Mountain Hardwear EV 3 Tent

Good Morning,

As I said in my previous post, the Mountain Hardwear EV 3 tent is what I consider, the "Big Brother" to the EV 2 tents.  Again, designed with the help of Ed Viesturs, in that this tent too is compact, light and strong, utilizing TX107 PU fabric (a fabric that is non stretch laminate, that stabilizes and strengthens when set up.) It's interior zipper along with the 5 welded, adjustable vents, works well with frost management and protection from the elements. 

OK, remember that I said I would talk a bit more about Ed Viesturs? Well, he is a native of the state of Washington and is widely regarded as one of the country's foremost high altitude mountaineers. Not only is he a professional mountaineer, but he works as a design consultant for several prominent equipment manufacturers. Hence, the initials on this line of tents, EV. His simple motto: "Climbing has to be a round trip."

My motto, which you have repeatedly read in my blogs : "Plan your trip, plan your gear, plan your exit" follows right along with Ed's (Although I think his motto was first).  Ed has successfully climbed all 14 of the world's 8,000 meter peaks, without supplemental oxygen. He is the first and only American climber and just one of a handful to accomplish this. You can see from his credentials, that he is eminently qualified to help design anything related to mountain climbing. Which brings me full circle, to the EV 3.

As you may have guessed, by the name, this is a three man tent. I however, use it as a two man tent with gear. This tent incorporates many of the design features of the EV 2, with the addition of an integrated vestibule area, which allows for space for boots and other sundry items near the door. More interior space for gear, and excellent venting. Again, with the zippered snow port in the floor, for excess snow removal you drag in, w/o the necessity of unzipping the tent. It's simple and fast to set up, much as the EV 2, but with the added interior capacity. Weighing in at 6 lbs. you will find it more than adequate and light for hiking. What all of this means? It truly is a cold weather tent. Mountain Hardwear knows how to make great tents and you will love this one.

That's it for today, I will conclude my series on the tents in the next few days., again, thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail-- Campingman

Mountain Hardwear EV-2 Tents

Mountain Hardwear EV-2 Tents

Good Morning,

As promised, I am going to continue in my series on various types of tents. The harsh weather tents are on my mind right now due to the cold weather I have been hunting in. I love it, but I love it more when I have a warm, dry place to go to at the end of the long day. 

The Mountain Hardwear line has long been a favorite of mine. Not only are they well made, but are durable and backed by a great warranty. The Mountain Hardwear EV 2 tent was designed with the help of Ed Viesturs. For those of you who do not know who he is, I will talk a bit more about him later on. Suffice it to say, if he is involved, there is some serious tent designing going on.

The EV 2 is sold as a two man camping tent, but if you use it for two, it will be a bit snug. I like this tent, because of it's ability to be used a high elevations and in narrow spaces. (such as that ledge you found yourself on last time) Again, let me repeat, it is a single walled tent, and as such, you may find it a bit cold for single camping. Take a good bag and you will be fine. But it is lightweight (right at 5 lbs.) so that makes up for it.

The Mountain Hardwear EV 2 is a tent for high altitudes. What that means, that it is as close to a snow shelter as you can find. It is not designed as a car camping tent, or a summertime tent. .It is designed to be a bunker, to get you out of harsh weather, and lives up to it's reputation. I find the ventilation in this tent is more than adequate, when used properly, which means less condensation, making it safer for indoor cooking. Condensation is a fact of life in a single wall tent, so expect some. Set up with the clips, is fast, simple and easy. You will find that it's inherently narrow design allows it to fit almost anywhere.

Also, as with any tent, slap the door a couple times before you open it, just to knock off any snow. This sturdy little tent holds up in strong winds, even if you forgot to put out the guys or stake it down tightly. Mt. Hood (as many mountains are) notorious for wind gusts through your base camps at night, and this one will stand up to it. There is even a zippered port in the floor of the tent, to provide an exit port for excess snow you drag in.

Next up, a tent that I consider as Mountain headwear's big brother to the EV 2. That's it for today, and as always, hike safe and I'll see you on the trail-- Campingman