GeerTop TOPWIND 1 Tent
Additional Information
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Click HERE to go to purchase page
According to the specs from GeerTop, the TOPWIND 1 tent has a gross weight of 1.9kgs. However, on our very sensitive kitchen scales, the whole tent together, including all the bags, pegs, guylines, straps, etc, comes to 1.846kgs.
So, our GeerTop tents include the whole kit and kaboodle in our specified weight, so no nasty surprises when you put one on your kitchen scales!
First impressions were very good. The TOPWIND 1 comes in a very neat, waterproof carry bag with compression straps and carrying strap, it also features a clip buckle roll top. There is also a buckle compression strap holding the rolled tent itself together. We specified that wanted quality tent pegs, and there are eight very nice looking, V-shape aluminium pegs which are anodised for greater corrosion resistance. Along with the tent pegs there are a couple of reflective guylines in the peg bag. Two aluminium alloy tent poles also come in their own bag. Here again, we specified that we wanted high quality aluminium alloy tent poles and this little tent features exactly that: High quality, 8mm ProFlex 7001-T6 aluminium alloy tent poles; these tent poles are shock-corded, strong and flexible, and also anodised for extra corrosion resistance.
The flysheet is made from 20D 360T 3000mm HH PU-coated ripstop nylon with taped seams and UV protection. The inner tent is mainly full 210T breathable polyester fabric with some nylon mesh, and the bathtub floor is 210T PU4000mm waterproof polyester. It has two, nice large entrances and reasonable storage space in the form of two vestibules. On first impressions the TOPWIND 1 tent is a very nice, high quality, 3/4 season tent.
All seams are taped to provide a fully waterproof seal at the stitching. All seams are double-stitched with reinforced box stitching at any potential stress points.
There are pitching instructions sewn into the carry bag - not that we expect you will need them with this tent. On first impressions the TOPWIND 1 tent is a very nice, high quality, three season tent.
The GeerTop TOPWIND 1 tent is free-standing once the poles are inserted - you can the pull the inner tent slightly tighter as you peg it down. The two quality ProFlex 7001-T6 aluminium alloy poles do a good job of providing internal space and the crossing poles form a very stable framework. In hot, fair weather conditions the (fully bug proof) inner tent can be used by itself without the flysheet if required.
This tent is a one person tent for people wanting a high quality, high performance tent that is not only incredibly practical, light enough to carry for hours on end when backpacking, but also spacious enough to provide some creature comfort.
The weights break down as follows:
Outer flysheet: 432 grams
Inner tent: 794 grams
ProFlex 7001-T6, shock-corded, aluminium alloy poles: 392 grams
Tent pegs & guylines: 124 grams (pegs: 92 grams)
Total: 1.742 kgs (3.83lbs)
Total with the carry bags and straps: 1.846kgs (4.05lbs)
Pack Size: 42cm x 15cm
All good so far, and on par with - or better than - the stated weight specifications.
So, our GeerTop tents include the whole kit and kaboodle in our specified weight, so no nasty surprises when you put one on your kitchen scales!
First impressions were very good. The TOPWIND 1 comes in a very neat, waterproof carry bag with compression straps and carrying strap, it also features a clip buckle roll top. There is also a buckle compression strap holding the rolled tent itself together. We specified that wanted quality tent pegs, and there are eight very nice looking, V-shape aluminium pegs which are anodised for greater corrosion resistance. Along with the tent pegs there are a couple of reflective guylines in the peg bag. Two aluminium alloy tent poles also come in their own bag. Here again, we specified that we wanted high quality aluminium alloy tent poles and this little tent features exactly that: High quality, 8mm ProFlex 7001-T6 aluminium alloy tent poles; these tent poles are shock-corded, strong and flexible, and also anodised for extra corrosion resistance.
The flysheet is made from 20D 360T 3000mm HH PU-coated ripstop nylon with taped seams and UV protection. The inner tent is mainly full 210T breathable polyester fabric with some nylon mesh, and the bathtub floor is 210T PU4000mm waterproof polyester. It has two, nice large entrances and reasonable storage space in the form of two vestibules. On first impressions the TOPWIND 1 tent is a very nice, high quality, 3/4 season tent.
All seams are taped to provide a fully waterproof seal at the stitching. All seams are double-stitched with reinforced box stitching at any potential stress points.
There are pitching instructions sewn into the carry bag - not that we expect you will need them with this tent. On first impressions the TOPWIND 1 tent is a very nice, high quality, three season tent.
The GeerTop TOPWIND 1 tent is free-standing once the poles are inserted - you can the pull the inner tent slightly tighter as you peg it down. The two quality ProFlex 7001-T6 aluminium alloy poles do a good job of providing internal space and the crossing poles form a very stable framework. In hot, fair weather conditions the (fully bug proof) inner tent can be used by itself without the flysheet if required.
This tent is a one person tent for people wanting a high quality, high performance tent that is not only incredibly practical, light enough to carry for hours on end when backpacking, but also spacious enough to provide some creature comfort.
