Would appreciate comments from those with experience with Mountain Hardware Waypoint 1 or MSR Zoid 1. Thanks.

Chappy: I considered these tents along with the Henry Shire's Virga (1-person) and Squall (2-person) with floor (see http://www.tarptent.com), plus the Six Moon Designs Europa II (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com). I've heard several times that Mountain Hardwear understates equipment weight. I decided to try a larger single-wall to get more interior space at less weight. The Squall was a leading candidate but they're having pole supplier problems right now and probably won't ship new stuff until April. So, I went with the 2004 Europa II which has gobs of room and weighs 33 oz. with stakes. I also like the side ventilation idea and will bring a small, light sponge in case I experience condensation which most reviewers say is light if it exists at all. I'll post a review after I use it in Georgia the week of April 4th.

Thanks for the links. Look forward to the review.

We got this tent for when my husband and I kayak camp together. On the whole I like the tent with the exception of no screens. If it is hot you can't open up the tent to get the breeze because without screen around the door you get all the bugs as well as the breeze. -- Gets hot during hot weather. HH

Would appreciate comments from those with experience with Mountain Hardware Waypoint 1 or MSR Zoid 1. Thanks.
I haven't run into anyone who has been really happy with the Waypoint. I used a Zoid 1 for around a year and really liked it in all sorts of conditions. The only down side is that it is almost 3lbs. Coming in around 1lb less are hybrid shelters from Tarptent and Six Moon Designs which are large enough for two people. If you really want a double-walled tent I would also recommend looking at Hilleberg Akto.

So, I went with the 2004 Europa II which has gobs of room and weighs 33 oz. with stakes.

I am interested in the Europa II tent, but I am not sure if it will accomodate someone of my heigth. I am 6' 3" and I hate having my feet (or worse yet, my face) pressed up against the wall of the tent. Do you know if this would comfortably accomodate a tall hiker?

:confused:

this tent design is brilliant and there is quite some variability in the way it can be deployed because the 'internal' tent can be unclipped from the fly, but when attached (normal configuration) you can set up the tent in a downpour and have no fear of the inside getting wet...the Akto is billed as a single but there is room for 2 if cozy, and if no bugs and the internal tent is unclipped you def. have room for 2...mine weighs 2lb 6oz ( I subbed out the aluminum pole with a carbon fiber one and the zipper pulls with Triptease )...this tent is rock solid in high wind and can take a snow load.....not knocking the other tents mentioned but you will be impressed with the design. the material is approaching spectra in strength. Another impressive feature is the room in the alcove/vestibule, you can cook and store your gear (large pack and boots) and do your cooking from the comfort of your sleeping bag...the only down is the monies you cough up for one. I spent a night just south of Hogpen Gap in a howling wind in the Akto and it never flapped.
One piece of advice in setting it up, you will need considerable room around the room for the guylines....

I am interested in the Europa II tent, but I am not sure if it will accomodate someone of my heigth. I am 6' 3" and I hate having my feet (or worse yet, my face) pressed up against the wall of the tent. Do you know if this would comfortably accomodate a tall hiker?

:confused:

illininagel,

You won't have any problem fitting in the Europa II. With a floor that's 90" or 7' 6" feet long, you will have over a foot of room to spare. The tent is 60" wide at the front and 54" wide at the foot.

Ron

With a floor that's 90" or 7' 6" feet long, you will have over a foot of room to spare.

Ron, thanks for that information. I've found that with some tents the length is a little misleading. Sometimes the slope of the walls reduces the effective length of the tent significantly. That's why I like to be sure before shelling out the money for one.

Thanks to those who replied to MY question.

I've found that with some tents the length is a little misleading. Sometimes the slope of the walls reduces the effective length of the tent significantly.

That's a good point to consider, especially concerning single walled tents, small tarps or tarp/tents. You need keep enough volume of space around you to minimize potential contact with condensation forming surfaces and to allow you to move freely around the shelter.

