Thanks for the review. My son and I used the Mongar 2 for the first time on 9/16/23 on an overnight backpacking trip in the Texas desert. We timed it perfectly. It rained on the hike in and while we set up camp. You can set this tent up with a footprint and fly first, then the tent, keeping everything dry. The weather cleared up, and temps shot up to around 90. I agree this is a warm-weather tent. Airflow was excellent through the night; when we woke, it looked like it had rained again from all the dew. The tent kept my son and I completely dry. My wife and son's girlfriend stayed just as comfortable with our MSR Carbon Reflex 3, but it cost much more money. Very happy with the tent.
@@OneOldManRiding if it’s cold, I’d recommend a warmer rated goose down quilt or bag, over a more enclosed tent - when we were children it was quite normal for the baby to be tucked up well in the pram and the pram to be left outside under shelter, even in winter. The fresh air is good for you, providing you’re well tucked up, but an enclosed tent substantially increases condensation, which is less desireable. Being well tucked up eg in a suitable quality quilt-enabled hammock and under an otherwise quite open tarp is great, but can equally be miserable if you don’t invest in a decent under and top quilt - the ‘coldness’ of the air has no impact if you get the insulation right. A windproof layer is easy to add if it’s windier than ideal. 👍🏻
FRANK !!! - Another great review. Glad to hear the details - That will help a ton of people. I'm with you though - I love my one man tent - It does everything I need. Big enough, light, and packs down very small... Cheers !!!
Just what I needed for the subtropical climate here in Aus, great ventilation, you can never have to much ventilation, I bought this tent to replace my very warm 3 season tent that I used to cook in, looking forward to the warmer weather so I wont need to use the rain fly & can look at the stars tucked up in bed.
Hello Yeti, we do have very different climates. DO you have a cool season where you are? Here, on the east coast of the USA, leaving the rainfly off is almost a guarantee it will rain, despite the weather report being 0% chance. - Frank
Cold here is an occasional -2C at sunrise & might get those temps for maybe a week a year if we are unlucky unless I go further down south, so we leave the southern riding & camping for the warmer times, I understand your comments for your climate as Ive spent many a winters day in North Dakota & Alaska working, call me soft but I couldn't imagine camping in that weather 🥶
I'm in Brisbane QLD . Was wondering if you thought this tent was worth a look for me . Some times it's just me but do take a friend along when they can .
I love mine ! *Never go motorcycle camping with a tent that has one vestibule* The two vestibule design allows one for boots and jackets (often wet) also one for cooking
I had a friend use one of these at a disperse campsite out in Bankhead National Forest. Since we were in the woods just off the road with nothing but oaks there was a ample supply of oak leaves. He brushed those back to bare earth set up his tent and used those leaves to go fil in that gap around the tent. Said it worked perfect. My concern was that I would rarely be somewhere with ample leaves etc to put up against the tent. Great tent. But not w cold weather tent for me.
Hello Dave, IMHO it's a mistake for the tent to be listed as a 3 season / 4 season tent. Build quality is excellent, the price is very good. I just feel some poor fellow is going to buy this and find he is FREEZING like I did if he reads the description on the website. I am using a tent recommended by ADV Matt, a Bessport. IMHO it's a much more flexible tent. I have camped in cool weather, and over ninety without any real discomfort. - Frank
The Cloud River 2 has more solid sides. Personally, I think the Mongar 2 is excellent in 3 seasons, and passable in cold weather, so are most tents, you can easily counter by wearing better gear and having a decent sleep system.
I have that tent and love it. When I camp with my husband or bike-camp (with a bike trailer), I also use the add-on vestibule. My bike trailer will fit in it with room to spare, and gives more space to cook in when it’s pouring down rain. I live in So TX, and that ventilation is critical for most of the year to stay comfortable and control condensation. I’ve camped in it down to freezing temps at night, and had no issues with staying warm, but I wouldn’t camp in it in February (our “real” winter).
