Why I WON'T take the Tentsile Flite touring again!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- -- UPDATE 2020 -- I have recently used the new Gen 3 Una, Tentsile's new 1 person offering - review video link below. It is a much better choice for this kind of trip and would have served me much better.
I stand by all the points I make in this video but if you are looking for a smaller, lighter tree tent for bikepacking or backpacking then check out...
The Una Review : • Gen 3 Tentsile Una - F...
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I finally got round to filming the second review of my Tentsile Flite + tree tent.
After using it quite a bit and having it with this summer as I've been touring I feel like I can give an honest opinion of it as a practical shelter, tell you what I like and dislike about it and explain why I definitely won't be taking it in any more bike trips.
What you said about people listening to your review and *still* wanting to try the tent for themselves is true... I really do want to have a go myself but there's no way I will spend that sort of money now that you've so comprehensively explained the pitfalls, and for that I'm very grateful. I love the idea of a hammock tent but everything you said is so well explained, I can see I'd be just as irked as you are by it.
This is a real public service message. Thanks for taking the time.
Glad it was useful. Since this video was made I've tried the Una (1 person model) and it is much, much better as a bikepacking solution - smaller, lighter, easier to pitch.
Tree tents will always be divisive I think but if you like the idea and wanted to try it then the Una is a far better option than the Flite for the type of camping I like to do.
Dude, this is a fantastic no BS real review. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide the rest of us your real world experience and the additional tips. Thanks again.
My pleasure. I'm glad you found it useful. There is a possibility I'll do reviews of some of the new Tentsile range at some point so if that is something you might find interesting then I always appreciate a new subscriber
Honest and straight review...and LOTS og tips. Thanx Jethro!
Thanks for watching. Glad you found it useful
What a great review! I'll rethink my plans. A good honest review. Thanks so much!
Glad i could be helpful.
Check out my review of the Una if you are set on a tree tent. It's much smaller, more packable and more suited to these sort of trips
probably one of the best and most unbiased reviews I've seen in a long time, thanks for the valuable info!
Thank you :)
I'm glad it was useful
Very well thought’s and honestly brought up. I think I would take both tents. A bit more weight but will be a nice work out 💪. Enjoy your life to the fullest mate.
Same to you :)
If you are looking at packable tree tents then I have since used the Tentsile Una with much better results : smaller, lighter, easier to pitch, can be pitched without a ratchet, can even be pitched on the ground in a pinch.
I did a series of videos on it a while back if you fancy having a look th-cam.com/play/PLeEZMO6am23FQuVygZldHUNz-eundRDd6.html
Very good review. Very helpful and insightful.
Glad to help
Your reviews are fantastic. I subscribed because of your first video on this tent. I still think I will invest in one due to the differing nature of our need for a tent.
Do it. As I said, it isn't a bad tent and it is really well made. It just isn't what I personally need for my kind of camping.
If you hold off a few weeks, mine will be going on eBay when I get back to the UK 😜
Cheers for watching, glad you enjoyed.
once I saw idea of setting it up above water I was hooked xD
Thank you, great info! Adam from Puerto Rico.
You are very welcome. Glad it was helpful
Great review...As much as I love this tent in a general sense, I would never use it for anything other than car camping...I agree that after a long day of exertion (bicycling, canoeing, etc), the last thing one wants to do is take half an hour to set up a complex piece of sleeping kit like this.
Yeah absolutely. I have since tried out the Una - the one person model - which is loads better for this kind of use case. It packs into a fork bag, is loads easier to pitch and can be pitched without the weblock and ratchet.
I have a few videos on the Una on the channel if you are interested
Funny enough, I can really only use mine when kayak camping, but only because that's the only areas that has enough trees to allow me to actually set it up.
I bought mine before people were making reviews like these and didn't realize how big of a pain it was to set up.
I have used it with two people before and it worked okay, just be ready to cuddle with the bloke next to you 😂.
