How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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A durable, comfy, dry and easy-to-assemble choice for mountaineering adventures, the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 tent is Engineered to shelter up to 4 climbers in unrelenting alpine conditions.
Shop newer versionImported.
View all Mountain Hardwear Backpacking TentsBest Use | Mountaineering |
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Seasons | 4-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 4-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 11 lbs. 7.5 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 12 lbs. 12.4 oz. |
Packed Size | 9 x 28 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 96x 94 inches |
Floor Area | 57 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 16 square feet |
Peak Height | 50 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 5 |
Pole Material | Aluminum DAC Featherlite |
Pole Diameter | 10.2 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | 40-denier ripstop nylon |
Floor Fabric | 70-denier nylon taffeta, rated 10,000mm waterproof |
Rainfly Fabric | 70-denier nylon taffeta, rated 10,000mm waterproof |
Footprint Included | No |
Design Type | Freestanding |
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Did my first weekend of camping with my new purchase. This Tent have everything to make it a bombshell.
This review is for the Trango 2, but the design is nearly identical. The tent itself performed well early on, seeing use high on Longs Peak and Mount Whitney. It's very heavy for what it is, the stakes are of poor quality, and the guy lines are easily tangled. However, it's a sturdy, very roomy 4-season tent. Unfortunately, Mountain Hardwear does not honor their warranty. I recently noticed that the fly was flaking laminate everywhere off all the seams--think epic "tent dandruff." I sent in the fly at my expense ($20), only to have it show back up on my doorstep a few weeks later. The only communication I ever received from Mountain Hardwear was my return tracking number--that's it. No discussion of a repair, no offer to replace the fly, no discount on a new fly. Nothing. They stated only that the product was beyond its useful life. My tent was used a grand total of perhaps 15 nights out. Zero long-term sun exposure. Always stored dry and indoors. If you charge a premium price for serious mountaineering gear, your warranty should mean something. Potential customers should know Mountain Hardwear does not honor theirs.
After a few years rafting remote rivers in AK and putting up with nasty conditions with a heretofore unnamed tent maker, we decided to spring for the Trango 4. Best decision we made. In 2012 the tent withstood 40+ mph winds and sideways rain for 5 days, weather tore-up other tents and shelters in our group. The interior space is a tad small for 4 men, (3 is best) but construction is superior, weather protection excellent, set up easy, guy lines great, vestibule adequate, two doors is awesome as well. Love this tent in every way, best gear purchase we've made in years.
I purchased the Trango 4 tent and was excited to use it in the Boundary Waters. One the 2nd trip, the windows on the rain fly fell off!! The adhesive they used either failed or it was a poor design. I am unable to use the tent unless it is sunny, summer weather, which is not what I bought it for. I expected a better product after paying this much money. Don't buy this tent for wilderness/backpack camping!
I used this four season tent on a 25 day winter rafting trip on the Colorado through the Grand Canyon. Wind, rain, snow, and cold temperatures followed us the whole way. Day three we got hit with a micro burst storm with 85 mph winds that demolished our camp and crushed all other tents. My Trango 4 held its ground, and only had a small bend in two poles. Great tent that provided a warm, dry place to unwind at the end of the day.
And sure not worth the price they're asking. I've had mine for about a year, used 6 times, zippers failing, poles bent from normal winds. Shoulda bought the $89 version at walmart, not much difference really.
I have had the trango 2p for some time now. it's a BIG 2 person dwelling for what can be said to be extreme weather events. I have always wanted the larger version (3 or 4p) for years. finally sprung for it so I could take some of my buddies who are somewhat less adventurous. I have some converts my friends ! they will be enjoying the benefits of these tents since they will be getting their own. I really love experiencing harsh weather comfortably. it makes me feel alive. cool !
I used this tent in Utah when in rain and sleet for 4 days. It stayed tight outside and dry inside. I thought there was going to be an issue with circulation, but there was very little condensation inside the tent. Super high winds, but it wasn't too loud inside either. It is a little heavy for back packing, but for winter camping and extreme weather, this tent is perfect. I had my 4 boys with me, two are small, two are early teens, and I thought it was plenty roomy inside.
This is for the 2019 version of the Trango 4 (the red/teal version). Out of the box I discovered multiple snags/developing holes in both mesh doors, as well as a small stain in the canopy fabric. Thinking that I just received a lemon, I exchanged it for another new one. More of the same, with snags in both mesh doors (albeit fewer, only 1-2 on each door). I'm not sure if it's a materials issue or packing/shipping issue, but either way it's unacceptable. As a longtime MHW fan I'm very disappointed, as there aren't many tents on the market with as sturdy a design as this one. I've owned a previous-generation Trango and the mesh doors were in perfect shape even after plenty of use. Kudos to MHW for keeping the Trango design alive (and without FR chemicals!), but at this price point they need to keep using high-quality materials and have their QC dialed.
I used this tent in a cold & rainy night with strong wind. The tent stopped the wind completely and kept interior warm and cozy. I and my family loved this tent. The only thing is that this tent is true fit for 4 sleeping bags without much extra space. Wish it would have little more space. Nonthelese this is a great tent.