I want to thank you for the very clear look at the room inside with equipment. I am 6'4" and this is definitely too small for me but so many times no one gives such a complete look inside for folks like us to judge the size and height factors.
You're in reality check! Yes,people are looking for this. Thank you! Setting up a tent is not easy-going! Men or women have done this for yrs. For first time users, very hard! Thanks for sharing!
I have an almost identical one of these. A gift from 15 years ago. I’ve been rained on, snowed on, and wind blown in it. I’ve even slept in 25F degrees in it. Outstanding! Stayed dry and warm in it. Mine has a much better rainfly and poles.
At 6' 4" and size 14 shoes, I will check out the 2. I appreciate watching your evaluation because it gives me a better handle on actual usability of space for large folks.
it looks nice but I'm interested in what will happen in rainy day and strong wind, we will wait for your review also on that! nice review by the way. thanks for sharing it.
Love the design I just bough the Solo lunar, I like that top pole, and the near double wall construction. I was regretting my purchase until I saw how small the inside is WOW, thats small! Im 5'11 200 I also want a spot inside for my hyper light bag, which is smaller than most bags
I stumbled upon this video after I just got the flash air 2. Well done video! Lots of great testing I wouldn't have thought of. Not a lot of useless talking. One of the better review videos I've seen. I feel confident I made the right choice buying this tent.
I added a tiny loop of nylon cord to the grommet tab on the foot of the tent, to help pop the short pole in and out ... it helps the tight fit when wearing a pair of gloves. Will add a storage pouch up front for my watch and phone, and a loop of cord to hang my headlamp from the tent ceiling.
Cool. Thank you. And thank you for doing a rain test for us! Looking forward to it. Ive been looking at this tent to save weight.. bad back.. and hoping it does well. Not a lot of us can afford the higher dyneema stuff and those of us with disabilities need all the weight reduction we can to get outdoors. Thanks again!!
Thank you! Great specs like body height and weight. Disclaimers. Suggesting more personal research. It would be so refreshing to have all of the criteria covered in this video on every backpacking gear vid. Great job and thank you for covering all the bases!
@5:55, you have the stake backwards. The bottom of the "v" should be pointed towards the tent, that way the stake is able to "grab" the ground better for better holding capability (similar to how a shovel works - you want the shovel to have maximum leverage in the ground). Plus, the little lip on the top of the stake is able to better hold the guylines.
Very instructive, thank you. My only complaints would be that it is probably only good for 1 or 2 season use, doesn’t look like rip-stop, and it uses fibreglass poles instead of alloy ones. Fibreglass tends to break more easily than alloy, and is heavier. Good wind flow would help condensation I guess.
Great review, Chris! You are right about condensation. Used it on a frigid night in the desert in December. It trapped humidity which froze on the inside of the tent and later dripped on me as my body heat melted it!
Great review Chris! Love your including weight breakdown and also the real life examples of what you would expect inside a tent with an inflatable mat and quilt. All the things you want to know if the tent is good for you or not. Thanks!
Weird but it seems like every time you lifted the tent in front of you, it blocked the wirelss signal to your mic. I'm really glad you are actually giving us an interior view with your sleeping pads and bags. So many reviewers make deceptive spacious comments when they are just lying on the ground.
Thank you - great review with good information! I really liked your no nonsense approach to the review and clear disclosures. I’m def gonna check out your other videos
The foot end means that the condensation will only wet your quilt or bag even faster. The bag/quilt will rub against the ceiling wall giving it a channel for water to get to the tub.
Good video. One thing I didn’t notice you try to do is sit upright in the tent. I’m also dubious about the ventilation, as you are. So far, despite the handful of ounces, I haven’t seen any tent that tempts me away from my extremely comfortable Fly Creek 2.
Good review my hiking friend, thank you for sharing. It certainly looks like a fine product for solo backpacking. You did a fine job of presenting the information. All the best to you. Taka care, be safe and stay healthy. 🤗
I’ve got my eye on the 2 person version for my husband and I as a lightweight option. Waiting for the big REI spring sale in combination with my dividend check! Duplex would be nice but a three kids in college budget won’t allow😉
texmexia49 it says on REI’s website the minimal trail weight is 1 lb 15 oz. I believe that weight is if you use your own trekking poles and not the included poles. I’m not sure about stakes so potentially I see it as probably a few ounces over 2 lbs.
@@Caseylawton I'm just waiting for my local rei to get it in stock. They ordered the 1 and 2 but they have not come in yet. And given the situation I will have to wait a while longer.
Good video: thanks. I have comsidered this REI tent. Small & low. Nive color. Plenty of tie outs. Of course its reviews rant about condensation, and I imagine you considered that as well. I am spoiled with my hammocks, but a nice portable tent is good.
Kudos sir! Just found you and am very impressed. You produce some of the most thorough and clear gear videos I have seen. Definitely will be following you. Keep up the good work!
Yo dude! Just came across this video when looking for a tent. I bought your a7iii a little while back, glad to see you're still going strong on UA-cam! Great video.
