Great review. Australian bushwalker here - I had a Minaret back in 1996. Almost identical to this new model, more than 20 years later. The Minaret is a pretty small tunnel tent, and with only one vestibule. Back at the time, the Olympus and Minaret were premium tents being used by Aussie mountaineers on expeditions in the alps, Himalayas, the Andes and of course NZ. Cross country skiers used them in our alpine areas. Stood up routinely to being buried by snow. I sold mine after its first trip. As you experienced - it was far too poorly ventilated and hot for my adventures in the Blue Mountains area of NSW. It's advantage was light weight (for the time) and reliability in a storm. Pretty poor form that the fly STILL isn't factory seam sealed, but that's Macpac for you. I bought a Fairydown Assault - a NZ-made two man dome with two vestibules and superb ventilation in all weather. Weighed 500gm more than the minaret but worth every gram of weight to carry. Used it all around Australia from Tasmania, got it buried in snow in Mt Kosciuszko a couple of times, Blue Mountains, Barrington Tops, even took it to Ayers Rock & had a couple of years in Darwin. The fly died this year (2021) but the rest of tent is still going strong. BTW - those four solid pegs were created by Fairydown circa 1994 (eventually Macpac bought Fairydown). They were intended as snow pegs and we all laughed at them when we first saw them. But damn they _WORK_ . Also heavy floors are essential for longevity in Aussie conditions - unless you carry a groundsheet.
I've woken up in a Minaret after a massive overnight storm to find that the tent was now pitched in a puddle at least 2 inches deep - but it was absolutely dry inside. EXCELLENT floor!
I think it's designed for NZ conditions which probably explains the heavy duty floor, they probably presume if you're sharing your tent it will be with a woman and woman tend to be shorter.
Series one of the Minaret did not have the offset inner. You could unclip both sides of the inner from the fly at the door end and pull it back to the line of the 1st pole. I don't know why the changed it to the offset design as it's not as good. The series one also had a smaller pole at the back so it had a slight downward slope from the door end pole to the rear pole. As you said, very easy tent to erect and pull down and was bomb proof in bad weather. I retired my series one last year after 25 years of service.
Just came across this. Bought the new version after hald the old ones for two decades or so and only recently tested it in winter. Last weekend actually were we had 30 centimeters snow at Lake Constance. Two things additionally to your review - you can attach a lot more lines. No clue if these are needed. The four small ventilation flaps have a kind of wire to keep them open. Found these a little tricky when stuffing the tent in the bag. Thanks for that concise review Andrew.
Now an old but fair review of the Minaret. A couple of points: the heavier 10000 floor allows the tent to be pitched on wet ground, and will not let water through when kneeling on it. Many lighter tents require a footprint to avoid this adding to their weight. The extra fabric over the entrance, reduces the chance of water entry when unzipping in rain. It is snug for 2 people. The biggest issue is length with the sloping rear wall rubbing on your sleeping bag foot, and in cold / damp weather it will transfer moisture to the bag. It is pretty bomb proof when the guys are properly set. The wire around the outer fly vents could be omitted with design review. Instead guy ropes could be fixed to the vents to keep them open. The zipped mesh in the vents of the outer fly are unnecessary extra weight. All up I could trim 300g from this tent without impacting it's performance. Our old 2014 Minaret has 15000 and 5000 (floor, fly) and does not leak in storms. An extra guy or peg loop in middle of the back fly panel would help keep its shape in strong tail winds.
Thanks for the video mate. Not alot of information on this tent out there but this video alone was enough help me make my decision. Keep up the awesome work 👍
I bought my Minaret 25 years ago here in New Zealand. Yes, I agree, the offset is an odd feature and they haven't changed it in that time! I do like it..but yes it's quite heavy.. but yes the person on the 'short' side always get squeezed in. Both people if you have two inside get the feet of their sleeping bags wet from condensation against the foot end of the tent where the inner can sag down a bit.
