tarp in NorCal, thus adapting a single shelter system to multiple conditions and allowing me to shed unnecessary weight. Would make sense if they just put a grommet for your pole right onto the insert cord though. It is by far the easiest tarp I have pitched in the wind. There is however a loss of flexibility in the number of the sites where the Echo II will fit since it requires a large space to set up. Ill discuss this a bit more later. Stay in the loop on product drops, promotions, and stories from afield. 6 oz. This lightweight, durable, and waterproof material is made with high molecular weight polyethylene fibers that are woven into a grid and sandwiched between thin layers of polyester film. Here we compare this tarp (in white) with its relatively small dimensions to the Mountain Laurel Designs Grace Tarp Duo (in green). In my opinion, the major selling point of the Echo shelter system is its modularity, which allows the user varying degrees of protection from the elements depending on his/her preference on any particular night. While pitching the tarp alone is very straightforward, adding the inner tent and beak can be a bit time-consuming because there are a lot of mitten hooks to attach and elastic cords to adjust. But for comfort in a range of conditions, the Volt is hard to beat. The first piece of the Echo II Shelter is the 68 square foot catenary cut tarp made of DCF8. Trying to justify spending the money to drop some weight from my fly creek 1 which weighs about 33 ounces. for total protection and enough ventilation. For more visit http//:www.Hiker-BigTex.com Show more Show more As for the durability of the bathtub, it is very very tough. Unfortunately, the small tarp size limits the Echo II's versatility. The unique lightweight characteristics of the Echo II was achieved by the liberal use of Dyneema Composite Fiber (DCF8), which was formerly known as Cuber Fiber. By the way a have a full array of HMG products so definitely nothing against them, just willing to report a news here. Add another $100 to $150 for a nice set of adjustable trekking poles if you don't already have a pairand it's really expensive. The most notable example is the ZPacks Duplex, with a minimum weight of 14.5 ounces. It has 3 pieces that you can mix and match depending on weather conditions. I think of this as a lot like dressing in layers rather than using a heavy parka while hiking in cool weather. GearLab is reader-supported. To save weight, this zipper should be optional. Each piece of the modular tent is made of Dyneema Composite Fiber, so you get to enjoy the benefits of weatherproofing and durability regardless of the tent setup you choose. The Cirriform is a much smaller shelter for one, but much easier to find campsites for as a result. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The trail is what it is reality. This will be the #1 reason (and only reason) why I will sell it once it gets back from a buddy who is trying it out. I've been around long enough to know what "saturation" is when it comes to most materials. Condensation with the Echo II is minimal. The insert was not staked down and it was not compressed in any way. Overall the weather was good for the duration of use, with only a few sporadic showers, one half-inch snowfall, and one night-long drizzle. Its rectangular shaped interior is taller than any other tent we tested, and also encompasses more . I concede the Contrail is not modular, but I would bet most folks will end up taking all the Echo pieces along when they go out anyway, you never know when it's going to rain or how bad the bugs will be. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. Furthermore, switching between these degrees of protection is very quick and simplethe insert can be pinned up, tarp lowered, and beak attached in bad weather in the dark all in a minute or two. HMG constructs their tents of super durable, waterproof DCF8 Dyneema Composite Fabric (aka Cuben Fiber) that will last the test of time. The components are: a catenary tarp, a mesh insert, and a front beak. As many others (including myself) have said in the past, we/I do not care how much HMG says water will not get into the foot-end of the setup, this setup *needs* to be designed with a foot-beak. Sadly, a small bit of the bug netting right where the original zipper-stuck area was, has split and now I have a couple of small holes in the insert. When pitching the flat tarp in A-frame mode, the same inner tent insert can supplement it. The catenary cut is excellent and sheds wind beautifully, provided the tarp is pitched drum tight. I paid them a visit last month to check out their operation and to talk to Mike St. Pierre, their CEO and head gear designer about his . The same exact characteristics that I have always known as "saturation" with Silnylon/SpinnUL is present on CF. These shelters pitched tight as a drum, and feature three components: a tarp, and mesh insert with waterproof bottom, and a . John, can you explain this in more detail? Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Your email address will not be published. The warranty will also be voided if you use your Hyperlite product for commercial purposes, or if you purchased it from an unauthorized dealer. All told, we feel the Echo II is overbuilt. During the summer months Will and his wife Janet are volunteer wilderness rangers in the Weminuche Wilderness. I love cuban and have a Z-pack to prove it. Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more. Ive also found the Echo II system to be very sensitive to pole height when you set the front pole up slightly lower than its recommended 52, such as in storm mode. Once I've identified a site at the macro level I zoom in and focus on the micro level details. $ 794.99. Finally, I thought to myself "Ok, give it one really hard tug, it will either unzip or rip". Typically for me SpinnUL gets it first, than silnylon than eventually (as in many days later) the CF gets it. Hyperlite Mountain Gear expanded a niche in the ultralight shelter category - they created an ultralight modular shelter system in which the components can be used separately or together. . Whether saturation of CF is different than what we know of as saturation of Silnylon/SpinnUL is just not one of those things I can call. Good job on the review Will. Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a small Maine company new to OR, showed off their Echo Shelter systems (one- and two-person models), constructed from Cuben fiber, and laminate that has attained ultra-light cult status for water and UV resistance, and high tensile strength.. Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs and tents will be Made in Mexico. How can we improve GearLab? While the mesh insert fits inside fine with variation in the steepness of the tarps wall and height of the front trekking pole, the beak needs a very constrained pitching geometry to fit well and zip closed. As an old timer Sierra guide I decided to take matter into my own hands and added a beak to the Gossamer Spin Twin. All Rights Reserved. I have three different tarp material setup next to each other, say (a) silnylon, (b) SpinnUL, and (c) cuben fiber. Because the duplex will always weigh 20 ounces, while you can leave some of the components of the Echo II at home in good weather and cut its weight down to 9 ounces. Please comment. Love the rain on the Cuban. The Dyneema fiber construction of the Echo II is absolutely bomber, but still very lightweight, making it a logical choice if you need a shelter to perform without failure. The modular components of the Echo II system allow you weight saving flexibility. Whether these factors are worth the high price tag is a personal choice of each individual consumer, so I cannot speak to that. For complete shelter specifications, visit Hyperlite Mountain Gear. With only one beak, the head end of the tarp (and therefore the entrance) gets pitched into the wind. Perhaps contrary to first thought, it usually takes more time to pitch a tarp with trees than with trekking poles. Total packed weight of full tent with 12 stakes: 34 ounces (2 pounds, 2 ounces) . I can only pitch the Echo II with the longest set of trekking poles I own, Pacer Pole ALs, and even theyre fully extended and at their weakest. Without them, and with the tarp pitched low my girlfriend and I were able to fit comfortably underneath, with gear under the beak, and be fairly confident we would stay dry in a moderate rainstorm with little wind or wind only in the direction of the beak. Made with Dyneema fiber, its also very lightweight enabling it to be used by one or two people with little weight penalty. . Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) tents are for those where money is no object to achieve top quality. After I inflate my NeoAir pad I am totally unable to sit up and am forced to crawl into/outof it. If the Echo II interests you and you don't need extra adaptability, we strongly recommend checking out the ZPacks Duplex, which won our Editors' Choice Award, instead. I have also used the insert as a stand-alone. I like the beak. Using the beak would allow even more combinations and therefore more versatility. I live in Waynesboro and was able to do this over 2 days without camping. The following is my review of both shelter systems. The following are some additional thoughts on the Echo shelter system: I would recommend replacing the stock guy lines with something lighter and more reflective. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=37100. Yes, it can consume a bit more ground-space than what one might expect, but after a few times you come to realize you do not need (and I have found it is actually better) to put your tie-out stakes far away from the tarp. Pitching the Echo II takes longer than most other 2-man tents. Front door tie to hold door open. I really was about five seconds away from ripping the insert in order to get out (had to water a tree, bad). But if you are out to set an FKT and prefer a tarp-based shelter system with optional, modular components that you can choose to leave behind when conditions warrant, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II is a best-of-breed ultralight shelter system. Additionally, the beak does an excellent job sealing off the front, but the rear end of the tarp is always open. The beak is attached to the front trekking pole by Velcro straps, while guy lines attach to the guy out areas of the tarp to keep the fabric taut. Made using CF8 (.78 oz/yd) weight Dyneema fiber, the ridgeline of the Echo II tarp is taped, eliminating the need to seam seal it before use. Instead, you will need to purchase a separate set of stakes. First-Time Customer Discount. The tarp by itself would work great with a bivy sack. Several ounces could be saved with lighter guyline, lighter shockcord and 1.26oz cuben (instead of 1.48oz) for the floor. But SilNylon is no Cuben Fiber. I do not understand why the reviewer said he had "flapping" issues. The insert is designed to fit no more than one person, so bringing gear inside is pretty cramped but possible. Echo II Insert. To me this appears very similar to a RayWay tarp plus net tent plus "bat wing" done in Cuben instead of silnylon, with a catenary ridge instead of a straight