Gen 3 Tentsile Una - First Pitch and Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- Use the code JESSOP5 to get a discount on all full price Gen3 products (excluding bundles and stacks) from www.tentsile.com/
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Tentsile kindly sent me one of their Una tree tents from the new Gen 3 range after suggesting this would be a better choice for bike backing and touring than the Flite which I had used previously.
Turns out they were absolutely right!
The Una comes with some really great new features which I go over during my first time pitching it and the first night I've spent out in the woods for a long while.
If you are interested in the Una you should also check out my reviews of the modular attachments for pitching on the ground and for adding a bug free space underneath...
Ground Conversion Kit - • Tentsile Una - Ground ...
Double Bubble (bug net) - • Tentsile Una : The Dou...
If you are interested in slimming down the Una so it is more packable then I've done a video on how to pitch it without the ratchet or the weblock - • Tentsile Una - How to ...
0:00 Greetings
1:04 Introducing the Una
2:21 Pitching
2:55 The straps
3:52 The carabiners
4:29 Ratchet and weblock
5:18 Underfloor gear storage
5:58 Double skinned floor
6:37 Inside
9:13 Internal pockets
10:32 Skypad
11:47 New pegs
12:14 All pitched
15:13 Badger!
16:05 Morning thoughts
19:37 Stowing the straps
20:53 Summary
23:27 By now
![Ep.2 เบสไวน์ รวมคลิปฮา SS4 - [ พากย์นรก ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ihk-LzEbox0/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you, Jethro, for this lovely, funny and entertaining review of the our UNA tree tent. We listened to your feedback and have increased the length of our straps to match all our other straps at 4.2m / 13.7ft. We look forward to sending something else, if you would like to test more... :)
Glad you approve. That's great about the additional strap length and will be really useful for the no-ratchet pitch as well!
I'm always keen to try new stuff so let's see if we can get another video planned!
Your videos are so easy to watch. Relaxing and entertaining
Thank you very much, I appreciate that a lot. Hopefully more good stuff coming soon :)
I am super thankful for this review. I never considered getting an Una before, but this really helped me understand it's strengths and how it would fit into my kit. Thanks a ton, mate!
I'm glad you found it useful. It is quite a polarising piece of kit - some people love it, others hate it. Personally, I wouldn't want it to be my only tent but it's great to have as an option and fills a gap that nothing else really can.
I love your videos! I've been eyeballing those tensile tents for a very long time now and this review of the UNA finally convinced me that I should get that one for it's practical features.
Glad I could help 🙂 Let me know how you get on with the Una.
I'm hoping to do some more tensile vids I'm the future (some other models as well as some more on the Una) so stick around if you like that kind of thing.
Thanks for watching!
This makes me want to get a tensile tent!
You should! They would be perfect for using in Sweden
Looks like a great little tent for forest adventures. I like the fact you get a view in the morning - Loved the badger!!
It is indeed a great little tent but it was all about the badger. I've not seen a live one for ages let alone up that close
Thank you for your review. Good Job entertaining and informative to watch
I could hope for no better feed back. Thank you :)
Thanks for a brilliant review! Exactly what I wanted.
Glad to hear it. Glad it was useful.
I also reviewed the ground conversion kit and an in the process of doing a video on the double bubble bug net attachment. Watch this space 😀
Awesome vid. It looks like a quality bit of kit, I'd like one to fit the whole family in!
Nice bit of badger action too.🚲⛺👍
It's all about the badger. There are definitely ones big enough for the whole family. I'll hopefully get one to try out once the world is less bonkers
I want one so badly. Mine would be the stingray, as my wife and dog would be with me and camping from an SUV. Love the content!! Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you, I glad you enjoy the vids.
If you do ever get one then PLEASE let me know how you get on in there with a dog ;)
I know people do do it but I've yet to hear a first hand account.
Also of course, if you get one then consider using my discount code JESSOP10. You get a bit off and I get a little commission too :)
Fantastic review, great personality, yep I'm going to get a couple for me and my boys 🌱
Glad you enjoyed. If you do decided to buy direct from Tentsile use my code in the description, you get a cheeky discount and I get a cheeky commission ;)
Thanks for watching
Been thinking of moving into the woods for a while now, maybe this is the answer. I enjoy seeing your reviews, friendly, relaxed and humorous. Well done and thanks.
Oh yes and I like badgers too.
You should do it. It's safe in the woods. Almost as safe as in the compound :)
Haven't been backpacking in 35 years, but this is making me rethink it.
Not having to find suitable, level ground makes a lot more places possible.
All it needs now is a camo fly and dark no-seeum netting for the best chances for invisibility and I think the this could be the ultimate set up.
Well done with the video. Very informative in a very 'relatable' way.
Subbed right away. Wish you the best of luck with channel and trail.
Glad you enjoyed the vid and thanks for the sub I appreciate it.