I think they should have line locks on the bottom. I've been at too many campsites where rocks etc., have required me to stake my tent out closer of further than I originally intended.
I’ve experienced similar. You would have to essentially wrap the guy line around the stake to a distance short or long enough. Linelocs seem like they would have been the better option here for sure
I have the lionheart solo 6 used it on the AT for a couple of months I love the awning lots of room plenty of ventilation it is 2lbs I guess never weighed it plenty of room for gear under the awning.
Ive heard good things about the magma quilt and sleeping bags as well. It is nice to see the bigger guys getting into the UL things. And with REIs return policy its pretty nice to have the security so to speak
I have the REI Flash 55 myself, and used it about a dozen weekends last year, both as a day pack and for a few overnight trips. It's delightfully light, simple, durable (no bushwhacking, just trail use). It's a bit small for my current gear but I'm looking to go much lighter. It's so light and comfortable that I use it as a day pack too, though it's a bit larger than needed. I had tried two other packs, one being a smaller REI pack (just too small I think it was 38L), the other an Osprey Atmos AG 65 (too heavy for my use). The Flash 55 is a good product in my opinion, and has been one of a number of products from REI that I've been quite impressed with.
Might give us some extra info on the materials used, specifically the fabric and weight per m2. Some want this in a cuben version getting the weight down to 400 grams max.
Awesome review brother I really liked this tent alot I'm def gonna check it out , Seems like a ton of room and can't beat the price. Thanks for the full review and set up
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Very good review Chris. When you do the rain test set up the z-packs also to compare "waterproofness". Obviously, can't compare condensation without spending hours in the tent and we DO WANT TO KNOW, what condensation is like in this tent after being in it ALL NIGHT during rain and not just a few hours.
Looks very similar to the last tent I purchased the Sierra Design flashlight 2 UL. It does have condensation issues but is good in wind and rain. Flash air does have a top vent which should help with condensation. I've been waiting for reviews of this line of tent.
My X-Mid 1P is at 2 lbs with stakes, but I think I still prefer it. Gear loft, two doors, two large vestibules, two vents, more internal space, easier pitch. Also, that hub looks like a part likely to break.
The Xmid looks cool. The hub seems substantial enough that it should hold up but only time would tell. My greater concern would be losing a pole on trail. Losing that hub would make life significantly more difficult
I so wanted to like this tent cuz of the weight. I normally feel fine & cozy in 1-P tents. But I’m worry about condensation as well. So I went with the 2-P for the 2nd door for venting. I’ll get it next week. 🤩
Great video with plenty of info. I’m not a fan of these styles of tents though. Too much condensation for my tastes so I’ll still with a tarp and bug bivy or a double wall tent if expecting wet conditions. I tried the Lunar Solo on a trip last year and was looking to sell it before I made it back to the car!
I just picked up this tent for $100 from the garage sale section - thanks for the setup video! Gonna test it out this weekend and see how good I am at setting it up. Apparently the person who returned it "accidentally" kept the stakes. Anyone have some good stake recs?
Hey, Chris. This is the first video I watched at your channel - liked and subscribed. Good review, much appreciated. I really like the lightweight aspect of this tent and its price point, but also look forward to your update sometime down the line regarding waterproofing and how the tent fares in the wind, etc. Thanks again, Chris!
Yes, always attach guy line to those places. The tent will sag under water weight, but should conform to its design if properly guyed out. If you don't want to carry 4 extra stakes, there are many ways to stake a tent, including rocks! What a good tent- I have the Spitfire @ 2lbs. 3oz, which I love, and I'm jealous of the weight savings of yours.
I've had it out one night. It was in the 50s during day and dropped down to just above freezing during the night. I slept with the doors closed and was shocked how little condensation there was. This is obviously only a single use but I was pretty impressed. I was camped on grass as well which seems to usually also add to the issues
Thank you for taking your time & effort to produce this interesting & informative video. In my mind, I compared this tent vs the one I have & use which is the Quarter Dome SL 1. If I had everything to do over again, I'd stick with the QD SL1 which I KNOW is stable in high gusty windy conditions where I had to add heavy rocks on top of all 10 stakes.. Condensation inside my QD SL 1 is practically non-existent. I also use the inflatable Neoair XLite for Women & the Sea to Summit Pillow.
Great Review! But just so y'all now, I have this tent and it is great (I'm 5' 6"). But definitely don't use it in high humidity areas, the tent will drip condensation on your face even with all vents and head and sides guided out. So be cautious.
Quick question I've gone camping outdoors before but how to minimize risk of getting beaned in the head by falling branches during storms while camping overnight overnight c
Look up before setting up camp and looking to make sure you did not setup under dead trees. The area I am in is all very living pines. But even still you never know, limb could fall off even a live tree. its always kind of a possibility
I’ve had it out one night. Went from 50s to 30s and had nearly no condensation. Was really hoping to get it out in the rain before this weekend but didn’t pan out. Hopefully during next storm. I assume it will get condensation but want to see how it handles with the walls sewn direct to the floor
i just tried that tent for the first time in wrong place, easy to set up and and fold down. but DO NOT forget EAR PLUG, it is so loud and condensation was dropped on my face, extra stick needed.
