View Full Version : New poncho/tarp combo
Take a look at this. The Rocket X The lasted creation from Michael Wong from Hong Kong. (his third version of the Rocket)
It looks like the type of practical shelter/poncho combination some of you guys and gals have been asking for. Not ultralite, Michael does not use silnylon (yet), nevertheless clever.
If the link does not work it's Luxeoutdoor.com (Rocket X)
http://www.luxeoutdoor.com/eng/catalog-topic-gallery-view1.asp?id=821&selfpath=/12/125
Franco
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-23-2007, 09:53
Sweet design. It looks like you could clip the hooks together in poncho mode to keep the poncho from blowing around in heavy wind. The door / bug-mesh / fly design which includes a covered vestibule for gear solves several of the problems people have cited with existing poncho-tarps.
I thought that you would like that design. Yes the poncho can be clipped together. The other great feature is the ability to pitch the "inner" by it self, so on a nice warm night you have good ventilation and full view of the stars. Should be also easier to stay dryer during a wet set up, compared with a poncho only solution. The next problem would be to convince Michael to make it in silnylon, the double coated version, not the type they use in China.
Franco
Two Speed
05-23-2007, 21:19
Any idea what the pack weight is?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-23-2007, 21:24
+ / - 950 gms per website so about 2 lbs. As Franco notes, he made it with coated nylon rather than silnylon. I'm betting the weight could be brought down to about 1.25 to 1.5 pound with silnylon.
me likey
the page said +/- 950 grams which is 2lbs
so where here in the states would we find this tent? and how much?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-23-2007, 21:55
Thickredhair, I emailed the company and asked them to respond to your questions on the thread.
Luxe Outdoor is not represented in the US. The Rocket X is not in production as yet. Michael often puts up his prototypes on the net to gauge the interest in that particular product. It is a safe guess that he could have that made under any brand using whatever material is requested given the right quantity.(300+)
Again as a "guess" it could retail over there for $169/189 in silnylon.
Franco
Thickredhair, I emailed the company and asked them to respond to your questions on the thread.
me too!!! lol
socalhiker
05-25-2007, 12:57
I would buy either one of these tents, that is either the Rocket or Mini Peak w/ floor, if they were offered here in Sil-nylon. Actually I would probably buy both of them.
Franco, have you discussed these designs with Henry?
socalhiker
05-25-2007, 13:35
I have continued to examine these tents, the Rocket and Mini Peak, especially the Mini Peak, actually both equally, and they are a UL hiker's dream. Hopefully this guy will attempt to export them to the U.S. My attempt to email him was thwarted by a buggy website.
The Mini Peak II is the result of my criticism , following a test run, of the Mini Peak. There are several modification implemented that I suggested to Michael and within two months he had the new version out. (no, I don't get paid for this)
Luxe will upgrade the design and finish of all of their range, including using silnylon , next year.
I will have a prototype of the X-Rocket mid June.
No, I have not discussed that design with Henry, I keep my various interests separate.
Michael Wong has sold a large number of the Habitat ( a "tribute" to the Hubba Hubba) to an American brand, I have not spotted that one for sale as yet. (let me know if you see it)
The Aussie importer of Luxe, Tim Campbell a mate of mine, will be pleased to sell you any of their products. He also sells Montane.
http://www.hikelight.com.au/
BTW, I am not particularly fond of the poncho/tarp thing, I am happy with my Montane /Contrail combo, but I think that the X-Rocket has a lot of potential and some of you will like it. I will post some pictures when I get it.
Franco
socalhiker
05-25-2007, 21:41
These two tents would complinent one another for most of the hiking that I do. Approximately how much do the sil-nylon versions weigh- the Mini and the Rocket?
By the way, I did not understand that you had a professional relationship with Michael or I would not have asked the question as whether or not you had discussed plans, still in development, of one manufacturer with another so please forgive any inappropriate inference there because I certainly didn’t mean to suggest it.
Yes, the Habitat, I noticed looks like a Hubba. i look forward to seeing photos of both tents.
Hi
There is no real professional relationship, that would imply that I get paid. I am just a gear freak that likes to stick is nose into someone else's business.I appreciate your interest and certainly am not offended by your comments.
Now we just have to wait for a few weeks.
Using silnylon is just my idea , I have been trying for two years to convince him (through the local agent) that the extra cost is worth the few ounces saved for the USA market.So there is no prototype made with it. Keep in mind that there are different grades and types of silnylon. Michael will switch to it next year if there is enough interest and the price is right. Renee (The Female Dino) I think had a pretty good guess at the weight difference.
Franco
Now THAT, is really cool... :cool:
socalhiker
05-26-2007, 00:30
So Rene, if you are still there, what would be your estimate for the weight of the Mini Peak? ...and thanks Franco for the follow up. I am looking forward to seeing what this year brings in the way of new tent designs.
here is the response i got from the company when i e-mailed to ask about it:
"We don't hv any distributor in US by the moment
and the possible solution is xx kg mail box.
