SummitPost.org

Could someone give me some helpful info. I am trying to decide between the Mountain Hardwear EV2 and the Bibler I-Tent. I am not sure which one I like better.

The EV2 is larger and has an integrated vestibule which makes the tent more liveable than the I-Tent. It is also heavier, bulkier and requires a larger ledge to be set up on. The I-Tent is smaller and does not have a vestibule, so it is less liveable. On the up side it is very light and can be set up on smaller ledges. I think the deciding factor for you will be your end use. Do you see yourself camping on Alaskan double corniced ridge or are you going to be doing Liberty Ridge - West Buttress types of routes?

Also anyone know the differneces between the older biblar i tent and the new ones?

Made in U.S.A. vs. made in China.

You actually can get a vestible for an iTent - it's just optional. It does, however, add a lot of extra usable space.

That is good to know. I thought only the Eldorado had a vestibule, maybe I am thinking of the Integral Designs MKI.

That is very helpful. Thanks for the picture. How do you like the vestibule?
Soo (to anyone out there). if you had the choice what would you go with and why?

Pitching up the tent is more convenient with the EV 2 as the pooles are outside. A good thing if the conditions are poor! I'm very happy with my EV 2 Direct - windproof, easy setup, light and and very comfortable as I use it as a solo tent. I also like the little window to check the outside conditions - unless its frozen

There are several benefits to the I-Tent as well. I have found it extremely easy to set up while it's blasting outside because you can set it up from the inside...

There are fewer poles to the I-Tent as well.

I would say that either choice will get you where you want to go. I just prefer to keep it simple.

I like the I-tent with the vestibule. At lower camps or camps before technical sections I'll use the vestibule and then if I can ditch it with other supplies I will and then just go with the basic configuration.

Mooner wrote:Soo (to anyone out there). if you had the choice what would you go with and why?

I Tent $580 4 lb, 5 oz
Vestibule: $130 1 lb, 6 oz
Total: $710 6 lbs, 1 oz


EV2 $600 5 lbs, 15 oz

If you plan on using a vestibule, the EV2 ends up being cheaper. If you don't plan on using a vestibule, then the I Tent is cheaper and lighter. John Varco told me he and his two partners on Annapurna III shared an EV2 by having the third man sleep with his feet in the vestibule, so it is a pretty versatile tent (http://www.alpinist.com/doc/ALP06/climbing-note-cool). If you do decide on the I-Tent, but don't anticipate needing a vestibule, look at the Integral Designs MKI Lite. Very similar to the I-Tent, but a bit cheaper: http://promountainsports.com/index.php/ ... ent-1.html.

Mooner wrote:That is very helpful. Thanks for the picture. How do you like the vestibule?
Soo (to anyone out there). if you had the choice what would you go with and why?

I like having the optional vestibule - it adds a significant amount of extra space for stowing gear, putting on your boots, firing up the Jetboil, etc. But as Cclaude noted I can leave it behind and save some weight if I won't need it. Another thing that's nice about this tent is that (as SKI said) the internal poles allow you to set it up quickly in bad weather. It does take a little practice and you'll worry at first about poking a hole in the tent, but it's much easier than you think it will be the first time you try it.

The versatility of removable (and separate) vestibule of the I-tent cannot be beat. Also,the floor print is perfect for two mats covering the floor almost 100%. The utility is of the "Light is Right" category. The tent is bomber, there is very little out there that this thing cannot handle. My better half has owned one for about 10 years, I still remember the two guys running away from Titcomb Basin in 2005 telling us not to camp there because their tent got shredded in very strong winds. Our I-tent saved the trip, no problems. My (old) I-tent sat 6 weeks at about 24,700' on Dhaulagiri I in 94 and is still fully usable today. FWIW.

FWIW, I found the vents on the Integral Designs to be more functional than the ones on the Bibler.

ExcitableBoy wrote:

Mooner wrote:Soo (to anyone out there). if you had the choice what would you go with and why?

4 lb, 5 oz
1 lb, 6 oz[/u]
6 lbs, 1 oz

Hey EB, not to nitpick, but, not sure you're math here is correct. Ounces, right? not just adding the numbers, ie, shouldn't the correct math be 5lbs. 11oz?
Btw, I'm not an ounce counter!