I've owned this tent now for over 3 years and it's still going strong. I've pitched it at all altitudes within the UK and in all conditions. As with all tents it has it's faults and design flaws but that really depends on many factors including the user and their likely use of the tent. Firstly, it is a semi-geodesic tent. This is great for pitching and moving the freestanding shelter around to locate a more appropriate or comfortable pitch on uneven ground. Secondly, due to it's design, when pitched tail into the wind it proves to be extremely stable in severe conditions. However, being a inner pitched first tent this maybe a problem in wet weather. But it really is quick to set up and so in most cases this shouldn't prove to be too much of a concern. The poles are fixed by their ends into brass eyelets and then the inner tent is attached by plastic clips. No problem! Another bonus is the outer fly sheet. This is thrown on top of the tent and again brass eyelets fixed to the fly, are attached at the end of the tents poles. With ladder locking straps (great for minor adjustments)and some further pegging for security one can get this tent easily taut and secure. Another bonus is how low the flysheet goes to the ground upon pitching. This is excellent for our climate in that it can prevent side driven rain or snow from sneaking under and coming into contact with the inner tent (we don't want stray leaks do we?) The inner is all mesh. Good for 2 season camping in that it'll keep the air moving and thus keep you cool inside. But not so good in autumn/winter conditions where a bit of breeze will soon make it very chilly inside. However, re-positioning ones kit inside can subdue this problem. The tent is entered from a side door which can be opened at the top or from the bottom. So, this is good for rolling the door up for views or better still creating a chimney effect for when one needs to cook in the porch in bad weather. Incidentally, the porch is large (larger than most in this tents category). Being a 2 man design, rucksacks from both individuals can easily be stored in here plus room for boots and cooking. Reflective handles on the zippers help when entering or exiting the tent at night. However, the inner tent, though roomy and plenty of head height when sitting at the front for a 6ft tall person, can be a little cosy and cramped for 2. This isn't really a negative point (2 people together will soon warm this tent up in winter conditions) but if you're not comfortable with the idea or just like your space then it should be noted. Other than that for one person, all the space is a luxury! Being all mesh inner condensation problems are muted. Sure, in the winter some condensation may occur but not to any ill effect on the user. For summer use the inner mesh tent proves to be very effective at keeping things cool. The flysheet it must be noted only has a hydrostatic head of around 1500mm but being a Nylon flysheet too, I have never had any concern for leaks. I have re-proofed the flysheet on 2 occasions admittedly but that really was done out of care and heavy use of the tent. It is inevitable with tents that they're waterproofness will fade in time and use,mind. Overall, the design of the tent is up there with the best. DAC Featherlite poles to boot(strong and light), but steel pegs are a bit of let down for the lightweight gurus amongst us. However, it does pack down to a reasonable size and falls onto the border lines of "lightweight" weighing in at around the 2kg mark. So, for 3-4 season use in all but the very very worst of conditions this considering it's price and weight is a excellent backpacking tent. It performs well, the quality of materials and design is good and for your money.....it's a bargain in comparison to similar tents in it's category!
(Written by: terrybnd)