Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 is a popular choice among backpackers and campers who value lightweight gear. This tent is designed for 2 people and weighs only 1.27 kg, making it one of the lightest tents in its class. But is it durable and comfortable enough to be your go-to shelter in the backcountry? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2. If you want to go fast and light, this is a great tent option for you!
Design and Features
The Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 is a freestanding tent with a two-pole design. The poles are made of DAC Featherlite NSL, which is a high-quality aluminum alloy that provides strength and stability. The tent is also equipped with DAC J-stakes, which are lightweight and hold up well in a variety of terrains.
The tent body is made of 20D nylon ripstop, which is durable and has a high tear strength. The floor is made of 30D nylon ripstop with a silicone coating, which provides added durability and waterproofing. The rainfly is made of 20D nylon ripstop with a silicone coating and a hydrostatic head of 1,200mm, which means it can withstand moderate rain.
One of the unique features of the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 is the “Exo-Skeleton” design. This design provides increased stability and interior space by connecting the poles to the tent body at multiple points. It also creates a more aerodynamic shape, which can be helpful in windy conditions.
The tent has two doors and two vestibules, which provide ample space for gear storage and entry/exit. The doors are designed to be wide and easy to use, with double zippers that can be opened from the top or bottom. The vestibules are also large enough to store gear and cooking equipment.
Performance
The Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 performs well in a variety of conditions. It is easy to set up, even for one person, and can be pitched in tight spaces. The Exo-Skeleton design provides added stability, which can be helpful in windy conditions. The tent also has good ventilation, with mesh panels on the doors and ceiling that provide airflow and reduce condensation.
In terms of comfort, the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 is spacious enough for two people to sleep comfortably. The tent has a peak height of 100cm, which provides ample headroom. The vestibules also provide added space for gear storage and cooking.
One potential downside of the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 is its limited vestibule headroom. The vestibules slope down towards the ground, which can make it difficult to sit up or move around in them. This can be a minor inconvenience for some campers, but it’s something to consider if you plan to spend a lot of time in the vestibules.
Availability
The AR ultralite 2 tent has been discontinued by mountain equipment, but you might still find it used. When buying a used tent it is really important to check its condition thoroughly before purchasing. There are several other lightweight backpacking tents on the market that are similar to the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 and may be better options depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few examples:
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: This tent is very similar to the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 in terms of weight and size, but offers a few extra features that some users may find useful. For example, it has a slightly higher peak height of 102cm, which provides more headroom, and comes with a gear loft and a media pocket. It also has a higher hydrostatic head of 1,200-1,500mm, which means it can withstand heavier rain. The Copper Spur HV UL2 is slightly more expensive than the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2, but may be a better option if you value these extra features.
- NEMO Hornet Elite 2P: The NEMO Hornet Elite 2P is another lightweight tent that is similar in size and weight to the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2. It has a peak height of 96cm, which is slightly lower than the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2, but still provides enough headroom for most users. The Hornet Elite 2P is also designed with a unique “Flybar” pole system that provides extra stability in windy conditions. This tent is slightly more expensive
Conclusion
Overall, the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 is a lightweight and versatile tent that performs well in a variety of conditions. It is easy to set up, provides ample space for two people, and has a durable design that can withstand moderate rain and wind. The Exo-Skeleton design provides added stability, which can be helpful in windy conditions. While the vestibules have limited headroom, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall benefits of the tent. If you’re looking for a lightweight and durable tent for your next backpacking or camping trip and you can still find one, the Mountain Equipment AR Ultralite 2 is definitely worth considering.