Macpac Nautilus

Tough, reasonably light (2.5kg) 3-season tent. Feels spacious inside due to the vertical side walls and unusual (V shaped) pole configuration leading to a wide and long mid section of maximum height. I used it in very wet and windy conditions alongside a Macpac Minaret. It stood up to the rain and wind almost as well, and at half the price.

Overall the layout has been thoughtfully designed, producing a surprisingly spacious interior and a tent you can feel confident in. A few bad points are that the doors in the fly zip in one direction only, and only on one side, reducing the options for ventilation. The vestibules are not extendible, and due to the way the inner of the tent extends into the vestibule, water from the fly tends to drip onto the floor of the inner tent when the doors are unzipped. These are some of the small things which would indicate the tent has been built to different cost specifications to the Macpac Minaret, which is a true 4-season tent costing twice as much.

4 stars for a tent in its class (mid range 3-season tent). Loses a star when comparing with tents like the Macpac Minaret, but these are tents from a different class. Would I buy one again -- definitely yes.

The Nautilus is a great "situation" tent. It's small and light enough to take on a full tramp/hike, but is also comfy enough to use as a base place on static holidays. The double doors and vestibles are great for storing gear and easy access. The swift pitch feature allows you to pitch with or without the fly, and being able to pitch in the rain and keep the inner dry makes being in the rain that little bit better. (As is the totally waterproof tub floor!) Overall a great sized tent most situations. Ideal for the weekend warrior!