Which Would You Choose?

Of those three I would choose the kiva light. I just got a used golite hex 2 (pretty much the same size as the new shangri) and three would be tight, four would only oinly bepossible if the kids are small. The other two I have no experience with but of all the reviews I read the kiva is the way to go. Good luck.

I've been using a standard Kiva for three years here in the Sierras. It's my "go to" tent when I take my three boys. They love the ability to stand up in it, the cool orange glow during the day and the fact that it is shaped like a Tepee.

I generally bring the clip in floor as it protects our gear from the dirt of most Sierra camptsites. I also carry extra parachute cord along so that if the site allows, it can be setup with no center pole for huge floor space. It will hold 5 with gear in a pinch.

The downside is the weight so we split the pole, floor and tent. The Kiva is also not the greatest in Rain due to the lack of a vestibule and we string up a poncho as a porch if the wheather looks suspect.

Condensation has been a minor issue on a few trips but the walls are steep enough that excessive moisture beeds up and rolls down the sides.

What really sold me on the Kiva was the floor space and the ability to stand up. There's nothing like trying to change a cold and wet 8 year old fisherman in a traditional tent……….

None. The OWare 'mid is way bigger than any of those (and equal or lighter in weight) and it's the absolute *bare minimum* size that I'd consider hanging out with another adult and two kids in.

100 square feet, 6' tall, 26oz.

But I'm 6 feet tall, so maybe that makes a difference.

I've used all three.
Kivas are heavier, harder to set up due to the 5 sides, and less ventilated due to the small upper vent and snow flaps

Megalites and the Shangri-la (4? the square pyramid one) are both light and easy to set up due to being square, but I prefer the Shangri mainly because the vent is bigger. Golite also uses a slightly heavier silnylon, so it will be more durable, but heavier.

save weight on any by ditching the manufacturer's pole and rigging one from trekking poles, sticks, trees, etc

By the way I did think of Oware
but the 20% off and using up my dividend has me leaning towards the above three mention, because that is all REI
sells.

Being that this would only be used for one trip of 5 nights, I did not want to invest so much.
Plus I do love my Luna Duo when I need to hug the ground. :)
yet with possible snow…you gotta love those Tee-Pee's, and standing up.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and opinions.

Just a update for those who may be interested in my short term experience.
I did purchase the Black Diamond Mega Light.
Loved it!!!

It is now on the long journey back to REI though…not the best tent to have with little ones.
I am posting this just in case anyone else wants try one with young children.

End result…baby wiggles out of sleeping bag…crawls out of the tent!!! We are asleep and have no clue of this, soooo
anyone wanting any of the three above tents need to buy the NEST to keep the little ones in!

We had even attached a netting 18" wide all alone the bottom to keep out bugs and had a floor. This did not prevent our little one from worming her way out in her sleep!

Loved this tent for two to three large people with gear even. Pitched low it endured some heavy wind that night.

I will so miss being able to WALK into the tent instead of crawling in on hands and knees :(