SQUIRREL_TEXT_13115717
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First impressions
Packed, this is a pretty compact tent, but once it’s up, it offers a decent amount of storage alongside a decent-sized inner tent – if there’s one of you.
As a two-person tent, this is snug, and you might find yourself wishing some of that storage could be repurposed as living space.
Is it easy to pitch?
Despite having decades of experience pitching all kinds of tent, this wasn’t an intuitive one to erect, and the instruction diagrams only really make sense once you’ve finished the step.
Having said which, even then, first time pitching this was up and ready to go in 20 minutes, and the second pitch halved that.
It would be helpful if there was some colour coding to help you work out which way around everything goes, but the pole system for the inner tent couldn’t be more straightforward.
Hooking on the fly sheet takes no time, so if you have to get this one up in wet weather, you shouldn’t end up sleeping in puddles.
What about packing away?
Once up, getting it down is a doddle. Within five minutes the whole thing was packed away and zipped up (there was a refreshing lack of squishing and squeezing to get the bag fastened).
What is the inner tent like?
If you’re planning on using this as a two-person tent, you’d want to be on pretty intimate terms with your companion: it’s a snug fit. But for a one-person tent, the MT900 is spacious enough to be comfortable, even with kit inside.
The groundsheet is pretty thin, so I’d be wary of how it would stand up on rough ground, but for light duties, it’s hard to fault.
Inside there are a couple of decent-sized pockets on the side, and two above. There’s also a useful hook to hang a light from.
As this is a dome tent, the ground sheet extends to prove spacious canopies either side between the inner and outer tents for storing bags, boots, etc.
How waterproof is the tent?
For a tent in this price range, it stands up well to adverse weather. It’s waterproof, and the manufacturer claims that it is resistant to force 8 winds.
One nice feature is a pair of vents in the roof, which prop open neatly to allow air to circulate.
Is the tent lightweight enough for multi-day hikes?
At just shy of 2kg, this may not be the lightest tent you’ll find, but it’s not far off – especially for the price.
Best used for:
This isn’t a hardcore tent for heavy use in extremes conditions. But beyond that, it’s a great all-rounder. Take it to festivals, on camping weekends, chuck it in the car as an overflow tent if your children our outgrowing the family tent.
This would also make an ideal tent for take on cycling trips, as it’s the perfect shape and size to strap onto most pannier systems.
Good value?
At this price, it’s difficult to go too far wrong.
Facts at a glance:
- Packed size: 39x12x12cm
- Weight: 1.95kg
- Inner height:
- Suitable for: Three seasons
- Waterproof rating:
- Poles:
SQUIRREL_13115717
