The latest offering from Japanese outdoor gear company Logos is a modular tent system that can be used to create large tent structures with multiple rooms and configurations. The centerpiece of the system is the “decagon tent,” so named because it has ten sides around the bottom (the top of the tent is pentagonal). This setup allows for up to five connecting segments, while still allowing light and fresh air to enter through the mesh windows on the intermittent faces.
Okay, before I start in with an analysis of this idea, let me start with a disclaimers. I’ve done my share of camping, and I would characterize myself as an outdoor enthusiast, but I’m hardly a fanatic or up to date on all the latest tent technology. This is the first time I’ve seen a modular system like this, but I wouldn’t be surprised (and would like to hear about them) if there are others out there. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, I’ll move on.
What I love about the decagon tent is how it actually makes the tent a desirable physical space. Usually, tents are simply shelters; they’re cramped and dim, a place used to escape the elements and not much else. But with Logos’ design, the tent becomes something more like an abode, a place that we’d actually like to occupy and spend time in. It also allows for the functional division of space, and so creates feelings of greater comfort and utility.
Now, that might seem like a lot of unnecessary nonsense to those of you from the warmer, drier parts of the world, but for those of us in Seattle (or, fittingly, Japan), having a tent that feels more like a functional interior space sounds pretty nice. When the skies open up and it starts to rain, who wouldn’t rather a tent that feels like it’s meant to be enjoyed, instead of merely tolerated?
Perhaps the bigger point here though, is that the setup shown in these photographs isn’t that much different from what we’re used to seeing at campgrounds – clusters of tents are common. What’s uncommon is a cluster of tents that link together to create a unified interior space. So instead of setting up a bunch of individual shelters, the decagon tent allows for a more shared and comfortable experience.
I’d love to hear what you all think of the idea though. It definitely has some downsides to go along with it’s many positive features. For instance, the available car port is a great idea, but mostly because the only way you could ever conceivably use such a monstrous tent is while car camping. Still, it’s a pretty cool product.
Sources: Architizer, Logos.
