight field test soon and see how it handles a real storm. So far, seams, zippers, and guyline points look strong enough to hold a month or more with only minor adjustments.
⚖️ Value & Verdict
I recommend this tent to anyone planning long-term base camping or preparedness setups. It’s far too heavy for backpacking (62 lb, 39 × 15 × 10 in. packed), but for extended use, scouting trips, or a prepper base camp—it’s excellent. The setup takes some effort, but the payoff is comfort, ventilation, and durability that outclass most nylon tents.
“For short overnights, I’ll still grab something smaller. But when it’s time to settle in for a week—or a month—this tent is home.”
💬 What Others Are Saying
Online reviewers at REI and White Duck’s website highlight the same positives: top-tier ventilation, canvas quality, and reliability in hot or humid climates. A few mention the weight and bulk as expected trade-offs for the durability. Overall, average ratings hover around 4.8 / 5 stars.
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