For those conditions where you want to be up of the ground it is a great bit of kit indeed and I believe that there is the option of a camo fly but I've not seen it on the flesh.
Great in-depth review 👍
Thanks, glad you liked it
Great review! Thanks!
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it
Fantastic review. Thank you, kind sir.
My absolute pleasure. Thanks for watching and I'm glad you found it helpful.
Warms me old heart to see you unleashed outdoors again
Well thank you :) It was good to be out, though it did rather remind me just how much I miss being away on longer rides. Soon I hope!
Best review in have seen yet on this. Might just pull the trigger.
Thank you. I'm really pleased you found it useful.
If you do decide to go for it then use my code JESSOP10 for a cheeky discount.
Also check out my video on pitching without the ratchet th-cam.com/video/bKra-W-0VWw/w-d-xo.html as this saves a load of space and weight.
I believe Tentsile sell an O-ring so you could see if you can get one included and be good to ratchetless straight out of the bag!
If you do it, come back and let me know how you get on 🙂
I want one! You should do more product reviews. It was very informative. You covered all I needed to know.
I will be doing many more. I'm in a roll now!
Your candid review of the Flite was what helped me realize that while I think these tents are, in fact, super cool; it most likely wasn’t going to fit my needs any better than that model fit yours. I couldn’t agree more with your remarks about how much ease of set-up factors in at the end of a long day. For me, I decided that rounding out my hammock kit was a better, and even more cost effective option. Plus, it’s always nice to fall back on what you’re familiar with.
Very true. I'd definitely say that if you are planning to use a Tentsile on a long trip, get used to it first.
You don't want to be learning the quirks in the road.
I think when it comes to camping, familiarity with your kit is everything. Better to have basic kit you know than high end stuff you only just got
Thanx for a new, honest review. I´m in for it now! Thanx...and travel safe, maan!
Glad you found it helpful. Safe travels to you too. These days, any travels to be honest - safe or otherwise 😉
I'm looking forward to the end of lockdown here and then there will be some travels indeed.
And if you decide to pull the trigger on a Tentsile, don't forget to use my promo code JESSOP10 for a little discount. I'm not on commission or anything but I have a pretty good relationship with tentsile and hope to some more videos with them in the future so the stats help towards that :)
@@JethroJessop Yup! Ordered it straight away. Had the Tentsile matress so your "selling point" became mine too...Thanx!
@@haraldgrasdahl130 ah great. I hope you enjoy it.
If you haven't seen it already then check out my video on how to pitch it without needing the ratchet. It's a cool technique and saves 200g and a lot of space when you are packing.
Excellent review 👌✨
My absolute pleasure. I'm glad you found it useful
I love mine, and also have the Tentsile Stingray for my 3 kids...highly recommend Tentsile!
How do the kids get on in it in terms of sleeping?
I put my nephews in my old Flite and they just wanted to use it like a trampoline :)
They loved it but the way they were jumping in it I dunno if it would have lasted until bedtime!
Great review and suggestions! Subbed!
Thank you. I appreciate that. I'm hoping to do a couple more tensile videos soon so hopefully they'll be up your street as well 🙂
I have wanted one of these tents for several years (and found your channel because of your review), the gen 3 seems to have quite a lot of nice improvements, now I just need to find the money.
I was ready to feel ambivalent at most based on my experience with the Flite but this is genuinely a huge leap forward from there. The smaller size combined with the new Gen 3 features makes this the one to choose if you want a bikepacking tree tent. I'm hopefully going to try out the Ground Conversion Kit for it soon as well which will complete the package for me.
@@JethroJessopMy use will be with a scout troop, weight should not be an issue but ruggedness might be, I think the stingray safari is the one for me. That would definatley be too big for biking. It would be so easy for Tentsile to have only made 1 tree tent, the diverse range of options is amazing.
@@adamwoodhouse5356 Yeah, the range is vast. I'm not even sure of all the subtle differences between some models. It would be great to have a whole load of them pitched together though - I love the pics I've seen of them all stacked up.
Really, really helpful and informative video and an enjoyable and entertaining review to watch. The one bit of technical stuff I’d question is the reference to the weight of the Una being “comfortably under two kilos”, because according to their website, it’s 2.33 Kg. As a solo backpacking tent that’s pretty heavy as many manufacturers like MSR, Vango, Wild Country, Berghaus etc produce conventional solo tents at around or even less than 1kg. But it still does look like a great piece of kit that offers the unique experience of sleeping in the trees. I’ll definitely be getting one. Thanks for the well filmed demo. Simon.
It isn't the the lightest solution for sure but I thought I'd weighed it before this review. Maybe I didn't include the stuff sack (I pack mine in a fork bag).
Also check out my video on pitching without the ratchet and weblock. This works really well and saves even more weight and pack space th-cam.com/video/bKra-W-0VWw/w-d-xo.html
If you do get one then consider using my promo code JESSOP10 for a little discount (and a cheeky commission for me)
Thanks for watching, glad it was useful.