Thanks for the comment. I agree and i do love Macpac kit. Bit strange they just couldn't update the design slightly to make it longer yet lighter and they'd have a classic that would stay competitive for years to come ( I'm happy to help them ) ! Could do with a few months in NZ ! ATB A
Another great review Andrew, just when I think I've made up my mind I watch one of you reviews and find myself rethinking my decision. I want a bomber light ish 4 season tent (and by this I mean a tent that can be used in all 4 seasons, not just a winter tent), and the minaret you reviewed is a legend but has a few issues that you dillegently pointed out. In proper winter conditions I need a palatial vestibule for personal admin, cooking, storing wet gear ect. I am almost 100% sold on the fjallraven keb endurance 2 but it's a weight to carry at 3690g but worth it for very bad conditions. I have reservations on the footprint needed to pitch it compared to the minaret. The other elephant in the room is its price, its expensive so I'd have to sneak it into the house. I thought about selling my rab ridge master 2 pole bivvy and my trailstar to ease the purchase pain but I just can't bear to let them go.
hi Dave, thanks for the comments. Is the tent for 2 of you I guess ? The minaret would be a great one man, I just don't like carrying that kind of weight solo otherwise I'd say it's a cracking cheapish option, also the Nammatj 2 ? A
Hi Andrew, Nice look around this tent thank you. I came across one when I worked in retail 'Cotswold Outdoor' and didn't think the floor design was great. Everything else was OK but not special in any way so it never really got much interest. Some of Macpacs other designs look better but never going to be a popular option in the UK IMO. ATB Tom
Hi Andrew, great review. I’ve just picked up a very nice Minaret on Facebook marketplace for £55.00 posted. It’s exactly the same as yours only in the amber colour. Ive just pitched it in the garden as it’s pouring and windy, to see how it fares! I must say I’m really impressed by the quality and that inner floor..wow it’s so thick! I can’t see me needing a separate ground sheet as well. If I need to re-proof what do you recommend? I’ve got some grangers fabsil gold, which I can paint on - do you reckon it’s any good? I’d post a picture but can’t see how to! One thing I like is the small pack size and short folded pole length. I have an Alpkit koala seat pack on my bike and the tent fits very neatly in it. Yes it could be a bit lighter but being bombproof and getting a good nights kip is worth a lot!
We have different ideas on tent weights Andy 2.4 kg for a winter tent is light i think but 20kg is a light pack to me. I don't like the diagonal inner , i think it'll be fine for solo trips.Keeping the tent tidy lol that's a task too hard for me. Are you liking it? I'm thinking of another Hilleberg for winter ... Katium 2. Atb
Not sure if it's a keeper Eddie, as it falls between categories for me, I'm poss better covered by the others I've got or maybe I should go down the Nordisk route like yours for a lighter 2 man ?
Yeh, I was a bit put off after my 2nd Abisko stretched and flapped like a flappy thing, preferred the older polyester ones...might have to check out Abisko again , I had a kaitum briefly
Nice one Andrew and looks an interesting tent but not for me. That diagonal end is a peach and in a way really makes it a one person and kit setup. Looked at that rucksack and isnt it weird how the less material and straps a company manufactures into a rucksack the more expensive it gets. Also noticed in TGO magazine Chris Townsend using the Lightwave recently. Atb
Yes, the more I think on it it's a one man and his/her dog option. Out of interest why did you sell the access 2 ? The Lightwave is still the best all-rounder for me but trying to find a lighter option for me and wifey. A
I enjoyed the video and your review. Retired and newish to camping, I had looked at the general area you camped in here, among others...…..very handy for me, but can I ask if you came in by car and where it's safe to park? Thanks.
Hi Andrew. Thanks for such a great review. I have been procrastinating on either this tent or a Nallo 2 as a solo hiking tent. I was thinking Akto but the extra room in wet weather is probably better. I have a Nammatj 3 and love the quality of Hillys. However for the price of a Nallo... i can purchase minaret and a 2p summer tent. Is the quality good on the minaret? Also wondering if rain splashback would be a problem getting the inner wet as outer doesnt extend to the ground. All the best mate.
Hi I think you'd be better to go for the Minaret as you suggested, the fly sits pretty low and I pitched it for 24 hours in storm Hector with no splashback to be noticed, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Atb Andy
It's a bit bruised and battered now but it's a Caldera Cone cook set ( USA I think ) , I love it tho it's a bit like home cooking on an AGA , an acquired skill ! A
Just watched a few videos on it. I can see why you love it. You can’t beat using kit that you have spent years growing into. I’m a Trangia man myself. I first used one on a school trip in 1978 and whilst I understand its limitations, I can get the best out my one due to my experience. As you said yourself recently. All things Nordic tend to be very high quality. Having said that I recently bought a Bushbix xl. Bit expensive and it does get sooty but I know if I work with it I can get good use from it if I persevere.