Do I regret buying it? Not really, but it's too expensive for what it is. The only redeeming factor is the WOW factor. People love to see it up in the air. I like to set it up as high up as I can get it, but it has fallen in the middle of the night before lol. I ditched the weblock and now have ratchet straps at every corner. I normally set it up low enough for most people to use it. If anything, this tent is great for mid day naps if you are in one location for multiple days. EVERYONE wants to sleep in it, so I bring two tents. One for sleeping at night and this tent for everyone to try it out.
I have used it in pretty much all weather conditions and this tent is it's most useful during the rain because of the "shelter" underneath. A spare generic tarp works fine as a side wall if you have some twine and are good with knots. In cold weather, I like to wrap the rain fly all the way underneath.
All in all, I like the tent as a gimmick but not as a tent. Just remember where you set it up if you get the camo rain fly; I spent two hours looking for my tent once because I just couldn't see it 😂
I like the review. It's good to see what other people are struggling on as well. When it comes to your sleeping pad you're doing it wrong. you should be using a mini t underneath and the pad should be sandwiched between the bottom of your tent and the top of the mini t.
That's a fair bit of extra weight to carry but I have actually heard a rumour that the 3rd generation Tentsile range (coming soon) is going to have double skin floors for exactly this purpose. Watch this space for a review.
Hey dude.You can't really do anything to reduce the time to set up the tent. But I could give you a tip about the mesh bag inside it, and how to actually keep everything a bit organized. First of all, the mesh bag can be connected in the middle of the tent going from head to toes (there are 2 loopholes you can use). Now for the gear inside the tent. I use a small carabiner and I attach it to the loophole you have your mesh bag currently attached to.
These are good tips indeed, thank you. Gear storage is key to happy camping so things like this make a lot of difference. I'll give you a mention if I do another Tentsile video in the future 🙂
Honest real world review
Not surprised really, they look “cool” but the complications are too many for few benefits.
I’m a hammock person if possible and tbh can’t really see the benefit of this over a decent hammock/tarp rig. More complicated, heavier, more bulky for little benefit.
Cheers
What do you think about the connect 3.0? I do casual camping and usually don’t hike long distances to set up. How will this wear overtime? Are the straps replaceable? I’m going to buy one soon!
I started using the Una instead of the Flite and found it much better suited to my needs - lightweight, packable, easier to pitch. Check out my reviews of that if you are interested in a 1p tree tent.
The straps can be bought separately so can be replaced but they are pretty sturdy and I can't see them wearing out very quickly.
I've not used any of the other models so I can't really comment beyond saying that I trust the brand to deliver a well made and well designed product.
I own the connect I've had it for a few years now ,and have come across similar issues ,its a great tent if you wanna take your kids camping for the night ,but setting up is finicky to say the best ,there are little hacks to making it easier like adjusting the two adjacent ratchets first and then just pulling tension on the single racket at the back ,but unless you have perfectly aligned trees ,set up is always a chore ,although if you buy a spare rachet and strap you can sometimes use another tree to pull a strap into alignment ,but for me going to the toilet at night is a right pain I the arse which kinda puts me off using it as much as I should , I ground camp and hammock camp and the tree tent although fun is the most impratical and most certainly my heaviest set up ,one note if your looking for a storage solution give uk hammocks a look they do a small zipped very packable hammock for 20 pounds which you can just attach with a couple of clips to the d rings to keep your stuff in
I'm glad it's not just me! I still live the idea of a suspended sleeping system and will try a hammock out at some point but I just think I'm a tent kind guy and that's that.
I just started using my new Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Bikepack and am loving it so far
@@JethroJessop yeah you should defo give hammock camping ago ,its a lot easier to set up than the tree tent but offers the same levels of comfort when set up right and if you use tree straps and whoopee slings its really easy 5 min job to get hanging ,dd are a company id look into as their 3x3 tarp and frontline hammock will cost you about 90 quid for the set up with whoopee slings ,yeah big Agnes make some sweet tents ,I use a Nemo tent and they are very similar to the big Agnes stuff
@@Wildernessoutside I actually have two DD tarps already. I looked at the Nemo tents as well but went with big Agnes for the short poles in the end
@@JethroJessop ah you just need to sort yourself a dd hammock at some point ,if you carry two tents when you bikepack you could ditch the flight and swap it out for the dd ,prob more praticle as you wouldn't be as reliant on the three trees ,and can suspend between two ,that is one of the main issues with the flight or connect as you really need that perfect triangle to get a decent hang
@@Wildernessoutside the two tents was a mistake in retrospect. I could easily have done with just the one man ground tent. I just really wanted the Flite to be cool and practical. Ah well, we live and learn.
