Nemo Morpho AR
Instead of the traditional poles that most tents use, Nemo's Morpho AR utilizes inflatable airbeams (with an included foot pump) to support the tent in windy weather. In the worst winds, the airbeams flex, but instead of breaking, they snap back into place. A video posted on www.pbskids.org demonstrates the Morpho AR's wind resistance by strapping the tent to the top of a car and running it up to 50 mph with no detrimental effect to the wind structure.
The North Face Mountain 25
The North Face Mountain 25 ($499 as of 2010) is built to stand up to gale forces. Built with the sturdiest aluminum alloys and ripstop fabrics, the Mountain 25 features continuous pole sleeves and reinforced construction for added strength. A review of the Mountain 25 on www.camping-tent-reviews.com stated that "The best aspect of this 2 person, 4 season backpacking tent is its tried and tested ability to withstand the worst of mountain storms," and that regardless of weather, location or altitude, "you can rest assured that you will be safe and secure."
Mountain Hardwear Taurine 2
Built with extreme winds in mind, Mountain Hardware's Taurine 2 tent features a light, durable Atlas 7001 pole system, which the website claims is a "heat treated aluminum alloy with a yield strength of 83,000 psi." A 70D nylon canopy and an efficient pole geometry round it out as a stable hideaway when the weather gets windy. Kelly Bastone, a gear reviewer with Backpacker Magazine, reported that the Taurine 2 held up against "ripping winds" in Alaska "thanks to four-season stability and large-diameter poles", and noted its ability to "handle horrid conditions."
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
