Thread: Expedition tents

Been hunting with my z tarp and hunter bivvy but planning a few longer range tops trips over the roar with my hunting mates and gf. So spacious to a point mozzie, sandfly and bomb proof shelter.

I'm reasonably tall and not into cramped spaces.
Budget 1000 would be good, big 2 or 3 man would be good.

I often have the dog on North Island trips. 3kg ish, seems about right.

So far, looking at the good ole Mac pac Olympus, sea to summit, MSR tents. Good deals coming ip.

I'm out of touch and would really appreciate a few suggestions if you can spare a moment and your experience.

If by chance, you have one that's in top nic, I'd love to hear you. Flick me a dm.

Cheers

Olympus is pretty hard to beat, The Kuiu stormstar would be another one to look at (2 man)

The macpac Aspiring would be worth looking at being a 3 man, but is heavier than what you're talking about, unless you share the carry with your mate/s

Originally Posted by Sika 8

Olympus is pretty hard to beat, The Kuiu stormstar would be another one to look at (2 man)

The macpac Aspiring would be worth looking at being a 3 man, but is heavier than what you're talking about, unless you share the carry with your mate/s

Hi mate, thank you. Is there much in it quality and build between the Mac Pac Minaret and Olympus? Obviously weight. Cheers

Originally Posted by GSP HUNTER

Hi mate, thank you. Is there much in it quality and build between the Mac Pac Minaret and Olympus? Obviously weight. Cheers

I have a mineret and only recommend it as a 1 person tent. The 1 end door which is also the vestibule is ok by myself but a pain in the arse with 2 people. Even worse in bad weather when you have 2 packs and boots etc in the doorway and trying to make room for your cooker.
I'd recommend trying one out on someones back lawn before buying.

Originally Posted by GSP HUNTER

Hi mate, thank you. Is there much in it quality and build between the Mac Pac Minaret and Olympus? Obviously weight. Cheers

I would take the Olympus over the Minaret, those things are used on Everest & are well proven in the worst of the worst, I would split the weight with your mate/s or even have your dog carry some of it

There's a new version 2 out now but i can't see what the difference is apart from a new colour?

I have had an MSR for about four years now and can't complain at it. It has been a great tent.

Kuiu Mountain or Storm star. Exterior poles are so good, especially if pitching in bad weather.

Xmid 2. Also worth having a look at the naturehike range on aliexpress which are actually bloody good value

If you are tall check out the Durston X-Mid Solid 2 I'm 6'4 and it has plenty of room the solid is a lot cheaper than the pro and still really light.
Used mine on the Tahr ballot last May was perfect.

Sent from my CPH2531 using Tapatalk

might be worth a look, haven't used mine yet but took the gamble. the sealant comes with it for the seams. appears alot better build and more sturdy than my old MSR carbon reflex (only setup on the lawn for sealing the seams).
also keep an eye out as should be some deals coming up with the black friday.

https://www.furtherfaster.co.nz/prod...pTxqPLCzAkm47c

Anyone have any experience with the Bushbuck range of tents? I'm looking at the Tribus, for the extra internal room for two people (2.1m internal width). looks to be a lot more roomy than the purely 2 man tents at 1.35m internal dimensions.

Used the opalus 3 in the west coast which is basically the tribulus. Didn’t get any knarly weather but it went great in rain, light snow and ice. It’s a legit 3 person as the awning can stow all the gear.

Also used the bush buck 2 person. Same trip but on the tops for a night. Handled a few” of snow fine but would never consider sharing it with a second person.

As far as macpac tents go, they are very bombproof, and they have just dropped the latest new and improved version of the olympus and minaret (named v2).

I would say Minaret is great if you are by yourself, or with a smaller person, but the vestibule lacks the size to comfortably store two full hunting packs, boots, and rifles etc. Good if you are on the go and don't want the weight, but not so much if you are a taller person or plan on using the tent more like base camp. My mate and I are both around the 6 foot mark and 100kg and it was very very snug, but do-able in the shitty weather, just not comfortable per se.

I have stayed in the Olympus (the old one not v2) also in a base camp style set up and it was great. More room for getting in and out of wet gear, and more space to store gear and spread out if you get stuck in the tent during a spell of bad weather. Heavier though, and has a far larger footprint which can make finding pitching sites harder.

Hope this helps.

The Olympus ticked are few boxes and between 2 people, weights not an issue, plenty of room, for me and the lad.
Will chase a lighter option for just me and the dog next . There's been some good intel and experience shared here.
Grateful to you all. Thank you.

Bombproof = Hilleberg = >= Expensive