0:59 wow I'm impressed with how you packed your bags on your bike. Even though I've never been bikepacking...
I was using rack and panniers up until the start of the year so I'm still trying to work out the best setup myself.
Those fork bags are made by Restrap (I think the cages are by Salsa) and they are really nice but I didn't like the straps they came with so I swapped them out for Voile straps which are a lot easier to work with. Slowly but surely I'm building the perfect rig :)
I loved your video, thanks. I find your gentle style very informative and relaxing. Hope you can persuade more badgers to join you in future. As a tree climber I’m wondering about how this tent would pitch much higher in the tree....
I suppose it would pitch just as well at any height as long as you were able to get the straps in place and tensioned and you could actually access it.
Tensile often feature photos of high pitches and stacks and I hope to try it one day but have no experience of it myself. I'm not a climber and would probably end up broken 🙂
I'll definitely try for more badgers in future trips. It's always a good night if you see a badger or two. Cheers for watching, glad you like the vids
I recently got a flite because my son camps with me. Our first attempt was such a faff! The levels were all wrong, the trees were a pain, I forgot to take the coffee... but I had brandy and it was actually good fun. I swore blind I would never do it again, but I will. Many times over, I'm sure. If leveled right, it'll be the most comfy set up. I gt the ground converion kit just in case but doubt I will use the pole. Its not an easy thing to pack for a hike. Ill find a branch instead. The graound sheet came in handy for covering our aditional gear though.
It definitely takes some practice to get an eye for what will be a comfy pitch and to work out the process but I found the Una to be a lot easier than the flite.
I've never shared with anyone, even in my flite and I imagine that makes a good pitch more important, especially if there is a weight imbalance between you?
@@JethroJessop It certainly looks and sounds easier! We cant wait to get out again. All the problems we experience often become our favourute stories and our first flite will be treasured forever. Enjoy your Una!
All these suspended sleeping systems need suitably strong trees to pitch and you are stuck if you can't find one let a lone 3. The views of your surroundings from under the fly are a novel feature. I dunno still seems a bit gimmicky compared to say a free standing 1P tent such as a Hubba NX or Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1. It's only for trips in forested areas.
Great review though. Keep them coming. Looking forward to a review of your new bike.
Whenever I have used it (or the Flite before it) I never had that much trouble finding trees. It takes a bit longer than finding a flat spot for a standard tent and you do need to practice a bit to get it level and get the tension right.
As with bicycles - it is best to have several and choose the right one for each situation :) I love my Copper Spur and it will probably remain my go-to tent for bike trips - especially long ones - for many years to come. But the Una is really cool and will definitely be getting more use.
Love the new models of tentsile. I think they addressed all the issues you had with gen 2. Personally, I don't mind the extra weight of the flite or even the connect model but then again I am not an ultralight bikepacker.
Yeah, they definitely made a lot of improvements. The Una is perhaps not ultralight but its definitely light enough - especially when you ditch the ratchet - see my video on primitive pitching if you haven't already ;)
I've never been too bothered about weight but pack space is more of a concern with all these daft little bikepacking bags :)
This is what I need for my kayak camping trips! I have an early version of the Stingray (v1 or v2), but it is a beast, even when replacing one ratchet with the weblock, and it takes ages to pack and by time my friends are finished with their ground tents, I’m still trying to fold the flysheet and get everything to fit into the slightly undersized bag, so I’m never gonna use that anymore for that purpose. I mean if you are going paddling with your family, then that will work, but with friends then it’s just too stressful. I have also tried a hammock tent and the insect mesh broke the first time I used it so will never settle for anything of less quality than a tentsile tent. These tents are worth every penny. The trick is to choose the right tent (configuration) for the right occasion I guess.
It's definitely the best Tentsile offering for anything other than car camping.
Check out my video and pitching it without the ratchet OR the weblock. It saves a load of space and weight and I can get the whole tent in a standard fork bag now.
th-cam.com/video/bKra-W-0VWw/w-d-xo.html
Also, if you buy direct from Tentsile consider using my promo code JESSOP10. You get a bit of money off and I get a cheeky commission 😀
Cheers for watching 😉
@@JethroJessop Thanks Jethro! That’s the first of your videos I’ve seen and I definitely want to try that out. Pulleys are beautiful!
@@razterizer it works really well. I've used it a few times now very successfully.
Pulleys are indeed awesome and this is about the only time I get to use one so that's rather satisfying 😉
Great video! Probably third time watching it within the year. How’s the Una been treating you? Do you think a rectangular lw (196x65) pad would fit in the una? Been testing an Amok Draumr but having some burritoing problems. Eyeing Una again…
The official pad is the Tentsile Skypad which is 195x58 and this tapers a fair bit at the bottom to fit the point of the tent. It's the pointy end where you will have issues with pretty much any standard pad I suspect.
