EMS Velocity 1 Tent

Exceptional 1-person tent.

I must say I was a little skeptical at first when I purchased this tent. What turned me on to this tent is the shoulder width. If you're like me and have broad shoulders, trying to squeeze in a 1-person super light shelter with a 26" maximum width can be somewhat of an uncomfortable pain in the butt.

With the EMS Velocity 1, you are able to rest in reasonable comfort with a shoulder width max of 35". That is close to an extra 5" on either side when compared to other tents in the same category. I even have enough room to flop over on my stomach and read a book.

After some good reading, or when it's time to add/take off a layer, I can sit up my 5'9" body and not hit the 35" ceiling. It's close, but I don't hit it. And thanks to the vertical walls—also a massive advantage—my elbows aren't scraping the mesh as I layer up in the morning.

The vestibule space is adequate and can accommodate a 70L pack plus a pair of boots/shoes while having enough room not to crawl over it. Personally I can't stand having to crawl over gear in a late night nature call. I'm tired, I can't stand up straight, last thing I want to do is trip over some gear and destroy a tent while barrel rolling out of it.

If I were to nitpick this tent and hit it for something, I would hit it on not having adequate space to accommodate longer people. I'm 5'9" and could see where someone over 6' would have a struggle. And the stakes are heavy. That's it, my only gripe(s) if you want to call them that.

I am extremely impressed with this tent, and I think you will be too.

It weighs 2lbs 14oz with the stakes. Sorry for the bad cell phone pics.

Great tent for when you have to sleep alone.

I bought this tent to add to my backpacking arsenal because I was tired of carrying around a 2-person tent when most times I end up going solo. By doing so I shed over 2 lbs and reduced the volume it took up in my pack.

It is only available at EMS as it's their store branded product. SO if you are not near an EMS and unable to review a unit before purchase that might be an important consideration. (I strongly recommend seeing a demo or at least a packaged tents in stores so you can get an idea of space and weight.)

The tent sets up easily, and I strongly recommend you purchase the matching footprint. Why tent makers just don't add them to the tent when you buy them is beyond me. It's not like you aren't going to worry about that extra $20 or so because you end up spending it anyway, but I digress.

The stakes are pretty sturdy and they are color coded so you know where to set them up in relation to the tent.  I have had no issues with ventilation when the rain-fly is attached. There are several stow away spots inside the tent, and a spot on the top mesh to hang a small lantern. 

Access is easy to get in and out from. I have found that it is roomy enough for my and some of my gear. If the weather is nice my pack sits outside the tent. I have had it stowed under the rain-fly when weather is bad and it had kept my gear dry.

I wish that I didn't have to buy a solo tent, but I can't seem to find people to go on trips with that a) want do backpack, or b) have the same availability as I have. But what can you do. If you need to sleep alone, this tent will provide you with the comforts you deserve. 

One last thing, keep looking at the EMS website as this tent tends to go on sale or there are other deals that can be used to purchase this.

At first I was skeptical of the room on this tent, but after two nights out spent in this tent, my doubts have been laid to rest. The way the footprint, tent and rainfly all hook together at the corner stakes is really impressive. The headroom is great, plenty of room at the head end of the tent for pack storage and everything fits inside nicely.

So now my big question is do I keep my MSR Carbon Reflex 2 or return it and use this tent?