Forum rules
TIP: The online Bushwalk Inventory System can help bushwalkers with a variety of bushwalk planning tasks, including: Manage which items they take bushwalking so that they do not forget anything they might need, plan meals for their walks, and automatically compile food/fuel shopping lists (lists of consumables) required to make and cook the meals for each walk. It is particularly useful for planning for groups who share food or other items, but is also useful for individual walkers.Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Fri 29 May, 2009 9:44 pm
Introduction
I've been aiming to lighten my load on solo walks for some time by purchasing my first solo tent. Previously my tents have been two man shelters, as my earlier walking has usually involved sharing with a walking companion. It's been a long time coming, but I eventually purchased an Exped Vela I Extreme, and got to try it out for the first time last weekend (only for one night this time).
I've never really attempted to write up an equipment review before, so I hope this is helpful. This review will have to be considered incomplete, however, as the only night spent in the tent so far had no rain, and I was in a spot which was very sheltered from the wind. I found a tight spot between the trees and bushes where it was a bit of a tight fit (the tent does take up a lot of ground area for a solo tent, due to it's large vestibule size, and the length of the ropes for pegging out at the ends).
Some Specifications
You can look up the full specifications on Exped's web site, but the important items of note for me are:
Pitching
Pitching this tent is dead simple and takes about 2 minutes. I think that with practice, and in ideal conditions, I could pitch it in under a minute. I had some initial problems getting the fly tight enough on the foot half of the tent, but after thinking about the technique, and confirming with the manufacturer, I figured out that this was due to not having the peg out ropes at the foot end fully extended. The pitching instructions are frustratingly brief, and could do with some improvement, but once the correct technique is understood, pitching is quick and simple.
The Vela I is integral pitch (the fly and canopy are pitched together at once), but you can pitch with just the fly, or with just the canopy. After pitching, the fly can be rolled up from either end (or from both ends) if the weather is good, and you want to make sure the breeze gets right into the tent.
Only one pole has to be fitted into the tent for pitching. There are two other tiny poles (one at each end) which are short enough to be folded and left in their pole sleeves while packed.
Only two pegs (one at each end) is required to pitch the tent, but there are numerous other peg points around the base, and guy ropes along the pole sleeve for if the weather is expected to be less than perfect.
The guy ropes have tiny stuff bags attached which makes them easy to stow away when not in use, and which dangle from the ropes as a trip warning when the ropes are in use.
Ventilation and Condensation
Exped have clearly put a lot of effort into making this tent well ventilated, as condensation is always a problem in small tents. There is a 'chimney' vent in the fly, and the canopy has a mesh panel in the top of the door and in the ceiling near the 'chimney' vent. There is also a mesh panel at each end, which can be closed up if the wind blows through too much.
When I woke up in the morning, I could not find a single drop of ventilation anywhere in the entire tent (fly or canopy), which was very pleasing. Although I could hear wind in the trees nearby, there was not enough wind to move the tent fabric at all during the night, and it was a fairly cold night too (with snow lying on the ground nearby from a few days earlier). So no condensation on a night like this is a great start.
Space
Being my first night ever in a solo tent, I found it a little more cramped that what I was used to. However, there is plenty of space for one person and some gear inside. My feet didn't touch the end of the tent, and I had a bag of clothes above my head, so it had plenty of length for me (average height). I also had a couple of other bags next to me in the tent. There's limited room to sit up, with only one spot in the tent being high enough to sit up straight, but that's all that's required when there's only one person in it.
The tent does taper off quite low at both ends, meaning that the foot of my sleeping back was lightly in touch with the ceiling of the tent at that end. This does have the potential for getting the sleeping bag damp if the canopy does ever collect any condensation at the foot end.
Floor and Vestibule
To open the 'door' of the fly, there is no zip. Just unclip the bottom of it near the end of the pole, pull down on the cord, and the fly slides up the pole. This works nicely, and opens up the entire length of the fly. (A zip is still used to get in and out of the canopy itself).
The vestibule is huge, simply because it runs along the entire length of the tent. Obviously this means it's narrow at the ends, but is quite spacious in the middle and near the canopy door. There is enough room for a pack, boots, stove, and still enough room to walk through between them all.
