I already own and use both a GoLITE Shangri-La 3 and Shangri-La 5. I really like the Shangri-La shelters so you might wonder why mess with another similar shelter. Ever since I saw the Hoopla 4, I was drawn to it's siren song of better design. Specifically there were three features I saw as better and worth exploring.
The Hoopla isn't difficult to pitch. I did the American thing and just went to work after watching a video and not reading the instructions.
![2012-08-29 20.31.55-SM.jpg 2012-08-29 20.31.55-SM.jpg](https://forumdata.rokslide.com/file/forumdata/data/attachments/1/1510-e216f6af1d010c073198af198bf53778.jpg)
Here the Hoopla has the door and adjoining panel open. This would be a nice shelter to glass from if camp was positioned such that you could. There was ample head room.
![2012-08-29 20.40.02-SM.jpg 2012-08-29 20.40.02-SM.jpg](https://forumdata.rokslide.com/file/forumdata/data/attachments/1/1511-4e22b051fb02e3b0c79cdd840550a95e.jpg)
I laid down to check the space. More room than the SL3 but no way I could get 4 adults like in Mountain Hardwear's diagram.
![2012-08-29 20.34.31-SM.jpg 2012-08-29 20.34.31-SM.jpg](https://forumdata.rokslide.com/file/forumdata/data/attachments/1/1512-6dcf07e4b958d12c5c65c55d2a3f1479.jpg)
Only one small vent on the top.
![2012-08-29 20.37.48-SM.jpg 2012-08-29 20.37.48-SM.jpg](https://forumdata.rokslide.com/file/forumdata/data/attachments/1/1513-88d5c8968f033e9d1217cf060dd3945d.jpg)
Initial impressions:
- More usable floor space.
- More usable head room.
- Designed for one trekking pole.
The Hoopla isn't difficult to pitch. I did the American thing and just went to work after watching a video and not reading the instructions.
![2012-08-29 20.31.55-SM.jpg 2012-08-29 20.31.55-SM.jpg](https://forumdata.rokslide.com/file/forumdata/data/attachments/1/1510-e216f6af1d010c073198af198bf53778.jpg)
Here the Hoopla has the door and adjoining panel open. This would be a nice shelter to glass from if camp was positioned such that you could. There was ample head room.
![2012-08-29 20.40.02-SM.jpg 2012-08-29 20.40.02-SM.jpg](https://forumdata.rokslide.com/file/forumdata/data/attachments/1/1511-4e22b051fb02e3b0c79cdd840550a95e.jpg)
I laid down to check the space. More room than the SL3 but no way I could get 4 adults like in Mountain Hardwear's diagram.
![2012-08-29 20.34.31-SM.jpg 2012-08-29 20.34.31-SM.jpg](https://forumdata.rokslide.com/file/forumdata/data/attachments/1/1512-6dcf07e4b958d12c5c65c55d2a3f1479.jpg)
Only one small vent on the top.
![2012-08-29 20.37.48-SM.jpg 2012-08-29 20.37.48-SM.jpg](https://forumdata.rokslide.com/file/forumdata/data/attachments/1/1513-88d5c8968f033e9d1217cf060dd3945d.jpg)
Initial impressions:
- Quality is good, good fit and finish
- All Seams except hoop seem are taped
- Complete package, includes fly, hoop pole, pole repair sleeve, 3 stuff sacks, 6, reflective guy lines, 12 stakes, and Seam Grip
- Like the door on the SL3 better
- Not as easy to tension Hoopla as SL3. Hoopla doesn't have adjustable stake loops
- SL3 is easier to pitch high
- Hoopla only has one small vent
- Vent support is mailable
- Vent is fairly horizontal and could allow water in
- Has more head room around the perimeter than the SL3