I have actually only used the Una a couple of times this year. I just find more and more that for most situations I prefer a ground tent. Things just always seen simpler on the ground.
I still rate the Una within the category it sits in but it doesn't get the use it deserves from me any more
Just got my Tentsile UNA
When using a hammock for sleeping you learn to lower the foot end slightly, cause your upper body is more heavy so you can lay as flat as possible.
Do you do the same with the UNA ?
I do yeah. It's a bit of an art as the difference in height depends on the lengths of the straps which can all be different in some situations.
I tended to underestimate how much lower the foot end but I got an eye for it after a few pitches
great video, nice relaxing mood all the way :)
Would you take tentsile for backpacking trip, as in walking one, instead of biking? Would it be light enough for that?
Thanks, glad you liked it.
I think 'light enough' is a pretty subjective term but I'd say the Una would be ok for a hiking trip anywhere you are guaranteed trees but I'm not a hiker and I know weight is more of an issue when on foot.
I'd say to definitely watch my recent video on pitching it without the web lock and ratchet as that will save a fair bit of space and about 200g
I have the first generation Una and it’s my favorite solo back packing tent. It’s 7 pounds but worth the extra comfort. Still packs down small. Most of the weight is in the steel ratchet and buckles. I’m confident you could get smaller diameter webbing and ratchet to drop 1-2 pounds and still support the weight of most people if you really wanted to but to me it’s negligible. There is no tent on Earth as comfortable. It’s a hybrid between a tent and hammock. Hammocks sag too much and tents none at all so if you are a side sleeper a tent even with best pad kills your shoulders. The Una has that perfect balance between support and give to take the pressure off your shoulders. Best night sleep ever camping in these. The 3-4 extra pounds is definitely worth the trade off. I have a light weight gear hammock that I hang below it to keep gear covered. That adds maybe a half extra pound at most but I can fit up to a 90 L pack in it. If you can get one of these under $150 on sale it’s a steal. Don’t worry about the reviews that complain the 3 zippers don’t seal all the way where they meet and can let mosquitos in. Mosquitos are too stupid to find their way into less than a dime size gap. Never had that problem. This is a legit piece of equipment not a fad. I’ve never tried it but I’m confident you could use this as a bivy too if you couldn’t find trees to hang it from too in a bind.
I need this tent in my life.
Do it. It's great fun and has to be the most packable tree tent you'll find.
@@JethroJessop I am so excited, I was given one as a Christmas gift.
@@gigiguzman2747 wow, great present! Let me know how you get on with it.
You may already be aware but if you use it now while it is cold you will need a good insulated pad. Like a hammock you lose a ton of heat through the floor otherwise.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄
@@JethroJessop I finally took my una backpacking and love it.
I struggle a bit to set it up the first time and I need the to order the right sleeping pad but so far I love it.
@@gigig7855 yeah, getting the pad that fits makes a big difference. The tensile sky pad is great and is actually my go to pad even when I'm in my standard tent.
If you do get one then try to use my promo code JESSOP10 for a discount. It might only work with tents but worth a try,
Glad you are enjoying the Una though - set up does get easier after a few tries. Where did you hike to with it?
Hey Great Video 👏 How has the Tentsile held up since you made this?
No complaints from me though I'll be honest I've not used it much - haven't used any of my gear much this year.
I've done a load of practice pitches but only slept in it one other time. It's sturdy though and my old Flite survived a 3 month trip around Scandinavia so I trust the quality.
I'm hoping to do some more tensile videos soon so keep your eyes peeled off it's something you're interested in 🙂
Had the two person tensile tent since ‘16
The sleeping pad would be a nice add for me
The SkyPad is great. As you hope considering it is made for these tents 😉
The double skin floor also helps a lot but I guess even in older models it would be the perfect pad.
I actually use it in my standard tent as well and it is really comfy and warm.
Can it be setup on the ground with stakes if trees aren’t available?
It can. Tentsile make Ground Conversion Kits for most of their models and I did a video about the Una version th-cam.com/video/Sj1v-SRyLsA/w-d-xo.html
It isn't super practical or super comfortable though. I believe the pole in the video has since been replaced with one much shorter and lighter but I would want to see the ground sheet made much smaller and lighter as well.
i slept in one of theese for 2 days and it was pretty nice, its even nicer if you bring pillows and a cover/Blanket
but i do bring my own tighteners because i don't like the straps that comes with it
That's interesting. What do you use in place of the stock straps/tensioners?
@@JethroJessop just regular ratchet strap 6m, that u can just easily ajust to any length, However i do bring the regular stock straps just incase the trees are further away.
though I'm probably gonna invest in 3 automatic tensioning belt self-winding lashing strap with automatic retractor, automatic ratchet instead. so i don't have to manually wind up the strap
@@Flip111000 the ratchet is definitely the weakest point in the design in my experience.
