Mountain Hardware EV 2/3...is it good?

[mclay]

I wanted to get a single walled tent that I could slug up Shasta or Rainier. I looked at some Biblers, but they were relatively more expensive, plus you have to seam seal them. As for the EV2/3, I've read very few postings about them. One reviewer hated the integrated vestibule because snow always got inside the tent. Not to mention, how do you cook in it? I'm used to cooking in a vestibule with out a floor, just snow. What do you folks think?

[Mark_Husbands]

from the company website, seems a little heavy and expensive for regular use in the U.S.

i would probably get a firstlight.

[mclay]

Thanks. I'll look into the Firstlight.

[DanielHarro]

the firstlight is good in dry conditions, the floor is not waterproof keep this in mind, the EV2 and Bilbers are waterproof... I have an EV2 and it works great!! I dont think it is any better or worse than the I-tent.

[dbconlin]

I dont think it is any better or worse than the I-tent.

 

but heavier!

 

A friend who works climbing retail had the following experience testing this tent:

 

EV2 had much condensation inside, while a Bibler tent on the same trip/conditions did not

[mclay]

I have two further questions:

1. With some of these tents with out an outdoor vestibule, do you cook inside the tent?

2. If so, did this cause the condensation or was it due to just your breath?

[DanielHarro]

I dont think it is any better or worse than the I-tent.

 

but heavier!

 

 

A friend who works climbing retail had the following experience testing this tent:

 

EV2 had much condensation inside, while a Bibler tent on the same trip/conditions did not

 

Hear is the weight comparison:

 

Eldorado (4 lb 8 oz)

I-Tent (4 lb 5 oz)

EV2 (4.87 lb)

So yeah the EV2 is slightly heavier , But the EV2 is larger due to the built in VESTE.

 

Size comparison (floor space):

Eldorado (30.2sq ft)

I-Tent (27.2sq ft)

EV2 (31sq ft)

 

So the EV2 is the largest, sometimes good, sometimes bad.

 

As far as the condensation, both will have condensation its just how life is... Bilber has cool fuzzy fabric on the inside to battle actually getting wet so that is nice, but the EV2 has a lot better vents for superior ventilation durring cooking and such. I have always just cooked inside the tent with no worries. I hope this helps...

[climbnsparky]

anyone know of a shop in town that has and ev2?? i would love to see one set up before i make that jump. i havent been able to find one in pdx and i checked a few places in seattle last time i was there, but no luck

[mclay]

Thanks for the info you guys. Also, I live in the San Francisco Bay area and I cannot find a shop that has the EV2/3 in stock. Please let me know if there is such a shop. Once again, thanks for the info.

Cheers,

Mike