There is something childish about a tipi tent, something wild that brings back memories of careless times.
As I was looking to buy a new tent, this isn’t what I had in mind but I’m glad that is what I got!
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Forewords
I haven’t been much around lately. I’m sorry. Things have been weird for me too. Tight up like everyone else, unease, scared or worried… just like everybody else, I have gone through various phases during this pandemic. It hasn’t been all horrible for me, being an introvert helped greatly!
Last year has been transformative and this year logically follows suit. It’s been a challenge to handle, despite having sought such changes. It’s been frightening and exhilarating. I can’t wait to see where these changes lead me.
So if you are wondering: I’m ok. More than ok really! I’ve been fomenting plans secretly, dreaming of what’s to come.
And such plans do include Minty and my new tipi tent!
Looking for a motorcycle tent
Buying a tent is easy. Buying the right tent isn’t! We all have different criteria and style preferences and there are thousands of tents to chose, from out there.
At first, I was looking for a motorcycle tent. I wanted something light, easy to set up alone that would protect my bike.
After much research, I unfortunately concluded that I couldn’t yet get what I wanted.
If you are looking for a motorcycle tent, you’ll come across various models and style and I’ll mention here 4 models that seems to satisfy most riders.
First, the Lone Rider tents. The MotoTent can fit 2 people and a bike which seems great. I didn’t go for it because I didn’t see myself setting it up by myself, it weights 5,44 kg or 12 lbs and is pretty pricey.
In a complete different style, I absolutely love the concept of the Bivouac by Exposed… but I don’t think I’m brave enough! It isn’t a fully closed structure which means creepy crawlers can visit! My bike needs more coverage anyway.
The next best thing sounded like the Abel Brown Nomad tent. No bike protection at all here, but most importantly, I do not trust my bike side stand! I couldn’t bare the thought of Minty falling on me in the middle of the night! I am however working on my own kickstand plate, thanks to Abel Brown.
The Goose concept by Wingman of the Road could have been an alternative. It weights 10kg or 22lbs but is all in one, tent, mattress, sleeping bag, tarp. It’s pretty cool! Still not enough coverage for my bike.
So I gave up for now and got a stand alone tent instead! Will get a separate cover for Minty. And I will get the muscles needed to put it on its rear stand… That’s a different story.
Tipi tent review!
So again I needed a new tent that was super light and easy to set up. Those were my main criteria. My very old tent was dripping last I camped under the rain and is impossible, or at least very difficult to set up alone.
After much consideration, I bought a OneTigris Tipinova tent and tested it right away! To be honest, I was incredibly tempted to get their Iron Wall Stove Tent but hey! A stove!?! No, no, I can’t carry a stove on Minty!
As described the Tipinova tent it is super light as it weighs less than 1,2 kg or 2.6 lbs and is really easy to set up. There are no instructions in the package which is something some people have complained about, but seriously, it’s so easy! Where did you need instructions?!
Anyway, I did get a tarp to install underneath. It is extremely lightweight too so that is actually a nice addition without bulk.
And there I had pretty much all of my criteria checked!
A bit more details?
The size? I’m a small woman and it feels very roomy inside. I was worried to knock down the pole during the night but nothing happened. I can sit in there and change clothes without troubles.
Would I sleep in there with someone else? Not sure really. Some say that if you install the tipi without the pole, it’s ok to sleep 2. I’m not in a rush to test! I like the extra space the way it is. Let’s remember here that motorcycle gear are bulky so I need that space!
Condensation? Oh my god, yes! It freaked me out the first night. The first night I slept in it was apparently very humid and the single wall meant that there was condensation inside too. I was taken by surprise. I thought there was something wrong and that it wasn’t waterproof.
To my surprise, I didn’t get wet! Not at all. Again being small size helped! I do not touch the walls while lying down.
Waterproof? Absolutely! I was stressed because of the condensation and thankfully, it rained the next afternoon. Once the storm had passed, I went to check out the tent and… nothing! Completely dry inside. I was very happy to say the least 😉
Ventilation? I felt a slight breeze coming from the bottom and it felt nice but the nights were really cool when I tested it and I quickly covered my nose back in my mountain of blankets! Not quite sure how effective the top vents are.
Center pole? This is the one thing you have to buy separately. Some use hiking poles but for some reasons I couldn’t find mine. So I bought a pole which is too big (for my bike). This will need to be sorted. Such pole worked well for the tent though.
The bottom of the tent is reinforced in the center so the pole doesn’t do any damage. My dad was worried about the top part, so I used one of the stuff sacks, folded it several times and put it on top of the pole. Not sure it made a difference but I will be cautious in the future, to make sure the pole used doesn’t tear up the top of the tent.
Exterior space? Small but I like it. I don’t usually leave stuff outside because I don’t like to find spiders in my shoes! But I do like the ‘in between’ when I get up.
Anything else? A bird pooped on it 🙁 It was washed off by the rain.
In short… I love my new tipi tent!
It is pretty cool! I like the shape, I like how discrete it is. I slept wonderfully in it for 4 nights in a row and I’m absolutely ready to do it again. Wait, I’m doing it again next week! 😉
Well I should mention that I got a new sleeping pad too and that helped! I used to pile up 2 old pads to be comfortable. Now I can travel with a single one! One that is a lot smaller when folded and so much lighter. Happy, Happy!
very wet! very windy! 
till next time… 
new mat and ear plugs make the nights perfect 
Now I still need to upgrade my sleeping bag situation and find a cover for Minty so she can, just like me, stay dry and protected during the nights to come…
I told you, I’ve been fomenting secret plans… new adventures are coming!
We are both almost there…
