My Top 5 Naturehike Backpacking Tents (Ranked!)
Introduction to Nature Hike Tents
Overview of the Channel and Tent Preferences
- Andy introduces himself and the Backpacking UK channel, focusing on hiking, backpacking, and wild camping.
- He expresses excitement about sharing his favorite nature hike tents, emphasizing their value for money and quality design.
- Andy mentions owning around 10 Nature Hike tents but highlights five specific models that stand out to him.
Top Five Nature Hike Tents
Featured Models
- The highlighted tents include:
- Nature Hike Monga
- Nature Hike Cloud Up
- Nature Hike Nebula 2
- Nature Hike Cloud Peak 2
- Nature Hike Star River 2
Excluded Models
- Some models like the Nature Hike Tiger and Vic are excluded due to being single-wall tents which Andy does not prefer.
- The Opoulless is noted as a large tunnel tent that takes time to set up; the Force is a trekking pole tent he is unsure about.
Tent Specifications
Material and Design Features
- All featured tents are made from a durable 20D inner fly with a bathtub floor, each equipped with ground sheets.
- Each tent has a hydrostatic head rating of 4,000 mm, indicating good waterproof capabilities.
Detailed Tent Reviews
Individual Tent Insights
- Nature Hike Monga
- Similar in appearance to MSR Hubba Hubba NX2; features two doors and vestibules for spaciousness.
- Nature Hike Cloud Up
- A popular lightweight tunnel tent with one door; designed for stability in windy conditions.
- Nature Hike Nebula
- Not commonly seen but well-designed; features two doors/vestibules and performs well in stormy weather.
- Nature Hike Cloud Peak 2
- Known as one of the most famous models; offers excellent design at an affordable price compared to high-end alternatives.
- Nature Hike Star River
- Features an all-in-one pole structure with unique interior shapes; appreciated for its understated design.
Tent Size Comparison
Pack Size Order
- Tents ranked from smallest to largest:
- Nature Hike Cloud Up (smallest)
- Nature Hike Nebula
- Nature Hike Star River
- Nature Hike Cloud Peak
- Nature Hike Monga (largest)
Pitching Techniques
Pitching Methods Overview
- Star River 2
- Inner pitch first where the fly clips into the bathtub floor.
- Cloud Peak & Nebula
- Both allow outer and inner pitching together using pole inserts.
- Cloud Up & Monga
- These require inner pitch first with flies clipping into ground sheets.
Vestibule Sizes & Seasonal Suitability
Vestibule Dimensions
- Monga & Cloud Up
- Both have vestibules measuring approximately 60 cm.
- Nebula
- Offers a larger vestibule size of about 72 cm while maintaining good ventilation through mesh sections.
Seasonal Use Recommendations
- Monga
- Best suited for summer use due to its high bathtub floor combined with see-through mesh elements.
Nature Hike Tent Review and Recommendations
Overview of Tent Models
- The MSR Hubba Hubba LT2 is noted for its similarity to the Nature Hike tents, particularly in terms of design aimed at three-season use.
- The Cloud Peak 2 is classified as a three-plus season tent, while the Nebula offers a mix of features suitable for varying conditions.
- Weight comparisons among models:
- Nature Hike Cloud Up 2: 1,556g
- Star River 2: 1,870g
- Monga 2: 1,919g
- Nebula 2: 2,110g
- Cloud Peak 2 (heaviest): 2,113g.
Tent Specifications and Features
- Inside the Monga 2:
- Dimensions: Length: 210 cm, Width: 135 cm, Height:105 cm.
- Features include ceiling pockets and ample mesh for ventilation.
- Inside the Cloud Up:
- Dimensions: Length:210 cm, Width:125 cm, Height:100 cm.
- Mixture of solid fabric and mesh with a pocket above the doorway.
- The Star River dimensions are larger than others:
- Length:215 cm, Width:135 cm, Height:110 cm.
- It includes small pockets and a combination of solid fabric and mesh.
Pricing Insights
- Price breakdown from Collins Outdoors:
- Monga's price is £137; Cloud Up two at £147; Nebula priced at £220; Cloud Peak at £157; Star River at £131.
- Emphasis on purchasing from trusted sources to avoid issues with quality or additional taxes.
Upcoming Pro Versions & Personal Preferences
- Mention of upcoming Pro versions for select tents (Monga, Cloud Up, Star River), which may offer enhanced features but not significantly lighter weight.
- Personal favorite tent rankings discussed:
- Monga rated fifth due to being too summer-oriented without enough solid fabric.
Final Rankings & Recommendations
- For long-distance backpacking needs:
- Cloud Up is favored for its lightweight and compact size.
- Nebula ranks fourth due to insufficient solid fabric despite good fly coverage against wind.
- Star River takes third place with its balanced design between solid fabric and mesh.
Nature Hike Tents Discussion
Favorite Nature Hike Tent
- The speaker expresses their opinion on the value of various nature hike tents, emphasizing that they find them to be superb value for money.
- The speaker shares a personal favorite tent but invites viewers to share their own favorites in the comments section, indicating an interest in community engagement.
- The speaker encourages interaction by asking viewers what their favorite nature hike tent is, suggesting that this could lead to interesting discussions.
- Acknowledgment is made that all tents have been reviewed in full, hinting at detailed evaluations available elsewhere.