Marmot Bastille vs. SD Tiros Guide vs. MH Trango 2
Louie Escober
Hello all,
I was in the market for a new 4-season tent, and wanted to see if there
was any advice I could glean from the net. My requirements are for a
4-season mountaineering tent, two man, under 9 lbs., and a 4-pole
modified dome design.
I don't care too much for the modified a-frame tent design where the
poles on the side of the tent don't intersect, such as the North Face
Mountain. (I also don't like those foam spacers the TNF Mountain uses
keep the fly from sagging into the canopy.) Theoretically, the
intersection should increase the strength of the tent. Not sure if
that's true in real life, but I'll go by theory until I learn otherwise.
Also, I don't care for the European design of hoops - kind of like a
quonset hut-type thing. Again, because of the intersection of poles
thing.
Either way, I was looking at Marmot Mountain Work's Bastille (the 1997
model, on sale for $359), the Sierra Designs Tiros Guide (aka Tiros
Expedition, also found on sale for $350), and the Mountain Hardwear
Trango 2 (Also on sale for $380). The square footage of these are all
about the same, as well as, the design. They're all modified domes with
4 main poles. There are a few details in each tent that differ, and
which give me pause for each one. However, I recognize that they're all
bomb-proof, so I'm pretty certain I won't go completely wrong with any
of them. I've got all the catalogs, looked at all the magazine reviews,
done searches on the net and through dejanews, and gone to the stores to
set up each one, sit inside for a while, and make the salespeople
actually weigh the tents. Posting here is my last step in the process.
Just trying to cover all the bases. 8^) Besides, I thought it would be a
useful exercise to write everything down.
Marmot Works Bastille (1997)
2-man tent, two doors, ceiling vent
Min Wt - 7 lbs., 8 oz.
Dimensions: 90"x68"x44"
Sq. Ft - 39.9 + 11.7 vestibule
Materials:
Poles - (4) 7075-T9/.340"
Fly - 40 denier polyester
Canopy - 40 denier ripstop polyester
Floor-70 denier taffeta nylon, 3-layer polyurethane, 100 psi rated
This is a good looking tent. The quality is apparent. The use of
polyester instead of taffeta nylon in the fly and canopy is a nice
touch. It sets up nice and taught, and there are velcro tabs to connect
the fly to the poles, but not as many contact points as the Tiros or the
Trango 2. Lots of tie downs on the fly. Bathtub floor is seam taped, and
I like the ceiling vent. Necessary because of the sleeve design instead
of clips, I guess. The only problem I had with this tent was its
vestibule. It's a stake-out vestibule, so the usable space in it was
pretty small. The other tents under consideration both have poled
vestibules, which is nice. I'd have bought this one right off, but the
vestibule space stopped me. (Note: the Bastille II addresses all of
this, but the new model is heavier. The Sanctum replaces this version of
the tent in the lineup)
Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
2-3 man tent, 2 doors
Min Wt - 8 lbs., 4 oz.
Dimensions: 92"x66"x41"
Sq. Ft - 40.5 + 11 + 5 vestibules
Materials:
Poles - (4) 7075-E9/.380" + (1)eyebrow pole for vestibule
Fly - 70 denier taffeta nylon, 2-layer 1500 mm polyurethane
Canopy - 40 denier ripstop nylon
Floor-70 denier taffeta nylon, 3-layer 1800 mm polyurethane
I like this tent. The construction looks good, and the window in the
vestibule is cool. Mtn. Hardwear says it won't crack or yellow, so I'll
have to take their word for it. Vestibule size looks good - the eyebrow
pole helps a lot. Seam taped floor. Clips to lock the fly to the poles.
Lots of tie downs. The colors were o.k., but I was worried that the dark
color of the canopy would get really hot. It also only has the two large
doors for ventilation, and that is a concern. A ceiling vent would be
nice. I'm leaning towards this tent since it seems to have all the
features I want with reasonably good quality. It's heavier than the
Bastille, and I'm still attracted by the quality of the Marmot Bastille.
Sierra Design Tiros Guide
2-man tent, 2 doors
Min Wt - 8 lbs., 8 oz.