one, and maybe a taller bathtub floor and zippered access to the net tent. Even though I don't care for this shelter, I have to at least note that Will's reviews are top notch! If stormy weather is likely, I would highly recommend using the beak, which will protect the user from getting soaked if the wind changes direction (without it, I felt somewhat vulnerable, as the users head is not far back from the end of the tarp and the door at the head of the insert is mostly mesh). You have entered an incorrect email address! Looks a little like my Bilgy which is very similar in shape but not modular. What the Echo II lacks in relative comfort and headroom, compared to other ultralight tents, is largely irrelevant tooutdoor adventurers, who only need a shelter for sleeping, or sheltering from weather conditions that are so bad that they cant go on. It has been used for about 45 nights here in the Redwood region of Northern California. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. If I was going to make one other suggestion to Hyperlite Mountain Gear, it would be to offer a lighter, cheaper bug bivy. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Square Flat Tarp pitched with two ice axes tied together (With a 10" length of 2mm cord). The beak fits best when the tarp is set-up just so; you have to learn this pitch. All Hyperlite products are made according to the highest standards of quality and workmanship. So many choices, it is hard for a newbie to know what to do! The Echo I appears to be a nice piece of kit with high tech cuben and modularity, but for $300 less you can get a TarpTent Contrail which is a similarly shaped more spacious tent with room to sit up, even for tall people, and a weight penalty of only about an ounce, maybe two. All three components of the Echo II shelter system together, tarp, insert, and beak (with the beak and insert doors tied back). The Echo II tarp has three guy lines on each side and two on the front and rear of the ridgeline. Unfortunately, this usually comes at the cost of added weight. The company also used Dyneema for the construction of their UltraMid 2 tent. The modular design allows you to mix and match 3 separate components for camping in various weather conditions. Don't subscribeAllReplies to my comments Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. For me, a fully-enclosed tent would have been an unnecessary and unwanted barrier between myself and nature; as such, I really enjoyed the versatile nature of the shelter along the trail. Thanks for the always insightful reviews! I have avoided cuben in the past because I assumed it had a poor cost to durability ratio, and because I failed to see significant benefits over fabrics like silnylon or spinnaker. Staking the corners of the inner tent to the ground helps maximize its interior width, which is large enough to fit two 20 inch sleeping pads, with room to spare. Hitting your head every time you try to sit up, for me, is one of those things that makes me never want to use it. Its ability to produce clearly defined images and indicate characteristics deeper than surface-level make it a highly regarded non-destructive test (NDT) method for industries such as Oil & Gas, Aerospace, and Power Generation. The modular design of this shelter gives it an unequaled level of versatility. 13 Stakes and a lot of spaceLost me right thereIll keep my Shires Tarp Tent and my Snugpak Onosphere thank you. Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required). Yes, there are things you can do to shave a couple of ounces off of it, but I understand why it is shipped the way it is with those extra few ounces. Size: 24 sq.f. For one person there is plenty of room to spread out gear and cook, or to recede away from the edges of the tarp during a heavy storm and stay dry. If I were to use the Echo II for two people in areas with high potential for rain, I would definitely want the insert. I am researching shelter as I work up the courage to stay a night in the woods. But you are right, it was not fair to compare it with a single wall Contrail. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Ultralight Shelter System is a modular set of shelter components that can be configured in different ways, making it ideal for long-distance backpackers, climbers, and adventure racers who need a tough, durable shelter that can withstand a tremendous amount of abuse during a journey. We would much prefer if its walls were longer so that it could pitch tighter to the ground, create more space, and shed wind and precipitation better. Considering how essential this piece of equipment is, its no wonder that campers typically prefer tents and shelters that have superior durability. A simple classic A frame such as the Trekkertent Stealth 1 (lighter) or 2 (no heavier) is simpler, roomier, more compact, just as flexible, and probably more stormproof (fewer points of failure). Could use clips instead and save a bit of weight. This keeps the Echo II shelter cool even in hot and humid weather. Clearly was an issue with either the development at that one spot (HMG has indicated to me they have not had any other zipper failures) or it was just plan bad luck on my part. For instance, most nights that I pitched a shelter along the PCT (with the exception of Washington), the weather was very predictable and I only needed protection from condensation (pitch just the tarp), mosquitos (pitch just the insert), or a possible light shower (pitch just the tarp with beak). The Hornet 2P from Nemo is an excellent example of a semi-freestanding tent. Mark, the key difference is that the Contrail is a single