Most three-season family tents look pretty much the same. Except for this one. The REI Hobitat 4 (perhaps so named because its unusual shape and sage/earth color is reminiscent of a hobbit dwelling) is almost box-like in configuration.

The REI Hobitat 4 has a rectangular floor that is large enough to sleep four. Its walls are almost vertical and the roof line is nearly horizontal; add in its 78-inch height, and it provides a lot of usable interior volume. The walls are made of nylon taffeta, the floor uses a thick-coated polyester, and the full-coverage rainfly uses polyester ripstop.

There is one door, but it is quite large, and there are three smaller mesh windows for ventilation; inside panels can be zipped into place to cover the windows for privacy or to keep out weather. There is an awning over the door for added rain protection. There are ten built-in interior pockets as well as hang loops. It is a strong tent, with four aluminum poles of equal length; because they are interchangeable, the tent is easy to set up using a traditional clip/sleeve attachment system. Smartly, the poles are designed with varying diameters; the poles are thicker where structural strength is needed, and thinner where it is not. This results in poles that are lighter than consistently thick ones would be.

The Hobitat 4 package includes a duffle storage bag, pole and stake sacks, stakes, guyline and tensioner, and pole repair kit. This is a unique family tent that provides excellent interior volume for up to four campers. Its efficient design will stand out in a campground of look-alike tents.