hmm, I think I give that a miss. Looking forward to your new tent review and our bike trip!
we use a thick blanket instead of a sleeping pad! so far it’s worked great :) that little net compartment was annoying for us too so we just took it off and placed it somewhere else. the gear we hang from the outside of the tree pitch is close or if it’s far we just out our stuff under the tent. as far as the “backpacking” tent they label it as goes, i couldn’t agree more. it’s never taken me 10mins to pitch this. you have to also adjust and readjust. in the end once you work out the quirks it’s nice. last nice our camp site was surrounded by coyotes (as its breeding season theyre much more dangerous now) we could hear them fighting and whimpering it was TERRIFYING. if we weren’t up in the air i promise we’d be dead. never have i been so frozen in fear than last night. haha i think i’ll always prefer this tent now no matter the hassle because of this happening. 😭😂
Wow, that sounds bloody terrifying! I had a squirrel in my tent once and that scared the **** out of me 😉
Everyone seems to have their own ways of making these tents work for them. Personally, I switched to 1 person Una and find that to be much easier to pitch and more practical to pack and carry.
Glad you are enjoying yours though and very glad it kept you out of the jaws of hungry beasts!
I have the Flite and I love it. I use it mainly on canoe trips, so I only have to carry it on portages. I use it in the summer so it also means I don't even need to bring an air mattress. I sleep much better in the Flite than on the ground, I hate air mattresses.
Just a tip! The WebLock is meant to be used INSTEAD of the ratchet. The web lock slips over time. If you use the ratchet and no WebLock you'll have better tension and the overall weight will be slightly less. Or if you're more concerned about weight, leave the ratchet at home and use just the WebLock.
It definitely is a great tent, just not the one I should have taken on this trip. I've since switched to the one person Una which is loads easier to pitch and I've ditched both web lock and ratchet in favour of a pulley like the slack liners use. It's a really elegant solution and may well work for the Flute as well. Check it out
th-cam.com/video/bKra-W-0VWw/w-d-xo.html
I don't know why but I laughed so hard when you said "slither out" 😂
It's not a pleasant image I'll admit but it is exactly how it feels. Definitely a slithering motion 😉
Think I’ll take some grass rope and a line level. Thanks for your review
Very good points. After your videos I kinda feel hesitant to even try it out. I wonder how it would work with 2 person in it while having significant difference in weights?
Hammock user atm and while not perfectly comfortable in it, pros seem to outweight (oh the irony) cons in comparison.
I've never slept in a hammock so I don't really have basis for comparison. I think it really could work for some people in some situations, just not for me. I think the weight difference could maybe be combatted by adjusting the tension of the central strap but the overlapping get is never going to go away.
Hi from the US. Funny thing is I bought a flite back in 2016 and have only used it twice. All the points you made have reinforced my decision to leave the tent however, I completely agree with you on the pros of ventilation and even the rain cover! I swear tentsile's rain covers are absolutely incredible. I am curious to convert it to a ground tent and use their conversion kit although it is out of stock. Hey Tentsile when are you going to have this conversion kit in stock?
Hi back from the UK!
Since this video I have switched to the Una (the 1p Tentsile) and found it much better suited to the kind of trips I do. It is easier to pitch, smaller and lighter and can be pitched just fine without the ratchet or the weblock.
I got to try out the ground kit and the Double Bubble extension and have videos on all these things in this playlist if you are interested th-cam.com/play/PLeEZMO6am23FQuVygZldHUNz-eundRDd6.html
At the end of all this though I am a ground sleeper. I love the style and construction of the Tentsile products and the Una is great. A lot of people really love these tents and I can't fault them except that I just sleep better on the ground, pure personal preference.
Just found you,good review.you should try the Lawson hammock tent.works on trees or ground setup.a sleeve for cushions too
Sounds interesting I shall check it out.
