I’m in the market for a hot tent. The Argali Absaroka is at the top of my list. The one thing I wanted with a tent was the snow flap all the way around. The Mesa has that plus it’s 40D and sealed . The Absaroka is 20D and not sealed. The mesa comes with pole also. Glad I stumbled across this. Thanks
I’m glad to see a review of an American company. I’m also glad they have quality products and seem to have given some thought to the design. I can only hope the issues you pointed out are addressed. Thank you for showing this product.
Nowhere on the BL website does it say any of their products are made in the USA. There are also no domestic or international certifications of product safety, sustainability, ISO, carbon impact, etc. etc. etc.
Looks like a fine product. I would only use it as a late fall/winter tent due to only 1 vent. Tipi tents are usually pretty robust and handle bad weather well. We shall see with this one.
I agree heartily with the tent stake plan. Most of the camp sites near Tucson, AZ are either sandy soil or viciously hard until you get up into the mountains, where there is actual regular soil. I've only found one brand of aluminum Y stake (MSR Groundhog) that can take the beating of being hammered into the hard ground by Picacho Peak. The sandy areas really need a long Y stake (e.g. MSR Cyclone) so they don't pull out under medium load. Most people around here use the big 10 inch steel "nail" stakes in the harder ground or just give up and tie their tent to some large rocks. The thin titanium stakes are a good lightweight alternative to the big steel nails.
I believe that it is too expensive for what is shown, better products on the market no doubt. Very good review though, and always a joy to watch your channel.
You're paying that freedom 'murica tax. It's the price of bring back manufacturing home. If you don't like it, continue to give money to communist and future enemies.
You're paying that freedom 'murica tax. It's the price of bring back manufacturing home. If you don't like it, continue to give money to communist and future enemies.
Just a thought--With the zipper in the floor/tarp--It looks as though you could use that as a tepee tent as well, in an emergency. Maybe not, but it looked like it might be large enough to be a shelter, if need be.
Or even add some way to fold the snow flaps underneath and velcro the floor to that instead. Obviously, a floor open to the ground will likely exist if a stove is being used.
@@markthomas2436 Completely agree.Is it really such a challenging concept i ask in total incredulity...given the price ? Maybe OneTigris will tackle this concept ? Lyme disease is no fun if you pitch badly ?
Another great review and awesome you demonstrated this veteran produced product! Hopefully, you will continue using it and giving us feed back like you usually do before I buy one! Thanks for bringing it to our attention!😊
Maybe the floor can be used as a quick set up if it starts to rain just to get out of the ran. Looks to small, and the shape to be used as a tarp. Maybe with the tie off points make a awning for the door maybe. But wish floor did connect to the tent. Got a 60 dollar tipi tent without a floor, but came with a one person net insert that looks to be the same size. It didn't leak in the rain, just one pin hole I sealed. Clearly not the quality of this tent, hope it tests well. Will be looking for the tests coming soon.
As a hot tent, I suppose the lighter color would help it blend into a winter landscape. That said, it might be nice if there were some other colors to choose from.
I am excited to see you do further testing on this tent. Especially in windy, rainy, snowy weather. I like the tent but wish the floor was more secured to the tent. I have been in the market for something similar but a bit bigger and found that the similar style is quite heavy and large when packed down.
At 4’11”, I would be interested in this hot tent. I like that it’s made here in the USA; however, would have preferred fabric that is not silnylon bc I know it’s going to sag (boo.). I like the lower stove jack. Wish the floor was connected to the tent body, though. I also like that the center pole is adjustable. I, too, want to know the waterproof rating. That being said, I will wait for Luke to put it through the pouring rain before I make a decision. Good video, as usual. Thanks, Luke!
I like the overall design of this tent, AND that this is offered by a US company. But it’s in no way unlike most teepee style hot tents on the market. For the pro side on the tent; white fabric color allows for brighter interior space. Love that they include both aluminum and titanium stakes. Cons: as mentioned, no adjustment on the webbing at peg points and a single vent seems insufficient if you plan to use a wood stove. As for the ground sheet (floor). I think the idea of dual purposing as a tarp is ingenious. And with a little ingenuity or creativity I’m sure it’s possible. The octagonal shape and zipper lends itself to a mini teepee tent configuration. Would like to see someone try that. But the color choice of white…. That’s a no-go for me. Even in Luke’s video you can see the dirt tracked in. I much prefer a dark, if not black floor in my hot tent. Just a better overall look in traffic areas.
Let's be very very very clear here folks, "offered by a US company" in no way indicates all or any of the product is actually made in the USA. Show me where the country of origin is stated for this tent?
For the little extra pack size and weight I'd add 1 more pole section and make it that much taller. I'd add a way to close the gap between the floor and tent too, and add a bug screen to the door. I don't actually understand the current fascination with no floor tents. Ok as is for late fall through early spring, but unless you are in a no bug zone, no good for summer.
My thinking on the floor being a tarp, if you used a trekking pole you might be able set it up as a teepee tarp, or string it between trees. But I agree it wouldn't be as versatile as a square or rectangular tarp. Agree with others that, since there's no bug netting, or interior mesh body to keep crawlies out, you really wouldn't want to use this in the warmer months.
I could see using this as a hot tent for a Colorado Elk hunt. It's a good design and a reasonable weight if split up between 2-3 guys. It is what I would want for that scenario. As for the ground sheet as a tarp could you unzip it, overlap the gap and fold it into a cone shape using a trekking pole or stick for the center? Not sure it would be big enough but it might work. I like the light color as it won't heat as quickly in the sun and will reflect internal heat from the stove better.
I think if I were to go with a tipi tent for 4 seasons, I would go with Nor tent tipi tent. Better floor system, and you can get the inner tent to help keep the heat in and doubles as a bug net. But what do I know. I'm a hammock guy. Cheers Luke.
