World’s Strongest Dome Tent Since 1976
Shelter Systems’ Geotensic Domes are known for their lightweight construction, large amount of light transmitted in, strength, and portability. They are made of a strong, tear resistant fabric and non-puncturing tarp fasteners, and are guaranteed leak proof.
Easy set up
The 14′, 18′ and 20′ Mobile Research Domes can be set up by most people in less than 30 minutes without tools. Insert the interchangeable poles into factory-attached connectors spaced evenly over the cover. The poles bend slightly when inserted, tightening the cover into a wind- and waterproof shelter. The cover is freestanding, requiring no guy lines and can be moved into the desired position or location without disassembly. The Dome can be taken down in 5 minutes: just remove the poles and roll up the covering. See a You Tube video of the 10′ Dome being set up in less than 10 minutes: set up here, and take down here.
Shown below is the set up of 30′ Dome:
Sturdy design
Shelter Systems’ Mobile Research Domes are stronger than any other structure made of the same materials. Because of its curved shape with no corners, there are no weak points. Our patented structure is drum tight, waterproof and wind-resistant. Shelter Systems’ Domes have the poles on the outside with the covering suspended under the frame via Shelter Systems’ own Grip Clips™ tarp fasteners, such that the frame and the covering are not in direct contact. Because the covering is under constant and even tension, the tent will not flap or shred in high wind, poles cannot rub against the covering, which would eventually wear holes in it, and water and leaf debris cannot get caught in dips between poles. The shingled panels of our Domes overlap each other by 6″, making the structure very strong and completely leak proof (we have a leak-proof guarantee for all of our domes). The shingling design allows the structure to breathe for excellent air circulation and so moisture is driven out by vapor pressure, preventing condensation. Shelter Systems’ patented Grip Clips™ tarp fasteners are used to join the dome’s cover to the pole frame and to fasten the shingled panels together. Grip Clips remove the need for sewn seams or grommets that puncture the cover, which would allow rain to enter.
Durable materials
Shelter Systems’ Mobile Research Domes have a covering made wholly of a superstrong, tear-proof, white multilaminate woven ripstop film which will not rot or mildew. It is UV stabilized to withstand up to 3 years full sun exposure and treated with fire retardant. The fabric is a super strong, high tensile strength, rip-stop, completely waterproof, mildew resistant, and cannot be torn by hand even after it is cut. The white color of the covering reflects the heat of the sun and provides 40% shade. This US made, proprietary material is the finest material we could find to make our tents from.
The Poles are of high quality US made PVC that is admirable for its strength, resiliency, long life, natural UV stability for a long sun life, and its strength to weight and cost ratio. The poles we use are Class 200 PVC tubing.
Shelter Systems’ Patented Grip Clips that we use to join the domes cover to its poles are molded of a UV stabilized resin blended specifically for it high strength and durability.
Light filled, well ventilated, comfortable and inviting
Shelter Systems’ Mobile Research Domes are light filled and well ventilated. The translucent covering creates a bright interior, transmitting 60% of the light. Most of our Domes come with translucent windows above the doors, which allow more light through than glass, but create privacy as you cannot see clearly through them. These windows can be special ordered with clear vinyl windows that are completely see-through (see our Accessories page).
Shelter Systems’ Mobile Research Domes have several features that contribute to good ventilation and breathability. The Domes have evenly spaced flap doors, for good cross-ventilation and light. The door coverings close automatically so you can enter and exit quickly and don’t have to fumble with zippers. Because the panels of our domes are shingled, overhead ventilation is can easily be attained by inserting “ventilation tubes” between several panels (two vent tubes are included with each Dome).
When the vent tube is removed, the panels snap shut and are watertight. For maximum ventilation, the walls themselves can be rolled up, transforming the domes into an opened-arch form.
Shelter Systems’ Mobile Research Domes are winter ready for cold or wet weather
They do not require a fly or liner and are completely watertight and will not leak. They resist condensation build up because the shingled construction drives out moist air by vapor pressure. The dome shape has minimal surface area for volume so it is easy to keep warm with a wood stove (installation instructions are included with each tent). If you plan on using your Dome in snow or windy conditions, read our important Snow and Wind Warnings.
The Dome shape has other comfort features. The interior can be divided into “rooms”. The dome has more volume than a flat-sided tent meaning it feels, and is, more spacious. The shape is more heat efficient, using less fuel to heat it, and the heat circulates more easily, increasing comfort in cold weather.
Affordable
Shelter Systems Mobile Research Domes are reliable and affordable shelters. Our waterproof design does not require a rain fly and the particular geometric shape utilizes material efficiently. The high performance covering is affordable and the design and tarp fasteners used mean our tents are labor efficient to build.
Shelter Systems’ Mobile Research Domes come complete with poles, 12″ long high-quality Durapeg stakes, guy lines for use in strong winds, ventilation tubes, spare parts (Grips Clips and pole connectors) and a complete Shelter Systems’ Instruction Manual. Our manual gives details about floors, site selection, anchoring, cooling, winterizing, and stove installation. Shelter Systems offers Accessories to enhance functionality and versatility of your Dome, including sunshades, floors, porches, mosquito net doors, and more.
Shipping and storage
All Shelter Systems’ Mobile Research Domes are shipped by UPS and pack up into compact packages that one person can handle, take as baggage on a plane, transport in a car or store in a small space.
Comfortable Living Space
Shelter Systems’ Survival and Preparedness Shelters are light filled and well ventilated. The white covering creates a pleasingly bright interior. Shelter Systems’ 14′, 18′, and 20′ Survival and Preparedness Shelters have four flap doors evenly spaced around the dome for good cross ventilation and light. The 30′ and 31′ domes have eight doors. The door coverings close automatically so you can go in or out quickly. There are no zippers to fumble with or break. Over each door is a translucent skylight window which allows 90% of the sunlight to pass through it while preserving the privacy of the people within.
Complete and Adaptable
Shelter Systems’ Survival and Preparedness Shelterscome complete with poles, high quality 12″ Durapeg stakes, guy lines for extreme wind settings, ventilation tubes, spare parts (Grips Clips and pole connectors) and a Instruction Manual that details floors, site selection, anchoring, cooling, winterizing, and stove installation.
Shelter Systems’ Survival and Preparedness Shelters are ideally suited for most climates; however, they can be further adapted for use in extreme climates. For the extreme cold, where fuel is in short supply, we offer a full liner. For extreme heat, we offer net doors and a sunshade which blocks 70% of the sunlight. Other accessories available include rain porches and floors.
Shelter Systems’ Emergency Survival and Preparedness Shelters Are Winter Ready Tents
They do not require a fly or liner (for extreme cold we do offer a liner). Our Survival and Preparedness Shelters are completely water tight and will not leak. The shingled construction allows moist air to be driven out through the by vapor pressure. Shelter Systems’ Survival and Preparedness Shelters have a minimal surface area for their volume and are thus easy to keep warm with a stove (Stove installation instructions are included with each tent).
Overhead ventilation is easily attained by inserting a lightweight object (e.g., an empty can) between panels. This ventilation is shingled and sheds rain. When the can is removed, the panels snap shut. For maximum ventilation the walls themselves can be rolled up.
The dome shape has other comfort features: The interior can be divided into “rooms.” The tent has more volume than a flat-sided one and therefore feels, and is, more spacious. The shape is more heat efficient requiring less fuel to heat it. Air circulates more evenly in the dome shape than any other shape. The cover of the dome is easily cleaned with a damp cloth.