I have the Tentsile Una now (review and tests in this playlist th-cam.com/play/PLeEZMO6am23FQuVygZldHUNz-eundRDd6.html) which is much better for my needs but the options for ground pitching are still limited.
Bought it on sale 50% off so not bad investment. My 10y daughter absolutely loves it. Used it first time on midsummer's bike trip with my daughter. First pitch was a hassle but got it set up around 30min. It really helps if you are not doing it alone. Probably will use this more as a basecamp set up for the young ones and use a hammock/tarp myself.
Sounds like a much better use of it than what I've been doing. Kids do love it, I've set it up for my nephew a couple of times and he thinks it is great
Great, where did you find it 50% off (if you don't mind me knowing). I want one for our campground. Gracias!
Sounds like they need to engineer a way to adjust or fine tune tension from within the tent itself. They should bill it as a one man tent and put a largepocket on the spare corner to stop gear from sliding into you at night. The other idea would be a suspendable rectangular platform (4 points instead of 3) upon which you could set your own tent. That would be heavier probably and more limited to car camping, but it would be fun to be able to put your own selected tent on top!
I have since moved to the Tentsile Una which is their 1p model. Much lighter, much more packable, can be pitched without the ratchet and comes with a little gear net that slings underneath.
For the kind of trips I do it's a far better option than the Flite and is the one I should have gone for first had I know better at the time.
I did a review if you are interested in such things : th-cam.com/video/3YwJBGqFDgQ/w-d-xo.html
Nice review mate. What would you suggest is the best 1 man lightweight hammock/tent? Thanks pal
I can't give a good answer as I haven't tried any other brands.
Since this video I've used the Tentsile Una a few times and that is much smaller and lighter and more useful for bikepacking.
Check out my review here if you like th-cam.com/video/3YwJBGqFDgQ/w-d-xo.html
Also nice because you can pitch it without the ratchet which saves even more weight th-cam.com/video/bKra-W-0VWw/w-d-xo.html
Cheers for the reply 👍gave them a watch and a like. Great break down. The ground sheet is definitely bulky and the light saber would have to be a miss haha but looks a great hammock all in all
Cheers for the reply 👍gave them a watch and a like. Great break down. The ground sheet is definitely bulky and the light saber would have to be a miss haha but looks a great hammock all in all
@@purleybelter7344 yeah it's pretty decent. In situations where I needed to be off the ground I'd take the Una for sure but I generally go for a ground tent these days
The bouncing tent joke is what got me
First problem I've always thought of tensile tents is weight. Those big ratchet and straps look so fat. Could they be swapped out for a thick gauge whoopi sling.
The hardware is definitely weighty but you really do need to get the tension in so I suppose it has to be.
I have been thinking that you might be able to make it work using a couple of D-rings and a truckers hitch to add tension. If I can get it woking I'll maybe do a video on it.
I have to say though that part of my problem was that I chose the wrong model for that trip really. Check out my more recent review of the one person Una - much lighter, smaller, easier to pitch.
th-cam.com/video/3YwJBGqFDgQ/w-d-xo.html
If you solo camping often, you can consider about hammock camping. It's lightweight, easy to set up, and you don't have to care about the condition of the ground (Just like your tree tent).
To be honest I think I just don't like sleeping suspended. I like the flat ground and not seeing everything bouncing every time I roll over. I would like to try a hammock but I think in the end I'm a tent person
@@JethroJessop try ENO Skylite bridge hammock : th-cam.com/video/uKY2cO_LbwI/w-d-xo.html
why do you need a sleeping pad? i only use them if Im on the ground.
The floor material gives zero insulation and any breeze will suck the warmth out and leave you with a very chilly arse 😉
I have done a few nights without the pad and all of them were unpleasant
what happens if you put the 'ribs in' while on the ground, then stake the ends?
You mean the poles? I tried this once. It kind of works but the ground sheet is not waterproof and without the sag in the floor that you get whilst suspended the roof is very low. It might keep the bugs off but it's not that comfy.
@@JethroJessop thanks.... I'm going to get another motorcycle so I'll get a motorcycle tent, plus it seems like a real pain to find 3 trees, and the tentsile tent are to heavy I think $.02 be well and happy camping
I absolutely love my tentsile connect. I have used it 25+ times and i can set it up in 10-15 minutes in any new place once i've spotted the right trees.
