GoLite Eden?

[Son of a Beach]

Has anybody here used or seen (in the flesh) a GoLite Eden tent? The only reference I can find to it on these forums is a brief suggestion in a post in one of my earlier topics here.

I have been considering the GoLite ShangriLa 3, because it's very roomy for it's weight, but the Eden is that much lighter and cheaper (if a nest is included with the SL3), and I've already got a large tent, and am only looking for a small 1 person tent.

At US$300 and 1.5kg, the Eden appears to fit the bill for my needs, but I'd be very interested to hear of any first hand reviews. Especially if anybody has used one in Tasmania in winter, or somewhere similar. It looks like it would shed snow well (which was the main problem with my last solo tent). But any reports would be of interest.

[Maelgwn]

If you get a inner from someone like bearpawdesigns (or as part of a sponsorship deal with hitch hiking?) you should be able to shave off the weight difference and end up with a more versatile shelter. You could get a nest for only half the inside, eg leaving you with a vestibule.

eg: http://www.bearpawwd.com/shelters_floors/pyraNet2.html

[Son of a Beach]

Yes, I've looked into those 3rd party nests. There's a guy in Australia (on these forums even) who has been known to make one or two also. So the SL3 is still not out of the question at this point.

The all-inclusive US$300 price tag of the Eden (currently AUD$276) is also rather compelling!

[sthughes]

Any idea how much those custom inner nests are worth? I've been very temped by the SL3 for ages but with only a mesh inner that's as far as it has ever got. The single skin of the Eden kinda put me off that, otherwise it looks perfect.

[Nuts]

Havent used the Eden, the Valhalla and Utopia were more like Sodom and Pergatory... as usual from golite, good workmanship though...

Grabbed some further info for ya: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... _eden.html
If I can find a review (at some stage), ill let you know.

The Oooknest with a heavy floor is around 540g and $200, this with the usual inner nest would be a good winter solo summer duo combo (sounding like a KFC add)

I think i will end up going back to using the shell mostly though, and in summer, one with the perimeter netting and screen door. The 'single skin' isnt such a problem with the steep sided SL3...

[Son of a Beach]

Yes, I'd still prefer a double-walled tent too, but I'd like to try a single wall in a variety of Tasmanian conditions to see if the extra weight of the double-wall is really worth the condensation protection.

Bah! I just can't make up my mind when it comes to choosing a light weight &/or solo tent. I've started so many tent topics over the last 12 months, but don't feel any closer to making a decision.

[Lady McGuyver]

Hi guys, I have a Golite Eden2. It’s very spacious, big footprint. And it’s *&%$#! near cavernous inside. I probably should have got the Eden1 instead, as you could fit 3people in the Eden2 without any discomfort whatsoever.
The materials will blow you away in terms of being lightweight and soft. The floor definitely requires a groundsheet. It’s has good ventilation and ample headroom. Plenty enough room in the vestibules too.
What else? The pole sleeves are quite tight, they need to be carefully fed through both setting up and pulling it down. . . I haven’t used my tent in the snow or rain yet, so I can’t comment on the wind dynamics or winter capabilities. I would be a bit hesitant about taking this tent out anywhere with scratchy scrub or really sharp stuff underneath it. Like I said, it feels like a soft shower curtain with zips!
SBS, you are most welcome to check out my tent if you want to, before seriously considering buying one.
Hope this helps
Cyn

[Nuts]

Honestly mate, to make it easier, a Small single walled shelter (especially without a bivy) is no fun in tassie rain/ condensation..

[Nuts]

there you go, no sooner posted and along comes someone (so far) happy

[Son of a Beach]

Thanks Cyn, that's all good to hear. Let us know how you go if you get to try it in some more serious weather.

Nuts, yeah, the condensation on a single wall is my main concern.

[Nuts]

Yer, the only design ive found (so far) that handles it is steep sided, bigger the better.. i have had a passing interest in trying a smaller one with breathable eVent fabric, there arent many options though and the toddtex seemed just as prone to condensation (to me) as the others..

[sthughes]

After buying an X-Rocket and then more recently spending a night in Nuts' Hilleberg Altai (enormous group shelter) with just me and one other, I have abandoned any thoughts of single skin. Luckily inside the Altai it was -2 degrees in the morning, so the condensation was snowing down on us rather than raining, on a multi day walk stuff would get really damp unless you took a bivvy as well, but overnight it wasn't an issue - nothing like being able to stand up and put overpants on

Hmm $200 is more than I had hoped, but still tempting. Have you got one Nuts?

[Nuts]

Have you got one Nuts?

The inner nest, yes i do, you can even borrow it if you want, dont want it full o sand though

[Nuts]

The altai is not steep enough to deal with the condensation but its not really made too, bivy bags, everything water proof and or packed away suits its design..

[Bluegum Mic]

I have to agree with nuts on the single skin aspect of the SL3. I'd be more than happy to use mine with it's tyvek floor, bug net of sorts and my tyvek sleeping bag cover as a just in case. I've never had a drip of condensation fall on me and it was more than happy in a stiff southerly change at 2000m in wilkinsons valley in the the snowies. The little condensation it had didnt shake off and turned to frost once we hit the minuses and I must admit the little tipi looks very pretty sparkling in the morning sun.