The rear wall of the Europa II is primarily mesh and runs vertically from floor to ceiling. The front door is also mostly meshed and it leans outward. Together this gives you full use of the length of the tent. The sidewalls do lean in, however there is a large mesh panel starting at 6” from the front running to 2’ from the rear on both sides of the tent. These panels are large enough to prevent you from rolling over and cutting off ventilation as is possible in some single walled tents. In addition they keep you away from any condensation that may form on the outer surfaces. The lower half of the Europa II acts much like a double wall tent.

Ron

Thanks to those who replied to MY question.


New question: Anyone familiar with MSR Hubba?

Chappy, I used the MSR Zoid last year on my thru-hike and absolutely loved that tent. That tent is the best hiking tent that I've ever seen. When it rained cats and dogs I stayed completly dry while others I knew didn't. The tents small vestebule allows you to cook under it in the rain as well. I'm 6' tall and had plenty of room in the tent. Although it weighs in at just over 3 lbs there is no other double walled tent that is better in my opinion and single walls ....well, if you don't mind getting wet by in the rain or by early morning dew I guess those are a good fit.

Mountain Dew,
Is condensation a problem with the Zoid 1?
Also, can it be set up quickly?
Thanks.

Condensation with the Zoid 1 ? Not at all. The rainfly on this tent is excellent. When you see one set up you will also see the vent they have built into the rainfly that allows air to come in and still keeps out the rain. I never had a problem with condensation.

The first time I used this tent it took me about 8 minutes I believe,but after a few days of this it usually took me less than 5 minutes. The tent only has two poles. You really need to go see one at a store and set it up though to get a true feel of the tent. I will have mine at Trail Days very close to Miss Janets tent. The Zoids are Red/tan. Good luck

No Trail Days for me...too far from Korea! Maybe I can see it at REI in Atlanta when I return this summer. Thanks for the info!

I am looking to drop weight of shelter. I am looking for 3lbs. or less with full rainfly, vestibul and must be FREEstanding tent. Anything out there? Price is no option. Thx in advance. Steve (Littlebear 2 in CT)

New question: Anyone familiar with MSR Hubba?
Yep. I own one and am very impressed with it. The weight is somewhere around 3 lbs, the entire upper section is no see um mesh so you can leave the fly off if dew, wind or rain is not a concern. Good for stargazing...

It is free standing so you can pitch it then move it around if you change your mind about where to stake the tent, and it is versatile - you can pitch the fly with the groundcloth and leave the tent at home if bugs are not a problem in order to save weight. The vestibule is roomy enough to cook under if you had to, and your shouldn't have a problem getting your pack and boots under there.

Here is one discussion on it:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4697

And here is a pic of mine on Max Patch from my gallery:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5353/password/0/sort/1/cat/500/page/3

I haven't run into anyone who has been really happy with the Waypoint. I used a Zoid 1 for around a year and really liked it in all sorts of conditions. The only down side is that it is almost 3lbs. Coming in around 1lb less are hybrid shelters from Tarptent and Six Moon Designs which are large enough for two people. If you really want a double-walled tent I would also recommend looking at Hilleberg Akto.

We used the Waypoint II on our thru and continue to use it on weekend trips. I think it is the best tent we have ever owned. 3lbs for a 2-man tent that is spacious enough for both of us and our gear inside. we love it and have had absolutely no problems. best full-blown "tent" (ie fully enclosed) i have seen on the market. by the way, we also own the MSR Zoid. Although similar, we like the Waypoint better.

We used the Waypoint II on our thru and continue to use it on weekend trips. I think it is the best tent we have ever owned. 3lbs for a 2-man tent that is spacious enough for both of us and our gear inside. we love it and have had absolutely no problems. best full-blown "tent" (ie fully enclosed) i have seen on the market. by the way, we also own the MSR Zoid. Although similar, we like the Waypoint better.


that said I have one for sale, used twice. my husband finally went to a hammock and a tent is no longer needed. st/hh