The floor of the tent is a rubbery texture on the inside which gives the impression of being absolutely water tight. I pitched the tent on coral fern and mud (including yabbie holes in the mud), and there was certainly no dampness coming through. I did not use a groundsheet or footprint and had no fear of damage to the floor.
Packing Up
I've read elsewhere that packing the tent into it's side-opening stuff bag is awakward, but I think this is simply because it is not what the writer was used to. I found it very easy to get into the bag, and to get the bag closed. It was just an unfamiliar task, as I'm also used to stuffing a tent into the end of a bag. Having the entire side of the bag open actually makes it very easy to get the tent into it.
The only trouble I did have with the bag was the toggle on the draw cord. I found the toggle to be a very odd mechanism that I can't figure out an easy way to pull it tight, and clamp the toggle without a third hand, or at least using a knee. If I can't get the hang of this, I might even put another toggle on it, which would be easy to do.
Miscellaneous and Triva
This is probably common these days, but it's a long time since I'd bought a tent previously, so it's new to me... Every peg point and zip tag has a small white plastic tag which glows in the dark. This is surprisingly useful when trying to find your way into or out of the tent during the night, and I imagine it would make pegging down in the dark a little easier too.
All ropes have highly reflective threads in them, so the merest hint of light from a head torch and the ropes shine back very brightly, making them much less of a trip hazard in the dark.
The poles/pegs/accessories bag (which gets rolled up in the tent to pack up) has three separate pockets, all clearly labelled, for the different items. The accessories consists of a piece of each type of fabric used in the tent, a pole repair sleeve, a replacement zipper slide, etc. There are TWO complete compliments of pegs in the bag. One set for soft ground ('U' section, aluminium), and one set for hard ground ('V' section, steel).
You could save even more weight by leaving one set of pegs at home, and removing the two end poles which the manufactures indicate are optional (although I think the ends of the tent would be even narrower and saggy without them).
The instructions were much more comprehensive for packing up than for setting up, and even included the tip of breaking the pole in the middle first, rather than the end. The reason was for more even tension on the elastic while packed, however it has the side effect of making packing up the pole twice as quick.
I'm not sure if I should even mention this, as it's not actually an issue, but just that the zip feels different then what I'm used to. The zip for the canopy door feels flimsy. I've got no real reason to think it will ever be a problem, and I certainly have not actually had any problems with it, but it looks and feels like it might stick or fail. But so far, so good, and no problems yet.
That's about all I can think of for now. Let me know if there's anything I've missed, or anything else you'd like to know.
I've been aiming to lighten my load on solo walks for some time by purchasing my first solo tent. Previously my tents have been two man shelters, as my earlier walking has usually involved sharing with a walking companion. It's been a long time coming, but I eventually purchased an Exped Vela I Extreme, and got to try it out for the first time last weekend (only for one night this time).
I've never really attempted to write up an equipment review before, so I hope this is helpful. This review will have to be considered incomplete, however, as the only night spent in the tent so far had no rain, and I was in a spot which was very sheltered from the wind. I found a tight spot between the trees and bushes where it was a bit of a tight fit (the tent does take up a lot of ground area for a solo tent, due to it's large vestibule size, and the length of the ropes for pegging out at the ends).
- Camp Site.jpg (93.18 KiB) Viewed 40838 times
Some Specifications
You can look up the full specifications on Exped's web site, but the important items of note for me are:
- 1.4 kg (less than half the weight of my two man tent!) - 1.75 kg packed with end poles and accessories
- only 2 pegs required in calm dry conditions
Pitching
Pitching this tent is dead simple and takes about 2 minutes. I think that with practice, and in ideal conditions, I could pitch it in under a minute. I had some initial problems getting the fly tight enough on the foot half of the tent, but after thinking about the technique, and confirming with the manufacturer, I figured out that this was due to not having the peg out ropes at the foot end fully extended. The pitching instructions are frustratingly brief, and could do with some improvement, but once the correct technique is understood, pitching is quick and simple.
The Vela I is integral pitch (the fly and canopy are pitched together at once), but you can pitch with just the fly, or with just the canopy. After pitching, the fly can be rolled up from either end (or from both ends) if the weather is good, and you want to make sure the breeze gets right into the tent.
