Tempest
| Page Type | Gear Review |
|---|---|
| Object Title | Tempest |
| Manufacturer | Bibler |
| Page By | GuitarWIzard |
| Page Type | Apr 28, 2002 / Apr 28, 2002 |
| Object ID | 237 |
| Hits | 5857 |
| Vote |
Made with unique ToddTex™ fabric, this tent is totally waterproof, windproof and extremely breathable
ToddTex has a ripstop nylon outer face, a polyester inner face that wicks water out as fast as a paper towel and a PTFE membrane laminated in between
Two built-in doors and integrated vestibules make life easier on the inside and add 13 extra square feet of protection on the outside
Weatherproof vent at the apex of each vestibule allows efficient airflow, even during the heaviest downpour
Maximum usable space is provided by uniting steep walls and a simple floor design; asymmetrical profile stands nearly four feet tall
Precise catenary cut makes tent skintight on the poles and quiet in heavy winds
Three-point equalizing guyline tie-downs provide security in extreme winds; light-reflecting tie-downs are helpful in the dark
Four interior net pockets hold odds and ends
Floor material is finely woven high-denier nylon taffeta laminated to a strong waterproof film; coating is on the inside to protect from wear and tear
Floors are black so they dry fast, even in cold weather
Factory-taped floor seam; Seam Grip® included to seal other primary seams
Doors are made from water-repellent, breathable, 30-denier ripstop nylon to save on weight; vestibules made from coated nylon ripstop
Door zippers remain velvety smooth, resist wind and are treated with silicone to prevent water wicking and the inevitable freeze
Door toggles to the side when open and no-see-em mesh is placed on the interior to prevent ice build-up
Radio-frequency welded seams in the corners and Twistlock pole ties complete the design features
Seams are all sewn with super heavy-duty nylon thread and every stress point is reinforced for extra security
The single-wall design eliminates the rainfly, thus reducing weight and eliminating the annoying sound of an extra layer of fabric flapping in the wind. Comes with stakes, guylines, Seam Grip, Monoject® syringe applicator, stuff sacks and instruction/care manual. Average minimum weight specification based on tent and poles only. Imported.
pphlux - Mar 8, 2004 12:45 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled ReviewI have never owned a winter tent, although I have been winter camping in the mountains of Colorado for a few years in the three season Dana Design Mojo. My old tent was acceptable in cold weather, although I would never use it if there was a threat of wind, as there is a lot of mesh under the fly.
This tent is pretty easy to setup after you've done it a few times. I had set it up once when I picked it up, and again to seam seal it. (which was pretty easy, and they say it is good for the life of the tent, although Bibler supplied plenty of sealeant for more than one use) It was a little different experience setting the tent up outdoors, with a little wind and a few feet of snow. The tent is very sturdy once set up.
The rear vestiblue is _very_ small. I cannot even fit my overnight backpack back there. I find the front vestibule is a good size for cooking and front porch use, but there is not enough room for cooking _and_ storage space.
After cooking some dinner in the vestibule, I zipped up and we began to eat inside. The tent was quickly engulfed in steam, and I popped open the rear and front vents. Only about a 3" crack in the zippers seemed enough to ventilate the tent.
Overnight, the tent stayed very warm. Much warmer that my old tent to say the least. A bit of condensation did build up on the upper portion of the tent, and on the front and rear doors. The doors had much more condenstaion than the ToddTex fabric. There was not condensation low on the tent sides, so my sleeping bag stayed plenty dry. All the icy condensation had dissapeared by the time we woke up at 8am (an hour and a half past sunrise, and still well below freezing outside)
I will add some durability information to this sometime, prehaps quite a while from now. From what I have heard, Bibler tents wear very well if you don't rip them.