Jack Wolfskin Outer Limits

OVERALL: The Outer Limits is a VERY good tent if you're willing to carry 7+ pounds. I recommend it for these uses:

1. Situations where stability and strength are needed.

2. Short to moderate solo trekking. For a longer solo trek, I'd want a lighter tent. It's fine for 2-person trekkng.

3. River trips. I loved it on an 8-day solo kayak trip.

GOOD POINTS: 1) Very stable, very strong. I used it in high winds on an exposed ridge at 12,000 feet in Utah; the Outer Limits was rock-solid sturdy and quiet with absolutely no flapping. 2) Good cross-ventilation due to the 2 doors. 3) Integral awnings in the rainfly overhang each door, shielding the doors from rain. This lets you leave both doors half-open in a storm, giving you fresh air as well as views. Personally, I want views when I camp. I despise tents that force you to close the doors and windows when it rains; I don't go camping to stare at the inside of a nylon wall. If it's raining outside, I want to see the storm thundering across the landscape. The Outer Limits permits views in 2 directions...a definite plus for this tent.

BAD POINTS: 1) The fly has an inner loop to hold a pole, and the seam can leak here...so be sure to seal this spot (the maker was planning to factory-seal later models). Remember to position this spot so it's not over the roof vent. 2) The door fabric is waterproofed and thus doesn't breathe, so light condensation can occur on it.

OTHER REMARKS: 1) A Backpacker Magazine tester said the Outer Limits held up great under a foot of damp Oregon snow. 2) Optional vestibules are available. You can attach them to the fly's awnings and remove them when you want. 3) This tent sets up with 3 poles. A fourth pole is used with the fly and creates the awnings over the doors. 4) Anyone over 6'4" could be touching the sloping walls with their head and feet. 5) While the sloping walls are a bit low, the hex design gives a feeling of roominess.