Easton Mountain Products has been in the game since 1922, but it’s their recent offerings in lightweight tents that have garnered the most attention. Their booth was crowded with folks looking for a glimpse of the new lineup, and Easton didn’t disappoint. Two new lightweight tents and a redesign of an old favorite ensure there is an Easton out there for everyone.
The secret ingredients in EMP’s lightweight series are the poles. Carbon Ion engineering ensures strength while shedding up to 60% of the weight compared to most tent poles. Thanks to that massive reduction, Easton doesn’t have to skimp on the build; their tents are all composed of much stronger material than competitors with similar weights.
First up is the redesigned Kilo 2P. The shelter was a hit last year, and gets a bit of a facelift this season. EMP redid the entrance and vestibule based on backpacker feedback. You want brand spanking new? Easton has that, too. The Kilo 3P is a show-stopper: it weighs in at 3 pounds and can house up to three campers. You won’t be cramped, either: 43 square feet of space means plenty of room for gear storage and sleep systems. Use it as a two person tent and you’ll have some serious backcountry luxury.
If you are a die-hard bivvy sack user, Easton offers up a shelter that might convert you. The Kilo 1P tips the scales at a meager 1 pound 14 ounces and is a hell of a lot more comfortable than a cramped bivvy. A shorter pole design translates to easy stowing for bikers, kayakers and hunters who are used to carrying a small emergency shelter.
The new products don’t stop there. EMP also debuted the Hat Trick 2P and Expedition 2P tents. Both are lightweight and designed to provide ample room for hikers facing harsh four season conditions. Of course you’ll need to stake your new tent out to keep it from blowing away, and Easton has stepped up with the Nano Tent Stakes. Machined aluminum provides the best strength to weight ration in class, and the company was so sure about their toughness that they allowed visitors to try and break them. Needless to say they had a lot of funny pictures of red faced tough guys giving it their best shot…most walked away humbled.
The reps in the Easton booth were really stoked on the new tents, and it was easy to see why. With an arsenal of lightweight to ultralight shelters to choose from the company really lives up to its slogan and will allow backpackers to “Go Farther.” Look for the new tents to hit stores in time for the summer 2012 season.