A square or rectangular tarp suits conventional thinkers, but a hexagonal tap is more versatile for creative users. Even a triangular tarp has amazing deployment options when coupled with a creative mind. I guess therein lies the divergence between bushcrafters and survivors. One is constant learning and experimenting, the other is focused on what works and fail-safe.
In the warmer months the white colour sort of make sense as it will not attract/hold a lof of heat. However, come the cooler weather, that will work against you, unless you are wanting to hide in the snow. As for bugs, during the winter months that might not be too much of a problem, come the warmer weather you will be a bug smorgasbord. The concept seems good, it just needs some fine tuning, IMO.
The 'snow skirt' could be tucked under the floor to make a useful seal and the stake-out points would fit better that way. Silnylon is a 'thing' these days, but its stretchy nature when wet gives me second thoughts.
Silpoly is a fairly stable new thing now, so if you want an alternative to silnylon that doesn't micro-absorb water and stretch like nylon, then that is your solution. A bunch of the Henry Shires tarptent budget (non-dyneema) designs have changed to silpoly. I stopped using nylon cord for camping about a decade ago because of the annoying wet-stretch problem. Fine hollow braid polyester/dacron kite line is available in 100, 200, 300 and 500 pound ratings for better prices than 550 paracord. Rothco also sells an all-polyester paracord for competitive prices - a little stiffer than nylon, but works fine.
Most hot tents have an inner or half inner for use in bug season, and in hot tent season having a floor is generally a pain, you damage it cutting and stacking wood, depending on the material it's slippery when you get in with you went snowy boots etc... When I use my hot tent, I use a small 5x7 tarp and I orient it near the sleeping area, so when you roll out of bed you have an area to put your feet and someplace to have your clothes sitting etc... Less than half the floor area covered with it and large portion of that is under the sleeping area. Also to note, I use the half inner tent in all seasons, it basically turns half the tent into a double walled tent it eliminates condensation in the sleeping area and keeps my sleeping kit off the snow or wet frozen ground etc.. To me a full floor makes litte to no sense in a tent marketed as a hot tent and ones that are marketed for all seasons need to come with aome kind of bug netting anyways so having a sealed floor is also bit really a requirement. Definitely looks like a decent tipi but it kinda sucks they dont offer a mesh inner tent for use in the warmer months. At least I didn't see one while quickly browsing their site.
If you put a hot tent on bare ground, it stands to reason that the ground would also get warmer. Where do bugs go when it gets cold? Underground. How do they know when to come out? Temperature change. Where do they end up when coming aboveground? Your tent.
Our winter in Texas is rather short. The only thing that dies off in freezing temps is the mosquitoes. You're likely to get bugs in your tent year round here.
since the floor can be opened for use of a stove or closed when one is not being used, and same with the stove jack, I am guessing that this tent is also for use in other seasons.
I would only use a tent like this in deep winter. Something like a high of 30 F and low under 0F. I don't think bugs are much of an issue then. If they gave the floor a zip-in (or velcro) connection to the sides via mosquito netting, then it could also be a fall and spring tent. At this weight, it is a car camping tent for one person. Maybe for 2 people in deep winter for hike-in hunting or by 4-wheeler? Otherwise, it would need 3 people for backpacking to cover that much weight. Will it sleep 3 with no stove? Is the floor/tarp zipper waterproof? I could probably come up with a good octagonal standalone tarp setup. For example, if you pinch 2 of the 8 pie-slices into a doorway, then you're left with mostly a hexagon shape. The remaining hexagon will make a good starfish or maybe a sort of A-frame. You would probably need 2-3 poles and perhaps a creative ridge line design. And of course an easy answer is that an octagonal tarp clearly makes a better starfish build than a square tarp ever did. But you'll need about 8 stakes and a 4-6 foot pole. It's a fun origami puzzle.
needs a zip in floor, i dont like top roll jack covers they can touch pipes an melt/burn, you can just tie adjustable lines to the points yourself and guide them further out especially the upper points to help with sag, but over all pretty good looking for a version 1 from the company
Why use nylon on tents? It stretches and sags all the time. Polyester, while cheaper, holds it's shape. This would seem to be a better choice. Or some poly/nylon blend to control sagging while adding abrasion and wear resistance. Im not an expert, but am I wrong?
I'm going to guess by the time you break out a hot tent, the bugs aren't an issue. Or, they're vets, and things like bugs don't bother them. As for that floor/tarp, probably not intended for hunkering down in a Cat 4.
If I was going to spend over 450 dollars for a tent, want the floor to be attached. I have many environmental allergies and allergies to certain types of bee venom and allergies to mosquito saliva. (I mean giant hives from bites) The tent I purchased in 2012 from K-mart for 69.99 was water proof, had an attached floor, rain fly, and vents, and was a four season tent. It was 70 percent off regular price because I got it at the end of summer. I camped in the pouring down rain in Oregon! Rain falls sideways in the high winds here. Even with a tarp over the tent, the tent, the tent got wet outside on the back side, but not inside. It was adequately vented so that there was no condensation. Even if the floor zipped on, that would be an improvement for the cost. Also added vents for air circulation, as summers in Oregon are hot and humid! RE: Winter--This tent would not work--as snow blows sideways and would get into the tent w/o an attached floor. This tent for Oregon weather is pretty much a 2 season, maybe 3 season tent--depends on how well it sheds the rain. Even though it is equipped with a vent for hot tent camping, knowing how the weather is here in Oregon--having camped in severe rain storms here in Oregon--OUR tents had to have attached floors--we always laid ground cover underneath our tents too. Plus we used tarps at the very front entrances of all the tents. I see no such flap or entrance attached, making it mandatory for Oregon weather to also have an extra tarp for the entrance of this tent. A lot of money for a tent that is not stand alone in my book. One positive thing: The tent stakes! I am impressed that it comes with two sets--as Oregon can have either very tough clay like soil to sandy or very volcanic rocky soil. My Dad always purchased his own TENT stakes that were heavy duty and very long, and used a heavy hammer too. Always used the lines on the tents too. WE have a lot of wind at the coast. If I was in the market for a tent--this would not be the tent I would buy. I would not reccormmend to my church friends either. They camp alot. They camp year round and in the snow! thanks for the review, Luke. I paid close attention. They are looking for new tents. blessings to you. PS: They purchase tents in the 500 dollar range or so, so money for them is not a problem for my friends.