We will produce PU coated version for HK and China market at about usd 65-70 for local retail selling as our warehouse is sticking here.
We may start silicon version for next season only as its high price may not work easily
in our local market.
The x-rocket in PU version will only be available by Sept.
B.rgds
Michael"
If I bought this now, it would replace my
Rain gear frogg toggs = 12 oz
Tarp 5 X 8 sil= 7 oz.
Bivy equinox= 6.5 oz
Bug Bivy A-16 = 6.5 oz.
All that equals 2 lbs. So I'd break even. Now if it were sil nylon, all the weight saved would equal weight off my back. I like using components instead of one unit for those 4 items, but not as much as I like getting weight off my back.
Cost is considered too
frogg toggs = $40
Tarp = $50
Bivy = $60
Big Bivy = $30
= $180 USD.
Quick update. I received the X-Rocket as well as a pair of rain chaps and a Mini Peak II. The latter one is for me to play with a pyramid style tent.
The X Rocket is 877g (30.94 oz) without stakes, it needs 6. The chaps are 86 g (3 oz)
As they are at the moment they will fit comfortably only folks up to 175 cm (5.7") . I slept in it last night, it was rainy and windy, apart from some flapping noises from the hood/vent and some condensation towards the foot end it performed well.
Keep in mind that it is a few months away but I recon that it could sell as it is for just under $150 US inc the rain chaps.That should be good value for a shelter and rain combo for the budget conscious lightweight hiker ( ?)
I will post a link to the poncho/rain chap picture later on today ( if it stops raining) as well as one of the inner.
I have thought of some changes already, but suggestions are very welcome.( for 08 production...)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Mini%20Peak/Luxe-x-2.jpg (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Mini Peak/Luxe-x-2.jpg)
Franco
Footslogger
06-26-2007, 18:36
Along the same lines as the Gatewood Cape, but looks a bit more complicated.
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=45
'Slogger
Ron Moak can rest at ease, it's nothing like the Gatewood Cape.
It's still raining outside, (it never rains inside the house) but I took a couple of quick shots that hopefully show the difference.
The Gatewood Cape is a down to the floor tarp/poncho combination.
The X-Rocket is a tent that uses the poncho as the fly for the front part. As you can see here. (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Mini%20Peak/X-ray.jpg)
This (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Mini%20Peak/X-inner.jpg) is the inner alone.
It takes about 2.5 min ( for me) to put the all thing up, around 30 seconds for the poncho part. That is the big advantage. If it is raining you can keep the poncho on , find the spot, put the inner up ( you will get some water inside the front part, but less than you would with most inner first tents) and then quickly take the poncho off and clip it on the already set stakes and the ridge hook.
Obviously you also have a fairly large vestibule and the option of a fully enclosed but ventilated inner for dry warm weather. This is not a copy of anything else, not that I am aware of at least.
Franco
NCThiker
06-26-2007, 20:58
I tried the poncho/tarp bit, and I can not handle hiking in a poncho, at all. All that loose fabric flapping around drove me nuts. I wouldn't trade my rain gear for anything.
That is a cool design! I would buy one is sil
gold bond
06-27-2007, 13:11
Does any one have rain gear that is vented better than the Marmont Precip line? Either that or I sweat way to much! My son has the Mnt. HW Rain suite and he sweats as well.
I have a friend that uses a umbrella and a "rain skirt" made from a lightweight material. Looks funny but he swears by the whole set up.
Frogg Toggs are suppose to vent better?
Michael has re-designed the poncho/shelter combination adding several nice features, pretty much addressing all of the shortcomings of the first version.
Please have a look at the before and after here
http://www.luxeoutdoor.com/eng/catalog-topic-gallery-view1.asp?id=821&selfpath=/12/125
The vestibule is now easily accessible, that also makes it easier to keep the rain out of the inner during entry and exit.
The new mid guy-out points are mostly to create a much wider mid section and the new X pole arrangement (two sleeved light poles) lifts the canopy from the foot area. Should work for folk up to about 6'
For the moment it is still made with rip-stop nylon but still under 1 kg and it will be under $150 US.
For the ones that have asked, there will be a Mini Peak III soon, essentially a bigger version of the II, again to accommodate taller hikers.
Franco
Frolicking Dinosaurs
08-03-2007, 09:21
I have a friend that uses a umbrella and a "rain skirt" made from a lightweight material. Looks funny but he swears by the whole set up.Umbrellas work in light rain without wind and have the additional function of providing portable shade in open hiking environs (like desert and above tree-line). If I were using a poncho / shelter combo, I'd seriously consider carrying an umbrella as when the item is deployed as a shelter, you will be without raingear.
Speaking of umbrellas, isn't this Franco posing for us?
I wish I was as sexy as the guy in that picture... , is that what you call a "chick magnet" ?