Chris, thanks for the nice review/video. I'm 5'7 and believe I could fit into this one no problem. My only remaining concern is how water proof it is. Perhaps you can set it up in your back yard and lock the sprinkler over it for an hour or two to simulate rain. If I buy one I will use your affiliate link. Update: I just got an REI flyer in the mail with a 25% off coupon most REI Co-op items. In the centerfold it confirms 25% off all REI Co-op Brand Tents and Footprints. Sale start March 20. With the savings I can add the $44 footprint made for it. Thank you!
Already spent a night out in it. Went from high 40s to just above freezing. Was a partly cloudy night. Slept with the doors closed to see how condensationy it would get and was really surprised by how little there was. It supposed to rain here on Thursday and Friday so may try a legit rain test this week. Hopefully have a follow up video this weekend!
how are you keeping the tent up with the weight of the pole at the entrance? Do you have to use a trekking pole? I had to rig something up to keep it from falling over
Chris, can you recommend an ultralight tent that addresses some of the concerns, without being too much more expensive, too much heavier? Want something very light, plenty of room, good ventilation, uncomplicated to put up? Price, while a concern, not the primary one. Thanks.
A lot of people seem to be recommending the six moon designs lunar solo which is in a competitive price range. I’ve never used it personally but could work. I used a six moons deschutes plus for a while and it was pretty cool. In general the six moon designs stuff should work well. Light heart gear too makes some pretty cool shelters as well
Toss in a light weight tarp. You can just leave it open..Use the tarp as the rain stopper and gear cover..As I'm not above adding 6-8oz...to stay dry...
@@MatanuskaHIGH Did you not listen to what he said? It has two tiny vents. Once you zip the fly closed. You will get condensation on the walls. Why I bought a tarp.. I can leave the fly open..
@@MatanuskaHIGH You ever woke up soaking wet. Because some fancy tent leaked like a boat? Then come back and tell me I'm stupid..As you will be carrying more then an extra 8oz. While your shit is all wet.. Good Day
Hoping to get a night out in the rain soon. Spent a night in it already in generally good weather that dropped from 50s to low 30s and it performed surprisingly well condensation wise
I HIGHLY recommend you watch the follow up video with rain test here before you decide on purchasing this tent ua-cam.com/video/xMU9E-DaGYA/v-deo.html - at 6ft tall on the inflatable I can sit up but my head is touching the mesh - it appears the tent is made of 15d rip stop nylon for floor and rainfly. You cannot find this info on REIs description but an REI employee states it is 15d floor and rain fly in the questions section on the product page - I would personally not use a footprint. I think the material should be fine for most usage, but also that is because I am a weirdo and have a strict "no footprint" policy for myself - the seams appear to all taped so no seam sealing should be necessary - The weights according to my scale are slightly higher than what REI lists. Especially the minimum trail weight that upon searching the questions section of the tent product page apparently only accounts for the weight of the tent body and the hub / foot pole. I feel like this is misleading to people. The tent is still incredibly light but I feel like they should state what "minimum trail weight" was right off the bat. - Also, on the stuff sack for the tent it says the minimum trail weight is 1lb 4oz and that includes EVERYTHING but the included door pole. This is just not true. See my listed weights down below REI Flash Air 1 Weights Hub Pole - 1.25oz or 35g Door Pole - 1.70oz or 48g Foot Pole - 0.50oz or 14g Tent Stake - 0.40oz or 11g (5 total) 2.00oz or 55g Pole Splint - 0.40oz or 11g Pole Stuff Sacl - 0.40oz or 11g Tent - 1lb 2.40oz or 18.40oz or 522g Tent Stuff Sack 1oz or 28g 4 extra guylines - 0.90oz or 27g (weight is for all 4 total) Stake Sack - 0.20oz or 6g Total Weight for everything above - 1lb 10.8oz or 26.80oz or 762g Total weight with Tent, Tent Stuff Sack, hub, door, and foot poles only (NO STAKES) - 1lb 6.90oz or 22.90oz or 649g Total weight with Tent, Tent Stuff Sack, hub, and foot pole only (NO STAKES) - 1lb 5.25oz or 21.25oz or 602g
A little follow up as I have been waiting for a night of rain to come so I can further test this out. I am apparently an essential worker in the real world so testing during the work week during this situation has been tough. - I've had it out on one overnight and may do so again tonight just for lack of anything else to really do. It was in the 50s during day and dropped down to just above freezing during the night. I slept with the doors closed and roof vent open and was shocked how little condensation there was. This is obviously only a single use but I was pretty impressed. I was camped on grass as well which seems to usually also add to the issues. -- Zippers on both the door and the mesh seem solid. Both move easily and had no issues with snagging. - I am a little concerned about how far up the zipper goes on the rain fly as it is not a waterproof zipper. My concern is in wind blown rain if rain gets blown under the fabric flap if it will come in through the zipper but who knows. I have recorded video of what I mean and will put it in the follow up video. The situation it would take for this to occur would be pretty unique but with some of the weather I have seen on trail I could see it happening. More to come when able!
