The Decagon Link Station is a modular tent system by Japanese camping firm Logos. The various tents, canopies and tunnels of the Decagon range can be selected and connected as needed for a bespoke tent tailored to the specific needs of the user. Campsite etiquette notwithstanding, there's no theoretical limit to the size and complexity of the final assembly.
A ten-sided decagon at the base, the large N600-J unit - think of it as the living room - forms the hub of the system, with five sides that can be connected to other components. The unit's fiberglass and steel frame, and flame-retardant polyester canopy weigh in at 30 kg (66 lbs), which can be erected, Logos claims, in five minutes.
The N600-J has dimensions of 600 x 560 cm (236 x 220 inches) at the base with a height at the center of 295 cm (116 in.), which should prove ample for any roaming Sasquatch that may call in. Indeed, the N600-J is large enough that Logos sells an optional tent that can be erected as sleeping quarters entirely within its span, and includes a transparent panel in the roof to let in daylight.
The sample configuration pictured above includes two 12 kg (26 lb) N240-J tents at the 5 and 10 o'clock positions. Made from the same materials as the N600-J, even as standalone tents these are a decent size, with a 240 x 240 cm (94 x 94 in.) interior at base and an internal height of 170 cm (67 in.).
The 16 kg (35 lb) N7130-J is the generous compartment in the 7 o'clock position. With a height of 205 cm (81 in.), the notable feature of this unit is its generous length: the N7130-J has a footprint of 710 x 300 cm (280 x 118 in.) which is sufficient to give clearance from one hub to set up another, effectively forming a corridor or "link" - albeit one with space for a family dining table. Both the N7130-J and the N240-J are double-ended for potential interlinkage.
The final piece of the puzzle is the "car joint tarp" tarpaulin that can be fixed to a side of the N600-J for ready access to a car boot, handy for access to all your gear while avoiding the unnecessary burden of unpacking and repacking.
Logos prices the main N600-J hub at 110,000 yen (US$1,400), the N240-J tent at 36,645 yen ($480), and the N7130-J link at 64,999 yen ($850). Though I can't track down the recommended price, the car tarpaulin is available from resellers for 11,778 yen ($150). That would give the Decagon Link Station configuration pictured above a total price in the order of $3,500 dollars (automobiles and Sasquatch not included), though Amazon Japan are offering some hefty discounts at the moment.
It's not the only modular tent on the market, nor is it cheap; but for large families (or better yet, groups of families) pondering repeated camping excursions in wetter climes, it's something to think about. Occupy planners on the lookout for upgrades might also take note.