- Fly Furled.jpeg (28.13 KiB) Viewed 40838 times
- End Ropes Pegging.jpeg (43.08 KiB) Viewed 40836 times
Only one pole has to be fitted into the tent for pitching. There are two other tiny poles (one at each end) which are short enough to be folded and left in their pole sleeves while packed.
Only two pegs (one at each end) is required to pitch the tent, but there are numerous other peg points around the base, and guy ropes along the pole sleeve for if the weather is expected to be less than perfect.
The guy ropes have tiny stuff bags attached which makes them easy to stow away when not in use, and which dangle from the ropes as a trip warning when the ropes are in use.
- Guy Bag.jpg (54.72 KiB) Viewed 40835 times
Ventilation and Condensation
Exped have clearly put a lot of effort into making this tent well ventilated, as condensation is always a problem in small tents. There is a 'chimney' vent in the fly, and the canopy has a mesh panel in the top of the door and in the ceiling near the 'chimney' vent. There is also a mesh panel at each end, which can be closed up if the wind blows through too much.
When I woke up in the morning, I could not find a single drop of ventilation anywhere in the entire tent (fly or canopy), which was very pleasing. Although I could hear wind in the trees nearby, there was not enough wind to move the tent fabric at all during the night, and it was a fairly cold night too (with snow lying on the ground nearby from a few days earlier). So no condensation on a night like this is a great start.
Space
Being my first night ever in a solo tent, I found it a little more cramped that what I was used to. However, there is plenty of space for one person and some gear inside. My feet didn't touch the end of the tent, and I had a bag of clothes above my head, so it had plenty of length for me (average height). I also had a couple of other bags next to me in the tent. There's limited room to sit up, with only one spot in the tent being high enough to sit up straight, but that's all that's required when there's only one person in it.
The tent does taper off quite low at both ends, meaning that the foot of my sleeping back was lightly in touch with the ceiling of the tent at that end. This does have the potential for getting the sleeping bag damp if the canopy does ever collect any condensation at the foot end.
Floor and Vestibule
To open the 'door' of the fly, there is no zip. Just unclip the bottom of it near the end of the pole, pull down on the cord, and the fly slides up the pole. This works nicely, and opens up the entire length of the fly. (A zip is still used to get in and out of the canopy itself).
- Vestibule Closed.jpg (83.17 KiB) Viewed 40836 times
- Vestibule Half Open.jpg (82.88 KiB) Viewed 40836 times
- Vestibule Open.jpeg (29.36 KiB) Viewed 40835 times
The vestibule is huge, simply because it runs along the entire length of the tent. Obviously this means it's narrow at the ends, but is quite spacious in the middle and near the canopy door. There is enough room for a pack, boots, stove, and still enough room to walk through between them all.
The floor of the tent is a rubbery texture on the inside which gives the impression of being absolutely water tight. I pitched the tent on coral fern and mud (including yabbie holes in the mud), and there was certainly no dampness coming through. I did not use a groundsheet or footprint and had no fear of damage to the floor.
Packing Up
I've read elsewhere that packing the tent into it's side-opening stuff bag is awakward, but I think this is simply because it is not what the writer was used to. I found it very easy to get into the bag, and to get the bag closed. It was just an unfamiliar task, as I'm also used to stuffing a tent into the end of a bag. Having the entire side of the bag open actually makes it very easy to get the tent into it.
The only trouble I did have with the bag was the toggle on the draw cord. I found the toggle to be a very odd mechanism that I can't figure out an easy way to pull it tight, and clamp the toggle without a third hand, or at least using a knee. If I can't get the hang of this, I might even put another toggle on it, which would be easy to do.
- Tent Bag Open.jpg (100.11 KiB) Viewed 40837 times
- Tent Bag Closed.jpg (107.75 KiB) Viewed 40838 times
Miscellaneous and Triva
This is probably common these days, but it's a long time since I'd bought a tent previously, so it's new to me... Every peg point and zip tag has a small white plastic tag which glows in the dark. This is surprisingly useful when trying to find your way into or out of the tent during the night, and I imagine it would make pegging down in the dark a little easier too.
All ropes have highly reflective threads in them, so the merest hint of light from a head torch and the ropes shine back very brightly, making them much less of a trip hazard in the dark.
