It's a big old canvas bell tent, just like I remember from scout days only better because it has a zipped in groundsheet and a steel pole instead of a wooden one. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to put up. I did it with one person's help in the pitch black at about 1.00am. I took it down completely on my own. Simples. In the windy and wet Welsh weather it stayed dry, although in a stiff breeze it did flap quite a bit and I did need to re-tension the guy lines twice a day. I think you could get metal adjusters that would slip less. All the pegs helpfully stayed in the waterlogged ground, and I consider it a solid 3 season tent. It wouldn't be my choice in a real blow though - a sleek nylon thing is just always going to feel more secure. I was particularly pleased at how easy it was to light up in the evening. A single lantern can be hung from a loop at the top of the pole and easily lights the whole tent with a cheery glow. The only thing that would improve it would be an extended porch/awning. An add-on nylon awning with two poles and attachment to the door would be a useful option.