We told you a bit about Mountain Equipment's new 2005 tent
range a few weeks back, but now we've had the chance to see them
in the flesh, or maybe that should be 'in the canvas' or nylon, or
whatever, and we thought you might like a scoop preview.
Just to remind you, the tent range has been put together by top
Dutch designer Frank Merks and is aimed specifically at the UK's
cold, but damp conditions, which means lots of vents right across the
range, plus some carefully thought out detailing to improve
performance.
In the shops early next year.
Serious Mountain Tent
Top of the range is the Hielo 2, a serious geodesic
expedition tent that's aimed at full on, high mountain use in the
same way as, say, a Quasar. It's the only tent in the range that's
not really targeted at UK mountains.
Weight is an 'in the ballpark' 3980 grammes including poles, pegs,
guylines and stuffsac, but ME say that it offers more internal space
than its competitors and the example pitched on their stand at the
Harrogate trade show definitely felt that way.
Detailing
looks to be superb, as you'd expect from ME. Strength is improved by
the 'D-Lock' internal guy system which you can move around to
optimise support for various poles depending on which way your
personal hoolie is blowing. Then there's a clever pegging design -
right - that claims to channel forces in such a way that the base of
the poles is never overstressed plus in common with the rest of the
range, there a full-on ventilation system with easily adjustable
vents.
You also get the sort of industry standard features you'd expect
like twin, porched entrances, clear, cold-resistant window panels,
YKK zippers, gear loft and silicone-dipped polyester webbing. There's
more innovation promised for 2006, but the Hielo already looks like a
contender even at the heavyweight price of £500.
Three/Four Season Mountain Tents - Go Light or Go
Strong...
A step down from the growling Hielo are the three Torres
models which are targeted at UK all round mountain use. It's a
cunning design that features a three-pole semi-geodesic build for
three-season use, but with the option of an additional fourth pole
and twin support struts for full-on winter use. The additional
hardware adds around 250 grammes, so you can choose to go light or
opt for a weightier, but tougher take.
Other
detailing is equally impressive. The tents pitch all in one and have
something called XCross construction, which gives a flush
surface to the flysheet - right - and is claimed to make the tent
more resistant to strong winds. There are also four aerodynamic air
intakes for optimum venting and reduced condensation in damp UK
conditions, plus internal pockets, gear lofts and so on.
Materials look good too with a Hypalon-coated groundsheet, plus
silicon-coated Nylon fly. There are three versions, a two-man
Torres 2, plus the Torres 2 XT with an extended porch
and a bigger Torres 3 XT, again with an extended porch. Weight
of the base Torres 2 is 2900 in three-pole trim and 3150 grammes with
the additional winter pole included.
Getting Lighter...
Closely related to the Torres but lighter are the two
Dragonfly designs. Designed for three-season, two-person
backpacking in the UK and abroad, they're free-standing, three-pole
tents using lighter materials for easier carrying.
The
basic
Dragonfly weighs in at 1950 grammes and the
XT,
extended-porch version is 2250 with prices at £290 and £320
respectively. You won't be surprised to learn that they have big
vents, pitch as a single unit and use quality materials like YKK zips
and DAC poles.
Looks like being a tough little backpacking tent at a decent
enough weight.
Very Light Indeed...
For hardcore adventure racers, ME has the very, very lightweight
Helium tent. It's a two-person, twin-skin item that uses tent
poles or handy hanging branches to slash weight down to sub 1000
gramme levels.
You're still getting a decent amount of space, all-in-one
pitching, ventilation hood and a mesh window in the inner tent door,
so it's minimalism without too much of a comfort penalty, which
should also attract ultra-lightweight backpackers. Apparently there's
enough room to sit up, which is nice.
Weight is a claimed 950 grammes, not including the walking poles
or you can even use sticks or hang it from a tree. Price will be
£160.
For more Mountain Equipment information see their
web
site.