I'm in UK and saved up to get this tent, I needed to down-weight my load as I motorcycle camp with friends, I'm 6ft 5ins/220Ibs and need room to move in a tent. The UK is constantly humid and constant rain so you beed ventilation to avoid condensation (if you breath🤣), I found this tent the best I've used so far and with it I have the extension, only big issue with extension is it does badly condensate as only single skinned. I have a few tips on using this tent, get the draw straps as tight as you can and install all the guided ropes tightly as well, this brings the outer tent closer to the ground so possibly less draughting, and lastly the crossbar on frame needs to be Over the main bar.
Thanks for this review. Looks like a good product. Ventilation is king so long as it stays dry. Otherwise, condensation will be an issue, and you will get a bit wet from that. I can layer up for the cold but too hot is hard to deal with. This would be a very long single season tent for me. I guess size and weight are measures you need to consider for your particular use case. You don't need ultralight for moto camping. If I were shopping for a new tent, this one would be on the short list for me.
Hello Rob, I just felt that in the cold and rain, I was too exposed to the elements in this tent. It would be ideal for truly hot nights though. I like a tent that I can tighten down and avoid the elements if I need to, this one was going to be ventilated, allowing that rain and cold in no matter what i did. - Frank
Very detailed review Frank. I know that you tried it also in March, because I watched all those "wild boys" videos. :) Definitely well worth the money. OK, heavy rain affects everything in my opinion. Keep going Frank.
Nice spacious tent. Should also be cool in the summer. I missed how much it weighs. Too much space??? I could see if you were worried it took up too much bike storage. Tents should only be 1 season. Use cc any other times. 🤣
Hello Tim, it is 4.7 lbs.I think it would be a great hot weather tent. It really is large IMHO for a moto camping tent. I do not need the space, so why carry the weight and take up the space? - Frank
Not sure if you have the proper sleeping gear for the colder weather. I have tested mine down to 29 degrees F. I was quite toasty. Yes, airy, indeed. But my "sleep system" is quite capable for the cold. I agree, that the fly is up off the ground, but, it does have great ventlation and outstanding condensation control. Where I disagree a bit, is at the 3 person capability My son and I have used it, both of us are approximately 6'2", I'm 185lbs, he is not as dainty at 225lbs. I see no way for another person in there. The size of the inside is like a queen size bead. I've had my air mattress on a queen size bed to check for an accurate size to tell people that are interested. I also have the vestibule. It's quite handy. I use this tent for hiking/bike packing. Love the "excess" room. I use a double air matress, it is 50"x78" and fits just right. It is an outstanding value, as you say. You are very accurate in your evaluation of this product. But, as you are used to more compact accomodations, I understand your difficulty. Great review! 2 thumbbzzz up!
With a heat index of 127 (yesterday) and near that for two months, I _think_ I'll take a tent that is as breezy as I can get. Do they still make springs and falls? I ain't gonna put any money down on it. Thanks Frank. All my questions answered, well presented. I like the laurels particularly. S
Hello Stuart, they do make spring and fall, however, they are against the law in Louisianna. You will need to get on the 390 and head NORTH. Probably at least 300 miles. Better go 500 to be safe. - Frank
I’m sorry that you feel that the tent inside is to big, maybe a 1 man tent is more your thing. I’ve camped in British Columbia (yep that’s Canada) from early May right through to late October in this tent and honestly I’ve never found it cold - the great airflow prevents condensation forming inside the tent and I’ve never woken up to a dripping fly sheet!.
Hello Mike, British Columbia? I am on the east coast, Canada is New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario! (I kid, I kid). I should try the one man. The ventilation would be ideal for a humid night, as you said. I only used it on the colder months, and I should have tried it in summer. It's incredibly well made at any price, and a steal at what they charge. Thank you for stopping by and commenting! - Frank
I went with a cloud up 3 over the mongar 2 cause I was worried about the mongar being too cold and when it rained since the inner tent is all mesh and fly has gap like you talk about
Nice, thorough review. Seems like great value in that tent. I used a 1 man tent up until this year and I’m still getting used to all the extra room. It’s nice to not have to contort myself so much when changing clothes (the biggest reason I wanted more room) but I miss the smaller pack size.
