User Review: High Peak South Col

Reviewed January 5, 2009 by Starwind

Rating:
Design: 4 season freestanding
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: moderate
Weight: 9.5 lbs, over 10 with tarp
Price Paid: $160

Actually used this tent for its intended purpose - the 4th season. Though I'm sure it works great for the other 3 I'd be hesitant to lug this much weight around. Got a great deal on it and am currently using it for the winter season with a couple friends. When you split it in 3's to carry it's not at all bad.

I know this is a "low-end" product that will probably just get half-effort reviews from other users, but I know many people really want to get the low down on cheaper tents like this because it's about all hey can afford. I fall into this category as well.

Pros:
-Good amount of room in vestibules (provided they are staked out)
-Lots of room inside the tent. It slept 3 guys fairly comfortably. There is plenty of ceiling space as well, maybe a positive depending on your needs. Slept 4 once with a couple of girls in nice weather with no problem.
-Durable poles
-Freestanding design
-Secure when staked
-Really like the waterproof tent body material
-Seams are well sealed, no leaks
-Double doors: One solid and one mesh layer for 3 season venting on both sides of the tent.
-Lots of clothing loops, gear pockets. Also came with a mesh gear loft. Nice!
-Comes with bags for everything and a ludacris amount of stakes.

Cons:
-Requires a lot of stakes. I think it comes with something like 22. In the winter it becomes a chore to deadman anchor a lot of points. Tent works best if you can get all of them though.
-High Ceiling: Positive and negative. I'd think in the winter you'd want a little lower ceiling so all the heat isn't 5 feet above your head
-No venting. Not even an option. There is one vent on the fly which is cute but fairly useless. You will need to open the top of one door and the bottom of the other if weather permits for cross venting. Moisture was a big problem as the inside of the tent was frost city. Will try some other options to remedy this which could affect my review and the tent rating.

Notes: Purchased a tarp to keep under the tent and protect the bottom from freezing to the ground and tearing in the winter. Also, please don't take it to the actual south col on Everest. You'll die for sure.

If you're looking for a mountaineering tent, this is certainly not it. It you're looking for something easy to set up with all the extra features, again you'll come up short. Took us 15-20 minutes, given this was also in sub zero temps. If you want something entry level so that you can get out in the winter with friends and get a taste of the action, this is it.

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