Dimensions: 97"x60"x43"
Sq. Ft - 40 + 11.75
Materials:
Poles - (4) 7079-T9/.380" + (1) vestibule/.355"
Fly - 70 denier, 2.0 oz taffeta nylon, 80 psi rated
Canopy - 40 denier ripstop nylon
Floor-70 denier, 2.6 oz. taffeta nylon, 165 psi rated
Nice tent. Good reputation. It's longer than the others, which makes
more sense for storing gear. Not a big deal since I'm only 5' 8". The
vestibule is the best of the bunch. Lots of room since it uses a full
pole. Same as the others in that it has seam taped floor, clips to lock
the fly to the poles, lots of tie downs. The quality of the materials
and construction seemed less than the others, but its hard to judge.
Their floor has the highest psi rating, but it doesn't seem all that
much better on examination. The poles are burlier, though. The only
problem I had with this tent was the frog-eye vents they use in the
vestibule. They seemed like a prime candidate for leaking wind-driven
rain.
So, to sum up, I'm leaning towards the Trango 2, but the Bastille keeps
catching my eye - mainly because Marmot has done a great job with the
quality of the tent. If the Bastille had a poled vestibule like the
Trango 2, I would have bought it right away, but since it doesn't the
Trango 2 goes to the top of the list. The Tiros Guide would have been at
the top, but the frog-eye vents really turned me off.
If anyone has experiences they could share about these tents, I would
appreciate hearing about it. I would especially like to know about
ventilation in the Trango 2, as well as, experiences with the UVX
window. Also, experiences regarding the frog-eye vents in the Tiros
Guide would be appreciated. There's a sale this weekend at Western
Mountaineering on Moss Tents, so I'll probably go look at those as well,
but they seem a bit heavy. Single-wall tents, such as by Bibler, are
simply out of my price range, and I've discounted the TNF Mountain
because of the modified a-frame design and those foam spacers.
Thanks for your help,
Louie
Sean Parker
Louie Escober wrote:
>
> but they seem a bit heavy. Single-wall tents, such as by Bibler, are
> simply out of my price range, and I've discounted the TNF Mountain
> because of the modified a-frame design and those foam spacers.
>
> Thanks for your help,
>
> Louie
Have you looked at Integral Designs. They are equal in every way to
Bibler but much cheaper. They did a review of one in the Dec. 97
issue of Backpacker. Check it out.
Sean
maohai huang
Louie Escober (louie_...@iacnet.com) wrote:
: I was in the market for a new 4-season tent, and wanted to see if there
I have been for a while. but apparently you can tolerate more weight
in the shelter department so I don't know well about the specific
tents you are looking for. But maybe you will find the following
intersting.
: Also, I don't care for the European design of hoops - kind of like a
: quonset hut-type thing. Again, because of the intersection of poles
: thing.
I know for once when all dome tents in view have collaps due to strong
wind ( poles broke ), and the only standing tent was a hoop type (
Stepheson ). You have to know how to pitch the hoop tents right,
though. ACtually you have to know how to pitch any kind of tent right.
Somehow I can't find many 4 season hoop style tents in the US market.
: Marmot Works Bastille (1997)
this tent is pretty tall for strong wind.
: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
: color of the canopy would get really hot.
Will you have to stay in it when there is sun light ?
ah, just curious, what do you think of Trango Assault?
: the UVX
: window.
Mtn Hdw said it won't crack until -70F, at which point the tent
nylon will lose strength.
: I've discounted the TNF Mountain
: because of the modified a-frame design and those foam spacers.
what is wrong with the foam spacers?
- mh
david mann
: Louie Escober (louie_...@iacnet.com) wrote:
: : Also, I don't care for the European design of hoops - kind of like a
: : quonset hut-type thing. Again, because of the intersection of poles
: : thing.
I've been in both hoop style tents and dome style tents that
have been flattened by the wind. The difference was that the
hoop tent stood back up on its own while the dome tent had
creased poles. Tent judo. Sometimes the way to win is to
give in a little.
maohai huang (mhu...@bu.edu) wrote:
: I know for once when all dome tents in view have collaps due to strong
: wind ( poles broke ), and the only standing tent was a hoop type (
: Stepheson ).
Next time we go north, we need to stop into Jack's shop
in Gilford.
: Somehow I can't find many 4 season hoop style tents in the US market.
The pwer of advertising. "Free-standing"
Louie Escober
maohai huang wrote:
> Louie Escober (louie_...@iacnet.com) wrote:
> : Also, I don't care for the European design of hoops - kind of like a
> : quonset hut-type thing. Again, because of the intersection of poles
> : thing.
