Ultra light tents...

[vdhant]

Hi guys
I'm looking at getting an ultra light tent and the two that I have been eying off are the Macpac Microlight and Macrolight... Now I am looking at going on a fair few hikes that go from anywhere from 7 - 14 days+ where I will be walking 15 - 25km +- a day depending on the country... I have to take all my food as food drop offs are like not to be possible. Also I have about 6-7kgs of camera equipment that I need to take along with me.

Hence my question is if you are going for this length of time (where wet weather is very possible if not likely) and weight is an issue, is it worth going for the Macrolight for the extra room and comfort or should I go for the Microlight because of the weight saving.

Also if I am looking at this style of tent, how do the Macpac tents hold up. I have had good experiences with Macpac in the past, but are they still a really good tent for the sort of money that I am looking at.

Cheers
Anthony

[scockburn]

Sounds like a big trip and in the wet. The macpac will stand up to some tough stuff but unless you are medium build , it is a tad small and if holed up then might be an issue . Depends on what you are use to. Have a look at the Exped Vella 1 posts in this forum. This tent has a great vestibule and is comfortable and I think it might even be on sale in the NZ outdoors site
"bivouac".
Happy tripping. Steve C

[Ent]

Content removed by poster

Last edited by Ent on Wed 17 Nov, 2010 1:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[blacksheep]

you mentioned "the sort of money you want to spend"...how much is that?
Microlites have been a huge seller for macpac for well over a decade. there are lighter tents of course, but you need to appreciate the differences..for example we could shave a good chunk of weight off the microlite by using a light weight floor like MSR use in a hubba hubba- but we expect that our tents will be used inwet/mush terrain we have here..we use a 10,000mm pu coated 70D nylon on our floor.
Decide upon your needs and expectations for durability in addition to the 100 or so grams that seperates product A from product B.
if I can give any specific response re: Macpac product I'm happy to help.
cheers
cam

[vdhant]

Hey cam
As far as money is concerned I guess I'm looking at the kind of money it costs for a Microlight or Macrolight. But I'm happy to spend less if I can get something just as good. Also I think durability is important.

Basically I'm tossing up at the moment between the size/weight Microlight and Macrolight. I like the extra size of the Macrolight but not sure how much of a difference it will make in the field. As in I know the extra space would be great and if I have the tent up and bad weather comes in I could happy spend the day in there, cook and have my gear protected. I'm not sure I could say the same about the Microlight. But the microlight is lighter and smaller to carry around. But is the saving in weight and size really going to make that much practical difference in the field...

Cheers
Anthony

[daveintas]

I am a big fan of Macpac tents and as Cam says make sure you compare like with like when looking at others. I have a minaret which I am very happy with, and have used an olympus previously (not my own, but used extensively). The floors are heavier duty and the poles thicker than most others (thick floor is important for me walking with kids). Of the two you mention, I personally would opt for the microlight (as long as you are not too tall) - it is an iconic tent that has proven its value. There is a previous thread discussing the macrolight, in short be aware that it uses thinner poles, lighter floor and is inner-pitch first. If you want extra room, the minaret is only slightly heavier than the macrolight.

Dave.

[blacksheep]

Anthony,
I'll leave you to consider the benefits of the two tents (I'd go macrolite unless i also did uber light and fast stuff where a fly only option would be handy, which is an easier option with a mictrolite)
what i can tell you is from wednesday the microlite will be on sale for $349 and the macrolites will be $449. I can also tell you the stock on microlites is likely to go fast (we fullfilled some big orders that gobbled through our stock)...

[vdhant]

Hey Cam
Thanks for the great info... Thinking about what Dave said, if I where considering going with the Macrolight would I be better off going with the Minaret? Looking at the specs its virtually the same weight and would be smaller in my pack... Also from the looks of it, it would be more comfortable again. What do you think?

Also are the prices you are talking about AUD or NZD? Lastly is the sale preceding a new product line, as in is Macpac bring out a new range of tents soon or is this just a pre Christmas sale?