The poles/pegs/accessories bag (which gets rolled up in the tent to pack up) has three separate pockets, all clearly labelled, for the different items. The accessories consists of a piece of each type of fabric used in the tent, a pole repair sleeve, a replacement zipper slide, etc. There are TWO complete compliments of pegs in the bag. One set for soft ground ('U' section, aluminium), and one set for hard ground ('V' section, steel).
- Bits Bag.jpg (117.8 KiB) Viewed 40837 times
You could save even more weight by leaving one set of pegs at home, and removing the two end poles which the manufactures indicate are optional (although I think the ends of the tent would be even narrower and saggy without them).
The instructions were much more comprehensive for packing up than for setting up, and even included the tip of breaking the pole in the middle first, rather than the end. The reason was for more even tension on the elastic while packed, however it has the side effect of making packing up the pole twice as quick.
I'm not sure if I should even mention this, as it's not actually an issue, but just that the zip feels different then what I'm used to. The zip for the canopy door feels flimsy. I've got no real reason to think it will ever be a problem, and I certainly have not actually had any problems with it, but it looks and feels like it might stick or fail. But so far, so good, and no problems yet.
That's about all I can think of for now. Let me know if there's anything I've missed, or anything else you'd like to know.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Sun 31 May, 2009 8:07 am
G'Day Nik
Thanks for the review. I have a few questions if you don’t mind. With the single peg at each end design for the tent and then the fly, does this put a bit of load on these pegs to get a taught pitch. How do you think it will go in soft ground or on a rock shelf? I guess you could work around it with rocks for example or is it a non issue. I'm thinking in comparison to the atko style. Have you weighed the tent? Sometimes manufacturer weights are different to actual
Thanks
Darren
Thanks for the review. I have a few questions if you don’t mind. With the single peg at each end design for the tent and then the fly, does this put a bit of load on these pegs to get a taught pitch. How do you think it will go in soft ground or on a rock shelf? I guess you could work around it with rocks for example or is it a non issue. I'm thinking in comparison to the atko style. Have you weighed the tent? Sometimes manufacturer weights are different to actual
Thanks
Darren
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Sun 31 May, 2009 8:48 am
I'm not really familiar with the Atko, but I think your concern is probably valid. I pitched the tent on fairly soft ground (mud & coral fern, with no significant roots), and it was no problem. Using more pegs would certainly help too (and you could use separate pegs for the fly and tent, meaning you'd have 4 pegs taking the primary longitudinal tension). Ie, it is a lot of tension to have on simply two points, which is usually distributed amongst more points on other tents, but the option is there to use more pegs.
Pitching on a rock shelf (such as Shelf Camp near Mt Anne) I think would be OK, so long as there were large enough movable rocks to tie to (you could use the guys ropes for this), which is much the same as other tents. The advantage of this tent in that situation is that you would only need 2 rocks to tie to. With most other tents, you'd need at least 4 points. Although only requiring 2 points might be an advantage in this situation, you would need to be more certain of the security of those 2 points (as per in soft ground, like above).
I've only pitched on a rock slab with another tent once before, and found it quite awkward (that tent required 7 peg/tie points). If there were no movable rocks (just a flat slab) and no dirt to sink pegs into, then you'd be stuffed, of course, but I guess that's the same with any tent.
I don't have any accurate scales, so I can't comment accurately on it's weight (I'm just stoked that it's so small and light compared to my large 2 man tent!).
Pitching on a rock shelf (such as Shelf Camp near Mt Anne) I think would be OK, so long as there were large enough movable rocks to tie to (you could use the guys ropes for this), which is much the same as other tents. The advantage of this tent in that situation is that you would only need 2 rocks to tie to. With most other tents, you'd need at least 4 points. Although only requiring 2 points might be an advantage in this situation, you would need to be more certain of the security of those 2 points (as per in soft ground, like above).
I've only pitched on a rock slab with another tent once before, and found it quite awkward (that tent required 7 peg/tie points). If there were no movable rocks (just a flat slab) and no dirt to sink pegs into, then you'd be stuffed, of course, but I guess that's the same with any tent.
I don't have any accurate scales, so I can't comment accurately on it's weight (I'm just stoked that it's so small and light compared to my large 2 man tent!).
