aysrav
11-15-2009, 12:32 PM
As promised, and now that I've tried out my new little 4-season Enduro, I thought I'd share a few of my thoughts. My first priority is quality and so far so good. I have to admit that for $99 I was skeptical, but it seems to be decent. The materials may not be as high tech (light) as some of the pricier name brand tents (such as aluminum poles) but weight was not my first concern. Granted, 7 lbs is on the heavy side for hiking/backpacking, but I don't see that as a problem on a motorcycle. Much more important to me, the packed size is 7X16 and that leaves plenty of room for other gear.
The first time I climbed in I noticed how much warmer it was than my all-mesh tent that I use for the other 3 seasons. But I think there is enough mesh on the Enduro for any time other than mid-summer. There's a mesh window on either side and one on top as well as a couple of pop-ups for ventilation.
I don't really camp in rocky areas but I still like a free-standing tent. There's just something flexible about it that appeals to me. The Enduro scores here too as it can be moved around so long as it hasn't been staked out. There are a couple of nice pockets inside and the vestibule is quite adequate for other stuff like your boots.
All in all, it seems spacious to me and solidly made. My primary reason for purchasing this tent was added warmth in the winter without sacrificing quality and I believe that I have satisfied my objective. Here are a couple of pics including one of how it packs. I can fit more stuff in this bag that attaches to my backrest but these are the basics (air mattress, 0 degree sleeping bag, tent).
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6383/dscf3352f.th.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/dscf3352f.jpg/)
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/738/dscf3344y.th.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/dscf3344y.jpg/)
The first time I climbed in I noticed how much warmer it was than my all-mesh tent that I use for the other 3 seasons. But I think there is enough mesh on the Enduro for any time other than mid-summer. There's a mesh window on either side and one on top as well as a couple of pop-ups for ventilation.
I don't really camp in rocky areas but I still like a free-standing tent. There's just something flexible about it that appeals to me. The Enduro scores here too as it can be moved around so long as it hasn't been staked out. There are a couple of nice pockets inside and the vestibule is quite adequate for other stuff like your boots.
All in all, it seems spacious to me and solidly made. My primary reason for purchasing this tent was added warmth in the winter without sacrificing quality and I believe that I have satisfied my objective. Here are a couple of pics including one of how it packs. I can fit more stuff in this bag that attaches to my backrest but these are the basics (air mattress, 0 degree sleeping bag, tent).
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6383/dscf3352f.th.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/dscf3352f.jpg/)
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/738/dscf3344y.th.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/dscf3344y.jpg/)