Mountain Designs tents

[pazzar]

I'm looking at buying a Mountain Designs Neutrino 1 tent just to have a lightweight tent, as I already have a slightly heavier 3 man tent. Is this a good purchase or should I look at the Macpac or MSR tents for better quality. I like the idea of this tent because it is heavily discounted at the moment, and I am fairly tight on cash at the moment. Any recommendations would be greaty appreciated.

[ollster]

I've got an MSR Hubba HP if you want to know anything about that. There's been a bit of talk on one person tents in the last 6-12 months, so a search wouldn't hurt.

EDIT: I'm told Lagaro on this forum has a Neutrino. You may want to PM him.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Yeh Micheal had one on the king willys. He seemed rather happy with it, though it isnt free standing. I'd personally prefer the MSR, for that reason alone, but if it was considerably cheaper then it's probably not a bad buy!

[ollster]

The Vaude Hogan Ultralight is probably worth a look too (stocked at MDs in Hbt, so will be on 25% members sale this weekend). I really liked it.

[pazzar]

awesome, thanks. I will drop in there again tomorrow and check that out. I spoke to them yesterday and they suggested the Neutrino, but due to being late in the day I couldn't see anything set up. I am mostly concerned by vestibule space for pack storage. For this reason I strayed away from the Mont Moondance.

[Ent]

Hi

The MD tents in the Atomic range are rather condensation traps and might be inner then out pitch so check them out for ventilation. They on full price are rather expensive for what you get but depending on the sale price might be ok. I have the MD Kaon and though not too bad I would buy a different brand next time due to some rather obvious issues.

Cheers Brett

[sthughes]

'Flyfisher' also has a Neutrino 1, if you want to PM him I'm sure he'd give you an honest appraisal. Last time I talked to him he did say he should have got the Neutrino 2 so as to have more space, because the vestibule is a bit tight. The extra weight/cost of the 2 isn't huge either. Otherwise I've heard a few people who are all fairly happy, one after encountering some fairly serious weather. The reason I haven't got one myself is the inner pitch first arrangement, just a personal dislike of mine. Otherwise I think they have the usual ventilation issues found in most one man silnylon tents, but are reasonable value at 25% off. They are also not too much of a coffin like some 1 man tents.
In my opinion Macpac tents are better quality, but it comes at a price in both dollars and weight. I'll sell you a little used Microlight for $275 posted if you like! The Microlight is more cramped internally than the MD but is integral pitch and a bit sturdier.
I like the Hubba HP more than either of the others. Roomier, better vestibule, better ventilation, still has outer pitch first option. But they are quite pricey, particularly if you buy locally. (Having said that; from Moontrail they are $350 USD and with the 70 bonus points it can work out okay. But then again they are quite similar to the Mont Moondance so maybe not your thing anyway.)

[blacksheep]

The new microlite is very light (sil/sil fabric), and the extra weight they have compared to many is found in the florr coating (we still insists it is worthwhile on the floor).
as for price, well...it is easter very soon (hint hint)....

[ollster]

The new microlite is very light (sil/sil fabric), and the extra weight they have compared to many is found in the florr coating (we still insists it is worthwhile on the floor).
as for price, well...it is easter very soon (hint hint)....

I think the microlight may suit "some" people (ie: midgets), but I found the fact it's not free standing, and has bugger all room internally or in the vestibule, a real turn off. It's not even really that light for the compromises.

Nice hint BTW...

PS: The Macpac gaiters have held up well to their first outing.

[Tony]

Hi Pazzar,

I have a Neutrino 1 and have found it quite good but as with all gear it has some positives and negatives. I have converted my Neutrino 1 into a 4 season tent while I have had it in very strong winds it is untried in a heavy snow fall. I only use the Neutrino 1 as a winter tent for 3 season I use a Tarptent Contrail until my Zpacks Hexamid arrives.

I have found that it handles wind very well and rain OK but it does pool water near the lower hoop, as for room it is quite good for one person but as you have read that is a personal thing, the thought of adding 300g to my pack weight for a bit of extra room is not appealing to me. I like the way I can comfortable sit up under highest point and it also has a good feeling while inside. I have found it easy to pitch but the smaller hoop is sometimes difficult to remove from the pole containment holes.

Some suggested improvements.

Fly door only has bottom up zipper and needs to have 2 way zipper with hood to improve ventilation.
Door on the inner is only fly screen which can make for a cold tent (I have sewn in a piece of light material of the door and I have noticed the extra warmth)
No guy rope points on the lower hoop for extra stability in wind ( I have sewn on two guy rope point the fly near the lower hoop of my Neutrino 1 and it has made the tent much more stable in strong winds and hopefully less likely to pool water).

I have not use the Neutrino 1 in Tasmania but have read that some people have and that it handled the conditions quite well.

Tony

[sthughes]

The new microlite is very light (sil/sil fabric), and the extra weight they have compared to many is found in the florr coating (we still insists it is worthwhile on the floor).
as for price, well...it is easter very soon (hint hint)....

Yeah I think the Microlite's floor as worth it's weight.

Siliconised silicon?? When's it coming out?

[pazzar]

Thanks for all the replies. So from what I can gather, the neutrino is not a bad tent. I would love to wait until Easter, but I need a tent before then. I think I will probably buy the neutrino due to my financial situation, and because it is dirt cheap at the moment. For what I will use it for it should be fine, with a few adjustment added on.

[sef]

I've had the Neutrino 1 for a few years and used it three seasons in the snowies and NZ.

Serves its niche well, especially if you can talk the price down or get it on sale.

Inside space is fine for the vertically superior, both horizontal and vert. Vestible isn't going to store anything more than your boots. Handles wind well, although it didn't come with enough pegs for the guys (?). Snow loads on it, particularly on the top panel towards the legs -- water will sit there too and you have to take care while pitching that end to give it a bit of a chance of draining. Strong wind and rain result in some wet spots on the inside skin (sil contact, nothing sopping).

So yeah, overall, I'd recommend it for three season use. With good placement it seems to hold its own against bad weather. It's not alpine gear though, and not really extensible in that direction. If the weather is reasonable, you may as well save the weight and just bivvy; otherwise buy a shelter fit for purpose. Can supply horror stories on request.

[Ent]

I think the microlight may suit "some" people (ie: midgets), but I found the fact it's not free standing, and has bugger all room internally or in the vestibule, a real turn off. It's not even really that light for the compromises.

Fully agree

[ninjapuppet]

. Can supply horror stories on request.

I request.