The ideal setup is trip dependent and often debated. Lately we’ve been leaving some of our bulky gear behind and have been hitting the road with a paired back swag and the Wilderness Equipment i Explore 3 tent.
At 2.1m long x 1.6m wide x 1.2m high the Wilderness Equipment i Explore 3 is roomy inside. It gives a welcome escape from the swag if the weather turns south or when we are settling in for a few days.
Although this is a traditional dome design, tents are not all the same. Wilderness Equipment build tents to withstand both the rigours of storm fronts and the degradation of time.
Wilderness Equipment began in Perth in the 1970s and have a reputation for durability. They have made equipment for the Australian Antarctic Division, and many commercial and outdoor education companies choose their products for their build quality.
The total Wilderness Equipment i Explore 3 tent weighs only 3.83 kg and packs down extremely small. The inner and outer come in separate bags, meaning that if the outer is wet from rain or heavy dew that it can be packed separately, keeping the inner dry.
We have the winter inner which is warmer and keeps out the dust. Also available is a summer inner, which is all mesh.
The poles are the highest quality 10.2mm 7071-T6 HT Aluminium. With the poles in place the inner quickly snaps up and into place.
The outer follows, quickly connecting with the inner. It connects to the cleverly designed feet that also handle pegging and pole connection duties.
Ventilation is key to both reduced dew and a good nights sleep. The Wilderness Equipment iExplore 3 handles this challenge well with two large vents at the peak of the dome. Wilderness Equipment has also designed the outer a little up off the ground to encourage additional ventilation through the gap and to complement this the inner tent has a high sided tub floor. The tub floor is fully waterproof and is far sturdier than most tents of this type.
Each side of the tent has a large vestibule – perfect for storing boots and other gear – out of the rain and out of sight.
With a small footprint we’ve been able to pitch the Wilderness Equipment i Explore 3 in some great campsites, and being so compact and light we’ve been loving the ease of travelling with this tent.
