Ease Of Set-Up
I easily put together the Trango 3 and I did not need the instructions to do so. The poles and straps are color coordinated contributing to the easy set-up.
Weatherproofing & Ventilation
This tent was exposed to rain, sleet, ice, snow and wind and repelled all of it, keeping the interior dry. The tent kept a taut pitch during these conditions and in periods of high wind the tent proved stable and secure.
I used this tent with two other persons during the testing phase and found the ventilation to be good, but perhaps not quite as good as other tents in this category. At least two more tents could have improved ventilation.
Living Space & Vestibule
The Trango 3 provided plenty of room and great living space options due to a number of good storage options. I easily moved around the tent, sat up and changed clothes, and still had plenty of room to store gear. Although most of my testing was with only one other person (not two), I based living space for this three-person tent on the excess space available in context of the other factors evaluated in this category.
This tent contains two vestibules, one each in the front and the back, with the front vestibule significantly larger than the rear vestibule. The front vestibule provides room for multiple backpacks or expedition duffels and still allows you to enter and exit without much effort. The rear vestibule is effective for storage, but die to its small size, entry and exit was not easy.
Weight To Space And Function
In this category of three-person tents, the Trango 3 is heavy at 11 pounds, 3 ounces. However, this excess weight seems to have a direct relationship to its strength and durability. This tent provides many positives in terms of function and living space, and we affectionately called it the “Resort!”
Durability
This tent is tough and durable and quite frankly seems bombproof. The zippers are tough and work well, even in dry conditions, and in wet and icy conditions. The tent fabric handles both wind and heavy snow well.
The Verdict
The Trango 3 provides great storage, is easy to set up and has plenty of room for up to three people comfortably. Although quite heavy and not as well vented as other tents in the test, the Trango 3 proved durable and spacious for occupants and their gear.