Showing posts with label solo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solo. Show all posts

9/17/2011

Slumberjack Taku Welded Bivy Review

Slumberjack Taku Welded Bivy
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is an OK bivy for the price.The Delrin Hoop Frame that holds the bivy away from your face is more or less a joke.Its a plastic rod that is impossible to put into any other shape other than the twisted loop it arrives in in the package.I broke mine trying to get it to loosen up a little bit.Its not necessary anyway. I haven't used mine in any seriously bad weather yet.When I do I'll update this.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Slumberjack Taku Welded Bivy

Product Description:
Lightweight, highly compactible, single occupancy shelter.Welded seam construction for protection from all types of extreme weather.Waterproof, breathable top and bottom fabric.Compactable delrin hoop keeps elements away from face.Integrated hood vent for proper ventilation.Entire bivy easily packs down into 20" x 6" stuff sack for lightweight, convenient storage.

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8/24/2011

Equinox Ultralite Mummy Bivi Review

Equinox Ultralite Mummy Bivi
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Great just as I suspected if not more.They shipped this on Wednesday and got it friday, just in time for my backpacking trip that weekend. It rained one of those nights. I was sleeping in that bivy under a tarp and woke up bone dry. Excellent product and super light

Click Here to see more reviews about: Equinox Ultralite Mummy Bivi

Product Description:
Equinox Ultralite Mummy Bivi Our Innovative Bivi Is Made From Super Tenacious 1.1 Oz Silicone Impregnated Ripstop Nylon.The Waterproof Bottom And Water Repellent, Breathable Top Provide Amazingly Lightweight Protection For Your Sleeping Bag. Measures 72-1/2" To Shoulder, 83" To Top Of Head, 33" Wide.A Mid-length Zipper (#4.5 Ykk) Provides Easy Access.Packaged In A Mesh Bag.Weighs 6.6 Oz. Made In Usa. This Item Is In Category:Packs, Tents, Sleeping Bags > Tents Brand: Equinox

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8/12/2011

Black Diamond Lightsabre Bivy Sack Review

Black Diamond Lightsabre Bivy Sack
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've used this bivy shelter for a month straight now and can still say that I like sleeping in it.It easily knocks the socks off of a traditional bivy, while still giving (most) of the comfort of an ultralight tent.

Some of the good points are:
*Its longer than it looks.I'm 6'0 and have enough room to put a small pack (Golite Infinity or Six Moon Designs Starlite).Granted, there isn't much room left, but its plenty to sleep and read.

*Its comfortable for sleeping.I had great reservations about this tent, thinking I would wake in the night feeling claustrophobic.I never have.the bug netting is far enough away from your face that it feels more like sleeping in a tent, and the leg room is plenty (much more than what you'll have in a sleeping bag anyway.

*Its pretty darn waterproof.It doesn't come factory seam sealed, so you'll have to do that yourself, but I've never had any trouble with rain, whether its snow, sleet, misty rain or even long thunderstorms.Its technically classified as water resistant, but it has been perfectly waterproof for me, even when standing water reached the seams.

*Its light.Lighter than a tarp tent (1 lb 4 oz).You'll probably want a tarp (see below), which will add a few extra ounces, but, even with the added weight, its still about the lightest tent you can get.Plus, being free standing, and only a few inches wider than my shoulders, you can set it up inside shelters for extra protection if need be.

Despite the good points there are some bad design flaws:
*Condensation.For the most part it does just as well getting rid of condensation as any tarp tent (and some double wall tents).You will have trouble with condensation on your chest area depending on the weather.A good driving wind (from the head) will pull most condensation out, even with the bug netting closed and the outer material mostly zipped.In other weather you will have to experiment with leaving the outer material unzipped, and even the bug netting partially unzipped.

*Its hot.That's not such a bad thing in cold weather, but it does limit the use you will get during the summer.Since there is only one opening you will never be able to get a cross-breeze going.This means that, with the bug netting zipped, the bivy will get stuffy without a strong breeze.Leaving the bug netting partially (or even fully) unzipped helps, but kind of defeats the point.After all the bugs will be bad when the heat is.