I have actually had real success with a no-ratchet technique and no longer take the ratchet or the weblock which saves a load of space and weight.
Did a video about it a while back - th-cam.com/video/bKra-W-0VWw/w-d-xo.html
What is the bag you used for the tent?
It's a Restrap fork bag restrap.com/products/fork-bag
Great bag, really sturdy.
Hey I’m just a kid trying to get into bike packing. I’m headed to college in a couple weeks and am exploring options. I’ve got a salsa mukluk (that I’ve got to replace the chain and unfortunately probably the cassette on cause of salt rust).
What does your setup look like? Are there any tips you’ve got? I really love these tentsile tents and have been binge watching all of your videos on them. The cost is putting me off for maybe a year or so, but eventually!
Thanks
The earlier you get into it the more you get to do. I didn't start until I was in my 30s and I often lament how many more rides I could have done I'd I'd started 10 years earlier.
My advice would be to simply try it. Ideally start with a short overnighter just to test the water. This way it doesn't matter if you underpack or overpack or forget something. It is the best way of deciding what type of riding you like, how far per day, how you like to camp, how you like eat.
Overnighters are great for helping you refine your and firm up your gear choices so you don't end up spending money and things that don't live up to your expectations.
Gear can be expensive but it doesn't have to be. eBay is great for bargains, set up some saved searches and just bide your time, waiting for good deals to come up.
I go over my overnighter pack list in this video th-cam.com/video/ahxT1q8XbWc/w-d-xo.html
It isn't set in stone but this is basically it.
I also did a video about bike th-cam.com/video/tk5weHtYsVw/w-d-xo.html
Other than adding an adjustable stem and an extra tooth on the rear sprocket this hasn't really changed since filming.
Other than just giving it a try I'd say to keep an eye on bikepacking.com as they are very good for both inspirational ride reports and really in depth gear reviews. Reddit is pretty good too - r/bikapacking
And you are always welcome to ask questions on this channel and I'll answer as best I can.
Hope that is kind of helpful. Good luck with it!
Nice video mate. Have you had this out in colder weather yet? Interested to know if the mat is sufficient insulation in the winter as I’d never dare go without an underblanket on my hammock unless it’s summer.
Cheers mate
Ash 🏕
I haven't tried it I'm afraid. I know from experience that even on mild nights you will wake up with a cold arse if you don't have some insulation.
The skypad has an R-value of 4.4 so in theory should do the job and I know people do use these tents in the cold. Or at least they put pics on Instagram of them pitched in the snow but I heard a rumour that Instagram doesn't always represent real life??
@@JethroJessop 😂 that’s true lol, cheers mate, I use a thermarest x therm in winter so so long as that stays in place I should be ok 👌🏼
Thanks again
Ash
@@AshOutdoorsUK That's the nice thing about the double floor on the Una, it really holds the pad in place well.
I'm just watching a few of your vids by the way. Loving the channel by the way, subscribed and will dig in deeper when I'm not supposed to be working.
Which bit of the country are you in? The woods look very similar to round my way.
@@JethroJessop that’s good to hear as mats always slip in the hammock! I’m in Cambridgeshire buddy, how about you? Subbed back 👍🏼 going to check out some of your bike packing vids, I need to do more camps on my bike this summer
@@AshOutdoorsUK I'm down in Reading so not so far away. Hopefully I'll get more trips in this year than I did in 2020. I'm looking at doing the Pennine Bridleway in April if such trips are allowed then.
Awesome review! I ordered the connect 3.0 , would that one have double floor you think? hmmm , look forward to get it!
Glad you liked the video. Don't quote me on this but I was under the impression that all the Gen3 models have the double floor. Not 100% certain though I'm afraid
@@JethroJessop Seems the Una is the only one that has it. we got that clarified now hehe
@@AlbertVicol is that so? Interesting.
I'm guessing it is because of the slightly smaller one dimensions maybe?
Also, for models bigger than 1P perhaps they are going you will use SkyPads as mattresses and they clip together to help stop then slipping around.
Hope you enjoy this though and get some good adventure out of it
I e to see they responded and the product isn’t bad ... tbh, if there will be trees, I’ll stick to a quality hammock and tarp myself. I have enough issues sorting 2 trees out never mind 3 unless I’m in Sweden and I can get a flat diagonal lay in the hammock (Dutchware, UK Hammocks etc) anyway
Good review observations though
Take care
I still need to try a traditional hammock so I have something for comparison. I'll get round to it one day hopefully. I've got a tarp from DD hammocks which seems good. Maybe I'll get a hammock to sling under it
I've done a fair share of hammock camping, as a fellow "face-sleeper", I really struggle to get a good sleep in them. I can get a "flat lay" only when I'm on my back, so they really require me to change my sleeping style in order to fit the kit. Some people can do that without issue, others can't.
