Winter’s just around the corner and you need something to keep you safe from the snow and heavy winds, don’t you?
Well this is indeed for winter use, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to perform as good as you’d expect it to, or does it?
I’m not sure exactly what this tent offers just yet, but after finishing my Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 Tent review we will know if it’s high quality and good enough to handle the harsh outdoor elements.
Lets get started.
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Functionality
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Waterproof
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Strength
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Value
Summary:
The manufacturers have created a simple and lightweight HIGHLY effective 4-season tent.
It doesn’t have traditional features, it actually has features other tents do not have. It can be pitched from INSIDE the tent and doesn’t need a vestibule.
It is an ULTRALIGHT 4-season tent and performs beyond expectations! The only real downside is the small interior size. However, it’s a great tent nonetheless.
 Pros |
 Cons |
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Specs
Product name: Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 Tent
Cheapest place to buy: Amazon.com
Color: State Orange
Sleeps: 2
Season: 4
Minimum Weight: 2.10 pounds
Packed Weight: 3.5 pounds
Peak Height: 3.75 feet
Floor Size: 6.75 x 3.75 feet
Floor Area: 25 Sq. ft
Packed Dimensions: 6 x 7 x 18 inches
Gear Loft Included: No
Footprint Included: Sold separately
Product Overview
The Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 Tent has been designed for simplicity and lightweight camping. Basically, whenever every gram counts.
It pitches in a fast and easy manner, and that’s IN harsh conditions too. Remember, this is a 4-season tent so it’s designed to handle rough weather.
The width is only 3.75 feet wide, so it can easily fit in tight spots if you need it to.
It has a SINGLE WALL only, meaning there is no rain fly. It saves on weight even further. But if you want enhanced livability there is one that’s sold separately.
The internal pole design allows it to be pitched from inside the tent, that’s why it can be pitched in rough weather.
It has won 2 awards. An “Outdoor Industry Award” back in 2011, and “Top Pick Outdoor Gear Lab” in 2013.
Features That Stick Out The Most
Sets up from the inside – This is the first tent I’ve reviewed that has this feature! Just attach the poles in the corners with snap grommets, then secure them using hook-and-loop attachments.
Evolution Tension Arch – Increases the strength and overall quality of the skeleton without adding any more weight to the tent.
Protected Vent – The mesh vent can be opened or closed even in harsh weather. This is because it has a protective storm flap.
Welded Zipper Construction – This is great! No condensation or moisture can get built up. It has welded seems so there’s no threads to absorb moisture!
Reflective Guylines, Zipper Pulls, and Start Points – These illuminate the 3 main points at nighttime, preventing unwanted trips and injuries, and making it easier to set up in the dark.
What I Like
Reflective Points – I love the fact that this tent can be pitched even in the dark. This means if you arrive at your campsite too late you can still get it pitched easily.
Setup from the inside – This is another great feature that stuck out to me. Never have I reviewed a tent thus far that can do this.
Ultra Lightweight – It is a 4-season tent with ultralight fabric. It’s perfect for when you need every pound in your backpack to count.
What I Don’t Like
No Vestibule – Vestibules aren’t THAT important if you’re going car camping, but when you’re mountaineering or backpacking long distances you definitely need somewhere to store your gear. And often times the inside of the tent doesn’t offer enough room.
I guess the manufacturers really did want to create an ultralight 4-season tent, because that’s exactly what it is.
One Door
Although this is only a minor issue, it’s always handy to have two doors. Two doors are good for cross-flow ventilation during the day and getting out of the tent for a midnight pit stop, so you don’t have to climb over your camping buddy.
Who Should Use This Tent?
Winter car campers would benefit from this tent a lot. Since it doesn’t have a vestibule you can store your gear in the car.
However, it is more designed for mountain camping or backpacking anywhere in the winter, so if you wish to embark on any of these trips you will find this tent to work for you.
Where To Get The Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 Tent
My preferred place to get it is from Amazon.com.
They have so many great bonuses available for buyers.
They are:
- Next-day delivery
- Free delivery
- 30-day return policy
- And more with Amazon Prime members
The 30-day return policy means you can send your purchase back for a full refund with no questions asked.
And if you experience any defects within those first 30 days all repairs will be done free of charge as well.
Do I Recommend This Tent To Anyone?
Actually I do.
It would be quite difficult to camp with somebody else if you’re storing your gear inside, because there’s really only enough room for 2 people with no gear, or 1 person with gear only.
Because it’s so lightweight the latter might be the better option.
The cons are minor and the pros FAR outweigh them!
So if you plan on solo camping or backpacking this tent is definitely for you.
But if you’re going with 2 people, you should take the car so you at least have some place safe to store your equipment.
Similar Tents
The Big Agnes Foidel Canyon 2 Tent is a 3+ season tent. It’s strong, highly wind and waterproof, and has roughly the same dimensions. It’s only slightly more expensive.
One tent that has MUCH more space and is actually one of my favorite 4-season tents thus far, is the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent. It is more affordable but a lot heavier, so it’s more preferred for car camping, but a great alternative nonetheless.
In Short
I really like the direction the manufacturers have taken with the Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 Tent.
It’s so simple yet very effective at the same time. It offers so much more than just a simple design.
It has features other tents simply do not offer, and they’re not scared to give up livability to save on weight.
I like that.
But how do they do this?
By not providing a rain fly or vestibule. They save weight by having one door only, and having a single wall that’s highly waterproof AND lightweight.
They know it’s going to be beneficial for many users and they aren’t scared to skimp on features.
I’m a big fan and like this tent very much.
If you’re a solo camper you can store your gear in the tent, but if you are camping with somebody else it is not for you, UNLESS you have somewhere to store your equipment.
The Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 Tent is HIGHLY recommended!
View Pricing Plans and Availability on Amazon >>>
-
Functionality
-
Waterproof
-
Strength
-
Value
Summary:
The manufacturers have created a simple and lightweight HIGHLY effective 4-season tent.
It doesn’t have traditional features, it actually has features other tents do not have. It can be pitched from INSIDE the tent and doesn’t need a vestibule.
It is an ULTRALIGHT 4-season tent and performs beyond expectations! The only real downside is the small interior size. However, it’s a great tent nonetheless.
I really do enjoy the level of perfection that these companies are out to obtain. A lightweight 4-season tent sounds like an oxymoron but it would appear not.
Personally, I like to keep my tent to one person over night. My fiance brings her own tent. Its nothing personal but it trains us both to be self-reliant.
A few things I really like about the Direkt 2 is that you can pitch it from inside. Too, many, times have I arrived at the camping spot in unfavorable weather conditions and wish i wasn’t setting it up in the rain.
Another feature that I really like is the preventive measure that are taken to keep this tent lightweight but yet durable. So yes, I too am a fan of the welded zipper construction and the Evo Tension Arch.
Like you I don’t think the absence of a vestibule is a big deal. It would be nice but not a big deal.
Great idea about being alone just to train the mind. I never thought of doing that, so maybe me and my partner can try that sometime.
Although it might be difficult persuading her, it’s never a bad idea to ask 🙂
Thank you for your feedback on this tent. It’s much appreciated!