May 132011
 

Received a notice from MPGear.com today that they have received a limited supply of the new Big Agnes Jack Rabbit SL2 and SL3 ultralight tents.

Big Agnes Jack Rabbit

Big Agnes Jack Rabbit Available at MPGear

The Jack Rabbit SL tents are a series of ultralight backpacking tents from Big Agnes that seem to be a prefect combination of price, weight and features. The 2 person version of the Jack Rabbit uses lightweight materials and easy pole design making it easy to carry in to your destination, and just as easy to set up when you get there. Although this tent is superlight (3 lbs 13 oz trail weight), it still packs lots of features that make your camping experience an enjoyable one including double doors and vestibules, interior pockets, reflective guy lines, and if you buy it from MPGear.com they will throw in a free Big Agnes Jack Rabbit tent footprint (a $50 value!!). The 3 person version has a trail weight of 4 lbs. 12 oz and features the same lightweight materials and easy pole design of the 2 person.

Check Out Some Features:

  • DAC lightweight aluminum poles with press fit connectors – featuring eco-friendly anodizing
  • All DAC poles made from TH72M aluminum: the latest technology in lightweight tent poles featuring improved durability
  • Fly and Floor are lightweight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
  • Tent body is lightweight nylon and polyester mesh
  • Reflective guyline and reflective webbing on tent corners for nighttime visibility
  • All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape (No PVC or VOC’s)

Both the Jack Rabbit SL2 and SL3 are available at MPGear.com as of the time this post was written. The 2 person currently retails for $279.90 and the SL3 is selling for $359.90 which also includes a free footprint and free shipping. See MPGear.com for complete details including all of the features of each tent.

Mar 232011
 
Big Agnes Copper Spur 4 Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur 4 Tent

Let’s jump into the Gear Spotlight. This might be the first one of 2011. The Big Agnes Copper Spur series are excellent 3-season, ultralight backpacking tents, and the Copper Spur UL 4 was just added to the lineup. You will be hard pressed to find such a lightweight tent with this much room. This 6 lb, 4 person tent is large enough for the whole family and the two vestibules let you keep your extra room by putting your gear outside.

Big Agnes Copper Spur Features:

  • Three season, free standing, ultralight backpacking tent
  • DAC Featherlite NSL pole system with press fit connectors, and lightweight hubs
  • New HClip attaches tent body to cross pole
  • Fly is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
  • Tent body is ultra lightweight nylon and polyester mesh
  • Mesh body offers excellent ventilation
  • Hub/pole design makes set up quick and easy
  • New DAC Twist Clips attach tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy set-up
  • Two vestibules with D-shaped doors and storm flap over zipper
  • All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane (No PVC or VOC’s) tape
  • FOOTPRINT INCLUDED (Big Agnes’ specific footprint)

Tent Specs:

  • Trail Weight 5lb 9oz
  • Packed Weight 6lb 1oz
  • Footprint Weight 12oz
  • Fast Fly Weight 4lb 3oz
  • Packed Size 7 x 22″
  • Floor Area 57sq ft
  • Vestibule Area 13.5/13.5sq ft
  • Head Height 50″

FFSC Comments

I try to add a little of my own perspective to these things. Looking at some other name brand 4 person tents, the Copper Spur UL4 is quite a bit lighter than most. Some 4 person tents can creep up into the 11 lbs. zone. The real key here, is whether you intend to use it for backpacking or camping next to the car. If you aren’t planning on backpacking then you don’t necessarily need this tent. Its primary purpose is weight reduction for packing it in. The head height is nice, I believe my two person tent is around 32″, so 50″ would certainly feel more roomy. The ability to use it in a ‘fast fly’ configuration is an even better way to shave some extra weight. Assuming you like the idea of using it that way. Its simply using the poles, the rainfly as a shelter, and the footprint as your floor.

The Big Agnes Copper UL 4 retails for $599.99 at Moutains Plus. The price also includes the footprint.

Apr 142010
 

Nemo Meta 1 Tent Description:

Lightweight and efficient, the Nemo Meta 1P is an ultralight backpacking tent designed for your next lightweight backpacking or mountain biking adventure. The new Nemo Meta 1 person tent uses one trekking pole for setup, and gives you nearly 40 sq. ft. of interior space (including vestibule) in a 1.9 lbs package! The Meta 1 is a solo tent with plenty of ventilation and a 50 inch interior height. This ultralight backcountry tent has several venting options and vestibule configurations to help keep the air well circulated and rain out.

Nemo Meta 1 Person Trekking Pole Tent

Nemo Meta 1 Person Trekking Pole Tent

*Additional views available at MPgear.com.


Nemo Meta 1P Specs:

  • Weight: 1.9 lbs (2.3 lbs. packed)
  • Fabric: Mesh / 20D Sil-PU Nylon
  • Interior Height: 50 inches
  • Floor Area: 26 sq. ft.
  • Vestibule Area: 13 sq. ft.
  • *Requires one trekking pole for set up, NOT included.

The Nemo Meta 1 Person Trekking Pole Tent is currently available at MPgear.com. This tent retails for $260.95 and comes with a free footprint and you get free shipping on any order over $45.