Sierra Designs Tensegrity

[Rob McConnell]

Has anyone seen this tent or have any opinions on it? I really like the design, and being under 2 lbs is really tempting. Are there any other trekking pole tents that are similar? I have been looking at some of the pyrimid designs out there, but i'm not sure that i am ready to go floorless.

Thanks!

 

[Matt Cashell]

Hey Rob,

That looks like an interesting option.

I have used Henry Shire's Tarptent Contrail for years, and it is a very good option in that weight range, and less expensive to boot!

http://www.tarptent.com/contrail.html

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Rob,
I've been following their release for a couple months as I've also been interested in the design, I plan on purchasing one this spring. I've been set on buying a Tarptent, then was going to go for a Hilleberg Anjan, but I've settled on a Tensegrity Elite. I like the design. Will I like it after this summer and fall? Don't know, but I'm willing to take the risk, I like what they are striving for.

Here's the wind tunnel test of the sil-nylon version. https://vimeo.com/121422790

It did better than I thought it would. There's an interesting thread going on Backpacking Light right now, although only 1 person in the whole discussion actually has the shelter.....the Sierra Designs VP I'd pretty active on their explaining the shelter, he's the one narrating the wind tunnel test.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi...ms/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=100609

Definitely not for everyone, but for hunting with my wife, as close to a tarp as I'll get I think. It won't hack heavy snow loads, some of the Tarptents seem better suited for snow on occasion, like the Stratospire.

 

[tipsntails7]

Take my opinion for what it's is, I obviously don't have the tent but 400 bucks for a non freestanding, single wall, 3 season tent is to steep for me. Id say better tents that have proven track records are available for less coin.

 

[Rob McConnell]

That's why I'm asking. Maybe you could name a few? I can get the FL 1 for $255.

 

[tipsntails7]

Are you looking for a solo shelter with room for gear or a true 2 person shelter?
Every where I see the FL 1 is 320 and FL2 is 400

 

[Rob McConnell]

Solo with room/vestibule room for gear. I really like the side door, and to have reachable access to my gear. Also would like to put my trekking poles to use to save weight. I have been looking at the pyrimid style tarp tents as well, but dont really know a whole lot about them, or who has quality products and who doesnt.

If you sign up for the backcountryedge.com "edge" program, you get a one time 20% off coupon. Wish they sold optics!

 

[tipsntails7]

Bitterroot named a good one but looks like it has been renamed the protrail. I've not had one but have seen one used quite a bit(contrail) and have been really impressed. Henry at tarptent makes great products that are well tested and well liked, he's got other models you may want to look at as well. If your not married to the trekking poles the rainbow is an awesome solo shelter.

I'm biased towards six moons designs, they are from my home state and made about an hour from where I grew up and when you call them the owner answers the phone

The skyscape and lunar solo are both Great options and they have a price and weight class for everyone regarding each tent they make. They are also made in small batches and are in my opinion a great bang for the buck shelter that does not skimp on quality.

If your willing to go floor less then your options go up an insane amount, an I will default to guys who have much more knowledge then I do in that area, but you can start getting into the low teens to single digit in the ounce category.

 

[Rob McConnell]

Awesome.. good stuff, thanks, ill check them out