Big Sky Wisp 1P Tent

Link to mfg page

wow. the cuben version is 10.6 oz.  Can that be correct???  If it is, it would be the lightest fully enclosed shelter around, wouldn’t it???

I like the look of it but that fabric side does hang and in cases where there is condensation, it may be an issue.

A mid panel tie out would take care of that

It appears that that Big Sky is not offering a pole as replacement of trekking pole (I would be using this on a bicycle so no poles carried). Have I understood that right? If yes, are there pole options that could be obtained elsewhere?

Thanks
Andrew

Zpacks have a range of poles that may be suitable and pack down to about 30cm.  I am getting a couple for my Soloplex for a cycling trip to Denmark.

Edit Tent 120cm high, Zpacks 122cm pole folds to 28.5cm, 57 grams.

Thanks Mark. Very helpful.

Andrew

I have been debating whether to purchase this on MassDrop. With due respect to its many advantages, I’m put off by:

1. Its like a left-handed version. I want to lie on my right side (easier on the heart) with closure behind (to the left) and openness in front (to the right of the tent’s long axis). I’d want the enantiomorph (mirror image).
2. The Beaux Arts heritage dies hard – I prefer stronger symmetry, its geometry is a little too irregular. (If you look at the drawings on the Big Sky site, and the ridge line in particular, you’ll see what I mean.) But I have great respect for BSI, and it’s good to see genuinely ultralight gear on MassDrop. Wish MassDrop would do a 1 person Mirage or maybe Evolution… with let-it-Por option.
3. By the way you can upgrade to the SS UL for the Wisp on MassDrop.

I agree Robert, the lack of symmetry is what I didn’t like about the tent either, but the small footprint, weight and side entry have given me food for thought on designing my own shelter. The side entry is a must for me because this whole business of having to shimmy in and out of a tube (like with end entry tents) is a major bummer. If there were just a better way to design the foot end I think it could be more symmetrical. and therefore achieve more of an overall taut pitch.

Curious but is this possibly the same tent or very similar? Even the name is very close but the colour … yikes :)

3F gear on Aliexpress. This particular tent is AU$110.28 but does weigh at least 650 grams.

Yup, I had been wondering that, and it comes in different flavors – from different online shops I think, and there is an orange version. The weight difference would be accounted for by the use of different fabrics.

I am new to Aliexpress so still getting my bearings there … this was the first seller I saw with what seemed to a be similar tent. I haven’t really searched for lighter options or a Cuben version which would be nice :)

Andrew, on AliExpress it pays to shop around. You’ll find the same item at different prices from different vendors, also many specials and discount vouchers. From memory the tent you saw is available at different prices.

Of course it also raises the problem of (presumed) rip off of cottage manufacturers’ designs…

Conversely it might be wise for cottage manufacturers to start selling on AliExpress! TOAKS products are widely available there, also some other titanium pot manufacturers’ products (e.g. “Keith”).

I just noticed the tent doesn’t come with any guylines or pegs.  Seems to me that apart from price, why would one choose this over a Tarptent Protrail, which offers a proven design, more room, and will only weigh about 3 oz more in complete weight….?

front entrance vs side?  I can’t do front loaders anymore.

Ive got the 3F aliexpress sil  1p 5 sided mid and inner tent that goes for ~100 dollahz

it seems to be overall a decent tent especially for the price

i just tested it with a garden hose and its waterproof so far

There are some minor issues …. The main one that if yr over 5’8 its perhaps not te best choice

but other than that its a smashing value for shorter folks with a few mods

ill put up a post about it latter

;)

Hi All – I hope I can shed a little light on the Wisp 1P shelter, and Big Sky as a company. Full Disclosure: I am the Buyer for Ultralight at Massdrop. I will try to remain objective here and just provide info, not commentary.

@caesar – I think this tent is as strong, or stronger, than a similar-sized tipi.

@family-guy – I hear you about the inner space, and that is why I think Big Sky calls this a Super Bivy – it’s much roomier than a bivy but maybe not quite a solo tent. There is more vertical space than the similarly-priced ZeroGram Zero1 plus the side entry.

@aushiker1 – Big Sky will be selling a pole for this shelter within the next month or so. Not early enough to be included in this drop, but certainly worth looking into.

@rmeurant – I can’t change the design, but I can work on getting the Mirage 1P on Massdrop this summer…

@aushiker1 – the shelter on alibaba is a copy of Big Sky’s Wisp, and unfortunately that’s a risk of manufacturing today.

@family-guy – Correct, the tent as offered on Massdrop, does not come with guyline or stakes. We do this intentionally, as it keeps costs down for those of use who already have too many stakes at home. I for one have at least 40 stakes from various tents, and I’d rather save $15 than have another stake set. I also prefer to mix and match my stakes for most trips, so I have a couple of titanium v-stakes and peg/hooks, plus a few large aluminum tub stakes.  However, I do appreciate the other perspective, that it’s nice to have a complete package of tent, stakes and guyline.

I hope this helps. I have the tent right here at my desk and can try to answer any additional questions. Bob, from Big Sky, usually responds to questions in the Massdrop discussion.

Yes please Danny!

Hi Jennifer – good point, although I believe the entry on the Protrail is sufficiently wide that extreme contortion is not required.  I am more concerned about the space once in there and the potential to tough that ‘hanging’ long wall when condensation shows up.

Danny – any pictures of someone in the Wisp on a pad to get a sense of space?

This tent sorely needs an “eyelid” vent at the apex of the door.

Yeah, the door won’t open as far up with it but it would give ventilation at the top, where it’s needed, especially in this tent. Plus it may give a bit more protection from rain dripping in when using the door in bad weather. (Rain seems to be a great “laxative” for me, creating the need to quickly exit my tent.;o)

Will Rietveld reviews this tent on his blog ultralight insights. He includes some pictures, it looks pretty tight inside for people over 5’10” or so.

Thanks evan for that heads up, and to Will Rietveld for the review. Delighted to learn of Will’s blog, I’ll read it with great interest!

Well that is laughably small.