Following its Stingray, Connect , and Vista hanging tree tents, British firm Tentsile continues to refine and expand its product line, and is readying for release of the Flite. This lightweight and affordable four season tree tent can be strapped to a backpack, assembles in 10 minutes, and can support two adults, plus their gear, safely off-ground.
- The basic idea behind a tree tent is that by attaching your tent to some trees, and thus off the ground, campers can escape all the creepy-crawlies, dampness, and rocks that are found on terra firma. Think of a hammock crossed with a tent and you're not far off.
When packed in its bag, the Flite measures 45 x 15 x 15 cm (18 x 6 x 6 in), which expands to 2.5 x 3.5 m (8 x 11 ft) while in use. The tent offers a total floorspace of 3.75 sq m (40 sq ft) and weighs in at 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) including its single ratchet. The maximum load is 220 kg (485 lb), and access is gained via two zippable entry points.
The Flite is set up as follows ... You find yourself three roughly triangularly-arranged trees and attach the tent up to 1.2 m (4 ft) off the ground with straps, then use a ratchet to make it taut. A single aluminum support pole is threaded into the tent's fabric to create a roof section. Finally, a flysheet is attached.
The whole process is said to take around 10 minutes and, from the firm's demonstration video (via the product page link below), looks like it could be easy achievable after some practice runs.
Tentsile's Flite is due to start shipping in the first week of January, 2016, but pre-orders will be open from December 10. It will be available in camouflage, orange, a couple of shades of green and dark gray, and will set you back US$350.
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