Hey Andrew, weird question but what trousers are those yer wearing? I'm trying to get a pair of hiking trousers the now but they're all boxy horrible things, those look a good cut!
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Thanks Andrew. I chased Macpac today, and they said that it is not quite a straight forward rectangle: Area: 2.35sqM, Height: 1000mm, Width: 1150mm, Length: 1720mm - 2100mm (Ranges at different areas due to the shape)
Hi andrew, i looked at this tent many times, you can pick them up pretty cheap,not long enough for me though, ya picked a nice place to pitch it, great little tent if ya looking for something light and fast to pitch, im loving the mountain hardwear tangent 2, i got a bargain, cheers and happycamping
Hi S, from your videos you look pretty tall ? But for you and Pip it would be a good un I think, liking your Tangent , I must check the weight on that one...lol it never stops A
Great review.
Australian bushwalker here - I had a Minaret back in 1996. Almost identical to this new model, more than 20 years later. The Minaret is a pretty small tunnel tent, and with only one vestibule.
Back at the time, the Olympus and Minaret were premium tents being used by Aussie mountaineers on expeditions in the alps, Himalayas, the Andes and of course NZ. Cross country skiers used them in our alpine areas. Stood up routinely to being buried by snow. I sold mine after its first trip.
As you experienced - it was far too poorly ventilated and hot for my adventures in the Blue Mountains area of NSW. It's advantage was light weight (for the time) and reliability in a storm. Pretty poor form that the fly STILL isn't factory seam sealed, but that's Macpac for you.
I bought a Fairydown Assault - a NZ-made two man dome with two vestibules and superb ventilation in all weather. Weighed 500gm more than the minaret but worth every gram of weight to carry. Used it all around Australia from Tasmania, got it buried in snow in Mt Kosciuszko a couple of times, Blue Mountains, Barrington Tops, even took it to Ayers Rock & had a couple of years in Darwin.
The fly died this year (2021) but the rest of tent is still going strong. BTW - those four solid pegs were created by Fairydown circa 1994 (eventually Macpac bought Fairydown). They were intended as snow pegs and we all laughed at them when we first saw them. But damn they _WORK_ . Also heavy floors are essential for longevity in Aussie conditions - unless you carry a groundsheet.
Great stories and great to hear from someone with so much experience. Thanks for getting in touch. Andrew
I've woken up in a Minaret after a massive overnight storm to find that the tent was now pitched in a puddle at least 2 inches deep - but it was absolutely dry inside. EXCELLENT floor!
Bomber floor!
I think it's designed for NZ conditions which probably explains the heavy duty floor, they probably presume if you're sharing your tent it will be with a woman and woman tend to be shorter.
I love watching tent reviews, and you always seem to try out new and interesting ones. Keep it up Andrew, cheers! :)
Series one of the Minaret did not have the offset inner. You could unclip both sides of the inner from the fly at the door end and pull it back to the line of the 1st pole. I don't know why the changed it to the offset design as it's not as good. The series one also had a smaller pole at the back so it had a slight downward slope from the door end pole to the rear pole. As you said, very easy tent to erect and pull down and was bomb proof in bad weather. I retired my series one last year after 25 years of service.
That seems a better idea to me Andrew, not all mods seem like progress ! Cheers A
Just came across this. Bought the new version after hald the old ones for two decades or so and only recently tested it in winter. Last weekend actually were we had 30 centimeters snow at Lake Constance. Two things additionally to your review - you can attach a lot more lines. No clue if these are needed. The four small ventilation flaps have a kind of wire to keep them open. Found these a little tricky when stuffing the tent in the bag.
Thanks for that concise review Andrew.
Now an old but fair review of the Minaret. A couple of points: the heavier 10000 floor allows the tent to be pitched on wet ground, and will not let water through when kneeling on it. Many lighter tents require a footprint to avoid this adding to their weight. The extra fabric over the entrance, reduces the chance of water entry when unzipping in rain. It is snug for 2 people. The biggest issue is length with the sloping rear wall rubbing on your sleeping bag foot, and in cold / damp weather it will transfer moisture to the bag. It is pretty bomb proof when the guys are properly set. The wire around the outer fly vents could be omitted with design review. Instead guy ropes could be fixed to the vents to keep them open. The zipped mesh in the vents of the outer fly are unnecessary extra weight. All up I could trim 300g from this tent without impacting it's performance. Our old 2014 Minaret has 15000 and 5000 (floor, fly) and does not leak in storms. An extra guy or peg loop in middle of the back fly panel would help keep its shape in strong tail winds.