wall shelter whereas the Echo I is almost entirely double wall (just the small area on the foot end is single wall). Your ultralight shelter setup is pretty much useless when it's blackfly season, or at least it was until the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Insert came along. The airflow through the shelter keeps it comfortable and dry, even in warm and humid weather, although it can be a bit breezy on cold and windy nights. I beyond love this aspect of this setup!! The components are: a catenary tarp, a mesh insert, and a front beak. Your best bet will be to borrow a tent from a friend. The post Post-PCT Echo I and II review appeared first on Hyperlite Mountain Gear Blog. * A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events. Bivy sacks would have been appropriate for this kind of use. Of course it won't have the head room of a mid style shelter, because it's not one. No instructions are included. The second time around I was in the insert and was totally stuck. Its over-reliance on stakes also makes it almost impossible to set up camp in rocky or sandy terrain. While the inner tent is sized for two people, it is somewhat cramped because of the sloping mesh ceiling. No ads. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides. That's 13 minutes total first go. For two people, I found the Echo II tarp with beak was adequate if very little severe weather was expected. Again, Dan, not a freaking clue as to whether CF actually saturates. Echo II Shelter System - Classic White and other great ultralight tents from Hyperlite Mountain Gear for backpacking, camping, and thru-hiking at BackcountryGear.com. If I was going to make one suggestion to Hyperlite Mountain Gear, it would be this: offer an optional second beak for the foot end of the tarp. As far as coverage, the tarp by itself covers one person with gear well enough to stay dry in a light or moderate storm, especially if the beak is used, but plan to get damp in a wind-driven rain. :-). For that reason, we chose to recognize the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 as the most spacious ultralight tent in this review. The seams are done the right way and not the wrong way when it comes to working with cf. Additionally, all seams are bonded (which means, unlike SilNylon, you don't need to seam-seal them) and test stronger than the material itself, and all corners on the tarp have two layers of reinforcing CF11. With the Echo I shelter system, I could carry all three components (24 oz.) Dan, I am not knocking your choice. I did not see anywhere you mention the packed weight.Does the 28.6 ounces include stakes and lines? I have analysis paralysis at this point. If it is not pitched tight in breezy conditions, the tarp will make an interesting but rather obnoxious vibrating sound all night long. Here is the thing (and this is just 100% pure observation on my part). (You can also subscribe without commenting. I'm sure the Echo is a great set up. Livability is not one of the strong points of this shelter; it earned one of the lowest ratings. What makes it stand out is its incredibly versatile modular design its made of 3 distinct pieces that you can mix and match depending on weather conditions. The ventilation afforded by the . Hi, my name is Dave. Stock: Shipping: DISCONTINUED ITEM. Out of stock. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Ultralight Shelter System, How to Become an Expert Off Trail Navigator, Insect Repellents (Bug Dope): How to Choose. Like all tarps, the sides can be brought in for a steeper pitch if your campsite is narrow but this can make use of the beak less than ideal. I do not have bug protection, unless I use a mini bug system. Again, usually takes twice as long. I wanted (actually, needed) something with 8-12 inch sidewalls (rain, rain, rain = always soaked and muddy soil). Predictably, what I liked best about the Echo I shelter system is its modularity, which makes it versatile to a range of conditions and personal preferences. Everything I have read about it indicates it takes one hell of a lot of water to permeate CF. $309 CAN; 4 lbs. Two sleeping pads just fit in the Echo's inner tent, and the headroom is limited when pitching the tarp close to the ground for rain. If using just one beak, it is generally easier to enter/exit through the open end of the tarp, making the zipper unnecessary weight. Like many ultralight shelters, livable space is reduced to snug proportions in the quest to shave ounces. Before the bugs hit, it made the perfect PCT shelter, and a simple lightweight bug bivy would have made it useable in the worst of the mosquito swarms. Take note that the warranty does not cover due to neglect, misuses, or accidents. I dont like sleeping headfirst into the wind, especially when I have to use the bathroom at night during a wind-driven rain. Eventually they all acquire that "saturation" appearance. Due to the fact that it is very lightweight and compact, the Echo II barely adds any weight to your shelter. Click Here to Buy Hyperlite Mountain Gears Echo II Shelter. Like all A-frame and flat tarps, the Echo II can hang between two trees, but we usually find this takes longer than set up with trekking poles. In other words, the three components (tarp, insert, and beak) compose one complete shelter system, but not all three parts need to be used on every trip, depending on the expected conditions. OUTDOOR-RESEARCH.COM: 15% Off Your Entire Cart including full price and sale items. 