December 2, 2000


Which single-wall tent should I get?

I am thinking of buying a new single-wall tent, which will only be used as a high altitude, cold weather tent. I cannot decide between the Northwind from The North Face and an Integral Designs MK1 XL. The first one is a three-pole, tunnel design and is not free standing. The Integral designs tent is a simple two-pole dome. It's less wind resistant but free standing—but in the mountains here the wind blows ferociously, that's why the tent has to be guyed down anyway. Please advise.

— Anze Cokl Ljubljana, Slovenia

Tough choice. The Northwind ($529) employs a three-pole, tunnel-type design, which in my view is one of the most bombproof designs around. It's also employed by Kelty in that company's expedition tents, and was used in the past by Sierra Designs in an incredibly tough little tent called the Clip Flashlight Plus, if I recall correctly. Using a non free-standing design means one less pole, meaning less weight, meaning more strength and space per pound. The down side is that setup is a little bit trickier. Not a lot, as of course where you're going ANY tent must be guyed to a fare-thee-well. But it does help if the tent initially sits up by itself and you can run guy lines to whatever is handy.

The Integral Designs tent uses the very common scheme of two poles that run corner to corner. It's light (four pounds, 12 ounces —- about five pounds fewer than the Northwind), also single-wall, and the same price. The MK1, however, does not come with a vestibule, which may be an issue.

I think you can buy either without much remorse. I like the extra size in the Northwind, and would lean its way so long as you believe you can always find a way to adequately anchor its ends. Otherwise, the smaller footprint and slightly easier setup of the MK1 would make it a good choice for tough campsites.

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