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Sun 31 May, 2009 7:55 pm
Thanks for that mate. Glad you’re happy with it. You better be careful, soon you will be trying on trail runners...
Darren
PS
I’m only stirring. Thanks again
Darren
PS
I’m only stirring. Thanks again
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Sun 31 May, 2009 8:46 pm
Darren wrote:soon you will be trying on trail runners...
Pfffftt!! You trail-runner-woosies just don't seem to understand how to save weight when it comes to footware!
PS. I do actually agree that lighter is better (all other things being equal), and that was the primary motivation for buying this tent. I'd not been able to afford it earlier, but I sold some stuff last year enabling me to buy a new sleeping bag and tent.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Mon 01 Jun, 2009 9:13 am
Content removed by poster
Last edited by Ent on Thu 11 Nov, 2010 2:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Mon 01 Jun, 2009 11:49 am
Brett wrote:How tall are you?
I can't remember my exact height, but I'm approximately 180cm.
The canopy (inner) of this tent is very long (245cm!), however, the ceiling is quite low at both ends. So although a tall person would have no problem fitting in lengthwise, a very tall person might find it uncomfortable if the ceiling fabric hung in their face (or a very tall person could get damp due to condensation on wet nights on both face and feet). You can get a good idea of how low the ceiling is at the ends in the "Fly Furled" photo above, and the angle at which the ceiling rises to the pole in the middle.
I was able to store items at both ends, and still had room to lie down, without feeling that the ceiling was too close.
(Note that if you have the end vents open, which I almost always would, then you'd need to be careful not to store things crammed into the ends, otherwise they could partially block the vents.)
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Mon 01 Jun, 2009 12:27 pm
Content removed by poster
Last edited by Ent on Thu 11 Nov, 2010 1:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Mon 01 Jun, 2009 7:35 pm
I like the look and sound of that beast.
Despite the weight I've always used a two-man tent, as I tend to be a bit claustrophobic in some circumstances (not caves or wrecks, oddly) and prefer to keep the pack indoors at night (you've heard about the Kosciuszko Funnelweb, haven't you?), but I've been thinking about getting something lighter for the longer trips. That sounds big enough to be bearable - I'm only 5'3", so there'd be plenty of spare room top and bottom. And that humungous vestibule would be great.
Thanks heaps
for adding the possibility of spending all that money when I already have a perfectly good tent . . .
Despite the weight I've always used a two-man tent, as I tend to be a bit claustrophobic in some circumstances (not caves or wrecks, oddly) and prefer to keep the pack indoors at night (you've heard about the Kosciuszko Funnelweb, haven't you?), but I've been thinking about getting something lighter for the longer trips. That sounds big enough to be bearable - I'm only 5'3", so there'd be plenty of spare room top and bottom. And that humungous vestibule would be great.
Thanks heaps
for adding the possibility of spending all that money when I already have a perfectly good tent . . .
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Mon 01 Jun, 2009 8:41 pm
Well done Nik. I've just returned to Qld from doing 6 weeks down your way and just loved it .
Ithink I've posted before I that I also have one of these gems and I could not agree more with your very good review. I still do not have any pics of mine yet and will post eventually when I get the opportunity to use my Vela.
My use has still been limited to Qld conditions but to date it has been great in wild weather. I think your comments about the size are relevant because I have had it in some very tight spaces on some peaks with others competing for limited space and whilst I was originally worried about this length issue, I also have had an interesting experience relevant to this. As the tent is quite long , it seems more adaptable to non flat ground and it sort of contours the ground quite well thus keeping the elements out. I do find the initial crouch to get in a little inconvenient but once in I think it is very good and the huge vestuble is a bit like a verandah to off set initial cramped feeling. I tend to leave the zip opened a little to enable some space . I purchased my tent approx 14 mths ago and I was worried it might become a "white elephant" but it seems to be getting a little more popular up my way.
I certainly get lots of lookers asking about it as it really has an odd look as well as some great multi use options with the ability to roll back the top / And yes originally I struggled with the pitch but with some practice it is really quite quick .
I'll post as soon as able . Am off to do "the Steamers" up in the Main Range NP so will try to post a few pic after that. Regards Steve
Ithink I've posted before I that I also have one of these gems and I could not agree more with your very good review. I still do not have any pics of mine yet and will post eventually when I get the opportunity to use my Vela.
