by Seth Levy
Brooks-Range Invasion
Lighter, stronger, and in brighter colors — the winter tents at Outdoor Retailer make one take notice. Here are two standout shelters from Brooks-Range and Snow Peak.
Brooks-Range Invasion
The Invasion, a freestanding, two-person, single-wall tent from Brooks-Range, is designed for "the hard core mountaineer and backpacker."
The four-season tunnel tent features a unique exoskeleton pole system for easier setup. The poles are setup first, before the tent body is hung inside the frame.
The Invasion also has large vents to permit airflow, and clocks in at an astoundingly light 3 pounds 7 ounces, for a winter-worthy tent.
Brooks-Range Invasion
- Weight: 3 lb 7 oz
- Interior space: 30 sq ft
- Vestibule space: 6.6 sq ft
- MSRP: $569
- Available: Spring 2012
Snow Peak LAGO
Snow Peak LAGO tent
The LAGO from Snow Peak features single/double-wall hybrid construction and is designed to form a stable surface that also permits excellent ventilation.
The floor of the LAGO is retractable, allowing occupants to store wet boots, tunnel into a snow cave, or melt snow (Note: Snow Peak does NOT recommend cooking in this, or any, tent).
The LAGO is available in one- and two-person configurations.
Snow Peak LAGO:
- Weight: 2.2 lb (1-person), 3.2 lb (2-person)
- MSRP: $399 (1-person), $449 (2-person)
- Available: June 2012
LAGO interior, with retractable floor
