Best for 

Affordable three-season weatherproofing and dual-entrance livability for tramping and travelling.

What we like

• Affordable
• Kiwi-designed
• Reliable three-season weatherproofing
• Durable zips and hardware.

Limitations

Heavy for its class, best used with a footprint. 

Overview

This three-season tent employs a well proven template for dual-entrance, free-standing tents. Designed in New Zealand with our Roaring Forties weather in mind, it has a 20D ripstop Silnylon fly (rated to 3000mm), a 40D ripstop nylon floor (rated to 5000mm) and tough alloy pole anchors. The inner combines lightweight nylon and mesh for breathability with four generous storage pockets and a removable gear loft. The fly has two internally accessible vents and venting struts on the doors.  

Performance

Emulating the popular MSR Hubba Hubba and Big Agnes Copper Spur in design, the layout provides good livability for two people and room for gear or cooking in the vestibules. The 2.84mᒾ inner area is at the upper end for this style of tent, and when combined with the symmetrical floor and steepish sidewalls it is reasonably roomy, though tall people may desire more head room. Where this tent stands out from the lightest three-season, double-wall tents is in its sturdier build: it has long-lasting #5 nylon coil zips, alloy pole anchors and tougher, more weather-proof fabrics. Internally accessible strut-vents and venting doors are a bonus too. Although these benefits add 400–800g over similar tents, for many users this will be offset by a price that is less than half the cost of the leading brands in this class. But like similar tents, it is vulnerable to the strongest winds, and a footprint is recommended for the floor.

Why buy the Hopper Pro 2? 

This tent is reasonably priced for its feature set and durability but comes with a weight penalty. Several hundred grams might be a dealbreaker for gram-conscious trampers, but for occasional users or those on a budget, it’s a lot of tent for the money.