As for me I see a 3-season tent with this much mesh as a late May or early June tent thru September maybe. Now if you want a tent for something for March or April, I suggest a 3/4 season tent that has much less mesh and more material, but still keeping the rain fly the way it is for ventilation. The additional cloth material around the mesh should cut about 1/3 to 1/2 of the cold to a minimum or just use a 3/4 season tent for those early months. Just pay attention to how you are going to use your tent and when. It's like that old saying you don't want to take a knife to a gun fight. Use some common sense and good forward-looking planning for your adventure... 3 season to me is mid spring May-Sept.
Hello Bob, fair comment. This tent is very popular and from the reviews I have seen, works well for most folks. Just sharing my opinion, I never claim to be right! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! - Frank
Thanks for the review. My son and I used the Mongar 2 for the first time on 9/16/23 on an overnight backpacking trip in the Texas desert. We timed it perfectly. It rained on the hike in and while we set up camp. You can set this tent up with a footprint and fly first, then the tent, keeping everything dry. The weather cleared up, and temps shot up to around 90. I agree this is a warm-weather tent. Airflow was excellent through the night; when we woke, it looked like it had rained again from all the dew. The tent kept my son and I completely dry. My wife and son's girlfriend stayed just as comfortable with our MSR Carbon Reflex 3, but it cost much more money. Very happy with the tent.
Hello Geo, a family camping trip, that's awesome! - Frank
Your comments about Cold Wx and this tent are 🎯
The cross piece should lay on top of the main long pole, according to the instructions. Great tent.
Hello, it's certainly a quality made product, just a tad breezy for cold nights here! Thanks for stopping by! - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding if it’s cold, I’d recommend a warmer rated goose down quilt or bag, over a more enclosed tent - when we were children it was quite normal for the baby to be tucked up well in the pram and the pram to be left outside under shelter, even in winter. The fresh air is good for you, providing you’re well tucked up, but an enclosed tent substantially increases condensation, which is less desireable. Being well tucked up eg in a suitable quality quilt-enabled hammock and under an otherwise quite open tarp is great, but can equally be miserable if you don’t invest in a decent under and top quilt - the ‘coldness’ of the air has no impact if you get the insulation right. A windproof layer is easy to add if it’s windier than ideal. 👍🏻
FRANK !!! - Another great review. Glad to hear the details - That will help a ton of people. I'm with you though - I love my one man tent - It does everything I need. Big enough, light, and packs down very small... Cheers !!!
Hello Obi-Wan, day 6 in a 1P tent tonight! Been treating me well! - Frank
Just what I needed for the subtropical climate here in Aus, great ventilation, you can never have to much ventilation, I bought this tent to replace my very warm 3 season tent that I used to cook in, looking forward to the warmer weather so I wont need to use the rain fly & can look at the stars tucked up in bed.
Hello Yeti, we do have very different climates. DO you have a cool season where you are? Here, on the east coast of the USA, leaving the rainfly off is almost a guarantee it will rain, despite the weather report being 0% chance. - Frank
Cold here is an occasional -2C at sunrise & might get those temps for maybe a week a year if we are unlucky unless I go further down south, so we leave the southern riding & camping for the warmer times, I understand your comments for your climate as Ive spent many a winters day in North Dakota & Alaska working, call me soft but I couldn't imagine camping in that weather 🥶
I'm in Brisbane QLD . Was wondering if you thought this tent was worth a look for me . Some times it's just me but do take a friend along when they can .
I love mine !
