Review by R. Rugg for lightweight tent – Backpacking Tent 1 Lb. 11 Oz. 6 Ft Tall, 5 Man
Rating:
We had a scout campout planned this past weekend, but there was severe weather warning, with winds 30-40 mph with guest to 50+ and then snow. Figured we would cancel or camp in the church. When we met, there was a lull in the wind (we were protected by the post office)and the boys wanted to go camping. I had forgotten my tent, but having ordered appy trails tent I went to the post office to see if it arrived. It was there, in a very small light package, with reservations, I took it along. The wind was a lot stronger then we thought, but our camping spot was some what protected, I figure the wind was averaging 20 mph with gust to 35+. Set up the tent with the back facing the wind. Went up fairly smoothly even fighting the wind. The tent sets up very taunt. The biggest problem I had was using the the line tensioners, just used to using a taught line hitch. The wind then proceeded to change directions to hit the full side of the tent with extremely gust, then it started snowing with wind changing again to hitting the front door of the tent. By morning there were 2″ of wet snow on the ground an temperature dropped 20+ degrees. The snow slid off of the tent and sealed the bottom. Two other tents collapsed, and one lost its fly. The mark 5 took it all and I was warm and dry inside. It is a very well made product, they did not tell what kind of pole came with it but it was a quality variable diameter yellow anodized aluminum pole. The design appears very well thought out, with reinforcements where needed. Worried about polyester material, that’s what most tent flys come with now, I like it better then nylon. Actually benefited not having a floor, the scouts tent floors were covered with mud. I used a space blanket that I aways carry for the ground cover, tent would need three to cover all the floors space. Get some tyvek and cut it to fit the floor plan. I believe two adults and two young kids would fit fine, or couple of pets. It would also be great for bike touring. A bike could possible fit inside. Great quality product at great price, I can not see how other light weight shelters want so much for their product. It is as light as the tarp I used to carry in the summer but will provide shelter when conditions are not very good. Buy it, you will not be disappointed.