10 Best Freestanding Backpacking Tents of 2023, Hiking Clothes for Hikers: Rethinking Rain Jackets, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag, A two-person catenary cut tarp which can be used by itself as an ultralight tarp, A two-person inner tent with solid walls and a waterproof floor, including a mesh ceiling, An optional beak which can be attached to the tarp to create a front vestibule to prevent rain and wind from blowing into the front entrance, A velcro collar wraps around the front pole, Two snaps connect the beak to the front tarp guy lines, Two mitten hooks connect the beak to the center tarp guy lines, Can be pitched in the rain without wetting inner tent, The beak is very cleverly designed for modularity and low weight, Height of the inner tent is fairly low compared to a tent, No pitching instructions or documentation provided withshelter. The price might seem a bit high but with the exception of a foot beak you are getting a whole lot of high quality cuben fiber for that price tag. I hope you are able to review some of the gear that you put down as comparisons. Your email address will not be published. If the tarp we're larger, it would be much more functional as a stand-alone tarp. A couple simple solutions would have prevented this: 1) replace the first foot or two of mesh extending back along the sidewalls from the foot of the insert with cuben, or 2) offer a second beak for the foot of the tarp. The beak secures to the ground using a front guy line and may require a little fiddling to stake out, since it has to fit over the front tarp guy line. The Echo II tarp weighs only 1.0 oz. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. One minor issue I did have involved the foot of my sleeping bag getting wet due to a very light drizzle drifting in through the mesh at the foot end of the insert, despite my having pitched the foot end of the tarp low. Until last week, I had never hiked in the woods by myself. Typically accounts for not a darn thing when you want to get technical, but as we all know, when your on-trail being technically right doesn't usually mean a darn thing, eh. $ 695.00. This ultralight shelter consists of three modular components: a durable Cuben Fiber tarp, a detachable mesh tent insert for 100% insect and ground water protection, and a detachable vestibule for wind and storm protection. I've had the opportunity to set up this shelter (prototype echo1) and while I agree with some of the cons listed, particularly that the headroom is not extremely spacious, and that the price is a shocker; I have to ask, why are we comparing a tarps set up time to a tent? Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 21 posts - 1 through 21 (of 21 total), ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN for Summer '23 Cohort of BPL Basecamp, http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=37100. All guy out points are reinforced for durability, while the guy lines are made of lightweight but durable ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. . The catenary cut, Cuben fiber, Relatively small tarp creates low peak height, Beak attaches with snaps that can come undone in high winds. Suppose if you really were worried the GG Polycryo ground cloth could be an option (and HMG has indicating they are planning on releasing their own CF ground cloth for the Echo 1) but I just do not see a need for it. I can easily get my HMG Windrider, my shoes, and a few other small things within the vestibule area. However, I find no rain problems whatsoever in multi seasons in the Additionally, if you value your privacy or encounter horizontal rain the lack of a footer beak will be an issue. I am far from an expert on materials. I personally don't think it needs a foot beak, but if one was to be added I'd prefer it was just a flat wall that attached (like the GG SpinnShelter) rather than a beak design. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". My first time setting it up took about three minutes. These tents use poles that hold up part of the tent, but need to be staked down to secure the entire tent. The mesh insert has a maximum floor space of 24 square feet, which is plenty of space for two people to lie down comfortably. Six-stringer, photog, and Outdoor Ratings' camping content editor. Learn what you like first before you buy something more expensive. For about 1,300 miles of the hike I used Hyperlite Mountain Gear shelters: the Echo I Tarp and Insert for 650 miles (from Agua Dulce to South Lake Tahoe) and the Echo II Tarp and Beak for 650 miles (from South Lake Tahoe to Ashland). Comes with X-Large Drawstring Stuff Sack for storage. Ive been using the Echo II shelter system on trips this spring and summer and found it to be a versatile shelter system thats excellent for New England camping in the cool, rainy, and humid conditions we often experience here. Do You Need Trekking Poles for Backpacking? Theres a cascading ripple effect of adjustments required that kind of destroys the equilibrium of a perfect pitch, and it is hard to dial it in again. At 14 oz. Ships in 1-2 business days | Based in Biddeford, Maine | Est. Not an issue for myself, but the lack of a foot-beak also makes some be concerned about privacy. Features of Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Ultralight Shelter - 2 Person, 3 Season: Made from ultralight CF8 Dyneema Composite Fabrics (formerly Cuben Fiber) Durable CF11 seam sealed bathtub floor. The Echo II consists of three components that weigh 28.6 ounces when fully assembled: Lets look at each of the components in turn: The Echo II Shelter System includes a catenary cut tarp which means that it has a curved ridgeline and side edges to make it more aerodynamic and help reduce the weight of the materialrequired to make it.