This extra large pop-up bug tent by Under the Weather has quickly become one of my favorite summer RV accessories.
Like many RVers, I camp in many breathtakingly beautiful spots around the country. Besides bucolic scenery, these inspiring places have something else in common: pesky bugs, and lots of them.
Constant harassment by flies or becoming the all-you-can-eat buffet for swarms of mosquitoes can truly put a damper on an otherwise perfect trip. Not to mention, is there any sound in the world that’s more annoying than an insect buzzing around your ears?
For a practical solution while hanging out around camp, Under the Weather’s MonsterMeshPod™ provides a reliable escape from mosquitoes, no-see-ums, flies, bees, gnats, and more.
Its fine-gauge mesh sides keep insects out while not impeding your view or the fresh airflow. The pod is large enough for the family to gather in for dinner or game-playing. It can also provide an extra screened room outside your RV for extra living space.
A vinyl floor keeps the inside sealed from those pesky critters. The pod even comes with a rain fly so it works in the rain too. Small stakes are also included and the pod is constructed so that you can stake it down should you need or choose.
After watching some of the videos on how to set up the tent and then refold it for storage, I was skeptical if it would really be as easy as it appeared. I needn’t have worried. I was able to do it, by myself, the very first time I tried. It took me slightly longer than in the video the first time, but once you’ve done it, it gets easier and quicker.
Folding and storing the pop-up bug tent pod would have been a little challenging without watching the video, but once you see how to do it, the pod kind of does the work for you. If you want to see it in action, check out the short videos on this page.
What I especially liked about the Under the Weather MonsterMeshPod pop-up bug tent
- It really works to keep bugs out.
- It packs flat so it can fit in lots of spaces. True, it does need some space, as even though it packs 3 1/2 inches flat, the circumference of the round bag is still 34 inches. I pack mine standing in the back seat of my truck behind the storage bin I keep there.
- The MonsterMeshPod™ comes with its own zippered storage bag that holds the tent, rain fly and stakes.
- The rain fly is a nice feature for rainy weather.
- The mesh bug screen tent pods also provide shade from the hot sun and up to 50 SPF protection from harsh UV rays.
- It’s large enough to comfortably seat 4 to 6 people.
- It really is quick and easy to set it up and put it away.
What can be improved upon?
Honestly, I can’t think of a thing. It functioned exactly as it should. I showed it to a group of RVing friends who were equally impressed.
About the only thing I can think of is that the 34-inch packed circumference is large, but that’s the nature of the beast in a pop-up bug tent of this scale.
Learn more about the Under the Weather MonsterMeshPod™ here.
The pop-up screen tent is nice, but I have a 10 x 12′ screen/shade tent that fits over a campground picnic table with room to spare for walking around inside the tent. It assembles quickly especially with two people but I’ve done it by myself in about 10 minutes. We are the complete envy of fellow campers on especially buggy days, when they see us peacefully cooking, eating, and playing cards–and not swatting at bugs. These tents often go on sale in October. Bass Pro Shops Refuge 12 x 10 Screen House | Cabela’s (cabelas.com) Note: the top isn’t waterproof but you can throw a tarp over it.
I have both a floorless screen tent and a pop-up bug tent.
Love the large tent over a picnic table but after a night or two a large number of bugs have gotten in.
The pop-up bug tent is great for four chairs and a small side table in the middle: no bugs get in.
The pop-up bug tent always gets packed. The screen tent only goes if we’ll be staying more than a few nights somewhere with bugs and a picnic table.
I saw a post where someone used a pop up bicycle tent to house their outdoor kitchen when it rained. I think this would be better.
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 The link to see more went to the manufacturer’s website, but did not seem to go to the correct tent, giving a “file not found” error. Also, it looks as though the standard components have changed a bit, or what I thought was “standard” is actually an “add-on.” Interesting idea, but we may travel too little to be customers. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
Thanks, Neal. Yeah, Emily recycled the post and I neglected to check the links in it. Shame on me!😱 I’ve updated the link so it goes to the correct item now, but they’ve also changed the name of it. I don’t have time right now to update the name throughout the article, so what you see is what you get.😉 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Diane! 🙂 Good night 2 months ago and now! 🙂 😉
Thanks, Neal. (Better late then never, eh?😉) I hope you have a good night (again). 😀 –Diane