*Never go motorcycle camping with a tent that has one vestibule*
The two vestibule design allows one for boots and jackets (often wet) also one for cooking
I had a friend use one of these at a disperse campsite out in Bankhead National Forest. Since we were in the woods just off the road with nothing but oaks there was a ample supply of oak leaves. He brushed those back to bare earth set up his tent and used those leaves to go fil in that gap around the tent. Said it worked perfect. My concern was that I would rarely be somewhere with ample leaves etc to put up against the tent. Great tent. But not w cold weather tent for me.
Hello Dave, IMHO it's a mistake for the tent to be listed as a 3 season / 4 season tent. Build quality is excellent, the price is very good. I just feel some poor fellow is going to buy this and find he is FREEZING like I did if he reads the description on the website. I am using a tent recommended by ADV Matt, a Bessport. IMHO it's a much more flexible tent. I have camped in cool weather, and over ninety without any real discomfort. - Frank
The Cloud River 2 has more solid sides. Personally, I think the Mongar 2 is excellent in 3 seasons, and passable in cold weather, so are most tents, you can easily counter by wearing better gear and having a decent sleep system.
I have that tent and love it. When I camp with my husband or bike-camp (with a bike trailer), I also use the add-on vestibule. My bike trailer will fit in it with room to spare, and gives more space to cook in when it’s pouring down rain. I live in So TX, and that ventilation is critical for most of the year to stay comfortable and control condensation. I’ve camped in it down to freezing temps at night, and had no issues with staying warm, but I wouldn’t camp in it in February (our “real” winter).
I'm in UK and saved up to get this tent, I needed to down-weight my load as I motorcycle camp with friends, I'm 6ft 5ins/220Ibs and need room to move in a tent. The UK is constantly humid and constant rain so you beed ventilation to avoid condensation (if you breath🤣), I found this tent the best I've used so far and with it I have the extension, only big issue with extension is it does badly condensate as only single skinned.
I have a few tips on using this tent, get the draw straps as tight as you can and install all the guided ropes tightly as well, this brings the outer tent closer to the ground so possibly less draughting, and lastly the crossbar on frame needs to be Over the main bar.
quality review, and you confirmed my assumptions.
Hello Rock, Thank you for watching and commenting! - Frank
You did a pretty good job of selling it. Ha. I kinda want one now.
Hello Ron, take a look at the Bessport 2P tent. I found it superior for less $$$$
amzn.to/3sja0vb
Thanks for this review. Looks like a good product. Ventilation is king so long as it stays dry. Otherwise, condensation will be an issue, and you will get a bit wet from that. I can layer up for the cold but too hot is hard to deal with. This would be a very long single season tent for me. I guess size and weight are measures you need to consider for your particular use case. You don't need ultralight for moto camping. If I were shopping for a new tent, this one would be on the short list for me.
ROB !!!
Hello Rob, I just felt that in the cold and rain, I was too exposed to the elements in this tent. It would be ideal for truly hot nights though. I like a tent that I can tighten down and avoid the elements if I need to, this one was going to be ventilated, allowing that rain and cold in no matter what i did. - Frank
Very detailed review Frank. I know that you tried it also in March, because I watched all those "wild boys" videos. :) Definitely well worth the money. OK, heavy rain affects everything in my opinion. Keep going Frank.
Hello Gregor, I am catching up on your videos now that I am back from vacation. Hoping you get to try more classic bikes in the future. - Frank
@@OneOldManRiding Cool. I hope that you had fun there. Yes, I am. I am about to ride a very classic Honda. :)
Nice spacious tent. Should also be cool in the summer. I missed how much it weighs. Too much space??? I could see if you were worried it took up too much bike storage. Tents should only be 1 season. Use cc any other times. 🤣
Hello Tim, it is 4.7 lbs.I think it would be a great hot weather tent. It really is large IMHO for a moto camping tent. I do not need the space, so why carry the weight and take up the space? - Frank
Good review I wanted to know if it is well vented you answered that for thank you.