I think the tent should have a bathtub floor which would have that zippered area for the stove and it should have the adjustable tie-out stake-out places. Should be fully waterproofed. Should be a bit less expensive but it is an American product which is why the labor price and marketing price is high thus the overall high price. Car camping or maybe camping with some type of pack animal or cycle and trailer?
Good vid. Easy setup. Made in USA? Or just sold by USA people. The floor, add a zipper around the bottom even more weight. I hate snakes. Teepee tents have inherent design limitations. It looks good. Sizing appears appropriate. yeah, website needs a lot more detail especially for that much money. Now the big test. Will it keep you DRY? Does it LEAK?
Hmmm ... Concern ... How wet is it going to get inside if you have to open the door while it's raining? There's no awning and the base sticks out beyond the top.
When I look at the floor and the fact the pole being sectional I think you might be able to set it up as quick tipi shelter not the best shelter but it would do in a pinch if needed
If a company don't list a head rading on thair product, run like hell. Luke I love watching Utubers like you, find new gear to test and wate till the crappiest weather, and get out their in it to see how the gear performs.
Interesting tent. Lack of a zip in floor would be a deal breaker. Tarp idea seems kind of useless any tent ground sheet could be advertised as a tarp. Too bad you can't stand up in it but I guess that is a limitation of the outer floor dimensions. Looking forward to the complete review.
I have very mixed feelings about this tent for the price. For a tent that is going to be heated from the inside and have melted snow, sil-nylon seems like a very poor choice of material. Also, for $500, I don’t understand how the company doesn’t have the bare minimum stats on their products. Also, they say made in America, but nothing I can find shows they actually manufacture these products here, all of their sites state “designed” in America or designed by the team. And for those prices and material choices, I feel the zpacks duplex would be a far superior tent choice for a 3 season, and if you can find a fjallraven 4th season tent used, it would be far better. Zpack is designed and manufactured in the US if the is something that matters to you, and they have much lighter and stronger tents. All that being said, I am very excited to see the full review, amazing video as always!!
Will you be looking into the new Ampex Backpacking tents (1-3 person)? they are priced around the 200$ point and have VERY low weights. From what I can Find the company is new and there seem to be almost no reviews of these tents!
Luke. The supposed missing information is quite clearly listed on the website: Dimensions: 10' W x 10' W x 6'3'' Tall Materials: Tent: 40D ripstop silnylon Hydrostatic Rating 3000mm ? Now, unless that information was not there before you posted your video, I don’t know. 🤷🏻♂️ As far as not having enough pictures - ??? I counted nine very good pictures that gave me a confident idea of what this tent is all about. As far as the ground cover issue - moot point (?). It’s a ground cover primarily. And the one picture of that shows us clearly the zipper option with the stove. As far as it not connecting to the sides, everybody knows when you use this type of tent, with or without a ground sheet, you’re gonna get bugs or snakes. Maybe a photo of that would’ve been nice, but that’s anticipated. As far as the one picture of it being used as a shelter, I don’t know what the beef is? It’s obvious the tarp is cut to the dimensions for a round shelter. It’s pitched over Ridgeline, and has several tie outs. We are not provided layout dimensions, but we know that it’s a 10 x 10 Tipi. Again.. 🤷🏻♂️ I do look forward to your field test.
I can't see enough use for it. You have to figure carrying the stove also and you have to be in an area where it's all right to collect wood. If you aren't using a stove you can use a tent with a floor. I don't work out for winter camping anyway. If I did, I would use a warm bag and make sure it didn't get too cold, like 30 degrees during the day. I can't see being out there when it's below zero. That's crazy.
I don't think it should be used as a tarp you're right it doesn't make sense and I also think it should have a way to connect to the tent to keep out The unwanteds
Have always loved tipi style tent and had the classic Golite "Changri-la 3" for many years (Called "lavvo" up here in Norway). This tipi looks good, but as a solo hiker, its to heavy.
Saying BL is an "American Company" is absolutely no guarantee whatsoever that any of their products are manufactured in America or that they use any American raw or finished materials. I find it disappointing that Luke is avoiding this issue by being either knowingly deceptive or willfully ignorant. We can handle the truth and make our own buying decisions. Given how wildly expensive this tent is, I would want full disclosure as to it's true origin.
You need to design your own 2 person tent. With your knowledge, you could put together a tent that could withstand time. I think you have plenty of people on here that would purchase one. Just my thoughts.
HI LUKE 👋 LOOKS NICE FROM HERE . CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW IT DOES WITH THE RAIN ? LOOKING AT THE FLOORI LIKE THE ZIPPER FOR WHERE YOU WOULD PUT YOUR WOODSTOVE . THAT WAS THOUGHTFUT . THIS THINKING ABOUT HOW TO SETUP AS A TARP ? BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED ❤GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 😊 THANK YOU ☺️ 🙏
If you promote a company as "US owned", you should share a picture of the tag where it states country of manufacture. Otherwise it might as well be some fly-by-night dropshipper.
You’re making too much of a mountain out of the molehill that is the idea that oh, by the way, did you know that if the conditions are such that you don’t necessarily need a floor, you can also use this thing as a tarp? Especially if you can’t really stand up inside? You can set this up over the entry so maybe you can finish buttoning, zipping, drawstringing up a little more effectively?