*Changing clothes is a bit of a chore, if you have to do it inside the tent.It's certainly better than changing inside of a Hennessy Hammock, since you can brace yourself against the ground, but its still harder than it should be.There is one seam in particular, which usually runs directly over the chest (in the bug netting) that gets in the way.For some reason this seam doesn't stretch as much as the seam in the outer tent material.I would suggest unzipping the bug netting and turning on your side if you need to change.There is a bit more lateral room to kick around.

*The number one complaint I have about the bivy is that you have to be inside before it rains, and can't get back out until it stops.The opening is a J zipper that runs along the side and top of the bivy.Opening both the outer material and the bug netting, then getting inside, then zipping them back up again without getting both yourself and your gear inside (mainly the sleeping bag) wet is just impossible.You can solve this problem by bringing a small silnylon tarp with you, and setting it up just over the opening, but that adds a few ounces to the tent weight.I can't think of any other way they could have designed the bivy to escape this problem, but it is an annoying one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black Diamond Lightsabre Bivy Sack

Product Description:
For the Lightsabre Bivy, Black Diamond took the burly Bibler Tripod Bivy's design and put it together with the lightest, most packable materials they could find. The Epic fabric that makes up the Lightsabre's body is highly water resistant, good in everything but a flat-out downpour, and breathable so you don't have to contend with drippy condensation inside. A mesh window above your head eliminates the dreaded bivy claustrophobia attack without exposing your skin to ravenous insects. DAC featherlite poles and a silnylon floor strike a balance between weight savings and the strength necessities of a reliable shelter. If you're shaving ounces from everything in your pack, or space is a concern (IE: two saddle bags to live out of) the Lightsabre Bivy is the fair weather solution. For rough, wet, or extreme conditions check out its big brother, the Bibler Tripod Bivy.

Product Features

    Material: Epic fabric with 30D SilNylon floor
    Freestanding: No
    Poles: 2
    Pole Material: DAC Featherweight
    Stakes: Yes
    Doors: 1 Top
    Clip/ Sleeve: Internal sleeveless
    Floor Space: 20.4sq ft (1.9sq m)
    Interior Height: 25in (64cm)
    Vestibule Space: N/A
    Seam Sealed: No
    Bathtub Floor: Yes
    Ventilation: Bug netting over face
    Interior Storage: No
    Packed Size: 5 x 7in (13 x 18cm)
    Weight: 1lb 10oz (734g)
    Recommended Use: Ultralight bivy shelter for climbers, mountaineers, fast packers.
    Warranty: Lifetime
    Country of Origin: China


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6/16/2011

Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 - One Person Tent Review

Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 - One Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Great solo tent for the money.Quick set up and easy break-down.Fairly light weight (However, you can definitely find lighter solo shelters).I bought mine for $150ish w/ footprint so it was win win.One thing I really like about the Seedhouse is that you can use it as bug shelter (just ditch the rain fly).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 - One Person Tent

Product Description:
Seedhouse Tent - 1 PersonManufacture ID: TSH1Seedhouse Series tents are strong lightweight three season backpacking tents that set up quickly due to their hub pole design. The all mesh tent body provides great ventilation and the full coverage fly gives you protection from the elements. This series has enough floor and storage space to stay comfortable and organized - all at a great value.Features:- Free standing three season light weight backpacking tent - Yunan 7001 Aluminum 8.91mm hub/pole featuring floating connectors and non-corrosive shoktips - Single hub/pole design allows easy set up - Plastic clips attach the tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy set-up - Fly is 40D nylon rip-stop with a silicone treatment and 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating - Tent body is 40D nylon mesh for excellent cross ventilation - Floor is 70D nylon with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating - D shaped door - Storm flap over vestibule zipper - Window in vestibule door - Two mesh floor pockets - All seams are taped - V-peg stakes included Specifications: - Trail Wt.:Tent3lb 4oz- Packed Wt.:Tent3lb 12oz- Fast Fly Wt.:Tent2lb 4oz- Packed Size:Tent6" x 20"- Floor Area:Tent22 sq ft- Vestibule Area:Tent 5.5 sq ft - Head Height:Tent 38"- Capacity:1 person

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6/05/2011

Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent 1-Person 3-Season Review

Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent 1-Person 3-Season
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have had this a little over 2 months and i usually go camping about 6-8 times a year. I bought this tent to go backpacking with. This tent has its pros and cons. I will get to that in a few minutes. First time I used it I was with my friends at a campsite and it started to downpour with 30 MPH winds easily (not a fun night). They had their own 3 person tent and I had this one man tent. We all decided to go to bed since it was raining and no fun. I got in mine and it's fairly spacious (this is the only one man tent i have ever owned so i can't compare it to any others). The fly on this goes almost all the way to the ground which i love. I get in there and it rains all night and i stay perfectly dry but my friends don't they have sleeping bags that they ring out with water. I was actually quite glad it rained for the first time i used it because I wanted to test the durability of it and it definitely proved its worth.
I would recommend a footpint to go along with it. Even though an added 35 bucks and a little more weight. it wont get the bottom of your tent all messed up and that can be replaced easily compared to not repairing or replacing your tent.
Even though it did rain a lot i woke up damp. I couldn't tell it it was from the rain or the humidity I think it was a combination of both. The side where the compartment to store stuff had dew all over it which made my gear damp but its not that big of a deal

Pros-
Fairly lightweight

The poles are the strongest i have seen (I've own about 4 other tents) They are made of 100% hardened aluminum pre-bent to fit the shape of the tent so you do bend/damage then we you try to use them.

It breathes very well even in direct sun even though hot inside you will still be able to at least breath

Every seam comes pre-sealed with a plastic lining melted over it.

Has a good side compartment to the left of you to store your backpack

Im 6'1" and I still had enough room to stretch out.

Tall enough to be able to change your shirt while sitting on the ground. Pants are hard to change because it tapers down to the ground

Fly comes all the way down to the ground in most areas so if on a hard surface you don't get rain hitting the ground and bouncing up under the tent still inadvertently getting you wet

If you lay side by side you can actually fit two people in the tent with minimal effort.

all the connections to the poles are snap on so it makes it very easy to tear down and put up (I put my tent up by myself faster than my friends could put up their 3 man tent with 3 people doing that)

The zippers don't leak/they have a flap over it so rain cant get to the zipper.

Cons-
The windows in the fly in useless I don't know why they even bothered to include it because all you can see it about a 4x4 inch section of sky or trees

When all rolled up its fairly bulky the bag it comes with I got rid of and bought a smaller bag. If you pack it right you can get it to about half the size of the original bag. You just have to store the poles somewhere else in you backpack.

There are 2 zippers to get into the tent which i find annoying. One for the fly and then one for the inside of the actual tent.

They way they made it. It does not stand up by itself unless it is staked down which I don't like at all.

It is very awkward to roll up because with all the different angles of fabric and other things on it. As i said earlier if you pack it up right you can save about 50% of space

The main poled that holds it up puts a lot of stress on the fabric in the middle of the tent. Even though it looks very durable I'm still afraid of it ripping somehow and it is then totally useless because that would be very hard spot to repair.Other side notes:
if it is windy place the small end where your feet go facing the wind. It will help your tent not to rock and be damaged
Overall great product it has its flaws but seriously what product doesn't have its flaws. Great against rain. Highly recommendEdit: 8/3/10
I just went on a vacation for 11 days in the Smoky Mountains, This thing did great. It rained 6 out of the 11 days which was a bummer and it held up beautifully. There were only 2 times that it leaked because of rain and both were my fault. The first time I had it in a low area and it started to pour, so all the water pooled around and apparently tents don't float :D. The good thing was this thing is so light I pulled the stakes up and picked it up by the two poles and carried it to higher ground.
The 2nd time was it was a nice day out so I only draped the fly over it and didn't clip it in or stake the fly down. I left camp and it started to rain I came back and there was a pool of water near the feet. Just mopped that up real quick and it was all good.
there are 2 other items I'd like to address. On the under side of the fly there are Velcro straps to Velcro it to the 2 poles. The one Velcro that connects to the smaller silver pole near your feet there is sealant tape that seals all the seams to prevent water. After about 6 uses of this tent the tape is starting to peal off there but only there. Personally I DON'T see this as a big problem because there are no seams around that area to leak and even if it does leak it wont leak much
Also the sealant tape on the inside near the entrances it starting to tear. This is the location that I was weary about when I first bought the tent. It is hard to explain where it's at you just have to see it. But I will try my best. Again right now I don't see this as a problem but this one could become a problem.
below is a picture of the tent showing where the sealant tape inside is tearing in just the slightest bit.
i had to put the dots and slashes in brackets because amazon always removes my links
http(colonslashslash)i12(dot)photobucket(dot)com(slash)albums(slash)a217(slash)nvysel24(slash)31ke6yacexl_sl500_aa280_(dot)jpgEdit 8/16/10
I went on another trip this weekend and as i was packing up the main orange pole snapped. This is severely disappointing it was partially my fault because I was shaking out the tent by lifting up the tent by both of the poles and obviously it is not supposed to do that and it created pressure on the end of the poles. Even though it being my fault I am very disappointed in the tent even though they have a great warranty and even I plan on getting new poles but they should be able to withstand a little torture. O well I would say this brings it down a star. Also I saw one of my friends 1 man tent and he had a 1 pole branch design which was awesome but it definitely wasn't as breathable so i would still say mine is superior