My use has still been limited to Qld conditions but to date it has been great in wild weather. I think your comments about the size are relevant because I have had it in some very tight spaces on some peaks with others competing for limited space and whilst I was originally worried about this length issue, I also have had an interesting experience relevant to this. As the tent is quite long , it seems more adaptable to non flat ground and it sort of contours the ground quite well thus keeping the elements out. I do find the initial crouch to get in a little inconvenient but once in I think it is very good and the huge vestuble is a bit like a verandah to off set initial cramped feeling. I tend to leave the zip opened a little to enable some space . I purchased my tent approx 14 mths ago and I was worried it might become a "white elephant" but it seems to be getting a little more popular up my way.
I certainly get lots of lookers asking about it as it really has an odd look as well as some great multi use options with the ability to roll back the top / And yes originally I struggled with the pitch but with some practice it is really quite quick .
I'll post as soon as able . Am off to do "the Steamers" up in the Main Range NP so will try to post a few pic after that. Regards Steve
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Thu 22 Oct, 2009 10:20 am
I used this tent again recently in rather cold conditions one night (I would guess about -4°C, with frost on the ground by 8:30pm), and moderately windy conditions the next night.
There was a considerable amount of condensation on the very cold night. Not as much as I've seen in other tents, but a substantial amount, in any case.
During the windy night, the fly flapped about a bit, and ended up sagging against the tent before I went to bed. This was mostly remedied by tightening up the pitching. It was still OK in the morning. I'm not sure if this is going to be an ongoing problem, or if I just need to get better at pitching the tent.
I'm still very impressed with this tent, as it still seems to be the lightest around that meets all my requirements.
There was a considerable amount of condensation on the very cold night. Not as much as I've seen in other tents, but a substantial amount, in any case.
During the windy night, the fly flapped about a bit, and ended up sagging against the tent before I went to bed. This was mostly remedied by tightening up the pitching. It was still OK in the morning. I'm not sure if this is going to be an ongoing problem, or if I just need to get better at pitching the tent.
I'm still very impressed with this tent, as it still seems to be the lightest around that meets all my requirements.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Fri 23 Oct, 2009 8:32 am
Thanks for the review. I thought the bags to store the guy ropes was a neat touch. It often takes me half an hour to pitch my tarp. 28 minutes of which is spent unravelling the tangled guy ropes..
K.
K.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Fri 23 Oct, 2009 9:52 am
And they also act as little bright yellow flags hanging from half way along the guy ropes, when the ropes are in use, to reduce the likely hood of tripping over them. I meant to take a photo of this last weekend, but forgot to.
PS. It took me at most two minutes to pitch the tent to a basic setup (which I have used in very sheltered conditions). Then about an additional minute or two for guy ropes and extra pegs. So between 1 and 3 minutes total pitching time, depending on the configuration desired.
PS. It took me at most two minutes to pitch the tent to a basic setup (which I have used in very sheltered conditions). Then about an additional minute or two for guy ropes and extra pegs. So between 1 and 3 minutes total pitching time, depending on the configuration desired.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Fri 23 Oct, 2009 10:13 am
Nik,
Is there any space between fly and tent body on the far side where gear can be stored? Or is all the space on the door side? The feature whereby the fly can be rolled up is quite handy.
K.
Is there any space between fly and tent body on the far side where gear can be stored? Or is all the space on the door side? The feature whereby the fly can be rolled up is quite handy.
K.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Fri 23 Oct, 2009 10:43 am
No, just the standard air-gap along the far side. At each end is a small space just enough for a pair of boots and gaiters, which is quite handy after you put on your camp shoes (if you take a second pair of shoes/sandals). The door side vestibule space is quite huge (since it runs the full length of the tent). Last weekend, I had my pack under it, as well as my food bag, and a couple of other bits and pieces, and there was a still a clear area to crawl through to enter/exit the tent.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Mon 15 Mar, 2010 2:10 pm
I've still only used this tent a few times, but I've finally got the pitching right I think.
The key is to use a separate peg for the inner and fly at one end (the end without the fly vents), and to pull the fly out further beyond the inner than is possible if sharing a single peg at that end (only by about 5 or 10 cm). This makes all the difference in the world to how well it pitches, and I think that was how I ended up getting it perfectly pitched last weekend.
