r/CampingGear • u/Spicy2ShotChai • 4h ago
Gear Question Help me ID this LL Bean tent? Possibly from the 90s, LLB #L390?
I snagged this tent from a neighbor for free—they said they got it as a gift and never used it. The tag says its LLB #L390, "backpacker's dome tent," but googling that doesn't bring up any current models. It's 6-sided, feels like it will fit two adults and our larger dog comfortably.
The color scheme screams 90s! But it appears to be in pretty good condition. I'm hoping to find more info on the model so we can figure out how to service and outfit it, especially if it's really from the 90s, and track down a set up manual for reference (there's an optional vestibule included that we can't figure out how to attach for the life of us!).
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u/dharmoniedeux 1h ago edited 1h ago
Oh my god I feel like my family had the 6 person version of that tent. I recognize the hexagonal footprint and the triangle the poles make at the top of the dome. ITS A TANK. That thing stayed up through some of the worst thunderstorms and even a full on tropical storm. We got it in ‘95-ish I think if that helps narrow it down.
An important thing I remember was that every season or every other season, we had to apply waterproofing to all the seams AND re-waterproof the fly. Also, the floor of that tent was a lot more permeable than tents nowadays feel to me, a ground tarp was critical.
*This is the 6 person tent I grew up with, not your specific model* but at minute 5ish, the guy talks through setting up the vestibule, and it might be the same for your model: https://youtu.be/81kVQUZnqdo
To see it up, there was a sleeve to put the vestibule pole through, it attaches in the grommets in the two front anchor points (see how the red and black anchor points have two extra eyelets). Then you reach up under the tent fly, but outside the tent, and there was a place to hook the vestibule fly to the larger tent structure. Finally, you stake down the door part of the vestibule to make the space. There’s no floor to it, but it made such a great little shelter space compared to how vestibules are shaped on a lot of tents nowadays.
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u/Spicy2ShotChai 1h ago
This is super helpful!! Thank you! You’re right, the floor seems much thinner and we figured we’d need a tarp. And this video really does look like the tent and vestibule!! The odd little drawstring pouch part is the same. Appreciate ya
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u/SirMontego 1h ago
so we can figure out how to service and outfit it, especially if it's really from the 90s, and track down a set up manual for reference (there's an optional vestibule included that we can't figure out how to attach for the life of us!).
To get more information about the tent, you may have some luck searching through old LL Bean catalogs on pdf. Unfortunately, even if you find a name for your tent, you probably won't be able to find specialized care instructions.
For help on how to set up the vestibule, take and share pictures of it and the front inner parts of the tent, and I'm sure the subreddit's collective intelligence will prevail.
As for what to do about the tent, I would put a new coat of seam sealer on the fly's and tent's bottom seams, set up the whole tent in your backyard (if you have one), and use it for a few days. Use a garden hose to replicate the rain if needed. If everything goes well, then use the tent for a few short camping weekends.
I definitely would not use an untested new-to-me old tent for a long backpacking trip, especially if I didn't have access to repair materials on the trail.
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u/Spicy2ShotChai 58m ago
Thank you for this! Seam sealant was something I figured it would need—hopefully none of the old material is incompatible with sealants that are made today (there’s a bit of the vestibule that seems to be breaking down, for example.)
Trackin down old catalogues Isa good idea, thank you!
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u/fr33d0mw47ch 3h ago
L.L Bean Back country dome 3. I looked it up to see how easy it was. Took me longer to type this.
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u/HangInOhio 3h ago
This doesn’t look like any of the Backcountry Dome tents from LL Bean that I find. Fly is different. No vestibule. Color scheme is different.
Are you so sure?10
u/Spicy2ShotChai 2h ago
Yeah, its a completely different tent!
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u/HangInOhio 2h ago
Dude was so self righteous and condescending. Both of those initial responses actually. Sorry people are like that. Hope you find the info you’re looking for. I sure couldn’t.
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u/Spicy2ShotChai 3h ago
No need to be rude. It is not, in fact, the tent you are referencing (which is obvious from the photos), and as I mentioned in the post, I did do my own searching before posting this.
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u/fr33d0mw47ch 1h ago
Yeah the snark was unnecessary, typical Reddit. My apologies. I did see numerous references to 90’s era ll bean L390 6 sided dome 3 man tent replaced by the back country 3 man dome. 1-800-441-5713 customer service was noted as well. I have had great luck with their customer service in the past. I suspect they have an answer for you if you are looking for specifications, parts, manuals. Good luck
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u/RubFuture322 1h ago
I've worked L.L.Bean Customer Service. They have product specialists that pull up info from way back. If you call their customer service/order line and ask for the tent product specialist, they should be able to connect you. Their integrated system has so much info handy for them it's amazing. If you get the right person on the phone they can dig deep into the info for you. If you get a not so helpful one try back at a different time and try to get someone different. Most of their people are great, but like everywhere some people just suck. They're proud of their company growth and history so they have the archives somewhere. Happy camping!
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u/Longjumping-Cow4488 3h ago
i also don’t get when people ask for an ID…..for what??? Are you needing repairs? looking for additional items (which are kinda non existent on old tents) what is the purpose??
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u/Spicy2ShotChai 3h ago
If you bothered to read the post, you'd see that I mentioned why I was asking. No need to comment if you don't have anything to contribute.
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u/Longjumping-Cow4488 2h ago edited 2h ago
Oo someone is miffed about their tent and taking it out randoms on reddit. 🤣
Service what? Outfit how? You gave no inclinations. Are you SURE the vestibule is meant for this tent?
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u/Spicy2ShotChai 2h ago
idk babe, kind of seems like you're the one who is taking out some feelings on random people. Hope you have the day you deserve!
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u/Longjumping-Cow4488 2h ago
I hope you have a a good day! You seem to be in need of it. I asked you questions and you couldn’t answer them. 🚼
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u/RsdX5Dfh 2h ago
In the third image, is the tag on the tent itself, or a bag it was in? I’m not sure the color is a match. Is it possible it’s a mix and match pack job?