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent 1-Person 3-Season

Product Description:
The Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent gives solo backpackers comfort that no bivy sack can match without forcing them to go with an overkill two-person tent. This roomy alternative keeps out the bugs, shelters you from rain, and even keeps your boots and pack undercover.

Product Features

    Material: [Fly] 75D nylon; [Floor] 70D nylon
    Freestanding: No
    Poles: 2
    Pole Material: Atlas 7001
    Doors: 1
    Clip / Sleeve: Clip
    Floor Space: 31 x 90in (79 x 229cm), 17.5sq ft (1.6sq m)
    Interior Height: 40in (102cm)
    Vestibule Space: 5sq ft (0.5sq m)
    Packed Size: 6 x 19in (15 x 48cm)
    Ventilation: Mesh walls
    Weight: 2lb 13oz (1290g)
    Recommended Use: Solo backpacking
    Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime


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4/09/2011

ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.0 AL Tent - 1-Person 3-Season Review

ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.0 AL Tent - 1-Person 3-Season
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Finally, a one person tent that will actually fit someone that is over 6ft tall!! This tent had ample room, and I'm 6' 3". Easy setup. The weight and size of the tent takes up very little space in your backpack. The only thing that could make this tent better would be to have a little bigger vestibule.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.0 AL Tent - 1-Person 3-Season

Product Description:
Alps Mountaineering designers created the 3-Season Mystique 1.0 AL 1-Person Tent for those who want to venture out into the wilderness on their own but don?t love sleeping with bugs.Its two-pole design makes it a breeze to set up and the Mystique can function as a freestanding tent but holds its shape better when staked down. An adjustable vent built into the fly adds to the already excellent ventilation provided by mesh panels in the walls and door. Alps Mountaineering designers sealed the fly and floor seams to ensure you don?t end up sleeping in a miniature pond during a storm.

Product Features

    Material: [Fly] 75D, 185T poly taffeta, 1500mm urethane coating; [Floor] 75D, 185T poly taffeta, 2000mm urethane coating
    Freestanding: Yes
    Poles: 2
    Pole Material: 7000 Series aluminum
    Doors: 1
    Clip / Sleeve: Clip
    Floor Space: 42 x 94in (106 x 238cm), 21sq ft (1.95sq m)
    Interior Height: 36in (91cm)
    Vestibule Space: 4sq ft (.37sq m)
    Packed Size: 6 x 16in (15.24 x 40.64cm)
    Ventilation: Mesh walls, 1 fly vent
    Weight: 3lb 11oz (1652g)
    Recommended Use: Lightweight backpacking, camping
    Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime


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2/05/2011

Rothco Camouflage 2-Man Trail Tent Review

Rothco Camouflage 2-Man Trail Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I guess you really do get what you pay for.I bought this tent last year for around $45 to go camping for a week in the woods.The tent came with very cheap,flimsy shepherd crook stakes that aren't very effective,and the aluminum poles had a small plastic knob on the end to slip into a grommet on the tent.These knobs broke as soon as it was out of the box.I wound up just using two sticks,whittled down to fit the grommets.This would have been sufficient with better stakes.Also the tent was very cramped with just me and my pack.I suggest only using this as a solo tent.With decent tent stakes and better poles,it would be an affordable one man tent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rothco Camouflage 2-Man Trail Tent

Product Description:
Features Camouflage Two Man Trail Tent Reinforced Polyethylene Floor Full Zippered Nylon Mesh Front Door w/Storm Flap Large Nylon Mesh Rear Window Aluminum Poles, Stakes, Rope & Nylon Stuff Sack

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