Thanks for the video mate. Not alot of information on this tent out there but this video alone was enough help me make my decision. Keep up the awesome work 👍
Cheers Anthony, hope it helps whether it's a yes or no ;-) ATB A
I bought my Minaret 25 years ago here in New Zealand. Yes, I agree, the offset is an odd feature and they haven't changed it in that time! I do like it..but yes it's quite heavy.. but yes the person on the 'short' side always get squeezed in. Both people if you have two inside get the feet of their sleeping bags wet from condensation against the foot end of the tent where the inner can sag down a bit.
Thanks for the comment. I agree and i do love Macpac kit. Bit strange they just couldn't update the design slightly to make it longer yet lighter and they'd have a classic that would stay competitive for years to come ( I'm happy to help them ) ! Could do with a few months in NZ ! ATB A
Looks great MrP. Another great vid in my local stomping ground lol.
Another great review Andrew, just when I think I've made up my mind I watch one of you reviews and find myself rethinking my decision. I want a bomber light ish 4 season tent (and by this I mean a tent that can be used in all 4 seasons, not just a winter tent), and the minaret you reviewed is a legend but has a few issues that you dillegently pointed out. In proper winter conditions I need a palatial vestibule for personal admin, cooking, storing wet gear ect. I am almost 100% sold on the fjallraven keb endurance 2 but it's a weight to carry at 3690g but worth it for very bad conditions. I have reservations on the footprint needed to pitch it compared to the minaret. The other elephant in the room is its price, its expensive so I'd have to sneak it into the house. I thought about selling my rab ridge master 2 pole bivvy and my trailstar to ease the purchase pain but I just can't bear to let them go.
hi Dave, thanks for the comments. Is the tent for 2 of you I guess ? The minaret would be a great one man, I just don't like carrying that kind of weight solo otherwise I'd say it's a cracking cheapish option, also the Nammatj 2 ? A
Looks a brilliant tent similar to the hilleberg namatj and in some areas better like with the storage pockets. Great us Atb Steve
Another great review from the tentmaster general 🥇
Hi Andrew, Nice look around this tent thank you. I came across one when I worked in retail 'Cotswold Outdoor' and didn't think the floor design was great. Everything else was OK but not special in any way so it never really got much interest. Some of Macpacs other designs look better but never going to be a popular option in the UK IMO. ATB Tom
The size to weigh ratio is a problem on this I think Tom, I agree,
That's a nice tent, it looks very similar to my terra nova polar lite 2 micro tent.
Very nice Review Sir thank you very much for showing Greetings from Germany!
Glad you enjoyed it! Happy camping A
Helpful review. Cheers
Hope it helps Jonathan and thanks for watching.
Good detailed review in a nice location. Wondering though how on earth do you come by all these different tents to do reviews?
eBay ! Lol
Hi Andrew, great review. I’ve just picked up a very nice Minaret on Facebook marketplace for £55.00 posted. It’s exactly the same as yours only in the amber colour. Ive just pitched it in the garden as it’s pouring and windy, to see how it fares! I must say I’m really impressed by the quality and that inner floor..wow it’s so thick! I can’t see me needing a separate ground sheet as well. If I need to re-proof what do you recommend? I’ve got some grangers fabsil gold, which I can paint on - do you reckon it’s any good? I’d post a picture but can’t see how to!
One thing I like is the small pack size and short folded pole length. I have an Alpkit koala seat pack on my bike and the tent fits very neatly in it. Yes it could be a bit lighter but being bombproof and getting a good nights kip is worth a lot!
£55! Bargain, wish I'd spotted that. Yes the torrentwear groundsheets are chunky, no need for anything underneath as you say. Happy camping. Andrew
you won't need to reproof a minaret floor mate - you'll die before it does
We have different ideas on tent weights Andy 2.4 kg for a winter tent is light i think but 20kg is a light pack to me. I don't like the diagonal inner , i think it'll be fine for solo trips.Keeping the tent tidy lol that's a task too hard for me. Are you liking it?
I'm thinking of another Hilleberg for winter ... Katium 2. Atb
Not sure if it's a keeper Eddie, as it falls between categories for me, I'm poss better covered by the others I've got or maybe I should go down the Nordisk route like yours for a lighter 2 man ?
