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Backpacker Magazine – October 2009
Gear Review: Big Sky International Mirage 2-Person Tent
weighing in at 2 lbs. 6 oz, this ultralight tent fits two with room to spare.
Big Sky International Mirage 2 Tent (Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo)
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Tags:
- Gear |
- Tents |
- Camping |
- Ultralight |
Ultralight 2-Person
We thought three pounds was the lightest weight for a legit two-person tent, but the Mirage makes a strong case that two pounds will soon be the new benchmark. At 56 inches wide, the interior floor fits two large sleeping pads with space to spare. And the headroom and layout–with two doors and two vestibules, each large enough for a weeklong pack–is surprisingly luxurious (like Big Sky's Evolution 2P, which won a 2007 Editors' Choice Award for its amazing space-to-weight ratio).
The hybrid double-wall/single-wall design hangs from two exterior poles, making the pitch both fast and protective; the integrated fly kept the interior dry during setup in a Rockies rainstorm. The canopy material is seam-sealed silnylon, which collected only a bit of condensation on the walls (but didn't drip) after a 40°F night next to a roaring creek in Colorado's Roosevelt National Forest. Caution: The tent needs careful staking in high winds. Annoying: Stakes and guyline are sold separately ($12).
Floor space 42 sq. ft.
Vestibule 2 (7 sq. ft. each)
Weight 2 lbs. 6 oz.
Price $367
Info bigskyinternational.com
Less expensive
REI's Ace SW2 has the same basic design as the Mirage (single-wall, two doors, two vestibules) but uses pole sleeves instead of clips and a waterproof/breathable canopy fabric. $299; 3 lbs. 14 oz.; rei.com.
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READERS COMMENTS
You think a TarpTent makes a Big Sky look juvenile? I do not think that word means what you think it means. Also, your "caps lock" key seems to be stuck.
I've been using a 2P Revolution for about 30 days in the Yosemite backcountry for the last four years and it has been exceptional.
We just bought the Big Sky Mirage 2p. So far , we love it ! The company's service was excellent . We did a lot of research on-line and made many trips to REI in Sacramento and to our local gear shop, Mountain Sports in Chico. We finally decided on the Mirage. They answered many email questions about specs , responded very quickly to all inquiries, and once we made the order ,shipped the tent in just a few days. We have only set it up in the house so I'll have to submit another review after we've tested it in real life conditions on the trail. The weight is amazing and there appears to be ample room especially head room. The two vestibules are large enough to stow packs. We ordered without stakes and guy lines but did buy the footprint. The shipped weight , in a cardboard box was less than 4 pounds. Our packed weight with added stakes and lines is just over 3 pounds. A pound and a half per person for shelter is pretty darn good. We'll keep you posted.
I can't find an "Ace SW2" anywhere on REI's site. Where am I going wrong?
Another vote for tarptent. The Double Rainbow is a lightweight palace for 1!
I have a tarptent and love it - used it in Yosemite at cool/high elevation and was very comfy. Note they are a bit snug; I solo'd in a 1-person, but was glad for the extra inches to move around.
IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT A NEW TENT, LOOK AT THE TARPTENT WEBSITE. GREAT PRODUCT, GOOD PRICES! THEY MAKE THE REST OF THESE TENTS LOOK JUVENILE.
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