No way I would pay that kind of money for such a small tipi tent when there are other top brand manufacturers with as good if not better shelters AND larger. IMHO
I dont care if its cheap or expensive but when it comes to a tent i want it sealed to avoid critters and bugs. $80 for the floor and doesnt even keep the bugs out. No thanks
Anyone who lives in a true North Country environment, or Alaska where I spent 23 months living, knows that a hot tent can be utilized for a hell of a lot more of the calendar year than just those months of the year when snow is covering the ground. Most of those months of the year *ARE NOT* going to be insect free. In fact, all of the native peoples indigenous to Alaska have words in their languages to describe the early spring/summer months when the biting insects such as the no-see-ums hatch from eggs laid the previous year. Virtually *ALL* of those descriptive words can be loosely translated into American English as some form of *crazy or insanity!* You only have to experience the early spring/summer biting insects of Alaska *ONCE* in order to understand how important both insect repellent sprays as well as shelters capable of denying the entrance of those quadrillions of blood-sucking insects truly are. *A hot tent with a permanent floor or a zip in/zip out floor is going to be exponentially more useful in those types of environments than one whose floor just sits inside the perimeter of the tent's floorplan.*
Needs to be offered in other colors. As for the floor being used as a tarrp, like you I don't see it. Also as for the floor all they need to do is sew hook and pile along the bottom edge of the tent and the floor then one could seal the floor to the tent and end the issue of bugs coming in. Thoug the opening for a stove would have to be redesigned but then if a stove is used then you have to have an opening for it and therefore the door is open for nasty insects
A separate floor is better than no floor at all, but it is in no way shape or form as good as a SEWN IN floor. Here in Dixie, there are lots of creepy crawlers that can get into a tent with you. Most of them are no dang good, but you don't want ANY of them in your tent. If you are camping with a girl? I will personally guarantee you that she will not want bugs in the tent. So, for me, a "take along" floor is kinda worthless because I have other tents which DO have a sewn in floor. That tent could easily see ticks crawling into where you are trying to sleep. Ain't gonna work. So in my book, the whole tent is a FAIL.
I like that this is made in the USA and is veteran owned, but there's way too many things that makes this a hard pass for me. My list of cons is long. First, this is a winter only tent. There's no bug netting anywhere, and with only one undersized vent it would be an oven the rest of the year. It's not tall enough to stand in. With no bathtub floor you'd have no water protection underfoot at all, so you'd have to carry something like a cot to elevate yourself high enough off the ground to keep your sleep system dry. I don't like that the floor isn't included and you have to pay extra to get it. If it was, there's no way to attach it to the walls in a way that would keep insects out. I'm not a fan of sleeping with ticks , mosquitos, fleas, and spiders. The pole doesn't have shock cording. The stake out points aren't adjustable. As for using the floor as a tarp, that's insulting my intelligence to suggest that. Not only is it ill shaped requiring 6 guy lines, it's got a bloody zipper in it that goes to the center. There's no way to keep it from leaking. The only thing this tent looks good for is maybe ice fishing. As for pros, you get two sets of stakes and it has a stove jack. It may be quality made, but I don't see it as being well thought out.
@@johngalt6929My bad. I guess I was assuming it was also made in USA. I should have thought of that considering so many USA companies are sourcing their labor, manufacturing, and materials to China.
It’s ok. But, the floor to me is an issue. If it’s throwing it down , you’re kinda going to be stuffed with rain running in?? You need to keep your gear off the floor???😮😮. Or is that just me??????❤️🤷♀️🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧
Ticks and spiders in the 4 th season?? C’ mon man….weight? Not everyone hikes…. Your criticism sometimes is warranted but….., sometimes way to much I believe this is the case.
I’m in the market for a hot tent.
The Argali Absaroka is at the top of my list. The one thing I wanted with a tent was the snow flap all the way around. The Mesa has that plus it’s 40D and sealed . The Absaroka is 20D and not sealed.
The mesa comes with pole also.
Glad I stumbled across this. Thanks
I’m glad to see a review of an American company. I’m also glad they have quality products and seem to have given some thought to the design. I can only hope the issues you pointed out are addressed. Thank you for showing this product.
Nowhere on the BL website does it say any of their products are made in the USA. There are also no domestic or international certifications of product safety, sustainability, ISO, carbon impact, etc. etc. etc.
Here goes Luke's "honor" again. The company is American but the tent isn't. This channel is losing what credibility it had.
@@kevinmoore2929 - I'm seriously starting to wonder if Luke is trying to be deceptive or if he is simply that ignorant of other people's concerns.
Looks like a fine product. I would only use it as a late fall/winter tent due to only 1 vent. Tipi tents are usually pretty robust and handle bad weather well. We shall see with this one.
the floor makes sense as a tarp for hammock camping with a rapid ridge line setup, a bit short for hammock camping but it is the for correct format.
I agree heartily with the tent stake plan. Most of the camp sites near Tucson, AZ are either sandy soil or viciously hard until you get up into the mountains, where there is actual regular soil. I've only found one brand of aluminum Y stake (MSR Groundhog) that can take the beating of being hammered into the hard ground by Picacho Peak. The sandy areas really need a long Y stake (e.g. MSR Cyclone) so they don't pull out under medium load. Most people around here use the big 10 inch steel "nail" stakes in the harder ground or just give up and tie their tent to some large rocks. The thin titanium stakes are a good lightweight alternative to the big steel nails.
I believe that it is too expensive for what is shown, better products on the market no doubt. Very good review though, and always a joy to watch your channel.
You're paying that freedom 'murica tax. It's the price of bring back manufacturing home. If you don't like it, continue to give money to communist and future enemies.
You're paying that freedom 'murica tax. It's the price of bring back manufacturing home. If you don't like it, continue to give money to communist and future enemies.
Just a thought--With the zipper in the floor/tarp--It looks as though you could use that as a tepee tent as well, in an emergency. Maybe not, but it looked like it might be large enough to be a shelter, if need be.
They should have made it where the floor zips in that way it would have added some protection from the elements as ticks, bugs and spiders.
