The Dart 2

This tent extends all the advantages of our superlight, inner-pitch-first, spacious, solo-traveller Dart model out to a generous, two-person tent size. Unlike the Dart, the Dart 2 is perfectly symmetrical side-to-side. In this development the mirrored doors and vestibules add greatly to the tents liveability but most importantly allow the flow-through ventilation so important to comfort in hot weather. The Dart 2 is an a perfect choice for two people walking, travelling or cycling together in a wide range of environments.

The choice of high-tenacity, 40d polyester ripstop with silicone elastomer face coating and supple PU back coating gives the outer tent the best possible performance and durability, all at reduced weight. Water repellency, snow shedding and UV resistance are all improved with this fabric. Contrary to what might be expected, this lighter-weight fabric option presents no compromise to the life-expectancy of a properly cared for and maintained tent. Choose this outer if every gram counts or use in alpine environments is on the cards. 

Size

Two people fit easily in the Dart 2. There is heaps of length and sit-up head room is sufficient even for taller persons. The drawings show the main dimensions.

Architecture

The Dart 2 uses a pair of long, assymetrically-crossed poles combined with a transverse, slightly shorter one. This cross-over arrangement provides excellent interior space within a strong and stable structure. Occupants have immediate, individual access to their respective vestibules and to the tent as a whole - no need to disturb your companion. The outer tent door panels are sufficiently steep that they can be operated so the inner tent remains adequately sheltered when entering or leaving the tent during rainfall.

Outer Tent Features 

Once the inner tent has been erected the outer skin is fastened over it. The six side-release buckles at the feet of the poles make the attachment and tensioning of the outer skin a speedy operation. Door panels are fitted with twin sliders so their upper areas can be partly opened for ventilation in dry weather. Two vents, carefully positioned as high up as possible on the outer skin, provide optimum convective ventilation in any conditions. They are held open by short props and closed by strips of touchtape on carefully designed fabric carriers that prevent water being blown up, in and onto the inner tent in strong winds. By unzipping the top part of the inner tent doors these vents can be opened or closed from inside the inner tent. The outer tent is provided with our unique shockcorded guy system essential to assist the relatively rigid frame structure resist the drag forces created by storm wind conditions. It is possible to erect the outer tent on its own as a lightweight canopy. Fabric loops to retain the poles are provided under the outer tent at the pole cross-over points. Detach the pole tip socket components and ground tape from the inner tent so they function independently on the outer shell.

Inner Tent Features

Except for the small top triangle, the Dart 2 inner canopy is all mesh. In conjunction with the full-perimeter outer tent ground clearance and venting, this mesh allows excellent ventilation. The top triangle panel uses 40d breathable nylon for extra strength as well as some dew resistance when the inner tent is used without the outer. The large, arc-zip doors provide good open access and, particularly when unzipped, massive cross ventilation. Infact this inner tent design is the best possible solution to hot weather, short of installing an air conditioner. A mesh pocket is provided in each wall at the foot side of the doors. You can use the inner as a simple, free-standing insect enclosure. The only limitation of the mesh inner is its lack of protection when snow or dust is airborne in strong wind, or ground splash becomes a problem with torrential downpours on badly drained ground. (The suspended floor and its splash walls go a long way to reducing this). The pole framework is carried by mesh sleeves fitted to the inner tent. These are reinforced against wear when poles are being inserted or withdrawn.

The super-durable, 100d nylon floor pan on the Dart is uniquely designed to deliver the same standard of protection from water as the unstressed full tub floors of our outer-pitch-first models. The six pole-tip socket end-carriers are cleverly designed so that the tensioned floor's tub corners they connect to are suspended well above ground level. This removes the need for difficult and bulky corner sealing solutions. Inner tent finished weight is further reduced by using outer tent fabric for the floor pan splash side walls.   When the tent is occupied, the floor panel simply sags down to the ground just where it is loaded. The PU floor coating is light grey in colour. It is easier to find lost items in the tent, light levels improve on dull days and, against the black fabric background, accidental coating damage is easily identified for repair by liquid sealant application