Winter 2 person tunnel tent – Custom?

Have you looked at the New Zealand Macpac Olympus tent? Imho, the gold standard for commercial extreme weather tunnels. 2-man, double skin, inner tent does not slope, sufficiently roomy.

Cheers

Have you looked at the New Zealand Macpac Olympus tent?

I did now, and it’s not for me, but thank you for the heads up. It’s probably a good tent, but my needs are very particular. To be specific: the tent fly leaves a gap between the ground and the end of the fly. That is a big deal for me in winter time. When the snow is loose and dry it will blow underneath and have a weird way of finding its way all over the place. The vestibule is too small. I can make do with smaller vestibules, but when it’s already a tunnel tent I would prefer a larger one. It looks good on paper with its 110cm, but it slopes a lot, making it a lot smaller for practical use. Also, the dimensions don’t specify inner height at the lower two poles. I prefer equal height in the inner; at least for a part of the tent like in the Nammatj. If not equal, it at least has to be quite tall so I can sit up-right in a chair kit when waiting out a storm.

As you can see, my needs are quite picky. I’ve tried and tested enough tents to know almost exactly what I want and after a couple of months of googling haven’t found any tent that ticks all my most important boxes. I know there are no perfect tents, but after looking at the details of the Nammatj I know that it’s possible to make what I want :D

But again, thank you!

“The Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT is almost there. But I don’t want any mesh”

Thomas, specifically what “mesh” are you referring to? Also, I’m very curious what your old winter tent was, and what you really liked about it?

Thanks,

Matt

Thomas, specifically what “mesh” are you referring to? Also, I’m very curious what your old winter tent was, and what you really liked about it?

Basically all the mesh. There are no bugs in the dead of winter. Specifically that means both the mesh doors on the inner and outer tent, the mesh in the vents and the mesh in the inner tent leading to the vent in the back.

I had an old military issued tent from Helsport and I didn’t really like much about it, just couldn’t justify a new one until now. Been using a Keron 4GT for solo trips for one season now and I like it very much, but it’s too big and heavy for solo trips.

I know I’m nitpicking a lot on not-so-important “issues”, but this is a big investment that’s gonna be my go-to solo winter tent for years to come. The thing is; I know I’m not asking “too much”, meaning that what I’m looking for is quite possible to make, I just haven’t found it / it doesn’t exist.

“Specifically that means both the mesh doors on the inner and outer tent, the mesh in the vents and the mesh in the inner tent leading to the vent in the back.”

Ahh… got it. Thanks for the clarification.

Speaking of Hilleberg, did you look at the Kaitum 2? For solo use, I’d imagine it would be a palace – no sloping front or back, two vestibules, and I understand you can still double the poles up (or upsize them). Weight is similar to the Nammatj 2GT.

Regarding the mesh doors – if it were me, I’d just cut them out myself if they were unnecessary (Although I’ve always noticed a slight uptick in interior temperature with the mesh zipped up behind the nylon door.)

I also understand there are several other makers of tunnels in Europe, just not as well known. Perhaps one of them would be into a custom job.

Best,

Matt

Yeah, thanks Matt. I was under the impression that the Red Label tents didn’t have pole cups big enough for double poles, but after googling a bit it seems that I might be in the wrong. I will seriously consider the Katium, but I really love the door on the Nammatj.

As for European tent manufacturers. I’m a Norwegian and I know quite a few of the makers. My experience from talking to others on a Norwegian forum is that they are generally only open to minor customizations like additional guy out points.

“I will seriously consider the Katium, but I really love the door on the Nammatj.”

Well, there’s also the Kaitum GT, but you’re getting into a looong tent at that point, imho…. And the door doesn’t quite look the same…

:)

I often wonder why Macpac stopped the addition of valances on the Olympus and Minaret tents but such are very easy to add-on. With valances added back on the Olympus is a very strong winter tent and a palace solo so you may want to have second thoughts about it

Macpac was once a very proud high-performance NZ outdoors company. They have been shredded by the cheap Chinese competition. You see, while some of us might actually NEED the high performance that they offer, the bulk of any company’s income these days comes from what I have previously referred to as tourist streetwear. Sadly, Macpac have been through several ownerships over the last few years.

Me, I would suggest an Olympus and sew some valences on yourself.

Cheers

I agree that sewing a valance would be very simple.

You may want to look into these two companies:

https://www.lightwave.uk.com/products/tents/arctic 

https://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tents/polar-storm-2-tent/

I have not had the chance of using either but they are unmentioned options. Have you considered making your own tent? In my case, it is an enjoyable but long and slow process. Very meditative. And in the end I get exactly what I want. (Well minus a few mistakes here and there…)

macpac.

Now owned by the Super Retail Group .

Super Retail Group also owns Supercheap Auto, BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing), Australian sportswear retailer Rebel and Rays .

Rays stores will be re-branded as Macpac

(that will give the Aussies here some idea of what will probably happen).

Hum …
I would love to review the Arctic and the PS2.

Cheers

I have not had the chance of using either but they are unmentioned options. Have you considered making your own tent? In my case, it is an enjoyable but long and slow process. Very meditative. And in the end I get exactly what I want. (Well minus a few mistakes here and there…)

Thank you for your suggestions. The t25 Arctic looks amazing! I will seriously consider it and just e-mailed them with a few questions regarding the tent.

I have considered making my own tent, yes. But, I’m not really comfortable doing an “extreme” winter tent as my first project. Also, work takes a lot of time. I’d rather pay someone good to do it than sacrifice time I could spend outdoors or with the family.