Exped Vela 1

[scockburn]

Hi all , anyone know much about the lightweight tent Exped Vela 1. Seems like a good general purpose 3 seasons with good water proofing ? Any comments in experience in this type especially in Tas conditions appreciated. Thanks SC

[Penguin]

Look like a very interesting tent. I like the fly going up the pole. Keep us informed if you get any further information.

[scockburn]

So far so good. Used my Exped in very heavy weather and it performed really well and the extra space in the vestibule was really useful when it was raining for an extended period.
At 1.5 kg I am amazed how strong and weather proof this one is . I am off to Lamington NP( Qld) to do the Stretcher track to the Stinson wreck in a week and am hoping it will do the job then. Steve

[tasadam]

to do the Stretcher track to the Stinson wreck in a week

Love to see photos of that when you get back... I was 14 when I was there last...

[scockburn]

Didn't talk the camera.Will do next time and post the pics.
The area was wet and leechy this time.Got down to around zero at night and was great during the day. Interestingly, the remote area camping sites are very limited and degraded and we booked a site and permit at Echo Point ( the only one in this area for a few kms and only big enough for 6 people - we had 8 ), weeks as ahead of time only to be attempted to be"muscled" out by another group who had no permit and yet thought that first in first served applied. Negotiation skills and a bit of confidence comes in handy when in the middle of no where.
The park is a wonderful area and so vast . The views to NSW and Mt Warning are worth the walk in.
The tent was a beaut though a little coffin like . Came into its own when it started to rain . The vestibule is really big and give great cover from the wet.
I'll try to get some photos next time. Steve

[scockburn]

A brief update on performance of the Exped Vela as I've had a few queries. Went on a through walk to Mount Steamer in the Main Range NP on the scenic Rim ( South East Qld) . What a great walk!! Anyway , tested the tent out in wind and sub zero conditions. Stood the test well . Need to point the tent into the wind and is very solid. I needed to open the side vestibule zip as it got a little warm and stuffy and this did the trick. I am 6'1 so it is a little tight inside but the side vestibule makes it worth . It is also so very light for such a solid tent and with all the mountains in this area , this benefit out weighs the space issue. Can't wait to try out in Tassie when I return . Steve c

[strewthm8]

Have been thinking about getting one of these...I think there are a couple of types from what i can see on the 'net'-...the 'extreme' and the 'mesh' ...which one do you have...? Pretty impressed with the overall package...have a single skin 6 moons design lunar solo e (just over 1 lb) which is great, but want something a bit more robust for tassie walk next year...

[scockburn]

Mine is the extreme. Good strong tent and once mastered , it goes up very quickly. Can get a little stuffy in hot conditions but with the room in the vestibule , I do not zip up and it is quite comfortable. Could not believe recently in very cold conditions for Qld ( ice layer on top of tent liner in am) and I was quite warm inside. Want to try out in a storm. They say that you head it into the wind and very little blows under and that it takes a fair bit of force.