Chris< I bought this tent yesterday. There is a small item in the pole bag that is a black tube about 4 inches long. It is thicker in diameter than the main pole. What is this used for?
It is more than likely the pole repair piece. If the pole for the tent breaks you can use it as sort of a splint for the pole to keep it hopefully going until you can replace it fully
It really seems like a cool option. Wish the rain I got up here happened over night so I could get on with the rain condensation testing. I expect it will be rough but that’s the case for my slacks solplex too
Hi Chris! Thx for the comprehensive video. How do you hold up the tent if you roll back both sides of the vestibule for ultimate stargazing? Thx!! I’m looking at this vs. the 1/4 dome SL 1 for an 11 day bike packing trip Bristol TN to Memphis TN. I like the ultra light weight of this but if condensation is truly an issue will likely opt for the 1/4 dome. Thanks again for helping me to make my choice!
I was able to get it balanced pretty well with the trekking pole and both doors open. But you could also use one of the included guy lines to help hold the pole / hub up. Will try and include that in the follow up
I love REI's Flash 45 backpack, it is in my opinion right up there with the most popular UL backpacks, but wow, this tent seems to scream "ventilation issues"!!! That tiny opening up top won't do, at least not for us here in FL. The Zpacks Duplex with both door openings is the only way to go in high humidity areas, at least IMHO. Great review !!!!
I want to thank you for the very clear look at the room inside with equipment. I am 6'4" and this is definitely too small for me but so many times no one gives such a complete look inside for folks like us to judge the size and height factors.
Ya 6’4” I think the length maybe there but your feet would definitely be rubbing. You taller folks got it pretty tough with tents like this haha
You're in reality check! Yes,people are looking for this. Thank you! Setting up a tent is not easy-going! Men or women have done this for yrs. For first time users, very hard! Thanks for sharing!
Seriously???? What exactly is so hard about setting up a tent???? I really want to know.
I have an almost identical one of these. A gift from 15 years ago. I’ve been rained on, snowed on, and wind blown in it. I’ve even slept in 25F degrees in it. Outstanding! Stayed dry and warm in it. Mine has a much better rainfly and poles.
At 6' 4" and size 14 shoes, I will check out the 2. I appreciate watching your evaluation because it gives me a better handle on actual usability of space for large folks.
hey Ray, did you get the tent eventually, was it a good size?, I am also 6,4 and thinking about the air2 for hikes.
Excellent thorough review!!!!!! Good communication skills and good voice projection.
it looks nice but I'm interested in what will happen in rainy day and strong wind, we will wait for your review also on that! nice review by the way. thanks for sharing it.
Love the design I just bough the Solo lunar, I like that top pole, and the near double wall construction. I was regretting my purchase until I saw how small the inside is WOW, thats small! Im 5'11 200 I also want a spot inside for my hyper light bag, which is smaller than most bags
I stumbled upon this video after I just got the flash air 2.
Well done video! Lots of great testing I wouldn't have thought of. Not a lot of useless talking. One of the better review videos I've seen. I feel confident I made the right choice buying this tent.
I added a tiny loop of nylon cord to the grommet tab on the foot of the tent, to help pop the short pole in and out ... it helps the tight fit when wearing a pair of gloves. Will add a storage pouch up front for my watch and phone, and a loop of cord to hang my headlamp from the tent ceiling.
Cool. Thank you. And thank you for doing a rain test for us! Looking forward to it. Ive been looking at this tent to save weight.. bad back.. and hoping it does well. Not a lot of us can afford the higher dyneema stuff and those of us with disabilities need all the weight reduction we can to get outdoors. Thanks again!!
Hopefully the weather will cooperate this weekend!
I just got one used and setup was easy thanks to this video thank you Chris!
Thanks for showing how the footbox pole works. Ordered the 2-person version today for me and my wife!
Brian Russell I’d be curious to see the 2-P version, as I prefer more interior room
@@runninrob7922 I'm hoping it'll work for me at 6'4". Arrives Friday!
That looked super easy! I just bought this bc of its super light weight compared to my current backpacking tent. I can’t wait for it to arrive
Thank you! Great specs like body height and weight. Disclaimers. Suggesting more personal research. It would be so refreshing to have all of the criteria covered in this video on every backpacking gear vid. Great job and thank you for covering all the bases!
Chris I really enjoy your calm in depth reviews and videos. thanks
@5:55, you have the stake backwards. The bottom of the "v" should be pointed towards the tent, that way the stake is able to "grab" the ground better for better holding capability (similar to how a shovel works - you want the shovel to have maximum leverage in the ground). Plus, the little lip on the top of the stake is able to better hold the guylines.
