anyone have any experience with the Trekkertent Saor (or something similar)?

It sounds like you are looking for a freestanding two pole crossover with a side entry.  And that you plan to be out in the winter, which probably means snow.  If so, then a two pole cross over with full length poles would be more likely to support a lot of snow without breaking or bending just one pole, as could be the case with the MSR’s and their progeny which are based on one hoop with a number of struts.  Two full length poles are stronger, and if you anticipate major dumps of concrete-like snow, as we had in the NE this winter, even stronger poles can be obtained from Tent Pole Technologies, or Quest Outfitters if you are handy and can do some of the work.

A very light and good cross over is the Big Sky Evolution, with internal poles, so much of the snow can slide off your tent canopy.  Most of the other Big Skies use external poles that can create a snow fence effect, and hasten tent collapse.  And the Evolution is very light, a concern you mentioned.  Unfortunately, Big Sky can’t keep up with orders, so it might be next winter before you get one.  In the meantime, their are similar, but heavier cheap tents of this type, like the Kelty Discovery Trail 1, for a little over $100.

But if I were looking for something more permanent, I’d wait on Big Sky.  The free standing Big Agnes tents (Tiger Wall etc) are popular, but what is with the 1200mm HH fabric, which will become even less water resistant with use.  With the cottage manufacturers, like Sling Fin, and possibly with Trekker Tent, one must wait a bit, and winter should be gone in less than a couple months.

There are some nice tents of this type made abroad, like the One Planet Goondie, and they are expensive, just as likely to be out of stock, and heavier than the Big Skies. I waited for one, and then spent more months replacing the heavy floor and remodeling the rear vestibule to increase space.  For me it is a hobby, but for others, the delays are often worth the wait.

Sorry I can’t tell you much about the Trekkertent.  Maybe someone with some experience will respond.  So hope this note is helpful, and may encourage others to reply.  Happy Trails.

Thanks for the response Sam!

You’d think there would be more viable options out there for a lightweight (dcf), two pole crossover tent, but like you said- there isn’t.

I’ve looked at Big Sky, I’m on their email “notify me when it’s in” list on their 1.5 Mirage dcf – it’s been 18 months now :D

I might have to sign up on a UK site and get some feedback on Trekkertent.

Hi Mike.

There’s a thread about the Saor at trek-lite.com
https://www.trek-lite.com/index.php?threads/trekkertent-saor.6087/

I have had only good experiences with Marc at Trekkertent, though never with a Saor.

Samaya makes a tent like what you say you want: DCF with side entry. The Samaya Radical1 fits the bill. A less expensive alternative is the Samaya 2.0.

https://www.samaya-equipment.com/collections/tentes

Heavier choices at more affordable prices include: Lightwave’s Sigma series of singlewalls or the water resistant singlewalls at Black Diamond. There is a screaming good deal right now on the Marmot Hammer single wall over at Marmot’s official site; USA purchase only.

Good luck with your search.
Jon

Thanks Jon!  I’ll check that thread out.

Samaya looks pretty good.

I’ve owned a BD Firstlight- was too bad of a tent, pretty bomber in my experience.  Didn’t care for the front entry all that much and single wall definitely had a few (not a lot though) condensation incidences.  I’ve got a Hilleberg Niak that addresses both of those concerns for just a few more ounces, BUT it would sure be nice to have something closer to 2 lbs  than 4 lbs :D

Thank you Jon.  I learned a lot.  There was a thread started a while back on BPL for info about waterproof breathable DCF.  But my best recollection is that no one responded.

Some of the silpolies are quite light, strong and waterproof, like the fabrics used by Yama Mtn Gear. The 1.1 Xenon fabrics from Dutchware are less robust, but might be adequate.  So I’m looking at ideas for partial hybrid inners vs. waterproof breathable DCF with a mind to expense and longevity.  Agree that the expensive Samaya tent from France looks closest to what Mike is looking for.

The only unfortunate thing about the side entry Radical1 from Samaya (beyond the eye-watering price, ahem) is the apparent lack of a vestibule for that model. Samaya makes add on vestibules, with snow flaps, for many other models, including the front entry DCF eVent model as well as the side entry singlewalls not made with DCF eVent called the Samaya 2.0 that I mentioned above. Maybe they’d be able to make one for the Radical1, too.

If Mike purchases one, I’d love to hear about it. There’s almost nothing about them on the web.

Yama Gear makes great stuff. I’ve been using the Wind Bivy and really appreciate the design, the materials, the craftmanship.

A vestibule on the Radical 1 would definitely be nice.

Looks like the Saor has a decent vestibule.  The Saor checks the boxes pretty well and with the current exchange rate is about half the cost of the Samaya.

The Saor doesn’t look like it vents well but that may not matter in freezing conditions where the condensation freezes. As long as not too much of the condensation happens in the inner tent, you’re fine.

I would check with Marc about the diameter of the poles he’s using. For the Saor, I personally would insist on 9mm poles at a minimum and would definitely prefer 11mm poles if snow is in the cards.

it should vent as much or more than my old Firstlight; looks like you can unzip an upper portion of the fly if more venting is needed

good tip on the poles- I’ll definitely go beefy :)

Almost a year later and still looking.  Maybe someone has firsthand experience w/ the Saor :)