The key is to use a separate peg for the inner and fly at one end (the end without the fly vents), and to pull the fly out further beyond the inner than is possible if sharing a single peg at that end (only by about 5 or 10 cm). This makes all the difference in the world to how well it pitches, and I think that was how I ended up getting it perfectly pitched last weekend.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Thu 18 Mar, 2010 8:16 pm
Content removed by poster
Last edited by Ent on Thu 11 Nov, 2010 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Thu 18 Mar, 2010 8:57 pm
Brett wrote:Thanks Nik for a chance at the Bush bash to check out the tent. Neat design with great details such as the little bags for the guy ropes and quite large vestibule. Not big enough for me but that is rather typical of many single person tents. The only question I have on the design (size apart) is the opening of the outer fly to get out would expose the pack and other stuff stored in the vestibule if you fully opened up the side for easy entry and exiting.
You certainly had the tent pitched nice and tight.
Cheer Brett
Yes, if it was raining, and you had stuff in the vestibule you didn't want to get wet, you'd have to open the fly only a little way, and it would be quite difficult to get out like that - would have to crawl or roll out, I guess. I don't think it's likely to be a problem for me, the way I organise my stuff. The only things I'd leave in the vestibule that I'd worry about in the rain would be my dry camp shoes (sneakers for me).
It did look like a real contortion act watching you squeeze into that tent - made me feel rather small.
I guess I should add here (for the sake of the review), that it fitted my two tiny kids in it to sleep for a couple of nights - a 1.5 year old and a 3.5 year old. We slept them on the two angled sides, head-to-head with their heads in the corner opposite the door, and their legs towards an end each. Plenty of room for the two little tiny tackers.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Fri 19 Mar, 2010 9:07 am
It might be your first review but it was excellent. We need more like it, keep it up!
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Sat 20 Mar, 2010 1:20 pm
Content removed by poster
Last edited by Ent on Thu 11 Nov, 2010 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Mon 12 Apr, 2010 9:49 pm
I pitched the Vela I on a tent platform for the first time last week. It was exceptionally easy to pitch on a platform (basic pitch, just one tie at each end), taking only a few seconds. If there was any significant chance of strong winds that night, however, I would have been looking for more tie-down points - at least one on each side at the ends of the pole. Getting such tie-down points in exactly the right place on the platform might be a bit tricky but the tent guys could be used to tie around the planks, if you could figure out a way of passing them under the boards, and hooking them back up the next gap again.
I think I'd want to perfect a technique for tying onto any arbitrary point on the boards before pitching it on a platform in wind (or potential wind)
I think I'd want to perfect a technique for tying onto any arbitrary point on the boards before pitching it on a platform in wind (or potential wind)
- Attachments
-
- SAM_2258.jpg (64.63 KiB) Viewed 39107 times
-
- SAM_2261.jpg (62.1 KiB) Viewed 39107 times
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Mon 12 Apr, 2010 9:58 pm
Son of a Beach wrote:I think I'd want to perfect a technique for tying onto any arbitrary point on the boards before pitching it on a platform in wind (or potential wind)
Hi Nik,
If you're planning on camping on platforms, take a few cup hooks with you (I keep them in a tiny snap lock bag in my cooking pot to stop them piercing anything). They allow you to tie onto the best point on the platform for the best pitch - just screw them into the relevant spot. Minimal weight and works a treat. Peace of mind when pitching in wind.(Remember to take them with you when you pack up!).
Cheers,
JB
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Wed 29 Sep, 2010 4:21 pm
I finally used the Vela I Extreme in bad weather for two nights. The first night it rained quite a lot and was fairly windy (very gusty). The second night we had very heavy snow.
The tent held it's pitch in the wind OK, but was very noisy. So noisy, in fact that I woke with shock from the noise of the flapping frequently, and had a terrible sleep.
My sleeping bag did get a bit wet during the night. I still don't know if it was condensation or rain getting through but either way it was not good. I had the fly vent and both tent vents open, so this sort of condensation is more than I would have expected. Mind you it was a VERY cold night (the rain turned to snow just after getting out of bed).