Very instructive, thank you. My only complaints would be that it is probably only good for 1 or 2 season use, doesn’t look like rip-stop, and it uses fibreglass poles instead of alloy ones. Fibreglass tends to break more easily than alloy, and is heavier. Good wind flow would help condensation I guess.
Great review, Chris! You are right about condensation. Used it on a frigid night in the desert in December. It trapped humidity which froze on the inside of the tent and later dripped on me as my body heat melted it!
Great review Chris! Love your including weight breakdown and also the real life examples of what you would expect inside a tent with an inflatable mat and quilt. All the things you want to know if the tent is good for you or not. Thanks!
Weird but it seems like every time you lifted the tent in front of you, it blocked the wirelss signal to your mic.
I'm really glad you are actually giving us an interior view with your sleeping pads and bags. So many reviewers make deceptive spacious comments when they are just lying on the ground.
This thing looks sweet! Gosh darn it, another tent I want..
Thank you - great review with good information! I really liked your no nonsense approach to the review and clear disclosures. I’m def gonna check out your other videos
Thanks! Try to be as transparent as possible
The foot end means that the condensation will only wet your quilt or bag even faster. The bag/quilt will rub against the ceiling wall giving it a channel for water to get to the tub.
Good video. One thing I didn’t notice you try to do is sit upright in the tent. I’m also dubious about the ventilation, as you are. So far, despite the handful of ounces, I haven’t seen any tent that tempts me away from my extremely comfortable Fly Creek 2.
Good review my hiking friend, thank you for sharing. It certainly looks like a fine product for solo backpacking. You did a fine job of presenting the information. All the best to you. Taka care, be safe and stay healthy. 🤗
Thanks. Interesting review. However, the critical factor is the rain test. Too many tents look good but leak.
I’ve got my eye on the 2 person version for my husband and I as a lightweight option. Waiting for the big REI spring sale in combination with my dividend check! Duplex would be nice but a three kids in college budget won’t allow😉
ya that duplex is pretty pricy for sure
Lanshan 2 $100
texmexia49 yes I’ve seen reviews on it. It is heavier though and I’m trying to go pretty light if possible.
Renae Cummings totally understand. Do you know what the weight on the 2p Flash will be?
texmexia49 it says on REI’s website the minimal trail weight is 1 lb 15 oz. I believe that weight is if you use your own trekking poles and not the included poles. I’m not sure about stakes so potentially I see it as probably a few ounces over 2 lbs.
Waiting for the flash air 2 for my solo tent. Just that little extra room for those rainy days when you need to spread out
I believe it's already out
@@Caseylawton I'm just waiting for my local rei to get it in stock. They ordered the 1 and 2 but they have not come in yet. And given the situation I will have to wait a while longer.
Good video: thanks. I have comsidered this REI tent. Small & low. Nive color. Plenty of tie outs.
Of course its reviews rant about condensation, and I imagine you considered that as well.
I am spoiled with my hammocks, but a nice portable tent is good.
This is one of the better tent reviews I've seen, great work 👌
Kudos sir! Just found you and am very impressed. You produce some of the most thorough and clear gear videos I have seen. Definitely will be following you. Keep up the good work!
Yo dude! Just came across this video when looking for a tent. I bought your a7iii a little while back, glad to see you're still going strong on UA-cam! Great video.
hey Arlo, hope the camera is workign out for ya!
I think they should have line locks on the bottom. I've been at too many campsites where rocks etc., have required me to stake my tent out closer of further than I originally intended.
I’ve experienced similar. You would have to essentially wrap the guy line around the stake to a distance short or long enough. Linelocs seem like they would have been the better option here for sure
Thanks for the review mate, my brother and I were looking at getting this tent and it looks like a solid choice.
Had it out one night to test and it performed well. Was hoping to get it out on rain this weekend but looking like clear weather. Hopefully next week!
just got my Flash air 2 finally after 3 months, trying it out this weekend on a quick trip
I have the lionheart solo 6 used it on the AT for a couple of months I love the awning lots of room plenty of ventilation it is 2lbs I guess never weighed it plenty of room for gear under the awning.
Wade Schwartz light heart? Never heard of lion heart
@@MatanuskaHIGH Here is a link to the website lightheartgear.com/collections/tents/products/lightheart-solong-6 there a a couple of reviews on youtube
Glad REI is starting to offer ultralight options. have my eye on the Flash 55 backpack
Ive heard good things about the magma quilt and sleeping bags as well. It is nice to see the bigger guys getting into the UL things. And with REIs return policy its pretty nice to have the security so to speak
I have the REI Flash 55 myself, and used it about a dozen weekends last year, both as a day pack and for a few overnight trips. It's delightfully light, simple, durable (no bushwhacking, just trail use). It's a bit small for my current gear but I'm looking to go much lighter. It's so light and comfortable that I use it as a day pack too, though it's a bit larger than needed. I had tried two other packs, one being a smaller REI pack (just too small I think it was 38L), the other an Osprey Atmos AG 65 (too heavy for my use). The Flash 55 is a good product in my opinion, and has been one of a number of products from REI that I've been quite impressed with.
