Bergans of Norway Lavvo
A tent that is ideal for regions that see plenty of rain and wintry weather year-round.
Brand: Bergans of Norway
Model: Lavvo
[foul-weather refuge]
All the tents reviewed here stand up to unruly three-season storms, but few deliver the rough-weather comforts of the Compact Light, which is ideal for regions that see plenty of rain and wintry weather year-round. Because the tent body stays clipped to the fly, this non-freestanding hoop design pitches fast and preserves a dry interior during rainy setups. Loops inside the tent make stringing clotheslines easy, and two pockets (by the door) keep doodads organized during weather delays.
The huge, 28.4-square-foot vestibule holds a trio’s wet gear, and its side-zip entry keeps those items from cluttering access to the single, large front door. The steep walls and high ceiling (41 inches) create a roomy feel, and the 34.4-square-foot floor and 90-inch length let testers of all sizes spread out in comfort. And when storms struck, the Compact Light “never rippled in wind that flattened other nearby tents,” one tester declared after howling storms hit Utah’s Green River. Ventilation is outstanding in breezy conditions, and even damp, chilly nights produced scant condensation. But the integrated fly makes it too warm for hot-weather use, and sand sticks to the siliconized nylon. $549; 7 lbs. 1 oz.; bergans.com
Living in a Lavvo is a social experience. There is lots of room to change clothes, cook, or just lay about. A center pole provides good head room and is easy to set up and the low vertical wall around the base maximizes space utilization. Ventilation openings are plentiful along the ground and at the top, all of which can be closed from the inside as weather conditions demand. All of this makes the Lavvo a perfect basecamp tent.
* Weight: 11 lbs 14 oz/5.4 kg/ (poles, pegs, guy lines and compression bag)
* Height: 92.5â/235 cm
* Sleeping area: 91.5 sq ft/8.5 m²
* Water resistance, outer tent: 3,000 mm