Or even add some way to fold the snow flaps underneath and velcro the floor to that instead. Obviously, a floor open to the ground will likely exist if a stove is being used.
The whole tent is a fail because the floor is not sewn in.
@@markthomas2436 Completely agree.Is it really such a challenging concept i ask in total incredulity...given the price ? Maybe OneTigris will tackle this concept ? Lyme disease is no fun if you pitch badly ?
Hot tents don’t have sewn in floors.
@@HuntCreekBushcraft maybe the small ones don't, but the larger ones do and you can put a mat down to protect the floor of the tent.
Another great review and awesome you demonstrated this veteran produced product! Hopefully, you will continue using it and giving us feed back like you usually do before I buy one! Thanks for bringing it to our attention!😊
Maybe the floor can be used as a quick set up if it starts to rain just to get out of the ran. Looks to small, and the shape to be used as a tarp. Maybe with the tie off points make a awning for the door maybe. But wish floor did connect to the tent. Got a 60 dollar tipi tent without a floor, but came with a one person net insert that looks to be the same size. It didn't leak in the rain, just one pin hole I sealed. Clearly not the quality of this tent, hope it tests well. Will be looking for the tests coming soon.
As a hot tent, I suppose the lighter color would help it blend into a winter landscape. That said, it might be nice if there were some other colors to choose from.
I am excited to see you do further testing on this tent. Especially in windy, rainy, snowy weather. I like the tent but wish the floor was more secured to the tent. I have been in the market for something similar but a bit bigger and found that the similar style is quite heavy and large when packed down.
I could see the floor being used as a small teepee style tent as well zipper in the door and the reduce the pull height
At 4’11”, I would be interested in this hot tent. I like that it’s made here in the USA; however, would have preferred fabric that is not silnylon bc I know it’s going to sag (boo.). I like the lower stove jack. Wish the floor was connected to the tent body, though. I also like that the center pole is adjustable. I, too, want to know the waterproof rating. That being said, I will wait for Luke to put it through the pouring rain before I make a decision. Good video, as usual. Thanks, Luke!
Nowhere does it say that this tent is made in the USA. What made you think that it was?
I like the overall design of this tent, AND that this is offered by a US company. But it’s in no way unlike most teepee style hot tents on the market. For the pro side on the tent; white fabric color allows for brighter interior space. Love that they include both aluminum and titanium stakes. Cons: as mentioned, no adjustment on the webbing at peg points and a single vent seems insufficient if you plan to use a wood stove.
As for the ground sheet (floor). I think the idea of dual purposing as a tarp is ingenious. And with a little ingenuity or creativity I’m sure it’s possible. The octagonal shape and zipper lends itself to a mini teepee tent configuration. Would like to see someone try that. But the color choice of white…. That’s a no-go for me. Even in Luke’s video you can see the dirt tracked in. I much prefer a dark, if not black floor in my hot tent. Just a better overall look in traffic areas.
PS. Bugs live outside. When we’re camping, we’re in their space. They’re not in ours.
Let's be very very very clear here folks, "offered by a US company" in no way indicates all or any of the product is actually made in the USA. Show me where the country of origin is stated for this tent?
For the little extra pack size and weight I'd add 1 more pole section and make it that much taller. I'd add a way to close the gap between the floor and tent too, and add a bug screen to the door. I don't actually understand the current fascination with no floor tents. Ok as is for late fall through early spring, but unless you are in a no bug zone, no good for summer.
My thinking on the floor being a tarp, if you used a trekking pole you might be able set it up as a teepee tarp, or string it between trees. But I agree it wouldn't be as versatile as a square or rectangular tarp.
Agree with others that, since there's no bug netting, or interior mesh body to keep crawlies out, you really wouldn't want to use this in the warmer months.
I could see using this as a hot tent for a Colorado Elk hunt. It's a good design and a reasonable weight if split up between 2-3 guys. It is what I would want for that scenario.
As for the ground sheet as a tarp could you unzip it, overlap the gap and fold it into a cone shape using a trekking pole or stick for the center? Not sure it would be big enough but it might work.
I like the light color as it won't heat as quickly in the sun and will reflect internal heat from the stove better.
I think if I were to go with a tipi tent for 4 seasons, I would go with Nor tent tipi tent. Better floor system, and you can get the inner tent to help keep the heat in and doubles as a bug net.
But what do I know. I'm a hammock guy. Cheers Luke.
I am very impressed with the tent stake selection! Very cool.
Good afternoon from Ont Canada! I think it would do a lot better with the floor attatched. Nobody wants ticks.
You don’t use hot tents during tick season
When you do your tarp fortress, and use the floor as a wall, the zippered opening may be able to be used as a door
A square or rectangular tarp suits conventional thinkers, but a hexagonal tap is more versatile for creative users. Even a triangular tarp has amazing deployment options when coupled with a creative mind.
I guess therein lies the divergence between bushcrafters and survivors. One is constant learning and experimenting, the other is focused on what works and fail-safe.
In the warmer months the white colour sort of make sense as it will not attract/hold a lof of heat. However, come the cooler weather, that will work against you, unless you are wanting to hide in the snow. As for bugs, during the winter months that might not be too much of a problem, come the warmer weather you will be a bug smorgasbord. The concept seems good, it just needs some fine tuning, IMO.
The 'snow skirt' could be tucked under the floor to make a useful seal and the stake-out points would fit better that way. Silnylon is a 'thing' these days, but its stretchy nature when wet gives me second thoughts.
Silpoly is a fairly stable new thing now, so if you want an alternative to silnylon that doesn't micro-absorb water and stretch like nylon, then that is your solution. A bunch of the Henry Shires tarptent budget (non-dyneema) designs have changed to silpoly.
I stopped using nylon cord for camping about a decade ago because of the annoying wet-stretch problem. Fine hollow braid polyester/dacron kite line is available in 100, 200, 300 and 500 pound ratings for better prices than 550 paracord. Rothco also sells an all-polyester paracord for competitive prices - a little stiffer than nylon, but works fine.