I think this is the best gear review I've seen. Very well done.
Might give us some extra info on the materials used, specifically the fabric and weight per m2. Some want this in a cuben version getting the weight down to 400 grams max.
Just look it up
Definitely getting this for backpacking in the Rocky's this summer. Great review!
Awesome review brother I really liked this tent alot I'm def gonna check it out , Seems like a ton of room and can't beat the price. Thanks for the full review and set up
It really does seem like a pretty cool setup. I slept in it one night already. Hoping to get it out in the rain soon
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Very good review Chris. When you do the rain test set up the z-packs also to compare "waterproofness". Obviously, can't compare condensation without spending hours in the tent and we DO WANT TO KNOW, what condensation is like in this tent after being in it ALL NIGHT during rain and not just a few hours.
Looks very similar to the last tent I purchased the Sierra Design flashlight 2 UL. It does have condensation issues but is good in wind and rain. Flash air does have a top vent which should help with condensation. I've been waiting for reviews of this line of tent.
My X-Mid 1P is at 2 lbs with stakes, but I think I still prefer it. Gear loft, two doors, two large vestibules, two vents, more internal space, easier pitch. Also, that hub looks like a part likely to break.
The Xmid looks cool. The hub seems substantial enough that it should hold up but only time would tell. My greater concern would be losing a pole on trail. Losing that hub would make life significantly more difficult
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Please update us as you continue to learn more!
I so wanted to like this tent cuz of the weight. I normally feel fine & cozy in 1-P tents. But I’m worry about condensation as well. So I went with the 2-P for the 2nd door for venting. I’ll get it next week. 🤩
Hope it works out well for you!
Great video with plenty of info. I’m not a fan of these styles of tents though. Too much condensation for my tastes so I’ll still with a tarp and bug bivy or a double wall tent if expecting wet conditions. I tried the Lunar Solo on a trip last year and was looking to sell it before I made it back to the car!
I just picked up this tent for $100 from the garage sale section - thanks for the setup video! Gonna test it out this weekend and see how good I am at setting it up. Apparently the person who returned it "accidentally" kept the stakes. Anyone have some good stake recs?
Heard that Msr groundhog stakes are a good choice little pricey for some but durable for what they're needed for.
What was the point of telling everyone you’re going to try it then you don’t even tell anyone how it worked out
Hey, Chris. This is the first video I watched at your channel - liked and subscribed. Good review, much appreciated. I really like the lightweight aspect of this tent and its price point, but also look forward to your update sometime down the line regarding waterproofing and how the tent fares in the wind, etc. Thanks again, Chris!
Have used it out a night and nicer weather and it performed well. Excited myself to see how it does in the rain
Very good review!!!! Thank you for the time you took to do it.
Thanks Jerome!
Hey Stay Puff,
Always good to see on the tube, great review.
Stay well and happy trails.
Thanks for the review. Was fun the way you were looking through the tent.
Using a tent similar to this for camp tomorrow. Thank you for the video 👍
I'm impressed. Cool, informative, and concise video. Nice job.
Thanks for the review! Did you ever test this tent in the rain?
Link to bad weather should be in description and first comment. It did not do well
I just bought the two person I hate 1person coffins. I'm hoping the inflatable pad has more clearance
Fantastic video! In-depth, detailed, and you check out various options for poles and pads, etc. Keep up the good work!
Yes, in a long rain fall with the tent all closed up, how is the ventilation?
Yes, always attach guy line to those places. The tent will sag under water weight, but should conform to its design if properly guyed out. If you don't want to carry 4 extra stakes, there are many ways to stake a tent, including rocks! What a good tent- I have the Spitfire @ 2lbs. 3oz, which I love, and I'm jealous of the weight savings of yours.
Good looking tent. I like it, but just got a lanshan 1, so don’t think I will be getting another tent anytime soon.
Fairly popular design thats been around for a few years now. Possibly for warmer nights. Corona virus preppers could stock pile.
Great review Chris- thorough. Thanks was not aware of this tent.
Very cool
Interested to see what happens with condensation since the rain fly is sewn right to the floor.
I've had it out one night. It was in the 50s during day and dropped down to just above freezing during the night. I slept with the doors closed and was shocked how little condensation there was. This is obviously only a single use but I was pretty impressed. I was camped on grass as well which seems to usually also add to the issues
Great review. Excited to see how it fares in your field tests.
First night was great. Hoping to get it in the rain over the next couple days. Weather permitting!
ChrisGoesOutdoors shoulda been here in Caddo Texas last night . About 4-5 inches and a wicked storm.
