Brooks-Range makes gear for the discerning backcountry traveler, and at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, they were showing off a selection of tents that ups the ante in the lightweight category. Traveling parties of three people and every kind of weather now have brand new options when it comes to outdoor shelters.
Weighing in at a scant 2lb 15oz, the Foray 2P joins the ranks of the lightest tents on the market. The 2P features a subbed pole design for easy setup and stability in three seasons of weather conditions. The tent is fully seam taped with a 40d nylon floor, and 20d No-See-Um netting for the walls. I liked that Brooks-Range opted for a full net wall to ceiling design; too many times I see tents on the market that have solid-paneled ceilings that block out the sky above you. If I’m sleeping with no rainfly, I want to see those stars on display! It is, after all, a big reason many of us decide sleep in the wilderness in the first place. While the Foray 2P is a bit on the small side (30 square feet of living space), it does make up for it with a 6 square foot vestibule for gear storage. Personally, I think this shelter would be ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their backcountry setup from novice to pro level.
The Foray series also includes a 3P version (45 square feet of living space) that weighs in under 4lbs. Think about that: a three person shelter that weighs less than a standard two person tent from just a few years ago. Hell, I would convince my hiking partner to carry my food bag, and then dazzle them with this luxury wilderness accommodation. The lighter colors of the Foray lineup have two things in mind: minimizing solar gain, and providing a relaxing environment should you and your buddies get stuck in the shelter due to bad weather. The Foray Delux steps up two-person space by delivering 34 square feet, and two D-styled doors. Your partner will thank you for the two doors when you aren’t shuffling over them for a midnight bathroom break.
If it is four-season protection you need, then Brooks-Range has you covered with the Alpini 2P. At 3lbs 14oz it won’t break your back to carry it, and this thing is built to take a beating. 40d High Tenacity fabric coupled with burly external pole sleeves will keep the elements where they belong- outside. There are multiple vents to reduce moisture build up associated with alpine adventures, and the tent is easy to set up in a hurry, in those times when the storm moves in a bit faster than you planned for.
Aside from the new tents, Brooks-Range was also displaying a full range of shell jackets and down mid layers. I think the standout from their apparel line are the shells- very minimalist designs that look to be bomber construction. As Brooks-Range designs their pieces with professional guides in mind, you can rest assured they go all-out when it comes to protection from Mother Nature. I came away from their booth at OR quite impressed, and also thinking that my tent game might be in need of an upgrade.
The Alpini and Foray tents will be available in Spring 2018, but the shell jackets and mid layers are all currently available. You can check out the full collection and get some more company info at www.brooks-range.com.