I haven't tried any of the bridge-style hammocks or things like the Amok Draumur yet, so I can't comment on how those work for side/face sleepers.
Hey man, me and my partner are just collecting the last bits of gear we need to start bikepacking and I've found myself stuck with a bit of a question. How do you secure your bike while you're overnighting, particularly in the wild? Love the vids man keep em coming!
I think it depends on where you are. The practical reality is that any genuinely secure lock is going to be way too heavy for bikepacking so I rely on either stealth or just trust in my fellow man.
If I'm wild camping I always pitch in secluded spots anyway because I sleep better if I'm not worrying about someone stumbling across my camp in the night. In these spots I just throw a chain lock round a tree for peace of mind. If there are no trees, lie the bike down beside the tent and lock it to a pole or guy line through a wheel, that way if someone was to mess with it you would be disturbed.
I do pretty much the same in campsites - pick the most secluded spot you can and use the best lock you have. I also push my bike into bushes just so it would be more noisy and annoying to get at.
I'm pretty sure though that in the wild you are safer than anywhere else (from bike theft at least). The real worry is going into shops.
If you are travelling with a partner then it's not a problem as you can do shifts with the bikes but when I'm riding solo I have to leave bike and bags unattended outside while I get supplies.
In these situations I pick shops in small villages or quiet areas, look for ones that have bike lockup right in front of big windows and then just try to be as quick as I can and trust that most people aren't thieves.
I've never had a problem and have never had anything stolen. What's more I have only met one person on the road who did have a bike nicked so I think it has to just be a risk that goes along with the hobby. There is no such thing as a totally secure bike lock and even if there was your bags can be detached or slashed or someone could just pull a knife and demand the key.
So my advice is, get insured, use that best locks you can to discourage casual, opportunist thieves and be cautious where you can.
It's a fantastic way to travel and in general will throw you in with interesting, kind and generous folk. There are dicks out there of course but bikepacking encourages me to believe that they are the exception rather than the rule.
Cheers for watching, glad you are enjoying the videos
Here is another strategy that I used when I was bike-touring. I brought a line of tiny, black, non-reflective chord. I would lie my bike on the ground and tie the line between my bike and another object then pitch my tent on top of that line. If anybody lifted up my bike in the middle of the night (it never happened once), they wouldn't see the black line until it was already pulling up the side of the tent and waking me up. You could also put a small obstruction in the spokes or chain so that the bike doesn't really work like people expect it to until it gets cleared out.
The theory is that between those two hassles, a thief would get confused and frustrated and just give up.
I've saw people take the excess strap and loop it around the end of the ratchet handle and use that to yank on... easier on the fingys and may even get some leverage on the ratcheto..
That's a great tip actually!
I have a couple of little hacks and adjustments I want to try on this tent so I'll add this to the list next time I'm out with it.
Thank you
@@JethroJessop np... also have seen the excess webbing used to loosen the ratchet too... if shes tight and hard to open the handle all the way...
Did you ever do the review on the sleeping mat? I couldn't find it.
Do you know, I didn't.
I could never really find enough to say to justify a whole video on the subject. It is a decent mat and I've used it both in the Una and on the ground and it works in both situations though it is quite thin so some might opt for want more comfort than it offers on the ground.
Its unique point is that it has two chambers and the smaller can be left deflated so that it fits neatly into the narrow foot end of the Tentsile tents.
It also has a system of poppers that let you attach multiple pads together either side by side or in a triangle configuration which helps keep everything in place in the models that are designed for more than one person. I have not tried this though as I've only ever used it in the Una.
Maybe I should revisit this. I've not done any Tentsile videos for a while.
@@JethroJessop All good, this information was helpful. So with it being fairly thin it doesn't offer much in ways of insulation then? That was my other thought and concern. It is a more expensive option, but fits and is designed for the tent more. Still to decide if I want to try one of these type tents, or just stick to a ground tent. They sound amazing, but that may just be the novelty factor. I'm aiming for moto camping rather than bike camping, so I can afford a bit more weight and gear, but still want to keep things down. Though access to the full range in Australia is a bit more limited I'm finding, as the postage cost direct from Tentsile is a bit high too, but the only Australian reseller doesn't have the full range, or at least all the accessory options.
I appreciate the prompt response too.
@@JasonTankard I cant remember what the official R value is but I'm sure it is in the spec. I used it a fair bit in UK temps and it was fine for 3 seasons stuff but I felt it in the winter. Which is fair as it isn't sold as an all year pad.
I think most tentsile models can be fitted with an under quilt now like a traditional hammock. It will add bulk and cost but the option is there.
If you have hammock camped then the Tentsile will work for you and offer extra space and a flatter lay.
I sleep on my face by preference which is not ideal for anything suspended but I sleep OK in the Una once it's pitched right.
There is absolutely a novelty appeal to these but they are also well designed and well made and in certain situations will be the perfect solution.
would like have one 20x40 complete with sides.