This reminds me of the Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent
Like your honesty
Thank you for taking your time & effort to produce this interesting & informative video. In my mind, I compared this tent vs the one I have & use which is the Quarter Dome SL 1. If I had everything to do over again, I'd stick with the QD SL1 which I KNOW is stable in high gusty windy conditions where I had to add heavy rocks on top of all 10 stakes.. Condensation inside my QD SL 1 is practically non-existent. I also use the inflatable Neoair XLite for Women & the Sea to Summit Pillow.
Great Review! But just so y'all now, I have this tent and it is great (I'm 5' 6"). But definitely don't use it in high humidity areas, the tent will drip condensation on your face even with all vents and head and sides guided out. So be cautious.
Great video, I've been shopping around for a one man tent or a tarp. I like the weight.
Quick question
I've gone camping outdoors before but how to minimize risk of getting beaned in the head by falling branches during storms while camping overnight overnight c
Look up before setting up camp and looking to make sure you did not setup under dead trees. The area I am in is all very living pines. But even still you never know, limb could fall off even a live tree. its always kind of a possibility
looking forward to the follow up video man!
First time watching your channel, must admit, you are very informative and thorough. Trek on soldier.
My sierra designs tent is a 25 year old self standing no stakes still works great. Why do all these new tents require stakes.
Thanks Chris for a great review. Take Care
Thats why the vestibule is a bit high. Its for the air flow to minimize the condensation.
I’ve had it out one night. Went from 50s to 30s and had nearly no condensation. Was really hoping to get it out in the rain before this weekend but didn’t pan out. Hopefully during next storm. I assume it will get condensation but want to see how it handles with the walls sewn direct to the floor
I need to check that out. Using a lanshan 1. Its a little tight.
The condensation of the Flash air directly rolls down to the bathtube floor. And the pole looks under stressed already in perfect weather.
Great vid. Can you tell me please where I could purchase that quilt blanket that you show in this vid ?
It is the Katabatic Gear Flex 30. Mine is long / wide katabaticgear.com
ChrisGoesOutdoors thank you ! Much appreciated
i just tried that tent for the first time in wrong place, easy to set up and and fold down. but DO NOT forget EAR PLUG, it is so loud and condensation was dropped on my face, extra stick needed.
Excellent tutorial! Many thanks.
Thanks for watching Will!
They do make the Flash 2, so at 6'3" I may have to check that one out instead.
Ya the 2 maybe better. In that case could lay a little diagonal if needed.
I picked up the Flash Air 2 a few weeks ago just for that reason. I'm 6'3 and 195 lbs I have plenty of head and foot room. Glad with the purchase
Chris, thanks for the nice review/video. I'm 5'7 and believe I could fit into this one no problem. My only remaining concern is how water proof it is. Perhaps you can set it up in your back yard and lock the sprinkler over it for an hour or two to simulate rain. If I buy one I will use your affiliate link.
Update: I just got an REI flyer in the mail with a 25% off coupon most REI Co-op items. In the centerfold it confirms 25% off all REI Co-op Brand Tents and Footprints. Sale start March 20. With the savings I can add the $44 footprint made for it. Thank you!
Already spent a night out in it. Went from high 40s to just above freezing. Was a partly cloudy night. Slept with the doors closed to see how condensationy it would get and was really surprised by how little there was. It supposed to rain here on Thursday and Friday so may try a legit rain test this week. Hopefully have a follow up video this weekend!
how are you keeping the tent up with the weight of the pole at the entrance? Do you have to use a trekking pole? I had to rig something up to keep it from falling over
Chris, can you recommend an ultralight tent that addresses some of the concerns, without being too much more expensive, too much heavier? Want something very light, plenty of room, good ventilation, uncomplicated to put up? Price, while a concern, not the primary one. Thanks.
A lot of people seem to be recommending the six moon designs lunar solo which is in a competitive price range. I’ve never used it personally but could work. I used a six moons deschutes plus for a while and it was pretty cool. In general the six moon designs stuff should work well. Light heart gear too makes some pretty cool shelters as well
Thank you for the review. Awesome.
thank you so much for making this video! so helpful, im currently looking into this tent.
Appreciate you watching Adria!
Toss in a light weight tarp. You can just leave it open..Use the tarp as the rain stopper and gear cover..As I'm not above adding 6-8oz...to stay dry...
Master Chief 00117 it has a rain fly 🤷♂️. Why wouldn’t you stay dry?
@@MatanuskaHIGH Did you not listen to what he said? It has two tiny vents. Once you zip the fly closed. You will get condensation on the walls. Why I bought a tarp.. I can leave the fly open..
Master Chief 00117 condensation isn’t that bad if you vent using the door. Isn’t it a double wall?
Also seems stupid to buy a tent to use a tarp with it. Just buy a tarp and bug bivy 🤷♂️
@@MatanuskaHIGH You ever woke up soaking wet. Because some fancy tent leaked like a boat?
Then come back and tell me I'm stupid..As you will be carrying more then an extra 8oz. While your shit is all wet..
Good Day
Outstanding review. Thanks!
