Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

I recently had the opportunity to put the Underwood Aggregator 2-Person Trekking Pole Tent to the test during a challenging hike on the Juan de Fuca trail. Unfortunately, my experience with this tent left much to be desired.

Let’s start with the positives: the tent is undeniably easy to set up. Within just a few minutes, it was pitched and ready to go, which is always a relief after a long day of hiking. The design is simple, and the use of trekking poles for support is a smart feature that helps reduce overall pack weight. For these reasons, the tent earns a few points.

However, the ease of setup is where the benefits of this tent end. The real test came when we faced an overnight downpour, and this tent failed spectacularly. Despite being advertised as waterproof with “composite waterproof tape”, the tent was anything but. Water seeped through the fabric and seams, leaving us—and our gear—soaked by morning. For a tent meant to be a reliable shelter, this was a huge disappointment.

In hindsight, having a tarp to cover the tent might have helped mitigate some of the water intrusion, but this brings up an important point: not everyone thinks to carry a tarp when the tent is expected to perform on its own. A tarp should be a backup, not a necessity, for keeping your tent dry.

While the tent is lightweight and compact, making it appealing for backpackers, its inability to handle wet conditions makes it a poor choice for anyone expecting unpredictable weather. The waterproofing, or lack thereof, is a significant flaw that can’t be overlooked.

In summary, the Underwood Aggregator 2-Person Trekking Pole Tent might be easy to set up and carry, but its performance in wet conditions is far below acceptable standards. I can only give this tent a 2/5, and those points are solely for its ease of setup. If you’re looking for a tent that will actually protect you from the elements, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere.