Lanshan 1-2 Personen Campingzelt Überzelt/Innenzelt

I wish I knew about Lan Shan tents before I bought all my 'traditional' tents. By 'traditional' I mean tents which are set up (and supported by) tent poles. There is a huge difference between Lan Shan tents and these traditional tents - weight. A Lan Shan solo tent is about one-third of the weight of a traditional solo tent but with more space. This weight difference is extremely important - all backpackers want less weight on their backs. On the other hand the built quality of a Lan Shan tent is simply superb. And it is so much easier to set up.

My previous experience (you may skip this paragraph discussing other tents I had before I go about MIER):My tent purchases started with buying ultra-lightweight 2-person tent with footprint from in REI from Big Agnes for whooping $374. Its weight was unmatched, the lightest I found on REI shelves - 1350 grams with footprint and pouches total.Doing installation rehearsal at home I got a bit shocked how thin its materials are and a space inside was quite a bit tight. So being worried that this very expensive tent will rip into pieces from any decent branch fallen from a tree I've decided to return it. Too much of a tent for me, considering that I am NOT such an avid backpacker.After looking for a cheaper option on Amazon I've got 2-person tent for $100 (Hyke & Byke Zion 2P). Its quality could be better, but what do you want for $100? Also the weight of what also being claimed as "lightweight" tent is almost twice what Big Agnes had (2350 grams). It is quick and easy to install, very roomy. Great for camping, but for backpacking multi-day hike trips I've strted looking again for something lighter than 5+ pounds.I found this MIER 2-person tent to be the best bang for a buck.The fully packed 4-season option I've got falls under 1.8 kg (footprint included). Saving me almost almost 1 1/2 lb. Pouches are made of very lightweight materials with thin light ropes (just like super pricey Big Agnes). If you omit all of them and pack everything into your backpack you will save somewhat 85 grams (I've added pictures of the pouches on the scale - the smallest and lightest from stakes is 6.3 grams, the main compression bag is about 60 grams). So one energy bar for the win! I like how did they save the weight on poles spider. They are mostly made circular, but MIERs have cut-outs of unneeded materials to save weight.It is right in the middle by its weight between very cheap usable option and the most expensive one. Being 50% more expensive that Zion 2p from Hyke&Byke it is also more than twice less expensive than Big Agnes (so, interestingly, we observe geometrical price progression with the weight). You pay 4 time less for almost 2 times heavier tent. But can pay twice than twice less to get the weight in the middle between the two extremes.So the more you pay - the lighter tent you will get, but you also have to checkout the quality of materials and rehearsal the installation process in home before committing using it outside. Super light cost you a hand, but may quickly rip in any bad weather.But MIER is much more than the weight for its price.1) Beautiful blue color, just love it! Materials seem good and stronger than Big Agnes, with reinforcements where needed (even the tent compression bag has some reinforcements near its straps).2) Love the anodized red stakes and red ropes, very visible.3) It is almost as roomy inside as Zion 2P from Hyke & Byke.4) 4 season option offers better protection from wind than fully meshed 3-season, definitely worth spending $10 more.Few minor disadvantages though (comparing to two other tents I've described above):1) not much of vestibule space for two persons to keep two big backpacks hidden from rain.2) single door form the head side - you are likely to wake out the other person going out at night.3) installation process optionally involves few additional steps hooking up the inner tent to rain cover, so it allows to stretch the inner tent more increasing the space.

I have used hammock's for several years now but I had short notice opportunity to go to Patagonia two weeks ago and I needed a small lightweight backpacking tent. I only had a few days to get my gear together and I took a gamble on the Mier tent breaking one of my golden rules which is "never head into the wilderness with critical untested gear". In this case I was heading into the backcountry of Patagonia where the weather and winds can be severe any time of the year, hence my need for a tent rather than a hammock. On my first day in, I hiked through +35MPH winds, rain, sleet, and snow and setup camp in Poincenot near Fitz Roy and hunkered down for the night of sub-zero temperatures. I had a reasonably well sheltered location but I was still a bit worried about a new tent as I listened to the waves of wind crash over the treetops. Thankfully, I woke up to a perfectly dry tent and ate breakfast as I watched many of the other backpackers who had more expensive well known brands hang up their gear to dry. I could not be happier with my Mier tent. It is compact and if you are over 5 10" it may be too small but it is very lightweight, fast to setup (even in winds), and they have paid great attention to detail. The attached guy-lines make tie-downs a snap and the vestibule is perfectly sized for storing your pack and shoes at night. The pocket in the roof is perfectly sized for a headlamp and has a hanger for your lantern. There is also plenty of room to sit and eat/read for those days when the weather is unbearable (I had one freezing dinner in mine). The ground sheet that attaches to the base of the tent is perfectly sized and help protect the tent and keep everything clean. The reflective guy lines and tent reflectors make this tent stand out at night so you can find your way back to your own tent and not trip over the lines, at nights this was the sharpest tent in Poincenot.There are two minor things that could be improved outside of a little extra length:- the rainfly tie-down was a bit short, it would be nice if this were a quick-clip (I will be modifying mine)- extending the ground tarp to cover the floor of the vestibule would be a nice way to make entry/exit cleaner I would highly recommend this tent, it can easly compete with other brands at two or three times the price.