Not sure if you have the proper sleeping gear for the colder weather. I have tested mine down to 29 degrees F. I was quite toasty. Yes, airy, indeed. But my "sleep system" is quite capable for the cold. I agree, that the fly is up off the ground, but, it does have great ventlation and outstanding condensation control. Where I disagree a bit, is at the 3 person capability My son and I have used it, both of us are approximately 6'2", I'm 185lbs, he is not as dainty at 225lbs. I see no way for another person in there. The size of the inside is like a queen size bead. I've had my air mattress on a queen size bed to check for an accurate size to tell people that are interested. I also have the vestibule. It's quite handy. I use this tent for hiking/bike packing. Love the "excess" room. I use a double air matress, it is 50"x78" and fits just right. It is an outstanding value, as you say. You are very accurate in your evaluation of this product. But, as you are used to more compact accomodations, I understand your difficulty. Great review! 2 thumbbzzz up!
With a heat index of 127 (yesterday) and near that for two months, I _think_ I'll take a tent that is as breezy as I can get.
Do they still make springs and falls? I ain't gonna put any money down on it.
Thanks Frank. All my questions answered, well presented. I like the laurels particularly.
S
Hello Stuart, they do make spring and fall, however, they are against the law in Louisianna. You will need to get on the 390 and head NORTH. Probably at least 300 miles. Better go 500 to be safe. - Frank
I’m sorry that you feel that the tent inside is to big, maybe a 1 man tent is more your thing. I’ve camped in British Columbia (yep that’s Canada) from early May right through to late October in this tent and honestly I’ve never found it cold - the great airflow prevents condensation forming inside the tent and I’ve never woken up to a dripping fly sheet!.
Hello Mike, British Columbia? I am on the east coast, Canada is New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario! (I kid, I kid). I should try the one man. The ventilation would be ideal for a humid night, as you said. I only used it on the colder months, and I should have tried it in summer. It's incredibly well made at any price, and a steal at what they charge. Thank you for stopping by and commenting! - Frank
I went with a cloud up 3 over the mongar 2 cause I was worried about the mongar being too cold and when it rained since the inner tent is all mesh and fly has gap like you talk about
I just placed an order for the tent plus vestibule and your video showed up ...
Nice, thorough review. Seems like great value in that tent. I used a 1 man tent up until this year and I’m still getting used to all the extra room. It’s nice to not have to contort myself so much when changing clothes (the biggest reason I wanted more room) but I miss the smaller pack size.
RT !!!!
Hello Andrew, thank you. I recently tried the Bessport 2P and liked it more. Still, I am a 1P tent guy! - Frank
Obi-Wan!
Great review..looks like good quality but how much does it weigh?
Hello Gabriel, its 4.7 lbs. Not too heavy, but not one for backpacking! - Frank
As for me I see a 3-season tent with this much mesh as a late May or early June tent thru September maybe. Now if you want a tent for something for March or April, I suggest a 3/4 season tent that has much less mesh and more material, but still keeping the rain fly the way it is for ventilation. The additional cloth material around the mesh should cut about 1/3 to 1/2 of the cold to a minimum or just use a 3/4 season tent for those early months. Just pay attention to how you are going to use your tent and when. It's like that old saying you don't want to take a knife to a gun fight. Use some common sense and good forward-looking planning for your adventure... 3 season to me is mid spring May-Sept.
50% smaller: You should have a look at the naturehike vik 2!
I just looked at them on Amazon. I could only take my helmet inside with the 1P! - Frank
Meh, whiney overthinking review, - I love this tent and have used it in all conditions except extreme winter, It's awesome - end of story
Hello Bob, fair comment. This tent is very popular and from the reviews I have seen, works well for most folks. Just sharing my opinion, I never claim to be right! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! - Frank
do you think it is good for backpacking camps and trekking?
Hello, I think so. I used to backpack camp with the wife. I carried a tent for us that was twice the weight, so I think this woukd be fine. - Frank
Old man yelling at cloud...
Greta name. That's my new politics channel. 😎 - Frank