In spite of my efforts with the Luxe combo, I still prefer a rain jacket and pants and a separate shelter. The FD suggestion of an umbrella is one way to cope with life at camp, the Luxe version is their Featherlite (90g) jacket (http://www.luxeoutdoor.com/eng/catalog-topic-gallery-view1.asp?id=804&selfpath=/127 (http://www.luxeoutdoor.com/eng/catalog-topic-gallery-view1.asp?id=804&selfpath=/127)) . This is a versatile wind and rain jacket that could also be used as a "vapor barrier" inside the sleeping bag . With the poncho I would recommend their very inexpensive (under $10 US) rain chaps , 90g with the bag.
What would you pay for a 40 oz package that includes poncho/rain chaps/fully enclosed shelter and rain/wind jacket ?
Franco
So that's where you all are :D I thought nobody was interested
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=382941#post382941
and then I see an other thread is already going here.
After some more use of the X-thing, I'll add, that even though it's a nice concept, and it's GREEN !!!! it does need some more fabric to cover the lower rear sidewalls, and specially it needs an axtra guyline attacmentpoint on the poncho, placed in the middle from the ponchos side an rear corners. Since the poncho is a little short on exately that "missing guyoutpoint" when worn as reaingear, it could handle that extra fabric. As is, it captures a lot of wind and windblown on the sides in sheltermode. The innertent side guyout could be connected with that new poncho guyout and so be staked in the same stake.
It's also a little short inside the inner, only just 80" so it's not for tall people.
What I would do, if it was my disign, was to place the pole a little out of centerlength line and then sleep the hole lenght, and have the vestibule in the sideentrance, something like the Gatewood/Oasis.
An here is an other Rocket:
http://www.moonbowgear.com/1trailgear/3Tents/Rocket/rocket.html
Anyway, the PU material is nice for poncho, not as "hot" as Silicone and it doesn't so easy hang on to thorns and everything when walking. But that discussion about material I think is much depending on personal experience and idears. With all new products it's the design that first keeps my interest more then the materials, which will hopefully be adjusted in later models.
The Luxeoutdoor's X-Rocket, with the chaps added, is a nice little multy-combo package when expecting NICE-weather. I love that chaps !
By the way, Ron at Sixmoondesigns just told me that there is comming out a net shelter for the Gatewood. I'm really looking much foreward to try that.
Hey Max did you have a look at the new version ? The link is posted above ,in my "update"
That is the best compromise Michael could come up to keep the weight and the price down. The new foot section in particular will allow a lot more ventilation to flow, I was getting all of that section covered with condensation because my puffy bag was clogging the vent. With the new foot end the length remains the same but in practice you gain about 5" The other main advantage is the accessibility of the vestibule from the inside without having to be a contortionist.
I do realize that some will not like the idea of the "Made in China" label but even my Bibler tent was made there... and of course you can always ( as I do) go high tech with your local manufacturers.
Franco
BTW, the X-Rocket Mark II is the fourth version ( that I know of) of the Luxe Rocket series.
There is another very nice solo tent coming up, double skin , about 1300g ( for the light and comfy brigade, like me...)
Hey Max did you have a look at the new version ? The link is posted above ,in my "update"
That is the best compromise Michael could come up to keep the weight and the price down. The new foot section in particular will allow a lot more ventilation to flow, I was getting all of that section covered with condensation because my puffy bag was clogging the vent. With the new foot end the length remains the same but in practice you gain about 5" The other main advantage is the accessibility of the vestibule from the inside without having to be a contortionist.
I do realize that some will not like the idea of the "Made in China" label but even my Bibler tent was made there... and of course you can always ( as I do) go high tech with your local manufacturers.
Franco
BTW, the X-Rocket Mark II is the fourth version ( that I know of) of the Luxe Rocket series.
There is another very nice solo tent coming up, double skin , about 1300g ( for the light and comfy brigade, like me...)
Hi Franco
I don't mind "made in China" - we all better get used to that soon :-?
Anyway, I've got the model without the X foot end, it really is a funny little shelter, and I could maybe live with the missing length, but I still think it needs some side support/covering as mentioned before. But it's GREEN ! Not many manufactores have discovered the advantages of that color.
And yes you'r right, the new 1.300 grams doublewall Firefly looks very interesting, even though it's allmost the weight of an Akto :D I've only seen that model with the lower placed vents and the shorter innerfloor from about a month or two ago. Have that been changed by now ? Hoping for one more GREEN tent :sun
Max
Hi Franco
BTW - What shelter is shown in the attached picture here ? Have you any more pictures of the Soulo ?
Hi Max
The only three pictures that I have see are the ones here http://www.scandinavianoutdoors.com/ShowDocument.asp?id=7696 (http://www.scandinavianoutdoors.com/ShowDocument.asp?id=7696)
here http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/gear/.var.914522817..10.php (http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/gear/.var.914522817..10.php)
and here http://lighthiker.wordpress.com/2007/07/23/outdoor-2007-tents/ (http://lighthiker.wordpress.com/2007/07/23/outdoor-2007-tents/)
however I do have the PDF of the brochure.
My tent is the TT Rainbow
Franco
A quick update.
The redesigned X Rocket has just won the third prize in the design category at the Nanjing Asia outdoor show. 174 brands had stands and 55% of them were from outside China.
Franco