It's been some time since I have blogged, because I had nothing to blog about. But since I have an infinite amount of free time nowadays, I thought of blogging about tents. (I was planning to buy one)
So upon watching YouTube videos, I stumbled upon this...
Long haired Colonel Sanders just about sums up what are needed to be considered in choosing tents. I narrowed it down to 2 possible types, the dome type and the tadpole type. The dome type offers a larger livable space, while the tadpole type offers the aerodynamic design.
So upon looking at different brands and different models, I came up with these 5 finalists that are readily available locally.
1. The North Face Tadpole 23
You can't go wrong with The North Face brands, what I like about this model is the ample amount of headroom and living space compared that of the local tadpole tents. But alongside this tent is a steep price tag that I need to think thrice before purchasing.
2. Mountain Hardwear Raven 2
Next up is the Mountain Hardwear Raven 2. This is a dome type of tent, it offers a bigger living space than that of a tadpole tent but it is not as aerodynamically designed. But as I found out from asking other team mates and other mountaineers, the dome type will suffice most mountains, and it is also a matter of pitching your tent securely to avoid being blown away or apart. Now as with The North Face Tadpole 23, this tent also comes with a steep price tag. Although it is not as expensive as the former, a lot of thinking should still be considered if I am to purchase this one.
3. Sierra Designs Zia 2
This is the Sierra Designs Zia tent, (the video shows the 3 person but it also comes with a 2 person tent). Another dome type tent, this gives a larger living space because of it's extended side design. a larger living space would mean a larger area on which to move about. What I also like about this tent is that it comes with a free gear loft and groundsheet.
4. Kelty Trail Ridge 2
Next is the Kelty Trail Ridge 2 tent, as with the Sierra Designs Zia video, it comes with a 2 person tent. This is also a dome type tent, a slightly smaller headspace as with the Sierra Designs Zia 2 but larger than the Mountain Hardwear Raven 2. This is the cheapest of all the dome type tents in this review. It also comes with a free gear loft but with no groundsheet. Which is fine because I can just tailorfit local materials that will be cheaper.
5. Brown Trekker Tadpole
This is the last tent on my list, it is the cheapest of the 5 because it's a local brand. Unfortunately, there are no video reviews for this tent. But upon looking at the pictures, It is quite similar to the Apexus Tadpole but with a slight difference. The Brown Trekker Tadpole tent looks similar to The North Face's Tadpole 23 with the mesh body. It doesn't come with a groundsheet or gear loft but as stated, it is the cheapest of all the tens here.
I have summarized these tents dimensions.
Now what I look for in a tent is a good amount of living space, as much as possible 2 doors and 2 vestibules as to not to disturb your tent mate when going in and out of the tent.
So what tent should I buy? My verdict? I am leaning on purchasing the Kelty Trail Ridge 2 tent. It is the cheapest among the dome type tents here with the characteristics I am looking for.
But who knows, I might go for another tent which is not here. :D
credits to YouTube, ZapposGear, BackCountryEdge and Brown Trekker FB Page.
