Expedition or Mountaineering Tents  

Tents weren’t always used for recreation.  There was a time when makeshift shelters were the primary residences of certain peoples.  It was only in the 70’s when camping became a hip family activity, and small portable tents were produced.  If it weren’t for the brave expedition teams before that, though, these tents wouldn’t have developed as fast.  People like the great Sir Edmund Hillary inspired companies like Eureka to streamline their tents for use in expeditions.  One of the first of these was Eureka’s Draw-tite tent.  As these tents became more practical, mass production wasn’t far away.  Now, several top-notch products are available from different brands.  If you have got the cash, they have got the product.

   

 

  

 

Of course, Eureka never stopped improving their own goods and their own expedition didn’t stop in the 60’s.  With each decade, tougher tents came about.  Now, their 5th Season Exo tent is one of the best in the market.  Co-designed with expeditionist extraordinaire Eric Simonson, this Arctic shield sports a stunning exoskeleton design with extremely tough aluminum poles.  Two explorers couldn’t be more comfortable or safer in the snowy mountains of the world.  Easy setup even with gloved hands and reflective logos make the Exo tent excellent for harsh below zero conditions.  At around $500, it’s definitely more expensive than other 2 person tents, but it will also definitely do its job.

If you want something lighter, though, compared to the Exo’s 15 pounds, then MSR’s Fury is half the burden.  This doesn’t mean it’s a tight squeeze though, as it holds just enough space for two so that comfort isn’t greatly reduced.  It’s a little bit cheaper than the Exo, and it’ll help you get to your destination a little quicker.  Double walls also ensure a safe night in thoroughly extreme icy winds.

Mountain Hardwear isn’t to be forgotten though, as they are known to have some very formidable equipment.  Their high altitude Ev tents were designed by American super climber Ed Viesturs.  Who wouldn’t want a tent designed by the man who climbed all of the world’s highest peaks?  Atlas Scandium poles make its three person tent almost as light as the Fury, and maybe even tougher.  Its unique fabric will sustain the craziest weather.  The Ev 3 may not be the most affordable tent, but it is one of the hardiest.

An all out expedition would not be complete without a base camp set up.  You’d need a place to put your equipment, supplies, and even medical and communications gear.  If you really want to go all out, MH’s Space Station is the perfect tent for the job.  Its 300 square feet can house all your stuff and protect as many as 15 people from the unforgiving cold.  Its dome shape and extra coatings make it impervious to extreme wind loads and water exposure.  Yunan Scandium expedition poles also ensure a high degree of protection.  At a steep $4,700, it’s no surprise the Space Station can stand against almost anything.

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