Its worth a look , Fjallraven got some light ones expensive though.
Yeh, I was a bit put off after my 2nd Abisko stretched and flapped like a flappy thing, preferred the older polyester ones...might have to check out Abisko again , I had a kaitum briefly
Nice one Andrew and looks an interesting tent but not for me. That diagonal end is a peach and in a way really makes it a one person and kit setup. Looked at that rucksack and isnt it weird how the less material and straps a company manufactures into a rucksack the more expensive it gets. Also noticed in TGO magazine Chris Townsend using the Lightwave recently. Atb
Yes, the more I think on it it's a one man and his/her dog option. Out of interest why did you sell the access 2 ? The Lightwave is still the best all-rounder for me but trying to find a lighter option for me and wifey. A
I enjoyed the video and your review. Retired and newish to camping, I had looked at the general area you camped in here, among others...…..very handy for me, but can I ask if you came in by car and where it's safe to park? Thanks.
Hi Douglas I park at the visitor centre, so far so good, they have cameras and security on onight in summer too. You should be fine A
Hi Andrew. Thanks for such a great review. I have been procrastinating on either this tent or a Nallo 2 as a solo hiking tent. I was thinking Akto but the extra room in wet weather is probably better. I have a Nammatj 3 and love the quality of Hillys. However for the price of a Nallo... i can purchase minaret and a 2p summer tent. Is the quality good on the minaret? Also wondering if rain splashback would be a problem getting the inner wet as outer doesnt extend to the ground. All the best mate.
Hi I think you'd be better to go for the Minaret as you suggested, the fly sits pretty low and I pitched it for 24 hours in storm Hector with no splashback to be noticed, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Atb Andy
Andrew Park thanks mate. 🖒
Great review of both items Andrew and a great resource for people. On a side not I’m interested in your wee cooking set up. What the hell is it?
It's a bit bruised and battered now but it's a Caldera Cone cook set ( USA I think ) , I love it tho it's a bit like home cooking on an AGA , an acquired skill ! A
Just watched a few videos on it. I can see why you love it. You can’t beat using kit that you have spent years growing into. I’m a Trangia man myself. I first used one on a school trip in 1978 and whilst I understand its limitations, I can get the best out my one due to my experience. As you said yourself recently. All things Nordic tend to be very high quality. Having said that I recently bought a Bushbix xl. Bit expensive and it does get sooty but I know if I work with it I can get good use from it if I persevere.
You should have tested it tonight! Wind and rain would be a real test.
It's up in the garden to check it doesn't leak Jimmy ;-)
tons of room, they hold up great as well
Hey Andrew, weird question but what trousers are those yer wearing? I'm trying to get a pair of hiking trousers the now but they're all boxy horrible things, those look a good cut!
Hi Dom, they're Montane Terra pants , great for 3 seasons at least and really light & packable.
Andrew Park cheers!!
Any ideas on the internal floor dimensions - I need to fit in a couple of 23" wide mats.
Hi Robbie, I can't recall but it's a narrow 2 person or a luxurious solo so I think you'll struggle tbh
@@AndrewParkOutdoors Thanks Andrew. I chased Macpac today, and they said that it is not quite a straight forward rectangle:
Area: 2.35sqM,
Height: 1000mm,
Width: 1150mm,
Length: 1720mm - 2100mm (Ranges at different areas due to the shape)
@@robbiesmeeton1 so 115 wide will stretch the sides slightly to fit your mats as I thought ( tight )!
Nice review Andrew I do like Macpac gear atb
Meet too, they make kit to take on NZ when it's angry :-)
Nice camp.Watchin this on arran,had a great time....its just started raining though 😔
Get off the island, forecast is rubbish ! ;-)
Andrew Park windy but sunny intervals tomorrow afternoon..ill stick around till then 👍
Looks a nice tent,shame about condensation tho
To be expected I think Lewis, it's a cosy wee tent
Hi andrew, i looked at this tent many times, you can pick them up pretty cheap,not long enough for me though, ya picked a nice place to pitch it, great little tent if ya looking for something light and fast to pitch, im loving the mountain hardwear tangent 2, i got a bargain, cheers and happycamping
Hi S, from your videos you look pretty tall ? But for you and Pip it would be a good un I think, liking your Tangent , I must check the weight on that one...lol it never stops A
Andrew Park 2.51kg. Ya obsessed man.