Emily Russell from Nelson’s MD Outdoors explains why the Mont Moondance 2P is her go-to tent for hiking in any season.
With so many tents to choose from, researching and choosing the perfect model that suits New Zealand’s gnarly conditions and your needs can feel overwhelming.
I enjoy tramping in all seasons and prefer to camp, so I need a tent that is an all-rounder, suitable for the changeable New Zealand conditions.
I find many tents are lightweight and work well in good weather, but when the temperature drops or the weather deteriorates, they don’t always perform.
As the owner of MD Outdoors, I test all of our products before they hit the shelves. We only stock the top-performing brands with excellent warranties and repairs so your gear lasts. I love Mont’s focus on sustainability and technical performance, and the Moondance 2P doesn’t disappoint. It has quickly become my favourite tent for many reasons.
The Moondance is a 3–4 season tent, with the option to purchase a mesh or full nylon inner – or both.
The mesh inner is ideal for summer use because it releases heat and provides ventilation, and has been warm enough for me on trips in -5℃ conditions.
The full nylon inner is a great option for winter trips and cold sleepers, with the added bonus that it has ventilation options to keep it cool when used in summer.
I also love that you can pitch the fly on its own with the footprint.
With a 25,000mm waterhead rating, the tent’s floor is so robust I have not needed to use a footprint – something I wouldn’t dare go without when using my other tents.
1. I need plenty of pockets to control the tent chaos. The Moondance has four – two full-width and two half-width – plus a central carabiner clip for hanging a light.
2. With two entrances, a 2.8m2 floor area and 110cm ceiling height, it comfortably fits two with room for gear inside and ample storage in the vestibule space.
3. It’s freestanding and quick to pitch.
4. A roof vent improves airflow and prevents condensation build up – and can be opened without leaving your sleeping bag.
5. It has thoughtful touches such as colour-coded poles and clips, and a three-point guyline for stability in windy conditions.
I really tested the Moondance on a recent traverse of the Ella Range. We started off on the tops and camped just below Mt Watson, an exposed ridge with freezing temperatures and high winds all night. The tent stood solid. The next day we camped in a small hollow just below Mt Ella. After a hard day climbing up crazy slopes, the tent felt snug in this remote location. I love having this cosy, warm little home to hang out in while the outside world does its thing.
Every tent has trade-offs. The Moondance’s only downside is weight – 2090g for the nylon inner, which is comparable to other two-person models. The mesh version is 80g lighter.
I highly recommend this tent for all-season hiking. Ultralight models have their place, but if you’re out in varied conditions, the Moondance is up to the task. We’ve used ours on Mt Richmond, beside the tarns before summiting Mt Owen, and in many other stunning spots across the South Island.
Price $1099.95
Seasons 3–4
Minimum weight 1920kg
Packed weight 2080g
Floor area 2.86m2
Ceiling height 110cm
Fly fabric 20D ripstop nylon (2000mm)
Floor fabric 40D PU laminated nylon (25,000mm)
Variants Available in two- and three-person, mesh or full nylon inners.
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