Open main menu

Mountain Hardwear Haven 2

rated 3.0 of 5 stars

The Haven 2 has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best three-season tents for 2024.

photo: Mountain Hardwear Haven 2 three-season tent

The design of this tent is fabulous; but the execution (construction, quality and durability) are extremely poor.

My biggest gripe with this product concerns the "welded" (hence, unstitched) seams that adhere the zippers to the rain fly. This adhesive material softens and lets loose under even MODEST (80-90F) temperatures. Same thing for the loops on the underside of the fly that clip the fly to the poles. They're glued and not stitched, and they're very vulnerable to coming undone.

I used this tent only a very short time (pitched no more than six times in all) before it started coming apart.

Moreover, Mountain Hardwear's customer service (from the warranty department) was absolutely abysmal.

* English language skills were marginal at best. The warranty rep's emails bore an enormous and gaudy "signature" identifying himself as a "Rock Star" and linking to his myspace.com page (and that of his band). His emails consisted of copied and pasted pigeon-English that showed no comprehension, appreciation or empathy for my problem. (Verbatim example: "Your jacket must be freshly laundry."

* They insisted that I return the ENTIRE tent (including poles, stakes, all stuff sacks) and even the separately purchased footprint -- when the warranty problem concerned only the rain fly.

* They demanded 4-6 weeks to make any sort of assessment of my complaint. At 3.5 weeks when I inquired whether my tent had been looked at yet, they: a) LIED about when it arrived, claiming it arrived a full week later than the USPS tracking data indicated, and b) were very snotty (i.e., "We SAID it would take 4-6 weeks!").

* They finally admitted that this stitch-free, welded seam technology was causing them all sorts of problems on several products that used it, and that all such models had been discontinued.

* They said that they could not repair my product, and that the most nearly equivalent (current) replacement was the "SkyLedge 2.1" -- but that I would have to PAY them $80 ($30 in shipping plus $50 difference in MSRP) if I wanted them to replace my defective tent under warranty.

* But in the same breath they bragged about their "industry leading customer service" and "lifetime unlimited warranty".

* The proposed just cutting a check for what I'd paid, and letting me take my business elsewhere. I readily agreed to this suggestion. But they then rescinded this offer when I could not produce a sales receipt.

With customer service like this, I won't be buying from Mountain Hardwear again -- regardless of product quality.

Design: three-season freestanding
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: quick and easy
Weight: 4 lbs

I loved this tent. Very easy set up, huge vestibule with smaller vestibule on other side and relatively light weight. Most materials and construction very nice. I've owned several Sierra Designs tents, with this being my first MH tent. I rate it 2 stars because while it was fantastic, it is no longer with me.

I used it specifically for motorcycle camping, where I'll set up a base somewhere leaving my saddle bags and other gear under the huge vestibule and ride out for the day.

The issues started with the fly material. About a year and half ago the zipper flaps began to tear. I sent the tent to Mountain Hardwear and they repaired it under warranty. About a month turnaround.

Then this summer after returning from a trip where I had noticed water drops on the inner tent body after a rain storm, I see that the seam tape on the fly is peeling off. It's peeling especially bad where the repairs were made, but it's bubbling everywhere and can be lifted easily with a fingernail.

I call Mountain Hardwear and they say there's been a lot of problems with the flys, send the whole tent back and they'll credit me for another purchase. My story differs from Bill 06776 because they don't ask about my receipt and basically agree to an exchange on the spot, no mention of a full reimbursement though.

MH no longer makes anything with such a huge (14sqft!) vestibule on a small tent so I'm a bit put out that I've got choose another. The Haven 2 was near perfect for me. I'll miss this tent, wish it was more durable. Going to try the Skyledge 2.1, and hope for the best.

My 3 experiences with MH customer service have been very good (other issue being a gore-tex jacket fully replaced under warranty after 5 years), but I also always seem to get the same girl who's very helpful with getting my problems taken care of with no hassles.

Design: Three Season Lightweight w/Huge Vestibule
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Very Easy to set up
Price Paid: $350

I am impressed with the Mountain Hardwear Haven 2. I'm 6'1" and have broad shoulders. Of all the lightweight tents I tried the Haven 2 fit me the best. For a two-person tent it is a little cozy side to side. It offers great headroom and the length of the tent is great for me.

It is a fantastic solo tent. I am impressed mostly with the design and you gotta give bonus points for a unique design. The roof's center pool really spreads out the top of the tent opening up the interior. Very comfortable for two people to sit up and play cards in a downpour.

Everything appears to thought out for this tent. 2 doors, 1 large and 1 medium vestibules, fly can be left on when dry and easily rolled out of the way. It is also a pretty tent. The front window curves are graceful All the ties are adjustable (from the fly to the tent). Ventilation on two soggy nights in the Olympic Coast was not a problem.

The curve does make the tent a little tight for two people if you are not intimate, but hey I think that's a bonus. I think the weight (a smidge over 5 pounds) is decent. I don't like that the footprint has to be attached each time, I'd rather it always stayed attached to the bottom of the tent.

The tent is very similiar to the REI Half Moon (which is nearly half the price), but for the extra money you get design innovation more adjustability, smaller package and more headroom (less floor space though).

Design: three-season, two door, free-standing
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: very easy
Weight: about 5 pounds
Price Paid: $225

Great tent but horrible design and manufacturing of the rainfly.

Pros

  • Design
  • Space
  • Large vestibule

Cons

  • Shoddy design and manufacturing of rainfly

Used twice since purchased in spring of 2008. Love this tent. Kept it in good long term storage. Pulled it out to get ready for a multi-day trip into the backcountry...rainfly is garbage. I am beyond disappointed and upset. Sad I was only able to enjoy this tent two times.

The footprint, poles and tents are in like new condition. Reached out to customer service, hopefully they will do something since this is obviously a manufacturing and design defect. Was hoping and expecting the durability, dependability and longevity that I am still getting out of two Eureka tents I purchased in the early 1990s.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $200

I agree with Bill on a few things; fortunately I had a much better experience with their customer service though. My Haven 2 fly also split at the weld by the zipper, but only after 3+ years of consistent use. That also seemed to be the only place the seam wasn't sewn. I didn't have any issues with the clip loops or any other place.

I sent my tent in via UPS ground on a Monday, and they called the next Monday to tell me my tent would be covered under warranty. Since the Skyledge 2.1 is actually a better tent, I don't see much issue paying 30 dollars for a 350 dollar tent. It's lighter and new tech. and in my eyes worth it. Seeing how if it ever fails, I can send it in under warranty.

Design: 3 season freestanding
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: super easy. #1 reason I loved this tent
Weight: 4.75 lbs.
Price Paid: store closing deal ~150

Hands down...GREAT TENT! It is a bit tight with two adults but perfect for solo. Two doors, plenty of headroom to sit up, and 2 vestibules provide more than ample room for gear when 2 are sleeping in tent.

This tent has worked great in some really cold weather. A definite must have for anyone considering to purchase this tent. Sets up real easy and is a "quality" item.

Design: three-season freestanding
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Very Easy!!!
Weight: 4 lbs 13 ozs
Price Paid: $170

Your Review

You May Like

Specs

Price Historic Range: $239.83-$319.00
Reviewers Paid: $170.00-$350.00

Recently on Trailspace

Backpacker's Pantry Three Sisters Southwestern Quinoa & Beans Review