July 31, 2009Dave’s Mountain Hardwear Tent Review: Part 3

I recently had the opportunity to head out to the Eastern Townships for a few days and I thought I’d take the time to review some products while I was out there. Of the many types of gear I brought with me, it was the tents that left the most lasting impressions. I brought two Mountain Hardwear tents: the Light Wedge 2 and Hammerhead 2. I went about testing them in several ways.

Part 1: The Preliminary Test

Part 2: The Intimacy Test

Part 3: Waking Up

wax paper = sleeping bag

I woke up feeling like I was a hamburger in a ski hill cafeteria: hot and soggy. In my inebriated state, I hadn’t thought of placing my tent in the shade. I’d also slept-in, so the sun had time to warm me to the point of a light simmer.

I laid there for a while, trying to piece together the evening. It was only after a few minutes that I remembered my late night visitor. I slowly peeked over my shoulder. He was gone, but had forgotten his fanny pack. That’s right… his fanny pack.

the fanny pack

I reached up and opened all the vents. Within a matter of seconds, a cool breeze had swirled its way through the tent, flushing out all the hot air and humidity. I felt refreshed. Outside, the wind was raging but I wouldn’t have really known it without peeking out the window. The guys were keeping the Hammerhead 2 steadily in place. Also, because the tent uses clips rather than sleeves to attach to the poles, the air is permitted to circulate. This means less resistance, so the tent doesn’t shake.

I sat down in one of the vestibules (comfortably, I might add) and made myself some tea using my Jetboil. I stared out at the whitecaps and thought of how it was a perfect day for sailing.

my favorite activity

I found my way to the lodge where Fletch was already busy in the kitchen. “I made you breakfast”. Strange, I thought. What did I do to deserve this? What did WE do? Do I leave him my number, or do I pitch my tent in a new location? “Just go with it”, I thought to myself.

I can’t remember what we ate that morning, only that all of it tasted like bacon. He came down to the beach with me for his fanny pack. That’s right… his fanny pack. We took down the tent together and I went on my way.

“I’ll call you.”

the hammerhead 2

All in all, it was an eventful weekend. I've known many a hoser in my life and can proudly say that I have a bit of hoser in me too. It's a good thing. But throughout the whole experience, I can honestly say that what stuck with me the most was the Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 2 tent. It's an all-round great shelter and I would recommend it to anybody seeking a two person, three-season tent.

Later.