The weights break down as follows:
Outer flysheet: 432 grams
Inner tent: 794 grams
ProFlex 7001-T6, shock-corded, aluminium alloy poles: 392 grams
Tent pegs & guylines: 124 grams (pegs: 92 grams)
Total: 1.742 kgs (3.83lbs)
Total with the carry bags and straps: 1.846kgs (4.05lbs)
Pack Size: 42cm x 15cm
All good so far, and on par with - or better than - the stated weight specifications.
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Anodised Aluminium Alloy V-Pegs
9mm x 9mm x 180mm, 11.5g each |
Tent Erection Instructions Sewn into Tent Bag
should you need them |
Geertop Topwind 1 Tent - Initial Set Up
I have to start by saying, we loved this tent straight out of the box, it really looks the part and exudes quality.
It erects incredibly quickly and easily, taking only a few minutes, and it feels truly spacious for a one man tent. In fact we have seen two man tents that seem to have less space than this lovely little tent. Now, we know the specs of the materials are good, we also know the build quality is good, but what we did not know until today was just how easy it is to erect: Lay out the inner tent on the ground, and after sliding together the alloy tent pole sections, carefully feed them through the mesh sleeves. Slot the pole ends into the metal eyelets on the four floor corner straps and the inner tent is immediately up and free-standing. Peg the inner tent down at the four corners, drape the flysheet over the top and clip it to the inner tent corner buckles and the tent is up. An absolute dream to erect. Once the flysheet is pegged out the tent is ready to use.
You will notice that this tent pitches inner first, which means that in foul weather the waterproof flysheet is last to go on, however the reality is that this little tent pitches so fast that this is not likely to be any great issue. And in our experience many flysheet first pitching small tents may sound great, but you then have to grovel around in the dirt or on the wet ground, on your hands and knees in order to attach the inner. Outer flysheet first pitching tents are fine if they are large or relatively spacious tents, with room to get undercover and big enough to comfortably hang the inner tent, but when it comes to very small, lightweight and ultralight tents then the practicality of flysheet first pitching does become somewhat debatable. Some small tents do pitch inner and outer as one (our new Whisper Tent for example) and certainly have their place when pitched in really foul weather, but of course, there are always other factors to consider.
The mesh pole sleeves travel for most of the length of the inner tent. We like this because it holds the shape of the inner tent much better than tents with just a couple of clips or ties that can allow the inner tent to sag in areas. Particularly important on some small tents, the full length mesh sleeves of the TOPWIND 1 eliminates and potential sagging areas and hence gives the tent a much roomier feel.
Please note: There are ties on the inner of the flysheet to secure it to the poles. This stops the flysheet moving out of alignment with the poles if it's a bit blowy.
It erects incredibly quickly and easily, taking only a few minutes, and it feels truly spacious for a one man tent. In fact we have seen two man tents that seem to have less space than this lovely little tent. Now, we know the specs of the materials are good, we also know the build quality is good, but what we did not know until today was just how easy it is to erect: Lay out the inner tent on the ground, and after sliding together the alloy tent pole sections, carefully feed them through the mesh sleeves. Slot the pole ends into the metal eyelets on the four floor corner straps and the inner tent is immediately up and free-standing. Peg the inner tent down at the four corners, drape the flysheet over the top and clip it to the inner tent corner buckles and the tent is up. An absolute dream to erect. Once the flysheet is pegged out the tent is ready to use.
You will notice that this tent pitches inner first, which means that in foul weather the waterproof flysheet is last to go on, however the reality is that this little tent pitches so fast that this is not likely to be any great issue. And in our experience many flysheet first pitching small tents may sound great, but you then have to grovel around in the dirt or on the wet ground, on your hands and knees in order to attach the inner. Outer flysheet first pitching tents are fine if they are large or relatively spacious tents, with room to get undercover and big enough to comfortably hang the inner tent, but when it comes to very small, lightweight and ultralight tents then the practicality of flysheet first pitching does become somewhat debatable. Some small tents do pitch inner and outer as one (our new Whisper Tent for example) and certainly have their place when pitched in really foul weather, but of course, there are always other factors to consider.
The mesh pole sleeves travel for most of the length of the inner tent. We like this because it holds the shape of the inner tent much better than tents with just a couple of clips or ties that can allow the inner tent to sag in areas. Particularly important on some small tents, the full length mesh sleeves of the TOPWIND 1 eliminates and potential sagging areas and hence gives the tent a much roomier feel.
Please note: There are ties on the inner of the flysheet to secure it to the poles. This stops the flysheet moving out of alignment with the poles if it's a bit blowy.
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From the above photos, you will see the TOPWIND 1 is free-standing once the poles are inserted - you can the pull the inner tent slightly tighter as you peg it down. The two aluminium alloy poles do a good job of providing internal space and the crossing poles form a very stable framework.
