The NatureHike Mongar 2 Ultralight tent offers a compelling blend of ultralight backpacking design and innovative features at a competitive price. This upgraded version of the popular Mongar 2 shaves off significant weight, dropping from 4.7 lbs to a remarkable 3.3 lbs, while adding key improvements that enhance both comfort and functionality. A built-in groundsheet provides extra protection, and the standout feature is a fully integrated awning, created using trekking poles, offering considerable shaded space for cooking or relaxing. Constructed with durable sil-nylon, the Mongar 2 UL prioritizes lightweight strength and waterproofing.This review delves into the details of the Mongar 2 Ultralight, examining its performance in various weather conditions and highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. We'll explore the benefits of the sil-nylon construction, assess the practicality of the integrated awning, and consider the impact of the bathtub floor design on ventilation. We'll also compare its price point to similar tents on the market and ultimately determine whether the Mongar 2 Ultralight delivers on its promise of a high-quality, ultralight backpacking experience.
Pros And Cons
- Weighs only 3.3 lbs
- Includes a ground sheet
- Has an awning feature
- Two doors
- Four pockets
- Hanging line inside
- Aggressive bathtub floor for weather protection
- Easy setup and breakdown
- Good air flow in cool conditions
- 100% waterproof
- Performs well in strong winds
- Aggressive bathtub floor limits airflow in hot conditions
- Heavy ground sheet (almost a pound)
- Non-adjustable stakeout points make setup difficult on uneven terrain
- Not truly ultralight (over 3 lbs)
- Significant fabric at the bottom reduces airflow
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The Mongar 2: A Lightweight Budget Tent Champion
For years, the NatureHike Mongar 2 has been a favorite among budget-conscious backpackers seeking high-quality materials and performance. Its sil-nylon construction offers superior strength, lightweight properties, and excellent waterproofing compared to typical polyester tents. The Mongar 2 is a three-season, two-person tent that boasts impressive features for its price point, consistently selling for between $99 and $143 depending on the color.
Sil-nylon is a key differentiator. It's stronger and lighter than polyester, allowing for better packability while still providing excellent waterproof protection. Many high-end tent brands lag behind in material choices, using cheaper polyester and charging exorbitant prices, making the Mongar 2 a compelling alternative.
Introducing the Mongar 2 Ultralight: Lighter, Smarter, and with an Awning!
NatureHike has recently launched the Mongar 2 Ultralight, a significant upgrade to its popular predecessor. Weighing in at just 3.3 lbs, it's a remarkable 1.4 lbs lighter than the original 4.7 lbs Mongar 2. But the weight reduction isn't the only improvement; this ultralight version includes a built-in groundsheet and a surprising, innovative feature: an integrated awning.
The inclusion of a groundsheet adds protection and enhances the tent's versatility. This ultralight version isn't just about shedding weight; it's about enhancing the overall user experience with practical additions like the unique awning.
Tent Features and Setup
The Mongar 2 Ultralight boasts several impressive features: two doors, four mesh pockets (two at each end and two at the top), a hanging line for lights or gear, and a highly raised bathtub floor for excellent weather protection. The setup is straightforward, with a clear pole structure and easy-to-use clips.
The aggressive bathtub floor, while offering excellent protection against rain splashback, also reduces airflow, making it less suitable for hot and humid conditions. The tent's abundant mesh compensates to a degree, but the fabric floor remains a notable consideration for warm-weather campers.
The Innovative Awning System
The most striking feature is the fully integrated awning, created by utilizing trekking poles or sticks to extend the doors. This is a unique design, unlike the partial awnings found on most tents. It offers significant additional shaded space, perfect for cooking or relaxing out of direct sunlight.
While the awning excels in providing shade, its functionality in heavy rain isn't explicitly addressed. Additionally, the limited space might restrict use beyond a simple cooking area or quick shelter.
Specifications and Price
The Mongar 2 Ultralight is a three-season, two-person tent available in khaki and gray. It features a 15D nylon fly (3000 mm hydrostatic head), a 20D nylon floor (1500 mm hydrostatic head), and a 15D mesh inner tent. The included groundsheet is a 210T polyester.
The retail price is $200 for the two-person version and $169 for the one-person version. This compares favorably to other high-end tents but is slightly more expensive than the original Mongar 2, which ranges from $99-$143.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The NatureHike Mongar 2 Ultralight is a well-made, lightweight tent with a fantastic awning. It performs exceptionally well in rain and wind, offering a solid balance of protection and portability. The included groundsheet is a welcome addition, but its weight could be optimized.
However, the significant fabric section at the bottom limits airflow, making it less than ideal for hot and humid conditions. The non-adjustable stakeout points are also a significant drawback, hindering setup on uneven terrain. Despite these minor issues, the Mongar 2 UL offers excellent value for its price point, particularly for cooler conditions or those prioritizing its innovative awning.