Edit: The tent was used in the mountains, so I have some additional observations for those interested.
- Moisture management is very good. The floor (combined with the company's groundsheet) remained completely dry even in demanding terrain such as wet grass in the mountains (due to high humidity). I also did not notice any moisture inside, so the ventilation of the tent is very effective.
- In light rain, it obviously had no issues, but it has not been tested in heavy rain or strong wind.
- The included ropes are reflective and slightly glow in the dark (very useful for not tripping over them and for distinguishing your tent).
- The space outside the tent comfortably fits a 65-liter backpack.
- One downside is that there is no elastic fabric piece in the center of the side parts of the rain fly (not at the entrances) to tension the fly and keep the rain further away from the tent floor, as well as to increase airflow.
Attention! Due to this feature and the fact that the tent is 50% fabric inside and not mesh, the airflow is minimal. This makes the tent suitable for mountain use for most months of the year, but unsuitable for use in low altitudes during summer or in places with high temperatures.
In summary, I consider it a great value for its price, at least in the Greek market where I haven't found anything more value for money in a 3-season (mountain) tent. Obviously, it lacks some features that would elevate it in the competition, but you can't have it all in this price range.
I will provide an update when it is used in strong wind/rain to inform about that aspect as well.
The tent has been used in Taygetus and I haven't tested it in rain or strong wind yet, so I definitely don't have a complete opinion. I will write some initial impressions to give potential buyers an idea
(disclaimer: I have never used a winter/waterproof tent or a much more expensive one to have an objective comparison)
I will start by saying that the tent is a 3-season tent. It should not be considered a winter tent, as almost 50% of the interior surface is mesh.
Positives:
- Easy to set up. The aluminum poles easily snap together as if magnetized. Even one person can set it up comfortably.
- The stakes are of high quality and made of aluminum.
- I consider the size to be ideal. It is really for 2 people, can sleep 2 large adults with some equipment inside the tent, while there is also extra storage space outside the tent for medium backpacks
- incredibly convenient that it has 2 entrances, the tent literally becomes a deluxe suite with an inflatable mattress
- The zippers are very high quality, slide effortlessly and there are several pockets/places inside to put small items
- Ropes are included (premounted) for extra wind resistance
- quite light for its size and materials
Negatives/concerns
- The tent is not stated to have a PU coating or silicone treatment on its polyester (it simply states that it has a flame retardant coating), resulting in the 5000mm rating being considered unreliable, as polyester tents typically gain their waterproofing this way. There are winter tents with 10 times lower ratings (3000/4000) that truly do not let water in at all.
- The floor is excessively thin, so I consider using the tent without a groundsheet to be prohibitive, especially in the mountains
- the poles are only 7.9mm when most of the competition's tents have 8.5++
- the welded seams (inside) are with a thin transparent material that is borderline like sellotape, did not give me a very high-quality vibe
- Packing up the tent is difficult, as it does not have standard buckles, so it is always borderline in its bag when packed up
In conclusion: for its price, it may be the best one can get in a 3+ season tent. If it is truly as waterproof as the company claims and its poles perform well in strong winds, then I will come back to give it a 5/5 rating.
As an alternative, the only close one I have found is the Keumer Season. So if your budget does not allow for something more expensive in the 200+++ category, then I think you will be satisfied with around 150.