I’m 6’ 5”. Would I fit in it with a sleeping bag?
looks like a nice little tent...if it doesn't leak. thx so much
Thank you for the review. Have you compared this tent to the KUIU 1P?
Please let us know about the rain and condensation.Need to know if it can take it .thanks
Hoping to get a night out in the rain soon. Spent a night in it already in generally good weather that dropped from 50s to low 30s and it performed surprisingly well condensation wise
Sticking with my Lan Shan 2.
I HIGHLY recommend you watch the follow up video with rain test here before you decide on purchasing this tent ua-cam.com/video/xMU9E-DaGYA/v-deo.html
- at 6ft tall on the inflatable I can sit up but my head is touching the mesh
- it appears the tent is made of 15d rip stop nylon for floor and rainfly. You cannot find this info on REIs description but an REI employee states it is 15d floor and rain fly in the questions section on the product page
- I would personally not use a footprint. I think the material should be fine for most usage, but also that is because I am a weirdo and have a strict "no footprint" policy for myself
- the seams appear to all taped so no seam sealing should be necessary
- The weights according to my scale are slightly higher than what REI lists. Especially the minimum trail weight that upon searching the questions section of the tent product page apparently only accounts for the weight of the tent body and the hub / foot pole. I feel like this is misleading to people. The tent is still incredibly light but I feel like they should state what "minimum trail weight" was right off the bat.
- Also, on the stuff sack for the tent it says the minimum trail weight is 1lb 4oz and that includes EVERYTHING but the included door pole. This is just not true. See my listed weights down below
REI Flash Air 1 Weights
Hub Pole - 1.25oz or 35g
Door Pole - 1.70oz or 48g
Foot Pole - 0.50oz or 14g
Tent Stake - 0.40oz or 11g (5 total) 2.00oz or 55g
Pole Splint - 0.40oz or 11g
Pole Stuff Sacl - 0.40oz or 11g
Tent - 1lb 2.40oz or 18.40oz or 522g
Tent Stuff Sack 1oz or 28g
4 extra guylines - 0.90oz or 27g (weight is for all 4 total)
Stake Sack - 0.20oz or 6g
Total Weight for everything above - 1lb 10.8oz or 26.80oz or 762g
Total weight with Tent, Tent Stuff Sack, hub, door, and foot poles only (NO STAKES) - 1lb 6.90oz or 22.90oz or 649g
Total weight with Tent, Tent Stuff Sack, hub, and foot pole only (NO STAKES) - 1lb 5.25oz or 21.25oz or 602g
A little follow up as I have been waiting for a night of rain to come so I can further test this out. I am apparently an essential worker in the real world so testing during the work week during this situation has been tough.
- I've had it out on one overnight and may do so again tonight just for lack of anything else to really do. It was in the 50s during day and dropped down to just above freezing during the night. I slept with the doors closed and roof vent open and was shocked how little condensation there was. This is obviously only a single use but I was pretty impressed. I was camped on grass as well which seems to usually also add to the issues.
-- Zippers on both the door and the mesh seem solid. Both move easily and had no issues with snagging.
- I am a little concerned about how far up the zipper goes on the rain fly as it is not a waterproof zipper. My concern is in wind blown rain if rain gets blown under the fabric flap if it will come in through the zipper but who knows. I have recorded video of what I mean and will put it in the follow up video. The situation it would take for this to occur would be pretty unique but with some of the weather I have seen on trail I could see it happening.
More to come when able!
Chris< I bought this tent yesterday. There is a small item in the pole bag that is a black tube about 4 inches long. It is thicker in diameter than the main pole. What is this used for?
It is more than likely the pole repair piece. If the pole for the tent breaks you can use it as sort of a splint for the pole to keep it hopefully going until you can replace it fully
Actual video with actual first look!
great video man. I was waiting for a review of one of these tents.
It really seems like a cool option. Wish the rain I got up here happened over night so I could get on with the rain condensation testing. I expect it will be rough but that’s the case for my slacks solplex too
Hi Chris! Thx for the comprehensive video. How do you hold up the tent if you roll back both sides of the vestibule for ultimate stargazing? Thx!! I’m looking at this vs. the 1/4 dome SL 1 for an 11 day bike packing trip Bristol TN to Memphis TN. I like the ultra light weight of this but if condensation is truly an issue will likely opt for the 1/4 dome. Thanks again for helping me to make my choice!
I was able to get it balanced pretty well with the trekking pole and both doors open. But you could also use one of the included guy lines to help hold the pole / hub up. Will try and include that in the follow up
Great overall review 👍
I love REI's Flash 45 backpack, it is in my opinion right up there with the most popular UL backpacks, but wow, this tent seems to scream "ventilation issues"!!! That tiny opening up top won't do, at least not for us here in FL. The Zpacks Duplex with both door openings is the only way to go in high humidity areas, at least IMHO. Great review !!!!
Good review but I still like my Sierra Design Tensegrity 1, too bad they discontinued.
Yo Chris how's that compare to the copper spur ?