Thread: Thoughts and Opinions - MIA Westlander Tents & Peak Pursuit Expedition Canvas Tents

Hey everyone,
Looking for experienced opinions on the MIA Westlander 2 and 3 or the Peak Pursuit Expedition canvas tents. Has anyone tested their tent extensively, had it setup in the bush for days / weeks. Any thoughts on canvas longevity and stitching, tent design, how it handles high winds and torrential rain etc. Interested in one of these tents for long-term bush use, I'm talking 100+ days per year.
Thanks,
Joel

I think any torrential rain in a canvas tent will get in. We had 800mm in 7 days and very high winds, sleet and snow, ev in tent was wet but water was flowing beneath the floor as well so a lot of water in the air as well. Couldn’t believe the tent stood up to the wind to be honest was quite impressed! Had 2 foot snow on it too on that trip and held that no sweat. I think the double skin roof is a must ie the extra fly. We didn’t have that. Next door tent was nylon and was dry but the mia we used bore the brunt of the wind. Doubt the other tent would have been standing if our one wasn’t there.

Bump

We just used an Mia tent for a week in the Tahr ballot. We really enjoyed using the tent with it's log burner to keep us warm and cook on as well.
It's a game changer really.

Quite strong wind one night which it coped well.
The build quality and design is excellent.
Not sure where they are manufactured?
The peak pursuit tents are made in China from what I have heard but don't know what their quality is like in comparison.

We have had a westlander iv that has been set up in the bush now for 2 months, probably be out for another month before we are finished.
Has withstood the wind well. We just had that heavy rain warning here so be interesting to see when we get back in there next week how it held up rain wise.
Awning is awesome and so is the full floor. Have the big fire and that gets the tent pretty cozy.
Glad we got the larger one although it does weight a bit.

We have the Westlander 3, took it down it strong wind gusts coming down the valley. We found if we sleep in it, it condensates on the inside. We use it as a communal tent and take other tents for sleeping.

I have a Smiths equivalent from Ashburton. I had it in the Kaimanawas for 4 days in constant rain and it was excellent. Fire etc works a treat. I opted to support NZ made.

@TLB do you have steel or alloy frame?

Originally Posted by Southcity

I have a Smiths equivalent from Ashburton. I had it in the Kaimanawas for 4 days in constant rain and it was excellent. Fire etc works a treat. I opted to support NZ made.

I remember seeing one of those tents at the sika show. They looked very heavy duty and well made. Do they still make them?

Originally Posted by SPEARONZ

@TLB do you have steel or alloy frame?

Alloy frame.
It ended up staying out continuously for over 5 months no issues at all.

Thanks that's good to hear ill go Alloy. Did you put a mat down beneath the fire? And does the awning have attachments to fully enclose it?

Westlander 2 over 4 years used heaps CNI just waterproofed the .5 wide centre roof section only for drips that run down frame.Nothing visual but putting it down to wind flap and maybe dust conditions.Would certainly buy again.

Originally Posted by SPEARONZ

Thanks that's good to hear ill go Alloy. Did you put a mat down beneath the fire? And does the awning have attachments to fully enclose it?

Yeah awning fully encloses. We use it for cooking and storage, could even sleep another person under it. Have used another one without an awning and would highly recommend the awning.

The one we have has the whole floor but we have put a small square of carpet under the front of the fire. In the other tipi thread there is a link to an AliExpress fire mat. Cheap and looks the part, might get one of them too.

Originally Posted by Bush Basher

I remember seeing one of those tents at the sika show. They looked very heavy duty and well made. Do they still make them?

I believe so.