Here you go. I knew I had one. We were camped by the creek. Was around 11 degrees by day and there was dew pretty much from sundown. The door shows the little patch of frosted condensation. This was typical for the rest of the tent. As I said I've really experienced no probs condensation wise with this shelter. I like the fact that you can also adjust it easily from the inside ie leave it up if fine weather and if things turn nasty then drop the sides to the ground.



As for the golite Eden I like the design. It does remind me a little of the aarn pacer (another tent I like).

My trip this weekend has been cancelled due to flooding (plus I'm sick as a dog) but I'll take some detailed snaps of my solo nest for the SL3 if it helps your decision making/ruling in or out. If your ever in Sydney your most welcome to take it out for a trip.

[sthughes]

The inner nest, yes i do, you can even borrow it if you want, dont want it full o sand though

Hmmm, that's a tempting offer for when we head up big Ben, I assume you have an outer to go with it!

Yeah the Altai is well suited to use with a bivvy, I certainly don't mark it down for condensing as it is what it is. But it goes to show if two people can make condensation in that huge thing then in a little one man job, also with a flattish roof, you don't have a lot of hope.

Sorry for digressing on you Nic!

[Nuts]

The altai had all the valances covered in snow and that big zippered up thing in the top, that's a vent, it had no chance (its ok if you said something positive i'd be the first to point out the negatives )

These discussions Are all relevant to any single skin tent, any tent in fact, double skin tents don't 'suffer' condensation less its just the user that has to deal with it less.
Its so hard to explain without the doing even then it probably more of what you envisage as acceptable or perceived comfort.. i took off for a week with my first single skin tent and had no choice but to find ways to live with it, after two or three weeks i had it sussed and now wouldn't go back. I think ive said before though that my ideal for tassie (from what I have used... and if i could carry it) would still be some model of 3 hoop tunnel tent.. if i was more sure of the condensation i would have valances sewn on to one, take a bivy and scrap the inner.. The Sl3 is great, perhaps as good, i just haven't had it exposed on a mountaintop in mid-winter, in a howling gale (yet...).

I made people take them (SL3) on the overland track, they almost always came to like them by the end of the week but there is always enough to do without adding work by explaining things that arent immediately recognisable (same reason for going back to goretex... anyhow... now that Is another story ).

[corvus]

The altai had all the valances covered in snow and that big zippered up thing in the top, that's a vent, it had no chance

It is also a big hole in the roof for a Stove Chimney
Gerry

[Nuts]

be nice wouldn't it, maybe we can carry 'fuel stove only' fake logs!

[corvus]

Yes I am certain I have read about "log fire" aps somwhere

[corvus]

SoB,
Have you ever considered a Scarp 1 ? , solid inner, dual entry/ vestibules, weight and priced right you can check mine out if you like
corvus

[Son of a Beach]

Yes, I've borrowed a Scarp 1. I think it's an excellent tent, but I just don't think it's the one for me. I don't like all that large flat area on top, which I reckon would collect a lot of snow. I know it's got the crossing poles to help with that, but I just don't feel confident about it for some reason. Actually, if I'm to be really honest... I don't like the square boxed ends. There... I said it... yes, I'm very irrational about these things sometimes, but there's a few tents that I can't consider for the same reason. I just don't like those square ends, which are very practical in terms of roominess, but very aesthetically grating to me. I'm ashamed to admit it, but that's one of the real reasons. Crazy, eh?

[corvus]

Absolutely not that is why there is such a choice of almost everything
c

[Nuts]

Yes! I'd try one too if Franco would allay my fears (or Corvus would camp somewhere that would test the limits of his ) By all accounts, Tarptents Moment might be a closer design to the Eden?

[Franco]

Nik,
" I just don't like those square ends"

I was having a rather nice day till I read that comment.
The Scarp to me is just like my own child , so I took that remark very personally and I am still in a recovery mood.
Could not go to sleep till almost 3AM . Thanks.

You may not be aware of this but at TT we have done a lot of research and testing before we committed to manufacturing the product.
For the Scarp we even engaged an advertising company just to make absolutely sure that the product was right.
I still in fact have a video of the presentation from the agency.
Here it is :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTJZEK4JP0k
Franco

[Son of a Beach]

heheh... sorry Franco. I know it's an irrational reason to not like the tent. Other than that, the tent performed very well for us (and of course the newer version with the fly that goes close to the ground would be even better. Honestly, I'd highly recommend the tent for other people.

[Drifting]

What about those Bearpaw AT1 and AT2 tents Nik? They are pretty interesting, and cheap as well.



(edit)- Hey- check out that Cuben Pyra Tent- that thing weighs nothing at all!

http://www.bearpawwd.com/tents_tarps/pyraTent.html

[Son of a Beach]

What? More options? You're not making my decision any easier! Good thing I'm not in a hurry!

But seriously, thanks for pointing them out... I hadn't really looked at them yet. I'll have to check out the specs properly.

[ULWalkingPhil]

What about those Bearpaw AT1 and AT2 tents Nik? They are pretty interesting, and cheap as well.



(edit)- Hey- check out that Cuben Pyra Tent- that thing weighs nothing at all!

http://www.bearpawwd.com/tents_tarps/pyraTent.html

That Cuben Pyra Tent looks impressive,

[Nuts]

I had them do some work on a tipi, pretty half assed job tbh, his in house stuff might be ok, certainly Cheap .. anyhow... it wasnt a golite eden..