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Introduction

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 is a two-person, hybrid single/double wall, two-vestibule Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) tent that can be pitched with two trekking poles.

hyperlite hmg dirigo 2 review tent 1

Its unique features include breathable DCF end panels for condensation resistance and an apex pole that (purportedly) improves structural stability.

This is a comprehensive review based on extensive field testing in high winds, rain, sleet, and snow and includes detailed assessments of the Dirigo’s structural stability, snow leading resistance, performance in rainy and humid conditions, and livability.

Review video:

YouTube video

Features

  • Two-person capacity, two side entrances, two vestibules
  • Hybrid single/double wall design
  • Waterproof-breathable panels at head and foot to combat condensation
  • Two large interior mesh walls
  • Pitches with two trekking poles and eight stakes
  • Carbon fiber ‘Ridge Bar’ adds strength and stability
  • Reflective guy-out points / Lineloc tensioners
  • Internal mesh hanging stow pocket
  • Internal D-rings for a clothesline
  • Two sidewall guy-out points for increased internal space
  • Taped seams for waterproofing and strength
  • Includes storage sack, does not include stakes
  • Made in USA (Biddeford, Maine)
hyperlite hmg dirigo 2 review tent 2
End panels are designed with a three-dimensional 5-panel construction. The lower triangular panel is waterproof-breathable DCF-WPB, for condensation resistance. Because of the three-dimensional side panel design combined with the guyline tie-out (at the seam junction 1/3 of the way up from the ground), the end panels are more stable and quieter (less flapping) in windy conditions than flat panel designs, such as those used on the ZPacks Duplex and Six Moon Designs Haven Zero-G.

Specifications

Weight:

  • 1.75 lbs | 28 oz | 794g
  • Weight includes perimeter guy lines only – no stakes

Materials:

  • Floor: DCF11
  • Exterior Walls: DCF8 / DCF-WPB
  • Vestibules: DCF8
  • Interior Doors: No-See-Um Mesh
  • Trekking Pole Grommets: DCH50
  • Peak Trekking Pole Cups: DCHW
  • Vestibule Zippers: #5 YKK Aquaguard

Dimensions:

  • Packed Size: 12” x 8” x 6” | 30.4cm x 20.3cm x 15.2cm
  • Interior Peak Height: 45″ | 114.5cm
  • Floor Area: 52″ (W) x 90″ (L) | 32.5 sq. ft.
  • Pitched Dimensions: 92″ (W) x 95″ (L)
  • Pole Length: 49″ | 125cm
  • Vestibule Area: 6.25 sq. ft. per vestibule (12.5 sq. ft. total)
DIRIGO 2 DOOR 2
Photo: Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Review Context

Lofty claims by both the manufacturer and the manufacturer’s customers of condensation management, storm resistance, strength, durability, and manufacturing quality have motivated me to try to push this tent to various limits in a variety of conditions, including:

  • High condensation scenarios;
  • Snow and rain;
  • High winds.
hyperlite hmg dirigo 2 review tent 3
I used the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 on a ski trip in Wyoming’s Snowy Range. I pitched it on a high col between two lakes in a glacial cirque, an exposed and windy campsite.

Description of Field Testing

I’ve spent only one night in the tent in the type of conditions that one might expect during a summer night in the mountains of the US West – warm (above freezing) and dry (low humidity, no precipitation).

I’ve spent much more time in the tent under a variety of more challenging conditions, primarily in my backyard in Laramie, Wyoming (elevation 7,200 feet in light wind, snow, and rain), in the Sherman Range to my east (elevations of 8,000+ feet, in wind, snow, and sleet), and in the Snowy Range to my west (elevations of 10,000+ feet, in very high winds and snow).

  • Elevation ranges: 7,200 to 10,800+ feet.
  • Precipitation: rain up to 0.25 in per hour, snow/sleet up to 1.0 in per hour.
  • Wind: up to 50 mph steady winds, gusts to more than 65+ mph.

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