For instance, you can reduce the overall weight by leaving the center-pole at home and use a pine (cut to length) instead. With upgraded poles this could be a passable tent but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend.The TIPITENT® is modular design thus you can tailor the TIPITENT® for each trip. I took it back to the store the next day and got my money back. And just like that, SNAP, one split down the middle.
I set it up for her since I knew the poles were delicate. I still figured for $28 it was worth it since its so light, I'll just plan to leave the door screen open. But the inside walls were soaking wet with beaded water, had to carefully get out of my sleeping bag to not get it wet. And I had left the door screen half open too. I woke in the morning to TONS of condensation. It's a little cramped for my 6'1" frame, my feet were touching the end since its tapered so radically. No biggie, stuck them in the side of my pack.ĭid the backpacking dry run at a campground and it setup quick and held up fine in steady 25mph wind with decent gusts. It packs down really small but the poles are about 18" sections. I sprayed the bottom with a waterproofer. I set it up at home, it's pretty quick and easy but the materials are paper thin, not good considering its an all-in-one design with no rainfly. I'd read elsewhere the fiberglass poles were really weak so I made sure to be extra careful with them. I was in the market for a solo tent for backpacking so I figured for under $30 and 4 pounds it was worth a shot. Got this on sale at Sports Authority for $28 (regularly $39). So at that price it was a steal! If you spend 30-40 dollars upgrading to aluminum poles and 10 bucks on a can of waterproofing spray, you'll have spent $60 and have a shelter comparable to those on the market selling for 100-200 bucks. so be careful.Īs a side note: I purchased the Hiker/Biker II (soloist) at Sports Authority for 15$ on clearance. I dislike fiberglass anyway, but these are pretty flimsy. Major Downside: is the thin fiberglass poles. great to have that extra insurance when you hear thunder! Reasonable price tag too! T ry a site like T ent Pole Technologies (www tentpoletechnologies dot com) if you are looking to replace your poles. aluminum) If not you may want to add some duct or electrical tape to re-enforce the fiberglass. Recommend replacing the poles outright with a more durable, lighter material (i.e. Just prop the rain fly up in a few spots to allow air to flow a bit more freely. Setup is super easy and takes a few minutes, while it's not freestanding the "tube" design offers nice access and enough room inside.īoth version have no-see-m mesh and in cool/cold weather do make sure you have some extra ventilation to prevent condensation build up. (retreat every year or two depending on use) Highly recommend seam sealing the tent and spraying waterproofing on the fly and floor.
Both have a full rain fly which is great for inclement weather. While the similar yet smaller Hiker/Biker II is truly a soloist shelter for those campers 6 feet and under. The Hiker/Biker Original is roomier with enough space for two people and some vestibule room for wet pack or boots. The Alpine Design Hiker/Biker and Hiker/Biker II is a solid, economical tent for the outdoors person on a budget.