ProView – Mountainsmith Mountain Tipi
As a coast to coast camper who can’t afford a tent for every condition, I’m always forced to choose between a tent that can stand up to the weather or one that I love sleeping in, cooking in, and hanging out in. Ultralight tents are great, but not always a dream space-wise, and no one wants to take their parent’s 12-person canvas tent into the backcountry.
Then there’s Mountainsmith’s Mountain Tipi.
Incredibly spacious, headroom to spare, and with ultralight backpacking mode, the Tipi fulfills many of my requirements for an all-around tent.
Mountainsmith Mayhem 30
Product Description: Originally designed 35+ years ago, the Mountain Tipi combines old school camping techniques with 2019 technology. For more rogue adventurers, go with a fast-fly set-up for a roomy sleep at less than 4 lbs. Add in the included bug nest, or pack the full set-up and make your Tipi the communal hangout for your camp crew.
Offer price: MSRP $249.95
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Quality
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Features
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Fit
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Durability
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Summary
All in all, I highly recommend this tent for outdoor adventurers with varied excursions in mind, as the Tipi excels at provided amazing comfort and protection in all environments. Just getting into outdoor recreation? Mountain Tipi. Looking for a new tent but not sure what your adventures will look like? Mountain Tipi. Already a wilderness pro and just want something in between your mountaineering tent and your parents 12-person canvas castle? MOUNTAIN TIPI! When weight isn’t a concern, this tent is now my #1 go to shelter for any trip.
Overall
3.8Pros
- SO. MUCH. SPACE. Can’t talk about that enough.
- Easy 1-person setup in 5 minutes.
- Simplicity. No complicated flaps, strings, and pockets to get tangled everywhere.
- No-See-Um mesh setup style allows for full 360-degree, floor to ceiling views.
- Very few parts to lose or break
- Super quick takedown time.
- Versatility! Several pitching and weight options for varied trips.
- Mountainsmith’s products come with the Forged for Life Guarantee, for peace of mind.
Cons
- Somewhat questionable construction of straps and stake loops.
- Somewhat limited options for pitching due to style.
- Backpacking mode is lightweight, but not entirely weatherproof.
- Price. At $250.00 USD, the value could be better.
It was much larger inside than I expected, with comfortable sleeping space for two, plus room for all the gear and puppies you could want. The non-conventional hexagonal shape allows you to maximize your camping style in a way you may not have done in a standard four-sided tent, and the tall ceiling makes for more comfortable use than low profile tents. And while it may not always be your go-to home for extended backpacking trips, the ultralight mode is convenient for backcountry trips in good weather.
One of my favorite things about this tent is how easy it is for only one person to set it up. With only one pole (less things to break), all that must be done is stake the floor down and then the pole in the center quickly finishes the process. Painless. The rain fly can easily connect to the existing stakes, preventing extra unnecessary steps. My only concern with the setup is that it can’t stand up on its own; it must be staked down, limiting potential camping spots on rock or gravel, which can be problematic in the desert– one of my frequent camping destinations.
Quality
Since I haven’t owned it for a long time and used it in every setting, I can’t vouch for every aspect of its build, but under careful observation, it is largely quality construction. The only drawback and the reason I only gave 4 stars is that two stake loops broke their stitching the first time I used it. Nothing has broken since. And any areas I would be most concerned about, like where the pole supports the tent at the top and goes to the floor, are heavily fortified with durable materials for long life.
It also performed wonderfully through heavy rain and hailstorms, there were zero leaks despite strong winds accompanying the moisture.
Features
It really depends on what you want out of a tent. For me, I prefer a simple tent without a ton of bells and whistles, which is how the Mountain Tipi simply operates with only a couple pouches and gear loops. But I gave 3 stars for those who may want all the pockets, zippers, flaps, and hangers.
Fit
I love how roomy it feels! Its shape allows for gear and pet space without encroaching on your sleeping area. So much room for two people to sleep and throw gear on the sides. And if you’re just using it for a community camping hangout spot, six people easily fit sitting around the center pole, without height being an issue; long nights of games, talking, laughing, and eating together are made possible by the Tipi’s layout.
Durability
I haven’t tested its long-run durability, but took the Tipi to both Colorado and New Mexico, on some of the harshest ground conditions you can pitch a tent. Jagged protruding rocks, cacti, high winds, rain, it didn’t matter, the Mountain Tipi toughed it all out. No holes in the floor, despite two people, climbing gear, crash pads, and a dog all inside at once.
The Final Word
The Mountain Tipi fully meets and exceeds the manufacturer’s product description. Rather, I think they don’t talk about its spaciousness enough! I absolutely loved it for that reason.
Since the stakes are crucial to the tent’s structure, I would recommend having some extra V-stakes on hand, which Mountainsmith conveniently and inexpensively sells on their website.
All in all, I highly recommend this tent for outdoor adventurers with varied excursions in mind, as the Tipi excels at provided amazing comfort and protection in all environments. Just getting into outdoor recreation? Mountain Tipi. Looking for a new tent but not sure what your adventures will look like? Mountain Tipi. Already a wilderness pro and just want something in between your mountaineering tent and your parents 12-person canvas castle? MOUNTAIN TIPI! When weight isn’t a concern, this tent is now my #1 go to shelter for any trip.
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About the Gear Tester
Andrew Hamm
Andrew has loved outdoor recreation for years, leading trips on Alaskan glaciers, teaching outdoor education in Colorado, and guiding students in the European Alps for the last three seasons. He has lived mostly in Colorado for nearly five years since migrating from the beaches of Florida. He has no intention of leaving the beautiful Rockies anytime soon. When not guiding, you can find him climbing in either Colorado or Utah, camping with friends, snowboarding, mountain biking 14ers, or sitting quietly next to a campfire. You can find his adventures on Instagram at @andrew.hamm.144.