I would never bike around with it though. Way to heavy.
10 -15 mins is good going, a very acceptable pitch time.
I'm hoping to get hold of an Una (one person model) soon and try that out. I've heard rumours that there have been some updates to the design this year so I'm interested to see whether the 2020 model is small and light enough to be a bikepacking option. I'll do a video on this soon so keep your eyes on the channel for updates. Cheers for watching.
Fun fact: the average 6th graders backpack weighs between 18 to 34 lbs
@@JethroJessop I have the Una, for your height I'd probably suggest not to lol, I'm 5 9'' and fill the tent pretty good with a bit of room... I just bought the Flite+ a few months ago because its a bit bigger and more room, theres also a middle strap under it to help from things to slide into you while sleeping so if you had someone sleep with you or maybe your gear bag .. I believe the Connect is even bigger with space and ment for taller people although ya the price does go up... ( also the materials I've noticed over the years has gotten thinner, rather than a sleeping pad try a thicker sleeping bag)... I dont know if they still claim that dogs can jump in and out of the tents and hold up but they used that in the advertising in the first few years
@@kohdetimetraveler I also remember reading the claim about dogs in the tent. That would be an interesting night regardless of potential floor damage!
Good advice about the Una, cheers. I was talking to Tentsile about doing a series of reviews for them on the new Gen 3 range but that all fell apart thanks to this bloody virus. I was hoping to get to borrow an Una from them as part of that. It may still happen when lock down eases up. We shall see.
"Keep your dangly bits tidy" - This review is amazing! 🤣🤣
It's good advice in many situations 😉
If you are into the tree tent idea then check out my more recent review of the Una (th-cam.com/video/3YwJBGqFDgQ/w-d-xo.html) - much better tent for this kind of trip.
I also did a video on how to pitch it without a ratchet and weblock (th-cam.com/video/bKra-W-0VWw/w-d-xo.html). If you are looking for a lighter, easier hanging tent then I'd recommend the Una over the Flite any day.
@@JethroJessop Awesome, I cant wait to watch them. It is great to see a simple, down to earth (or up to trees) TH-cam channel for once! 😄
@@jarodmeijer6813 I'm glad you like the channel and I appreciate every view 😉
I'm trying to be more regular with my videos if possible and down to earth is the only way I can be (because I don't really know what I'm talking about)
Cheers for watching!
Great review!
Thank you. Glad it was useful. If you are interested in a better Tentsile solution for this type of trip, check my review of the Una - th-cam.com/video/3YwJBGqFDgQ/w-d-xo.html
@@JethroJessop Thanks. Had watched that also.
For the 3rd generation you can add a ground conversion kit it adds some wheight, but at least you don't have to bring two tents.
I just bought a tentsile stingray 3 person, as i will use it for camping with the kids when its close to the car. Would newer bring such a heavy tent backpacking. I have another one for backpacking, although just 2 persons.
@@jrundrundhovde6911 I have got the ground conversion kit for the Una and also the Double Bubble (bug net that hangs below the tent). I haven't really used either yet but I'll do videos on them once I've had a play around with them.
Which tent do you have for backpacking out of interest?
@@JethroJessop Marmot nyx, got it for a good price 13 years agoand quite OK weigh for hiking. It has been working well, until last year. Now some of the gluing in the sesms seems like its loosening upp and the window has come of so not so sure about heavy rain anymore. Have ment to contact marmot but not gotten to it.
I think today i would have a tent with a bigger front room outside the inner tent for cooking like a tunnel tent for camping with 2 or more persons.
Will keep an eye out for your review of the ground kit. I was wondering if I could sew a bottom and take a stick to make my own. Will try out different solutions next week when I get my stingray
@@jrundrundhovde6911 Nice. 13 years is good long service. I had a Vaude Power Lizard that did 10 years before a pole snapped and put a hole in mesh. I moved to the Big Agnes Copper Spur after that.
I've just been out doing a test pitch with the ground kit today - not filming, just getting to grips with it.