You will also see my large 65 litre rucksack does just fit inside the flysheet, with plenty of space for boots and other bits the other side. Of course, if you carry a smaller pack, then you will have storage space to spare. In the last photo you can see my folding sleeping pad. This pad is 183cm x 57cm, so you can see how much extra space is afforded within the inner tent. The angle of the alloy poles means that the inner tent does not come down too shallow at the head, foot or sides, so even though the floor is only 90cm wide it does not feel particularly cramped. Internal head height of 100cm at the centre point allows most people to comfortably sit up. The TOPWIND 1 is nice and bright and does feel deceptively big and airy for a one person tent. In feet and inches I'm 5'11" and the length was extremely good for me, with around 6-7 inches to spare. So it should certainly be quite adequate for anyone up to around 6'3"/6'4".
The inner tent is primarily breathable polyester fabric, with two mesh triangles right in the middle at the top to allow air flow. The inner tent, like the flysheet, has a large entrance either side, and what is nice is that each door is a double door - that is, each door has both a full polyester and a full bug mesh fabric. Hence you can either open just the full polyester door and leave the bug mesh door closed, open both or have both closed. This is great for both air circulation and heat control, and indeed can provide extra privacy. There are also two vents at the top of the flysheet that can be propped open. We did notice that the flysheet does appear to touch the inner tent near the bottom at the head and foot ends, but as it is right at the base and is only actually touching the waterproof bathtub floor, we don't see this being an issue.
Our tent only weighs 1.846kgs, and that is including all the various bags, pegs, guylines and the main storage bag which itself features a handy carry strap and compression straps. Our Superlite 150mm x 3mm, 5g titanium tent pegs would halve the weight of the included alloy tent pegs should you feel the need to further lighten the load. Yes, there are lighter solo backpacking tents available, but they are normally considerably more expensive and will certainly not have the nice touches, such as the all fabric inner with double doors that feature on the TOPWIND 1. All in all, we feel that this lightweight 1 person, 3/4 season tent is going to be a very hard tent to better in this weight/price range.
We have since spent various weekends camping with both the PYRAMID tent and the TOPWIND 1 tent along with all of our kit, with no issues to speak of. I have personally also taken the slightly lighter BLAZER tent on a 10 day hike in wales, and it performed faultlessly, which we do feel bodes well for all GeerTop tents.
The TOPWIND 1 is super-easy and fast to erect. With decent size vestibules either side, this little tent provided space for pack and dirty boots underneath the flysheet. There was plenty of sleeping area, and with the full polyester inner tent, this little tent was quite cosy.
You will also see my large 65 litre rucksack does just fit inside the flysheet, with plenty of space for boots and other bits the other side. Of course, if you carry a smaller pack, then you will have storage space to spare. In the last photo you can see my folding sleeping pad. This pad is 183cm x 57cm, so you can see how much extra space is afforded within the inner tent. The angle of the alloy poles means that the inner tent does not come down too shallow at the head, foot or sides, so even though the floor is only 90cm wide it does not feel particularly cramped. Internal head height of 100cm at the centre point allows most people to comfortably sit up. The TOPWIND 1 is nice and bright and does feel deceptively big and airy for a one person tent. In feet and inches I'm 5'11" and the length was extremely good for me, with around 6-7 inches to spare. So it should certainly be quite adequate for anyone up to around 6'3"/6'4".
The inner tent is primarily breathable polyester fabric, with two mesh triangles right in the middle at the top to allow air flow. The inner tent, like the flysheet, has a large entrance either side, and what is nice is that each door is a double door - that is, each door has both a full polyester and a full bug mesh fabric. Hence you can either open just the full polyester door and leave the bug mesh door closed, open both or have both closed. This is great for both air circulation and heat control, and indeed can provide extra privacy. There are also two vents at the top of the flysheet that can be propped open. We did notice that the flysheet does appear to touch the inner tent near the bottom at the head and foot ends, but as it is right at the base and is only actually touching the waterproof bathtub floor, we don't see this being an issue.
Our tent only weighs 1.846kgs, and that is including all the various bags, pegs, guylines and the main storage bag which itself features a handy carry strap and compression straps. Our Superlite 150mm x 3mm, 5g titanium tent pegs would halve the weight of the included alloy tent pegs should you feel the need to further lighten the load. Yes, there are lighter solo backpacking tents available, but they are normally considerably more expensive and will certainly not have the nice touches, such as the all fabric inner with double doors that feature on the TOPWIND 1. All in all, we feel that this lightweight 1 person, 3/4 season tent is going to be a very hard tent to better in this weight/price range.
We have since spent various weekends camping with both the PYRAMID tent and the TOPWIND 1 tent along with all of our kit, with no issues to speak of. I have personally also taken the slightly lighter BLAZER tent on a 10 day hike in wales, and it performed faultlessly, which we do feel bodes well for all GeerTop tents.
The TOPWIND 1 is super-easy and fast to erect. With decent size vestibules either side, this little tent provided space for pack and dirty boots underneath the flysheet. There was plenty of sleeping area, and with the full polyester inner tent, this little tent was quite cosy.