Cheers
Anthony

[blacksheep]

Hey Cam
Thanks for the great info... Thinking about what Dave said, if I where considering going with the Macrolight would I be better off going with the Minaret? Looking at the specs its virtually the same weight and would be smaller in my pack... Also from the looks of it, it would be more comfortable again. What do you think?

Minaret is a good option too- the microlight fits two people more comfortably, but for the use you has discussed it could be the ideal solution. minaret sale price will be $499

Also are the prices you are talking about AUD or NZD? Lastly is the sale preceding a new product line, as in is Macpac bring out a new range of tents soon or is this just a pre Christmas sale?

Cheers
Anthony

these prices are correct in local $ for both AU and NZ, and are our christmas sale prices.

[vdhant]

When you say "the microlight fits two people more comfortably" do you mean that the Minaret fits two people more comfortably (because me by myself only just fit into the microlight)?

Also could you give me a little bit of an idea the difference between the Macrolight and the Minaret, like where you would use one vs the other or why you would get one vs the other... Also with the Minaret can you use the tent with out the fly (and vice versa) and can you put the fly up first (like if it is raining)?

Cheers
Anthony

[blacksheep]

When you say "the microlight fits two people more comfortably" do you mean that the Minaret fits two people more comfortably (because me by myself only just fit into the microlight)?

Also could you give me a little bit of an idea the difference between the Macrolight and the Minaret, like where you would use one vs the other or why you would get one vs the other... Also with the Minaret can you use the tent with out the fly (and vice versa) and can you put the fly up first (like if it is raining)?

Cheers
Anthony

yes, sorry, i meant the minaret fit 2 persons...

The macro light is simply a more volumous and more comfortable tent for 2 people. the internal volume feels more useable, and it is easier to sit up in etc..they are well (but not overly) ventilated. it would be my prefernce for warmer weather use, more comfortable trips, and if the type of ground was "difficult" (as it is a free standing design).
The minaret is basically a mini-olympus tunnel- they cope well even in alpine environment but you can't sit up and play cards in them- they are a all about the business not about the pleasure-but they do thet exceedingly well. yes, yopu can pitch the fly/inner seperately or together which many people who use this system find invaluable. the inner is retractable to enlarge the vestibule for cooking etc when conditions are bad (not that any tent manufacturer would suggest cooking inside a vestibule!)
you may be getting a picture of what suits your preferencen better?

[sthughes]

Just don't get a Microlight! They are great quality but in extended wet weather the cramped size would drive me mad. I'd get a Minaret

[ILUVSWTAS]

Just don't get a Microlight! They are great quality but in extended wet weather the cramped size would drive me mad. I'd get a Minaret

I second that, and also hear that the Microlights suffer bad condensation

[vdhant]

Hi guys
Thanks for the advice the infromation has proved to be invaluable... and very timely. I'll just have to get to the local Macpac store on Thurseday earlier enogh to get one.
Cheers
Anthony

[Buddy]

Look at a Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1. Seriously! Brilliant . Excellent value. Minimal weight. Better design than most. And I can sit upright and dress comfortably-an important factor.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Look at a Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1. Seriously! Brilliant . Excellent value. Minimal weight. Better design than most. And I can sit upright and dress comfortably-an important factor.

You can seriously sit upright in those? Wow!!!

[Buddy]

Yep! And I'm 6'1" in the old money.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Sorry but I just find that hard to believe given the pics and Specs i've seen on this tent!
Also....

(copied and pasted)
it's the weight,

"The tent weathered a Beartooth hailstorm (3/4") in fine fashion. Stayed up and dry. The mini vestibule for pile o' stuff was fine. But, I'm a reasonably small guy (5' 8") and the room for moving around was just cramped. Excellent for solo backpacking, but not a palace. Keep your eye out for this on sale--between price and weight, it was an excellent buy...." Read Full Review »



Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent reviews

Lifetime guarantee--thank god

"Okay, let me start by saying that I haven't used this tent on a backpacking trip yet. However, I did set it up in my yard to test it out in the rain. It rained (not too hard) for about 3 hours and the inside of the rain fly was soaking wet even though the tent itself was dry. In the morning, so much condensation had collected (from the dew) on the inside of the fly that it froze in the 30 degree overnight temps...." Read Full Review »

Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

[Joe]

Vaude is another nice option if you can find a dealer near you. I really like the little Hogan Ultralight that I tested out recently. It was light (1.8kg) enough room for me and my wife or me and pack, tall enough to sit upright, well ventilated and easy to pitch.

review here:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2805

[Buddy]

Well, I do know how tall I am and how much internal height the Sprite 1 has (102cm.) The weight is a very friendly 1290gm.As for your reviewer's condensation problem, suggest to him he pitch it a little better. Tent and fly need to be taut to avoid condensation getting onto tent material. But I guess that goes for any tent/fly combo.It is excellent value.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Well as I said I do really really like their gear! So I believe you

[Lindsay]

Surfing the net looking at ultra light tents I came across this: http://www.wildearth.com.au/vango-heliu ... p-389.html reading the speil and comparing the price it seems a little to good to be true, or is that just my cynical nature? I haven't noticed this brand mentioned here at all so I was wondering if anyone have any experience with this tent and if so is it as good as it seems?
cheers
Lindsay

[ILUVSWTAS]

Did you use the search function?? Theres loooots to read about this "product".....

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2750&p=30535&hilit=vango#p30535

[Lindsay]

Did you use the search function?? Theres loooots to read about this "product".....

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2750&p=30535&hilit=vango#p30535

Thanks for that ILUVSWTAS. As the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.....Its off the list.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Wise move!!

[Singe]

Surfing the net looking at ultra light tents I came across this: http://www.wildearth.com.au/vango-heliu ... p-389.html reading the speil and comparing the price it seems a little to good to be true, or is that just my cynical nature? I haven't noticed this brand mentioned here at all so I was wondering if anyone have any experience with this tent and if so is it as good as it seems?
cheers
Lindsay

With the Vango at $320 plus GST and shipping, and the tried-and-tested Hilleberg Akto (for example ) now costing only $460 delivered due to the favourable exchange rate - the Vango isn't looking like such a bargain to me

Edit - granted the Akto isn't exactly ultra-lightweight - but by all accounts nor is the Vango, despite what the advertising might say. The Terra Nova Laser Comp is another reasonably priced and well-regarded option if you favour the single-pole design... otherwise the Hubba HP looks good also.

[johnw]

The Terra Nova Laser Comp is another reasonably priced and well-regarded option if you favour the single-pole design...

"Guinness World Record Holder for the lightest tent commercially available"
About 6 weeks ago I saw the 2 person version at the new http://www.backpackinglight.com.au shop in the Sydney CBD. These tents look interesting, given such low weight and relatively roomy interior.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Surfing the net looking at ultra light tents I came across this: http://www.wildearth.com.au/vango-heliu ... p-389.html reading the speil and comparing the price it seems a little to good to be true, or is that just my cynical nature? I haven't noticed this brand mentioned here at all so I was wondering if anyone have any experience with this tent and if so is it as good as it seems?
cheers
Lindsay

With the Vango at $320 plus GST and shipping, and the tried-and-tested Hilleberg Akto (for example ) now costing only $460 delivered due to the favourable exchange rate - the Vango isn't looking like such a bargain to me

Edit - granted the Akto isn't exactly ultra-lightweight - but by all accounts nor is the Vango, despite what the advertising might say. The Terra Nova Laser Comp is another reasonably priced and well-regarded option if you favour the single-pole design... otherwise the Hubba HP looks good also.

Well one thing I WILL say for the vango is, it's the lightest tent ive come across at 1100grams

[Lindsay]

Some excellent suggestions and advice here, thanks for the info. At the moment I have an Outer Limits Starlite which has served me well for around 7 years. It's fairly roomy with 2 vestibules however at 2.18 kg it can hardly be called lightweight and the design ensures that anyone over 6' tall can't lie down without their feet pushing against the roof. I think it's time to move on to something better, and the information here has given me a good start and lots to think about.