Marieke, I don’t recall any problem with the REI mesh but I kind of spoil my dogs. I carry a insulating pad, their own blanket and a dog coat. We do live in the desert and most of our trips are not cold but in the high desert of Utah we have seen sub freezing temperatures. I can keep my dog warm.

The tarptent I had was horrible with mesh. Once we left it up on a long day hike and the wind filled it with fine silt a quarter inch thick. They do set up with trekking poles but there are super light poles they offer so you don’t have to use trekking poles.

So welcome! I have met Germans in some of the most remote places in the southwest. One solo woman walked out of nowhere and photographed my tent in an amazing setting. You folks are some great adventurers.