Spoiler alert - it seems pretty decent if the extra bulk isn't a problem and I was pleased to see that with a little jiggling you can use a bicycle wheel instead of that massive great pole to hold up the fly. Will hopefully film it in the next week so watch this space :)
No mention of three trees perfectly spaced ? yer right that happens a lot .
The tree spacing doesn't have to be as perfected as you might think. It is easier if you can get a perfect triangle but in practice you can have all the straps at different lengths and adjust the angles within reason.
It is definitely an additional requirement but if you are in the woods you will find your three trees fairly easily. Especially after a few pitches when you've got your eye in.
Great Review! Thanks! Have you had a chance to try the UNA? Have a nice day
I have an UNA coming in the post as we speak. It got held up in Germany for some reason but it should be arriving next week! Review coming soon I hope
Bummer I just ordered one yesterday for a short bike trip across NY. Oh well the trip is short enough that the novelty of a new tent will be fun. But I'll pack my ground tent also.
It may well be fine for you. A lot of my review is personal preference.
I would say though that if you are into the whole suspended tent concept and want something more packable then check out my review of the Una. Smaller, lighter, easier to pitch than the flite. Much more useful as a bikepacking tent.
Have a great ride though! How long are you out for?
@@JethroJessop Thanks. I'm going to do the Eire canal, it will be 360mi in three days so it will be just be bike, sleep and eat.
@@mapnzap Wow, yeah, that is quite a schedule! I hope the wind is behind you. Have a great ride :)
Maybe use a stacked second level, leave all the heavy stuff on the first level, and the top as the sleeping area, anyways just a thought.
There are definitely a lot of options for setups. I've not got into the stacking thing yet but it does look really cool and a lot of fun!
Sorry for being so frank, but your tent issues are homemade. At first I also thought that more space is good. That may be true with a floor tent. But it does not apply to a tree tent. It is best to use a single tent if you are traveling alone. Like all hammocks, you have to put a sleeping mat underneath, because a sleeping bag doesn't insulate well from below. I've been using a single tree tent for years. Of course, building up on the slope is a bit problematic. I use a cheap laser level for this. That saves me trying. Tensile now offers a one-person tree tent with a slot for a sleeping mat.
I agree. The issues are not really with the tent being bad but with it being the wrong thing for the job.
Though I think the pad point is valid as you need to have a very specific shape one to fit this tent and when I did this trip the Skypad was not available.
I now have the Una, the one person model, and a Skypad and it is loads better for this sort of trip - much more packable, lighter, easy to pitch by eye and can be pitched without the ratchet. I did a few videos on it a little while ago th-cam.com/play/PLeEZMO6am23FQuVygZldHUNz-eundRDd6.html
How much did it cost
You know what, I can't actually remember. They are about £350 new but I got mine in a sale and it was significantly less than that.
It was a while ago though so search around and see what you can find
You can use these ten in the ground with tent stakes.....
You can pitch on the ground but space inside is tight and the ground sheet isn't waterproof.
I've heard though that the new range have the option of an official ground pitch kit. I've yet to try one out but I hopefully will and will of course post a video when I do.
Great review ill stay well clear 👍
If you like the concept but just need something smaller and lighter then I recently reviewed the new Una (one person version) which is much better suited to this type of trip.
th-cam.com/video/3YwJBGqFDgQ/w-d-xo.html
I still believe the basic idea is sound. Here in Canada, camping really isn't an option in remote areas because of critters like bears. If at least 3 or 4 m up, this keeps you clear of the ground.
Idea is definitely sound. It was more a case that I chose the wrong tent for the job. I have just this week received a new Una (the one person version) which I think will be much better suited to solo bike trips. Review of that coming soon so keep your eyes on the channel in the coming weeks!
Check out the Opeongo Arial A1 tree tent. It works suspended and as a ground tent. I love it.
Interesting tip, I've not heard of that one.
I now have the Tentsile Una, the 1 person version, which is also pretty good but while it does pitch on the ground it isn't massively practice to do so.
I will look it up.