Most hot tents have an inner or half inner for use in bug season, and in hot tent season having a floor is generally a pain, you damage it cutting and stacking wood, depending on the material it's slippery when you get in with you went snowy boots etc...
When I use my hot tent, I use a small 5x7 tarp and I orient it near the sleeping area, so when you roll out of bed you have an area to put your feet and someplace to have your clothes sitting etc...
Less than half the floor area covered with it and large portion of that is under the sleeping area.
Also to note, I use the half inner tent in all seasons, it basically turns half the tent into a double walled tent it eliminates condensation in the sleeping area and keeps my sleeping kit off the snow or wet frozen ground etc..
To me a full floor makes litte to no sense in a tent marketed as a hot tent and ones that are marketed for all seasons need to come with aome kind of bug netting anyways so having a sealed floor is also bit really a requirement.
Definitely looks like a decent tipi but it kinda sucks they dont offer a mesh inner tent for use in the warmer months. At least I didn't see one while quickly browsing their site.
I dont care for the floor, Interested in seeing the rain test for sure
What’s up with all the replies about getting bugs inside the tent this is a hot tent. Meaning use in the cold season.
Bugs be looking to get some warmth same with mice and other critters.
If you put a hot tent on bare ground, it stands to reason that the ground would also get warmer. Where do bugs go when it gets cold? Underground. How do they know when to come out? Temperature change. Where do they end up when coming aboveground? Your tent.
Our winter in Texas is rather short. The only thing that dies off in freezing temps is the mosquitoes. You're likely to get bugs in your tent year round here.
since the floor can be opened for use of a stove or closed when one is not being used, and same with the stove jack, I am guessing that this tent is also for use in other seasons.
@@martymartin2894 bugs are not out flying in temps below 50 degrees.
I would only use a tent like this in deep winter. Something like a high of 30 F and low under 0F. I don't think bugs are much of an issue then.
If they gave the floor a zip-in (or velcro) connection to the sides via mosquito netting, then it could also be a fall and spring tent.
At this weight, it is a car camping tent for one person. Maybe for 2 people in deep winter for hike-in hunting or by 4-wheeler? Otherwise, it would need 3 people for backpacking to cover that much weight. Will it sleep 3 with no stove?
Is the floor/tarp zipper waterproof?
I could probably come up with a good octagonal standalone tarp setup. For example, if you pinch 2 of the 8 pie-slices into a doorway, then you're left with mostly a hexagon shape. The remaining hexagon will make a good starfish or maybe a sort of A-frame. You would probably need 2-3 poles and perhaps a creative ridge line design. And of course an easy answer is that an octagonal tarp clearly makes a better starfish build than a square tarp ever did. But you'll need about 8 stakes and a 4-6 foot pole. It's a fun origami puzzle.
needs a zip in floor, i dont like top roll jack covers they can touch pipes an melt/burn, you can just tie adjustable lines to the points yourself and guide them further out especially the upper points to help with sag, but over all pretty good looking for a version 1 from the company
I think they should have included a screen or mesh netting inside the tepee ⛺️ to prevent bugs and insects from entering with a two sided zipper on it
Why use nylon on tents? It stretches and sags all the time. Polyester, while cheaper, holds it's shape. This would seem to be a better choice. Or some poly/nylon blend to control sagging while adding abrasion and wear resistance. Im not an expert, but am I wrong?
Great review, as usual. 👍
I'm going to guess by the time you break out a hot tent, the bugs aren't an issue. Or, they're vets, and things like bugs don't bother them. As for that floor/tarp, probably not intended for hunkering down in a Cat 4.
If I was going to spend over 450 dollars for a tent, want the floor to be attached. I have many environmental allergies and allergies to certain types of bee venom and allergies to mosquito saliva. (I mean giant hives from bites) The tent I purchased in 2012 from K-mart for 69.99 was water proof, had an attached floor, rain fly, and vents, and was a four season tent. It was 70 percent off regular price because I got it at the end of summer. I camped in the pouring down rain in Oregon! Rain falls sideways in the high winds here. Even with a tarp over the tent, the tent, the tent got wet outside on the back side, but not inside. It was adequately vented so that there was no condensation.
Even if the floor zipped on, that would be an improvement for the cost. Also added vents for air circulation, as summers in Oregon are hot and humid! RE: Winter--This tent would not work--as snow blows sideways and would get into the tent w/o an attached floor. This tent for Oregon weather is pretty much a 2 season, maybe 3 season tent--depends on how well it sheds the rain. Even though it is equipped with a vent for hot tent camping, knowing how the weather is here in Oregon--having camped in severe rain storms here in Oregon--OUR tents had to have attached floors--we always laid ground cover underneath our tents too. Plus we used tarps at the very front entrances of all the tents. I see no such flap or entrance attached, making it mandatory for Oregon weather to also have an extra tarp for the entrance of this tent. A lot of money for a tent that is not stand alone in my book. One positive thing: The tent stakes! I am impressed that it comes with two sets--as Oregon can have either very tough clay like soil to sandy or very volcanic rocky soil. My Dad always purchased his own TENT stakes that were heavy duty and very long, and used a heavy hammer too. Always used the lines on the tents too. WE have a lot of wind at the coast.
If I was in the market for a tent--this would not be the tent I would buy. I would not reccormmend to my church friends either. They camp alot. They camp year round and in the snow! thanks for the review, Luke. I paid close attention. They are looking for new tents. blessings to you. PS: They purchase tents in the 500 dollar range or so, so money for them is not a problem for my friends.
I think the tent should have a bathtub floor which would have that zippered area for the stove and it should have the adjustable tie-out stake-out places. Should be fully waterproofed. Should be a bit less expensive but it is an American product which is why the labor price and marketing price is high thus the overall high price. Car camping or maybe camping with some type of pack animal or cycle and trailer?