>
> I know for once when all dome tents in view have collaps due to strong
> wind ( poles broke ), and the only standing tent was a hoop type (
> Stepheson ). You have to know how to pitch the hoop tents right,
> though. ACtually you have to know how to pitch any kind of tent right.
> Somehow I can't find many 4 season hoop style tents in the US market.
>
Maybe that's why I'm reluctant. Haven't seen many around, so I discount them
more due to ignorance.
> : Marmot Works Bastille (1997)
>
> this tent is pretty tall for strong wind.
>
Agreed. This is a consideration I should take into more account.
> : Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
>
> : color of the canopy would get really hot.
>
> Will you have to stay in it when there is sun light ?
Was thinking if I wanted to use the tent for spring/summer use as well as
winter/mountaineering. Mfrs. call these 4-season tents, but it seems like
some of them are "4th season" tents instead. However, you're right, I
probably won't be in them when the sun is shining and the dark color would
help in drying it after a rain.
> ah, just curious, what do you think of Trango Assault?
I like it. The design is pretty much the same as the Trango, so I kind of
lump them together. I guess when the time comes for the purchase, I'll crawl
between the two and try to decide if I'll deal with the extra weight of the
Trango 2.
> : I've discounted the TNF Mountain
> : because of the modified a-frame design and those foam spacers.
>
> what is wrong with the foam spacers?
>
> - mh
I dunno - it just seems like a cheesy way of keeping the fly off and its
another thing to potentially lose. I know its not a big deal, but given the
fact that there are many other choices, I don't have to deal with little
things like this if I don't want to.
Louie
MB
Maohai Huang >
> Somehow I can't find many 4 season hoop style tents in the US market.
Check out Hilleberg (www.hilleberg.se). High-end '4-season' tents from
Sweden. Many hoop (aka tunnel) type models.
Hoop tents are in general much easier to pitch than domes or hybrids
in high winds, as the non-crossing poles can be pitched parallel to
the ground with the tent lying flat on the ground.
Markus Bjorksten
mfb@[delete this]iki.fi
Joe Owens
I gotta agree that the Integral Design is the best single wall tent for
the money. You can order with plenty of different options like floor
weight, number of doors, ty points. I slept in this with no
condensation. Easy to put up and take down.
That said, I do own a Bibler Awhanee which kicks ass. The fact that the
door opens on the side allows two people in the vestibule, which is huge.
Also the door fold down to cover the inside gear.
On a critical note, I did not like the Garuda or the Mountain hardware,
(not rainproof) single wall tents
Joe
Clyde Soles
Louie Escober <louie_...@iacnet.com> wrote:
> maohai huang wrote:
>
> > Louie Escober (louie_...@iacnet.com) wrote:
> > I know for once when all dome tents in view have collaps due to strong
> > wind ( poles broke ), and the only standing tent was a hoop type (
> > Stepheson ). You have to know how to pitch the hoop tents right,
> > though. ACtually you have to know how to pitch any kind of tent right.
> > Somehow I can't find many 4 season hoop style tents in the US market.
> Maybe that's why I'm reluctant. Haven't seen many around, so I discount them
> more due to ignorance.
The only decent one IMHO is the Kelty Windfoil -- quite nice. TNF
Westwind is ok except for hideous color.
>
> > : Marmot Works Bastille (1997)
> >
> > this tent is pretty tall for strong wind.
> >
> Agreed. This is a consideration I should take into more account.
Some Swedes had this tent at G2 basecamp last year and were very happy
with it. I haven't used it but they said it worked well in high winds.
The reflective tie outs is a major plus but you can upgrade any tent
with the Kelty reflective guylines.
> > Will you have to stay in it when there is sun light ?
>
> Was thinking if I wanted to use the tent for spring/summer use as well as
> winter/mountaineering. Mfrs. call these 4-season tents, but it seems like
> some of them are "4th season" tents instead. However, you're right, I
> probably won't be in them when the sun is shining and the dark color would
> help in drying it after a rain.
Depends on what you use it for. There are many times on big mountains
where you will spend much of the afternoon in the tent hiding from the
sun. Exterior and interior colors are more important than many people
think when you have to spend a lot of time in a tent.
> > what is wrong with the foam spacers?
> I dunno - it just seems like a cheesy way of keeping the fly off and its
> another thing to potentially lose. I know its not a big deal, but given the
> fact that there are many other choices, I don't have to deal with little
> things like this if I don't want to.
I agree. Sloppy design work.