@@JethroJessop this one needs only 2 trees to work and is much more functional (and lighter) than the Tensile. I love it for the versatility of being a tent that can be both suspended and used traditionally without any conversion kit. (Perfect for Norway). Only gripe I have is the long form factor but that in itself is minor.
@@albertstoraker3928 It does look cool, I'd love to give it a try but what I've found is that for the sort of trips I do my BA Copper Spur is always going to be my go-to. Smaller, lighter, easier to pitch than any suspended setup.
It seems like a fun gimmick for the backyard if you have the right trees, but not at full price.
I've seen that the new range is available now and may have addressed some of the issues I mentioned. There is an official kit for pitching on the ground and I believe the floors are double skinned now.
I'm hoping I'll be able to try one out at some point
But where does Sweet Henrietta sleep?
She never sleeps!
Maybe consider packing a laser level to eliminate some guess work
I did think about it but actually it isn't always ideal to pitch level. You want the head end a little high and if the straps are uneven lengths then the longer ones tend to sag more so those corners need to raise.
I'm sure there is a set of algorithms and measurements to get the perfect pitch but I never managed to do better than eyeballing
the 1 man tent is a bit too small for me aswell i found out.
The Una?
It is quite snug. I found I have to be very mindful of what comes in the tent and what lives in the exterior net or just stays in the bags outside
I've yet to see a "2 person tent" that was made for 2 adults
I agree, anything that says 2P is usually more like 1.5P really. Especially when those people are as messy as me :)
Thx
You're very welcome
your shirt though. 🔥
It's a favourite. Been on a lot of trips with me. Glad you concur 😉
@@JethroJessop fox is a very very comfy to all mountainbikers the best. 🔥🤝
@@jasonjaso7832 definitely. I'll be very sad when this one finally falls to pieces. Hopefully it has a good few years left in it yet
Wouldn’t be great on Orkney, as there are no trees.
No it is definitely kit for certain situations only.
I'm sorry while it looks cool it seams like a gimmick tent.
That said, I heard there is an option ground kit. Why didn't you use that instead of taking a separate tent? Sounds you chose to take unnecessary weight.
They make no secret that it's a heavy tent, I've heard it suggested for car camping.
It's odd to me being level is such a big deal. Both head straps yes, but not the foot. I always set my hammock up with my feet a hair lower than my head. That is I do after I got it backwards the first time and woke with a throbbing headache.
Don't think I'd go so far as to say it is a gimmick but it is definitely very specific in what it is.
When I did this trip I don't the ground conversion kit was available but having tried it since it just adds too much weight and bulk to be usable for bikepacking.
That said, the new Gen 3 Una which I have now is much lighter, easier to pitch and has all kinds of improvements over the Flite most notably that you can pitch it without the ratchet and weblock.
Check out my reviews of that one here th-cam.com/play/PLeEZMO6am23FQuVygZldHUNz-eundRDd6.html
The level thing is just personal preference really. I can handle my feet being a little lower than my head but you just end up slipping down to the end if it isn't pretty much flat.
I've still never tried a hammock. I kind of want to just for the experience but I'm pretty sure I'm a tent person when it really comes down to it.
@@JethroJessop lol I'm grew up in the west, most places if you didn't do tent you where just SOL.
Now on the east coast, hammock is much easier as trees abound.
I'm currently using 3 systems. An edc belt 3lbs, a hiking belt 9lbs and a 12 lbs camp pack.
The edc belt is grab click on and go, less than a minute.
The hiking belt is similar except I also grab my Leatherman from the edc belt. But it only holds a few days of food.
The camp pack just clips to the hiking belt and needs the bear bag added clipped on and go.
All in all my gear either runs 3lb or 9 lbs or just over 21 lbs plus food and water if any. And the longest it takes to grab and go is 5ish minutes if you have too. And trust me a mature tree coming down near you in a storm is a great motivation to get out of dodge in a seconds notice, lol.
@@billlyell8322 it wasn't a whole tree but a beech dropped a massive bough near me while i was sitting and having lunch. It scared the s**t out of me and I moved on pretty quick ;)
I don't worry too much about weight as I'm on the bike. I'm all about comfort in all weathers.
The tree tents are fun and the Una is really comfy if you pitch it right but there is nothing like a ground tent for spending time in when the weather is miserable.
