4 season tents

m@tty

m@tty

Member
Was looking for some insight into a 2 person 4 season tent to use for multi-day ski tours. Someone recommended the Black Diamond Trango, so that one is on the short list. I've also been researching on the MEC website looking for some more economical tents; one that has caught my eye was the MEC Lightfield.

With that said, I'd like to generate some discussion and hear some of your opinions on some 4 season tents. I need some direction and I'm hoping this thread can steer me straight.

Cheers
 
My only real experience with 4-season tents is an older MSR Fury

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/explore-series/fury/product

It's pretty great. It fits two people more comfortably than most of the two person tents I've been in, it's quite light but stays secure in windy conditions (although I suspect there is a limit there compared to some of the more stream-lined tents), and the vestibule is set up such that I can maneuver my way out of the tent without dumping snow down my collar.

I feel that the MEC Nunatak is probably more comparable to the Trango (I think it's Mountain Hardwear though, not Black Diamond), despite being a 3 person tent, as both would be more suitable for big trips (heavier but more spacious) whereas the Lightfield and Fury would get a little constrained on longer trips.

Overall I have a high level of trust for MEC product quality so if you're looking for a cheaper alternative something of theirs would be a good way to go.
 
Thanks for the reply. And yes it is the Mountain Hardwear Trango, not sure why I said BD ...

One of my concerns is as to whether I should just fork up the extra money or go the economical route. Similarly, if the more pricey gear is that much better quality than the offerings by MEC.
 
Well the good news it you've got plenty of options, the bad news is that they're all super fkn expensive. 4 season tents are totally a niche market so they're built to a whole other level. There are also some 3 season tents that would likely stand up to the wear of winter so long as they didn't see heavy snow, but if you're going to be doing it a lot I'd absolutely invest in a 4 season with real backbone- I mean who DOESN'T want big snowfall on a camping tour?

Here's a good place to start looking and getting a feel for the product field.

http://www.backcountry.com/4-season-tents

I'd steer you towards anything BD, MSR or MH, as they all make great entry level tents. I doubt you're trying to buy a Hilleberg for your first. So yeah, the trangos are nice and the EV2 is also sick but like I said they're pricey, about the same as a pair of skis- but will last you for likely the next 5 years of camping or more- maybe 10 if you treat it right.

 
I'd say bigger is better within reasonable weight of course. When we go i usually take a three man for two people as to have as much room as possible inside for gear and what not
 
I have actually been doing a fair bit of research and crossed paths with a few Hillebergs. The Hilleberg Nammatj 2 was reviewed as the one of the best 4 season tents as maintained by the Outdoor GearLab tests and were in a similar price range as the BD and MH tents: http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/4-Season-Tent-Reviews. Unfortunately it seems nearly impossible to get one of those in Canada, as from what I can tell they are not sold here.

My concerns with the EV2 is that although it is super light, there doesn't seem to be an outside vestibule. How important is that with regards to effective gear storage and avoiding getting water/snow/moisture in your tent?

The Trango also seems like a good option, but from what I've read it is on the heavier side. Mostly I'll be sharing a tent with one other person, but in the off change that I'm alone in the tent, how much of an impact would it be carrying that sucker alone?

 
I use a eureka outfitter sq, its a 3+ season tent. The a frame design works awesome for snow, super strong poles, and great head room. Biggest con is very high winds, this can be mitigated with good tent placement.

 
Making an assumption here but if you're looking at mec tents you live somewhere near mec? If so, drink heavily, pass out then wake up haggard as and go to mec and test out tents. (ie sleep in them). They have a huge selection and you can get a feel for setup/teardown in the worst conditions. Oh ya, don't bring your wallet. If you think you like it come back and have a second take.

Now to answer the actual question, mec tents are super solid, with. Cheap replacement parts which can be a huge advantage, but they aren't the lightest or most streamlined compared to others. From experience I'd go north face. I inherited my parents tent that has been kicking around for a solid 15 years and still going strong. They are also the tents I use guiding trips with kids (who put the ultimate thrash test to tents)

Hope the essay helps aha
 
Well I really like a vestibule, but some people are just fine with their gear in the tent. It's not going to make a gigantic difference unless your gear smells like dead peoples' feet or you're trying to cook in it.

Also all 4 season tents are going to be bulky as hell- I think a trango is like 10 lbs. You can lash it to the outside of your bag if you need to though. You WILL notice the extra weight and bulk of the tent, but it's all relative. I also know of people using their TNF Big Fat Frogs as 4 season tents with no issues, but they also aren't on Mt. Baker either. Snow weight is of limited concern on the EC after all.
 
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