Salewa Denali II hiking tent - anyone got one?

[neil_fahey]

Hi guys,

I just won one of these and haven't set it up yet... Just wondering if anyone has any experience with them and what they think?

Would it be a bit cosy with two reasonably tall blokes in it?

How hard is it to put up?

Cheers
Neil

[myrtlegirl]

Congratulations on the win.
I have one and I like it. I looked at Salewa as I'd spent a week in a borrowed Bergen walking the South Coast Track (Tas) and I found it was a tent that had features that I appreciated. I chose to buy this model because it was cheaper than the Sierra Leone (though slightly heavier), and the Bergen was NA. I REALLY, REALLY like the way each person has their own doorway and vestibule, so a boot to the head doesn't happen as 1 person exits, both occupants can exit or enter simultaneously, and you can pile your stuff up in your own vestibule. The ridge pole gives it a fair bit of head room, though it's a tiny bit tricky to get into position during setup when you're not used to it (the instructions are good for this). It can be a stand alone tent, so I can move it around or camp on ground that's too soft or hard for pegs - though it's best if pegged down as this pulls the fly tight. The vestibules are big enough to cook in.
The ridge pole is the only tricky bit when setting up, the rest is pretty obvious, unlike some tunnel tents where an amateur can find it tricky to suss out which pole goes which way in which sleeve.
The round shape means it may not fit in small tunnel-like camp spots.
I think it's roomier than most 2-man tents, with more headroom.
I have had amazing luck with avoiding pouring rain in the 30-40 days I've had it out in the bush, so I can only say it's stayed dry when the rain has been persistent but not driving.
The floor has no signs of wear, and it's been on rough ground about half the time, tent platforms/mats the rest.
I've looked at lots of tents in shops, on the web, and on walks, and never found one that is exactly right. The Bergen was the best I'd used, but since I couldn't get a Bergen I'm happy with the Denali.
I would buy this model again, and if it wasn't available I would always look for a 2 door model.

[neil_fahey]

Thanks for the congrats and thanks SO MUCH for the comprehensive review! I'm even more happy with my win now!

Cheers
Neil

[jacklim5]

@ myrtlegirl

I managed to get a Salewa - Denali II for under $200 which seemed like a great value buy but I am having great difficulty with the ridge pole, in fact I don't seem to be able to get it in the opposite pouch at all. Any tips?

Jack

[Franco]

don't seem to be able to get it in the opposite pouch at all

Not sure , but try this...
First you insert that pole in the opposite side then you bend the pole down and into the pocket on your side.
Franco

[jacklim5]

Thanks Franco, have tried that a number of times, the pole just seems too long and I am afraid of causing damage. Maybe I am being too cautious???

Jack

[north-north-west]

I had to trim the ridgepole of my Salewa Sierra when I first bought it, because it was definitely too long. Consider seeing if the supplier has a shorter pole, or do what I did and trim it - it isn't that hard.