The tent does tend to sag a fair bit under the weight of snow. During the night I often found that when I went to move, my legs were up against a soft wall of snow against the outside of the tent, and similarly I often found the wall of the tent against my head. No worries, a sharp push against the walls knocked the snow back for another hour or so, but I shouldn't have to worry about it to that degree while trying to sleep.
As can be seen from the photo below, the Vela I (foreground) didn't handle the snow as well as my trusty old Macpac Olympus (middle ground) nor the other large tent (unknown make/model) in the background. The snow slides off the other two tents quite well, except for on the middle/tops of them where they are both rigid enough to support that weight over that small area. The Vela I ends are not as steep, and when they get a bit of weight on them they are not rigid enough to hold their shape.
In short, I trust this tent enough to survive in poor weather, but not enough to keep me comfortable in extreme weather. In good weather, the tent is superb.
The tent held it's pitch in the wind OK, but was very noisy. So noisy, in fact that I woke with shock from the noise of the flapping frequently, and had a terrible sleep.
My sleeping bag did get a bit wet during the night. I still don't know if it was condensation or rain getting through but either way it was not good. I had the fly vent and both tent vents open, so this sort of condensation is more than I would have expected. Mind you it was a VERY cold night (the rain turned to snow just after getting out of bed).
The tent does tend to sag a fair bit under the weight of snow. During the night I often found that when I went to move, my legs were up against a soft wall of snow against the outside of the tent, and similarly I often found the wall of the tent against my head. No worries, a sharp push against the walls knocked the snow back for another hour or so, but I shouldn't have to worry about it to that degree while trying to sleep.
As can be seen from the photo below, the Vela I (foreground) didn't handle the snow as well as my trusty old Macpac Olympus (middle ground) nor the other large tent (unknown make/model) in the background. The snow slides off the other two tents quite well, except for on the middle/tops of them where they are both rigid enough to support that weight over that small area. The Vela I ends are not as steep, and when they get a bit of weight on them they are not rigid enough to hold their shape.
- Exped Vela I Extreme (foreground) being somewhat compressed by the snow, mostly knocked off in piles nearby.
- Exped Vela I in Snow.jpg (75.07 KiB) Viewed 38148 times
In short, I trust this tent enough to survive in poor weather, but not enough to keep me comfortable in extreme weather. In good weather, the tent is superb.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Wed 29 Sep, 2010 6:23 pm
Good honest review Nik tends to answer some queries as to performance of single hoop tents/shelters( with un supported ends ) in snow.
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Wed 29 Sep, 2010 6:39 pm
(no...yer... ah, what the... hey Corvus have a look back at the first post!)
Nice test nik, will you use it in winter again? Bet you were coveting the olympus
Nice test nik, will you use it in winter again? Bet you were coveting the olympus
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Wed 29 Sep, 2010 7:34 pm
Nuts wrote:(no...yer... ah, what the... hey Corvus have a look back at the first post!)
Nice test nik, will you use it in winter again? Bet you were coveting the olympus
I said unsupported ends not un poled and the fly certainly does look to have no support under snow load
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Wed 29 Sep, 2010 7:56 pm
so whats needed then, more guypoints, skyhooks?
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Wed 29 Sep, 2010 8:08 pm
Hey don't ask me I am only an interested observer you seem to be the "oracle" in these things
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Wed 29 Sep, 2010 8:14 pm
c'mon, Play fair... afterall ive only asked questions, your the one who came up with the answers ^^ (i see your still smiling thats a good sign, ill back dowwn if its more 
....)
thats a good sign, ill back dowwn if its more ....)
Re: Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme
Wed 29 Sep, 2010 9:46 pm
Jellybean wrote:Son of a Beach wrote:I think I'd want to perfect a technique for tying onto any arbitrary point on the boards before pitching it on a platform in wind (or potential wind)
Hi Nik,
If you're planning on camping on platforms, take a few cup hooks with you (I keep them in a tiny snap lock bag in my cooking pot to stop them piercing anything). They allow you to tie onto the best point on the platform for the best pitch - just screw them into the relevant spot. Minimal weight and works a treat. Peace of mind when pitching in wind.(Remember to take them with you when you pack up!).
Cheers,
JB
Great idea JB
© Bushwalk Australia and contributors 2007-2013.