Exped Polaris and Nemo Tenshi single-wall tents
Often, new gear falls into one of two categories: An improvement on an older, proven design, or an innovative new approach that has yet to stand the test of time. In the case of the new Exped Polaris ($619, four pounds, 14 ounces minimum weight) and Nemo Tenshi ($675, four pounds, 15 ounces minimum weight) tents, each falls into a different category, despite the use of a common fabric. Both utilize the lightweight and highly breathable fabric, eVent, which keeps weight to a minimum on these two-person, four-season tents while allowing for versatility
in design and innovation.
This past spring in western Colorado proved to be a good testing ground for the fabric as the prevailing conditions tended to be wet and warm. On spring skiing excursions I alternated use of these two tents and found the performance of the eVent fabric for single-wall structures to be as good as any other single-wall material I had used, and better than most.
The Tenshi clearly fits in the former of the above-mentioned categories, expanding and improving on the Bibler I-Tent’s legendary design, which is exceedingly simple, yet very strong, and emphasizes minimizing weight and footprint. More than once, however, I’ve been left wondering why I even bothered to zip my I-Tent when as soon as I open the door I would find a pile of snow in my lap. The Tenshi’s retractable vestibule efficiently rectifies this issue. Another simple yet effective Tenshi feature is the condensation curtain. This light, 40-denier-nylon curtain hangs near your shoulders, sealing off the remainder of the tent from the water vapor you respirate while sleeping. An optional, removable, insulated floor covers the tent’s entire floor, held in place by the poles, making living space much more comfortable during expedition use.

Exped’s Polaris, in contrast, slots squarely in the latter category. Utilizing a unique pole sleeve and tensioning system, Exped has engineered a freestanding tube tent that delivers a great weight savings given the tent’s overall size. If ever you think you might be cramming three people into a two-person tent for an alpine objective, this would be your tent of choice. A generous, permanent vestibule augments the interior space.
The tent tends to sag inward on the sides, however, unless you take time to guy them out. An optional pole fits on the inside to act as a third hoop and spreads the sag in the middle. Also, the tent’s footprint would require you to chop a sizable ledge, in the event you had to do so. And while the continuous pole sleeves and tensioning system make the tent a breeze to set up, they can be a touch difficult to remove when it comes time to strike the tent, especially when temperatures drop below freezing after you have set it up.
Both of these tents provide great value in the realm of single-wall shelter. Whether you prefer the proven or the innovative, that’s your choice. What you’re sure to get from both is lightweight, durable shelter for big alpine objectives.
— Jeff Hollenbaugh
Exped/Outdoor Research: 888.467.4327, www.orgear.com
Nemo: 603.881.9353, www.nemoequipment.com