The Mountain Hardwear Space Station Tent 15-Person 4-Season is a double-layer tent with two waterproof covers, it is floorless and supported by top quality DAC aluminum poles.
Key features & benefits
- Freestanding.
- DAC aluminum poles.
- True double layer tent.
- For all seasons.
- 3 Doors.
- 11 Vents.
- Very tall dome.
- Floorless.
- Lifetime warranty.
Overview
This is a nicely designed dome-shaped construction with multiple poles and their cross points, so it is fully freestanding and incredibly strong. The picture below reveals its great shape without and with the fly. This type is usually described as a geodesic dome tent.
The inner peak height is impressive 101 inches (257 cm), note that the radius is diameter is 114 inches (2.9 m), so the structure is almost a perfect half-sphere. I have plenty of reasons to include it in my list of very tall tents.
The tent has three uniquely shaped doors equipped with dual-slider zipper for easy entry and exit. There are several UVX windows visible in the pictures.
Note that they have yet another smaller cousin built in a very similar style, the Mountain Hardwear Stronghold 10 Person Tent.
Materials
The fabric: The fly is a 180D nylon oxford with a PU coating and 1500 mm waterproof rating, this according to Backcountry. Note that at Moosejaw they write about 2000 mm rating, it is hard to know which is correct. On the brand’s site there is no information.
It may be surprising to know that even the inner canopy, which is the same 180D nylon oxford, has a PU coating and 2000 mm waterproof rating. So this is a true double-layer tent and both layers are waterproof. I have included it in my list of tents with full flies.
There is an inner perimeter skirt that helps in protecting the area when you add an optional footprint shown below. The tent is also with an external perimeter skirt that can be pressed with snow to prevent cold drafts.
The poles: You have the best quality DAC PressFit poles with clips attachment, 15 in total. This is a Japanese brand and the leader in the tent poles industry. This type of poles is specifically designed for expedition and winter tents, and this is a variant of 7001 aluminum alloy.
The picture below shows the poles in the package and you realize they are color-coded and shock-corded. Also included is a full set of stakes and ropes shown in the picture.
Ventilation
The tent is equipped with one top vent (shown in the picture below) and 10 low vents. So this should work well in any weather conditions.
Who is this Tent for
Regarding the area, on the site of the brand they write this is a 15-person tent, but they also say it can accommodate 20-plus people. The floor plan is simple, just a circle as you see below.
Let’s see the numbers. You have a huge area of 284 ft² (26.4 m²), so in the case of 15 users this would mean 18.9 ft² (1.76 m²) per person. This is not bad, but note that there are no vestibules to store gear. So it is best to substantially downgrade the number of people. In any case, I have included it in my list of extra large camping tents.
Regarding seasons & climate, in view of its two-layer design and such a perfect shape, this tent is suitable for extreme alpine and mountaineering conditions. You have two waterproof layers here, and when you close the doors as in the picture below, you are fully protected.
There are so many cross points of its poles that the structure is incredibly strong and stable, no matter from which side you look at it. But observe that this is a floorless tent, and this is quite frequent in such highly technical shelters.
Regarding the weight, the tent is heavy, it weighs 85 lb 13 oz (39 kg). But you have seen its incredible size, and you have 2 layers here plus 15 poles. So the weight is justified.
The packed size is 36 x 21 inches (91 x 53 cm), so it is bulky, and you cannot carry such a tent anywhere. It is not built to be carried, this is a basecamp tent. Though they give its trail weight which is 77 lb 16 oz (35.4 kg).
Specifications
- Weight: 85 lb 13 oz (39 kg).
- Official capacity: 15 people.
- Diameter: 228 in (5.8 m).
- Inner area: 284 ft² (26.4 m²).
- Inner area per person: 18.9 ft² (1.76 m²).
- Inner peak height: 101 in (257 cm).
- Packed size: 36 x 21 in (91 x 53 cm).
- Warranty: lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons
In summary, this Mountain Hardwear Space Station Tent is truly impressive and built for the harshest possible conditions. It will protect you no matter where you use it. You have top quality fabric and poles, but this all comes at a price. In any case, fully recommended if you can afford it. I have included it also in my list of best cold weather camping tents.
Below you can see how this tent stands against my standard rating criteria that I apply consistently to all the tents here in the site so that you can easily compare:
Mountain Hardwear Space Station Tent
Pros
- 2 Layer.
- Full protection.
- For every environment.
- Multiple doors & windows.
- Very tall.
- Ventilated.
Cons
- Heavy.
- Bulky.
- Expensive.
BEST PLACE TO BUY:
For more tents of this shape please check in the category Dome Tents. Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below. Bookmark this site and come again, this will keep you informed, as you realize I add texts here on a regular basis. Thank you for reading.
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