What cost me please ?
What do you mean 20x40?
If you need sizes, measurements, prices etc just go and check www.tentsile.com/
If you buy from them then use the promo code in the video description for some money off
What's the weight of the bundle, all stuff included with the, mattress ? Thanks
I don't actually know and don't currently have any scales to check. Hold that thought and I will try and get back to you with an answer
@@JethroJessop Thanks a lot !! So waiting for your answer, impatient to know.. 👍😉
I had to weigh these on a proper old school mechanical scale so can't be super precise but...
Tentsile give the weight of the Skypad as 709g but I got closer to 800g. I weighed it in its bag though which may be where the extra came from.
The Una itself is listed at 1990g but I got only 1550g. I have ditched all the labels and various bits of packaging and also a few guy lines as I always carry paracord with me. I did weigh it in the original stuff sack though which I wouldn't use on tour - I'd just pack straight into a fork bag or something.
So for me, packed weight of tent and pad is 2350g (give or take).
Hope that is helpful. If I come across any more precise scales I'll get back to you with an update.
@@JethroJessop
Thanks so much for all these instructive informations !! It could be interesting to test the Amok Draumr with the Skjold tarp.. Best regards
Where are you from? Your accent is spectacular! I'd totally enjoy listening to you explain how to boil water 👍
Well thank you :)
I'm from Reading. Just a bit west of London along the river Thames. I've never heard it held up as a particularly great accent so I'm pleased to hear that it goes down well in your ear.
Think if you find my Firebox Nano review I actually do explain how to boil water (kinda) so you may be in luck ;)
Thanks for watching!
@@JethroJessop "slugs and ticks and snakes and gremlins" 🤣
I'm just loving this
@@kennethsizer6217 gotta keep those gremlins out. They are nothing but trouble 😉
Can you make a video showing how you packed the una in that bag? Tentsile has packdown videos, but your packdown looks even smaller!
Interesting idea. I could do, though there isn't much magic to it. I think that is about the smallest I could get it under real out-in-the-woods circumstances.
I have a couple of ideas for pitching without the web lock and ratchet as well so maybe when I get around to that vid I'll tack pack down on the end
@@JethroJessop please do, the web lock and ratchet makes it heavier so if I can avoid using it, it would be fantastic as I mostly backpack so anything I can do to bring down the weight helps.😁
@@gigiguzman2747 I actually have the hardware to attempt a pitch without ratchet/web lock now and had hoped to try it out last week but unfortunately I ended up in isolation due to a friend having covid.
I seem to have got away with it but it did kind of change my plans for my week off.
It is on my list for the coming weeks and if it works I'll do a video about it soon!
5:53, Gremlins??
Wow, which forest are you at?
All forests have gremlins these days. Think it is due to weather winters and a growing population of wild campers with complicated gear 😉
Just did a 4-day kayak trip in the north of Finland, and hated trying to pitch a tent on rocky, tree-covered islands. This would have been perfect.
Alas, it's out of stock.
Oh wow that must have been amazing. I've only done a tiny bit of kayaking but I really liked it and always fancied doing a proper trip.
This is indeed where a Tentsile would really be perfect. If they come back in stock and you do decide to get one then use the promo code JESSOP10 for a little discount.
And check out my video on how to pitch it without the ratchet and weblock which saves loads of weight and pack space - th-cam.com/video/bKra-W-0VWw/w-d-xo.html
Cheers for watching
@@JethroJessop Nice one! I'm buying one as soon as they're back (assuming they come back), so nice to have that code :)
I had such a great time, even with a super- cheap Intex inflatable kayak. I went from Ivalo to Inari by the shortest possible route, but Lake Inari goes north forever, you could spend weeks out there if you wanted.
@@6yjjk I've just been checking it on Google maps. It looks amazing.
I'd love to visit Finland one day. I have always liked the idea of starting in Sweden and cycling around the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic. What a ride that would be!
Too many adventures and not enough time to do them is my problem.
I'd expect the Una will be back in stock soon. I think all things camping related have sold out recently but keep an eye out, there will be more soon I'm sure.
@@JethroJessop If you do that ride, say hello on your way past - I live in Oulu :)
@@6yjjk Very kind of you. Oulu would definitely be on the route so if I ever do get to do it I will definitely be stopping for coffee ;)
GUBBINS!
I just replied to your comment on the Flite video with a link to this one. But you are already here. Welcome :)
Gubbins indeed. A word used too little these days in my opinion!
@@JethroJessop I'm from the states but had a Canadian/Brit friend years back who said it all the time in reference to just about anything. Always made me smile!
Great work on the videos, btw. Always thoughtful, informative and full of heart. Keep going!
@@kentwood9821 thank you, I really appreciate the kind words.