Good vid. Easy setup. Made in USA? Or just sold by USA people. The floor, add a zipper around the bottom even more weight. I hate snakes. Teepee tents have inherent design limitations. It looks good. Sizing appears appropriate. yeah, website needs a lot more detail especially for that much money. Now the big test. Will it keep you DRY? Does it LEAK?
Hmmm ... Concern ... How wet is it going to get inside if you have to open the door while it's raining? There's no awning and the base sticks out beyond the top.
When I look at the floor and the fact the pole being sectional I think you might be able to set it up as quick tipi shelter not the best shelter but it would do in a pinch if needed
Can’t wait for the water test
If a company don't list a head rading on thair product, run like hell. Luke I love watching Utubers like you, find new gear to test and wate till the crappiest weather, and get out their in it to see how the gear performs.
it is beyond my comprehension why a company that makes a 400 dollar tent will not provide hydrostatic ratings.
I like it how do I find on so I can buy it Ron C
Every time I see a video from this guy I imagine he has an indiana jones style warehouse to keep all these tents
Excellent as always!
I like it. Maybe you can cover up your firewood pile with that so called tarp.😅
With a gap between floor and wall, how does the tent keep rain/surface water out? That can't be a four season tent for that reason alone.
Have you seen or heard of this pop up style tent from Reactive Outdoor? They call it the 3 - Second Tent.
I like the floor 😊
Interesting tent. Lack of a zip in floor would be a deal breaker. Tarp idea seems kind of useless any tent ground sheet could be advertised as a tarp. Too bad you can't stand up in it but I guess that is a limitation of the outer floor dimensions. Looking forward to the complete review.
I have very mixed feelings about this tent for the price. For a tent that is going to be heated from the inside and have melted snow, sil-nylon seems like a very poor choice of material. Also, for $500, I don’t understand how the company doesn’t have the bare minimum stats on their products.
Also, they say made in America, but nothing I can find shows they actually manufacture these products here, all of their sites state “designed” in America or designed by the team. And for those prices and material choices, I feel the zpacks duplex would be a far superior tent choice for a 3 season, and if you can find a fjallraven 4th season tent used, it would be far better. Zpack is designed and manufactured in the US if the is something that matters to you, and they have much lighter and stronger tents.
All that being said, I am very excited to see the full review, amazing video as always!!
At 1st glance, looks like the jack is so close to the door you will bump into the stove going in & out.
So it's an American company... but where is it made? One guess.
Will you be looking into the new Ampex Backpacking tents (1-3 person)? they are priced around the 200$ point and have VERY low weights. From what I can Find the company is new and there seem to be almost no reviews of these tents!
Luke. The supposed missing information is quite clearly listed on the website:
Dimensions: 10' W x 10' W x 6'3'' Tall
Materials: Tent: 40D ripstop silnylon Hydrostatic Rating 3000mm
?
Now, unless that information was not there before you posted your video, I don’t know.
🤷🏻♂️
As far as not having enough pictures - ??? I counted nine very good pictures that gave me a confident idea of what this tent is all about.
As far as the ground cover issue - moot point (?). It’s a ground cover primarily. And the one picture of that shows us clearly the zipper option with the stove. As far as it not connecting to the sides, everybody knows when you use this type of tent, with or without a ground sheet, you’re gonna get bugs or snakes. Maybe a photo of that would’ve been nice, but that’s anticipated. As far as the one picture of it being used as a shelter, I don’t know what the beef is? It’s obvious the tarp is cut to the dimensions for a round shelter. It’s pitched over Ridgeline, and has several tie outs. We are not provided layout dimensions, but we know that it’s a 10 x 10 Tipi. Again.. 🤷🏻♂️
I do look forward to your field test.
I can't see enough use for it. You have to figure carrying the stove also and you have to be in an area where it's all right to collect wood. If you aren't using a stove you can use a tent with a floor. I don't work out for winter camping anyway. If I did, I would use a warm bag and make sure it didn't get too cold, like 30 degrees during the day. I can't see being out there when it's below zero. That's crazy.
I think you will roast inside the tent in the sumertime with only one vent. What do you think? Like your videos.
I wonder if you could velcro line the floor and the bottom of the tent making it kind of sealed from bugs and ticks. Humm.
Hydrostatic head rating tests are pretty easy and cheap to conduct, so it's disappointing when I see that a manufacturer hasn't done it...
I don't think it should be used as a tarp you're right it doesn't make sense and I also think it should have a way to connect to the tent to keep out The unwanteds
Do the Gastropod please.
Have always loved tipi style tent and had the classic Golite "Changri-la 3" for many years (Called "lavvo" up here in Norway). This tipi looks good, but as a solo hiker, its to heavy.
Yea I would not use the floor bugs would be coming in so I would leave it out
The only way to know if course is to try it. I'll comment after you put it to test. Seem a bit expensive.
The floor s a tarp. Close. The floor as an umbrella type sun cover or sumshade, makes more sense.
Saying BL is an "American Company" is absolutely no guarantee whatsoever that any of their products are manufactured in America or that they use any American raw or finished materials. I find it disappointing that Luke is avoiding this issue by being either knowingly deceptive or willfully ignorant. We can handle the truth and make our own buying decisions. Given how wildly expensive this tent is, I would want full disclosure as to it's true origin.
Do your own research then.
@@Huusmaan - We should be able to trust that Luke would be more forthcoming on made in China/USA issue.
no way would I buy-but great review as always!
You need to design your own 2 person tent. With your knowledge, you could put together a tent that could withstand time. I think you have plenty of people on here that would purchase one. Just my thoughts.
HI LUKE 👋
LOOKS NICE FROM HERE . CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW IT DOES WITH THE RAIN ? LOOKING AT THE FLOORI LIKE THE ZIPPER FOR WHERE YOU WOULD PUT YOUR WOODSTOVE . THAT WAS THOUGHTFUT . THIS THINKING ABOUT HOW TO SETUP AS A TARP ?
BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED ❤GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 😊 THANK YOU ☺️ 🙏
looked like a tieout on the very top... maybe with it strung up to a branch and no pole you could stand up in it..
Didn't you say you didn't have a white tent stealth in snow 👍
valcro to atach the tarp to the tint wood be good
I would love to see the Floor section fitted with a zip , so that it can be attached to the inside of the tent , to seal out bugs and spiders .
Why not a tarp of different dimensions? We're simply familiar with the set up of a sqaure/rectangular tarp.
If you promote a company as "US owned", you should share a picture of the tag where it states country of manufacture. Otherwise it might as well be some fly-by-night dropshipper.
You’re making too much of a mountain out of the molehill that is the idea that oh, by the way, did you know that if the conditions are such that you don’t necessarily need a floor, you can also use this thing as a tarp? Especially if you can’t really stand up inside? You can set this up over the entry so maybe you can finish buttoning, zipping, drawstringing up a little more effectively?
The floor should be bigger and go to the outside of the tent
Go Luke
Expensive! Put it to use in a rain or snow storm with the stove burning. Then let’s decide. I’m also not fond of that floor.
👍👍👍
You can have it.
Good afternoon from Syracuse NY Luke
No way I would pay that kind of money for such a small tipi tent when there are other top brand manufacturers with as good if not better shelters AND larger. IMHO
Don't like that the floor is not attached,,,bugs,,,!!!!!! Well done Luke,,, Dave in the UK
This tent is a hot tent not a warm season tent so bugs should not be an issue
@@northcountrytrapper got you,, thanks
When companies say that the tent will fit a certain amount of people, do they test it with Chihuahua’s?
sharing
I dont care if its cheap or expensive but when it comes to a tent i want it sealed to avoid critters and bugs. $80 for the floor and doesnt even keep the bugs out. No thanks
Anyone who lives in a true North Country environment, or Alaska where I spent 23 months living, knows that a hot tent can be utilized for a hell of a lot more of the calendar year than just those months of the year when snow is covering the ground. Most of those months of the year *ARE NOT* going to be insect free. In fact, all of the native peoples indigenous to Alaska have words in their languages to describe the early spring/summer months when the biting insects such as the no-see-ums hatch from eggs laid the previous year. Virtually *ALL* of those descriptive words can be loosely translated into American English as some form of *crazy or insanity!* You only have to experience the early spring/summer biting insects of Alaska *ONCE* in order to understand how important both insect repellent sprays as well as shelters capable of denying the entrance of those quadrillions of blood-sucking insects truly are.
*A hot tent with a permanent floor or a zip in/zip out floor is going to be exponentially more useful in those types of environments than one whose floor just sits inside the perimeter of the tent's floorplan.*
Too much money! 😂
I am looking for the rain test
Too heavy for one person? I don't think one person would get a wood burning heater in his backpack either.
I just don't like tents with a pole in the middle. It just wastes space that could be put to good use.
Needs to be offered in other colors. As for the floor being used as a tarrp, like you I don't see it. Also as for the floor all they need to do is sew hook and pile along the bottom edge of the tent and the floor then one could seal the floor to the tent and end the issue of bugs coming in. Thoug the opening for a stove would have to be redesigned but then if a stove is used then you have to have an opening for it and therefore the door is open for nasty insects
A separate floor is better than no floor at all, but it is in no way shape or form as good as a SEWN IN floor. Here in Dixie, there are lots of creepy crawlers that can get into a tent with you. Most of them are no dang good, but you don't want ANY of them in your tent. If you are camping with a girl? I will personally guarantee you that she will not want bugs in the tent. So, for me, a "take along" floor is kinda worthless because I have other tents which DO have a sewn in floor. That tent could easily see ticks crawling into where you are trying to sleep. Ain't gonna work. So in my book, the whole tent is a FAIL.
I like that this is made in the USA and is veteran owned, but there's way too many things that makes this a hard pass for me. My list of cons is long. First, this is a winter only tent. There's no bug netting anywhere, and with only one undersized vent it would be an oven the rest of the year. It's not tall enough to stand in. With no bathtub floor you'd have no water protection underfoot at all, so you'd have to carry something like a cot to elevate yourself high enough off the ground to keep your sleep system dry. I don't like that the floor isn't included and you have to pay extra to get it. If it was, there's no way to attach it to the walls in a way that would keep insects out. I'm not a fan of sleeping with ticks , mosquitos, fleas, and spiders. The pole doesn't have shock cording. The stake out points aren't adjustable. As for using the floor as a tarp, that's insulting my intelligence to suggest that. Not only is it ill shaped requiring 6 guy lines, it's got a bloody zipper in it that goes to the center. There's no way to keep it from leaking. The only thing this tent looks good for is maybe ice fishing. As for pros, you get two sets of stakes and it has a stove jack. It may be quality made, but I don't see it as being well thought out.
Nowhere does it say that the tent is actually made in the USA. Only that BCL it is an "American" company.
@@johngalt6929My bad. I guess I was assuming it was also made in USA. I should have thought of that considering so many USA companies are sourcing their labor, manufacturing, and materials to China.
@@FIS681 - Not your fault. Luke needs to specify exactly where a product is made. An "American Company" does not specify county of origin at all.
I have never used a round tarp. Square, rectangular but not round. Tarp use is poor! It must be dry or not a good choice for the money!
It’s ok. But, the floor to me is an issue. If it’s throwing it down , you’re kinda going to be stuffed with rain running in?? You need to keep your gear off the floor???😮😮. Or is that just me??????❤️🤷♀️🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧
Very expensive 500 with floor
But but... A hot tent is for the winter... there are not spiders or ticks
Ticks and spiders in the 4 th season?? C’ mon man….weight? Not everyone hikes…. Your criticism sometimes is warranted but….., sometimes way to much I believe this is the case.