Why you have to carry anything that isn't useful or needed? Send it home in nearest town at a post office.
I kept thinking I'd use it and it's a big bulky thing to send home. Now I'm in Sweden and the rest of the trip is pretty flat so carrying the extra weight is really not a problem. I've always kinda felt that the whole ultralight thing is overstressed anyway 😀
When hiking it's not but for bike touring like you a couple of extra kilos isn't a big deal for sure
I’m guessing you don’t have grizzly bears where you’re at?
Nothing like that. This was filmed in Sweden where there are a few (non grizzly) bears up north but they are rare and want nothing to do with people.
I'm from the UK where where the only animal that is liable to do you any real harm is a tick.
totally makes sense re: the set up time... or hassle of it
Cant hear ya mate
Interesting video. We have to try things out.
Facepalm for you 🤦🏼♀️ 😁
As Sir Thomas Beecham said "Try everything once, except Morris dancing and incest" (I actually think Morris dancing is pretty cool).
In this case it was as much my mistake as anything else. I've since tried the Una, Tentsile's 1p model, and it would have been a much better choice for this trip.
We live and learn 😁
Thanks
Hi Jethro. Great review. It can be hard to share negative feedback without being too aggressive. You did well helping people understand the pros and cons for the way you used the Tensile. If you ever care to explore working with Gear-Report.com to broaden the reach of your reviews, please let me know. More info here... gear-report.com/want-to-write-for-gear-report/
Thank you, glad you liked the vid. I had a look at the links and the site looks good, I'd definitely be interested in getting involved somehow. I'll drop you an email on the PickMe address and lets see if we can make a plan
@@JethroJessop Sounds good.
I personally think its not a bicycle or hiking tent get a bivy sack, it's more a novelty tent to inspire and have fun. I think your taking it too serious. I think it's an awesome idea that camping needed for fun and new ideas and for kids how awesome when nothing else is around.
You may be right. The Una (which I just did a review of) is better and you could make an argument for that being a biking tent.
The best solution for me is still always going to be a decent 1P tent.
I've tried tarps and bivy bags but when the weather is crap or the bugs are massing I like the sanctuary of a tent.
@@JethroJessop please don't get me wrong i agree with a lot of the criticism hahaha and it gives a good review for the everyday hiker cyclists or camper.
Oh! P.S. I'll check the other review out and cheers from👍🇦🇺🦘 and keep up your channel i do enjoy it.
@@jonowoodgo I didn't really think about the practicalities of it when I set off. As you said, it is fun and a cool idea so I took it with me. The review was my realisation that I had made the wrong choice :)
Glad you are enjoying the channel. Cheers back at you from the UK!
If your suffering is too unbearable, my sword is at your service...
It's not got to quite that stage yet but I'll keep the offer in mind 😉
Gotta say for someone who likes their knots your a bit negative. Dont lie on your back and you bought a hammock tent ??? Buy three strong ropes rig a sliding knot and get that weight down. Also there are other videos that review that sag in the middle problem.
I bought it exactly because I don't lie on my back and had thought it might let me sleep on my side but suspended like a hammock. I don't mean to be negative about the concept, just that it is absolutely not the right system for me. I love the idea of a suspended tent or hammock but in reality I find I like the ease and comfort of being on the ground too much.
@@JethroJessop not knocking your videos they are good. If you were cycling down Under getting off the ground is good. Lots of little nasties that can ruin a trip. I think you should try using a bob trailer give them a holler as your you tube channel is good. Also try bigger tensile hammock three person and try that you might even fit your bike in. I'm sure they lend you one of you let them know your a you tuber. Keep up the good videos.
what kind of hat is that
It is a Tilly. Can't remember the exact model but it is brilliant!
They are not cheap but this one was over 10 years old at time of filming and still basically as good as new after a lot of wear and a lot of abuse. I've been in all weathers in it, it's been soaked by rain, soaked by the sea, baked in the sun, left outside overnight, stuffed into bags and pockets and still it holds its shape and does its job.
I'm not affiliated with the company or anything, I just think it is an awesome hat that will probably outlive me at the rate it is going :)