I've got a few new videos in the pipeline and I shall do my best to keep slipping in the obscure British colloquialisms 😉
Everyone says it’s pronounced oo-nah, but I see u-nah
I never really though about it, it just came out as oonah but I'm not gonna split hairs. If you said yoonah I'd know what you meant.
For what it's worth, tentsile say oonah in their videos. And I'm guessing the name is derived from the Latin una which means one - same root as the French singular "un/une". I only just learned this. I'm always interested in language and you sent me down a bit of a Google hole 😉
At the end of the day, as Voltaire is erroneously quoted as saying "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it!"
Cheers for watching and happy camping. When spring is in the air and the sun is out, who cares what you call your tent right?
Love the concept, hate the capacity.
Great video though.
You do have to be a bit thoughtful about space but if you treat it as a tarp and stash gear underneath it then you have a load of room.
Depends a lot on location and weather though.
@@JethroJessop Capacity as in weight capacity?
@@luckyx16 volume wise it isn't that much bigger than my 1p ground tent once you ditch the ratchet and weblock which are not really needed for the Una.
It's never going to be the most ultralight solution but that isn't really what it is trying to be
@@JethroJessop Weight capacity as in how much weight it holds,
@@luckyx16 I don't think you'd have to worry about overloading the weight it can hold. You'd have to be massive and there isn't enough room to stash a load of stuff inside as well.
While the tentsile idea is a good one, these tents are really only useful when the perfect geometry in nature is found and you are alone. The geometry of three trees spaced to put up one tentsile is the same geometry that three hammocks could hang, therefore this is not a good idea when you have multiple people
You can pitch in a less than perfect triangle but it does take some faffing and is harder to get a level.
If you are out with others then there are models that will sleep up to 6 but I've never tried one so can't say how well they work.
In truth, while I do use the Una on overnighters I always default to my ground tent for versatility and comfort on longer trips. Never tried a hammock, and I'd quite like to, but I doubt I'll ever move permanently into the trees ;)
Could this fit two relatively small 130lb people?
I think you would be uncomfortable and your feet would likely be overlapping.
Also, the 2 person models have centre straps that divide the sleeping area into two separate 'hammocks'. In the Una the floor is a single space and you would likely both end up rolled into the middle.
I wouldn't recommend it. Look at the 2p models instead - there are a few to choose from.
Enjoy your vlogs but a system like this is just not for me. All I see is system that is not as flexible in use for bikepacking than a tent or a tarp/bivi system.
Also I can’t see how this system with its large metal ratchets is any better than a standard lightweight hammock system.
However, I’m sure it would suit some in specific uses. Just not for me. 😊😊
It is absolutely not going to be for everyone. I tried not to look at this from a personal preference angle because I think on a long trip I'd probably still take a ground tent. But this is definitely small and easy enough that for a short trip in a forested area I'd be happy relying on it. I can't compare to a traditional hammock as I've never slept in one but I always thought they were not good for side/front sleepers where the Una actually is. Maybe I'll try and do a hammock based video sometime and compare.
Cheers for watching :)
Unless you are in a snake infested swamp i don't get the point of this tent plus carrying three large trees with you does mess with carrying weight
If you upgrade to carbon fibre trees the weight come right down
@@JethroJessop i was thinking titanium
This thing is ridiculously expensive. It still seams nothing more than a gimmick.
My standard 2 person hammack in my hiking belt is much lighter and cheaper.
My military jungle hammock and tarp is a whole lot lighter and cheaper. And military gear is famous for being heavy.
Don't get me wrong I love the idea, but seriously the insanely overpriced cost of this thing is just stupid.
I can easily afford one but I don't see a single thing this does better to make me think why I should.
I've never slept in a hammock so I can't really argue one way or the other. Personally for long trips I don't see why anyone would ever choose any kind of suspended system, I'm ground tent all the way. My Copper Spur is lighter and packs smaller than the Una but it was more expensive.
The Una is really comfy to sleep in and gives you a nice tarp area to sit under but is not so good for lounging when the weather is bad or the bugs are out.
We live in a world of options and choices I guess and are very lucky to all be able to find our own perfect set up.
One day I really do need to spend a few nights in a hammock just so I have the experience for comparison but I'm terrible for filling my life with gear that I only use once in a blue moon so I'm restraining myself ;)
@@JethroJessop most civilian hammocks are different experience, banana shaped.
Military jungle hammocks are flat (when you use 2 sticks that is) and have an attacked bug net.
I prefer tent (lavvu) camping personally but as in my current terrain you can wake up in 1-3 inches of standing water if it rains while your sleeping. Lol that is a shocker trust me.
Plus my hiking belt carries a hammock and comes in at 9 lbs minus food and water. Lol it also makes a better workout on a 4 mile walk in town.
@@billlyell8322 yeah, I do my adventuring in parts of the world where I'm pretty confident on the ground. Not gonna get flooded out and nothing venomous is gonna crawl in 😉