An entirely new model for the 2010 season, the Onyx is the entry point in the Tentipi range but there is no compromise on the fabrics as it still features the Cotpolmex C fabric.
A simplified top vent cap is adjustable from inside the tent and there are no lower vents making it less suitable for an open fire or the use of the Eldfell stove. It does however feature a zipped mosquito net door as featured on the rest of the range and utilises the same proven design and construction that Tentipi have built their reputation on.
Choose either the Comfort groundsheet or the Inner tent basic (optional extras) to complete the tent and you have a unique tent designed to last for years at a remarkably low price.
An excellent combination of design and materials to create a perfect shelter for year round use.
The flysheet skirts are made from Tentipi's Cotpolmex cotton/polyester fabrics providing a comfortable environment in hot or cold weather. Highly breathable and durable with a water repellent treatment..
In our experience the fabric works well enough without the need for an inner tent, as condensation is less of an issue.
The aluminium alloy centre pole provides increased strength in adverse conditions.
In our experience the fabric works well enough without the need for an inner tent as it is very breathable and condensation is less of an issue.
- Colour: Beige
- Approx. packed size (cm) 24 x 57
- Weight (kg) 7.5
- No of sleeping people 2-6
- No of seated people 8-10
- Living area (m²) 7.3
- Pitched diameter (m 3.8
- Height (m) 2.3
Summary
- 3 minutes to erect
- Standing room
- Class-leading storm resistance
- Use with open fire or stove
- Use on its own or with any model of floor or inner tent
- Door: Double-zip with integral mosquito protection
- Smoke cap: Single piece with two opening points, controllable from inside the tent
- Storm cords: supplied loose
- Hanging loop for drying
- Storage bag with drawcord top and compression straps
Tentipi Cotpolmex Fabrics: Tentipi uses two similar cotton/polyester fabrics on their tents, Cotpolmex C or Cotpolmex P. Both provide a comfortable environment in hot or cold weather, are highly breathable, durable, and have water repellent treatment. The fabrics feel just like canvas, and in our experience work well enough without the need for an inner tent (as condenstaion is less of an issue).
Cotpolmex C Is used in the Onyx and Zirkon CP models, offering comfort and quality at fantastic prices.
Cotpolmex P Is used in our Safir CP and is ideal for extreme conditions, Cotpolmex P is possibly the finest cotton/polyester flysheet currently available.
SUMMARY: The Onyx 5 is a strongly constructed, easy to erect, well designed tipi. It's heavy and bulky enough to mean that it's more of a campsite/base-camp tent than a trekking/touring tent. It's a great focal and talking point and is far more cool than a normal tent. However, in its standard form (i.e. no optional extras) it's pretty basic and doesn't offer 'more' than a normal tent. Although the manufacturer does say that you can use a heater or fire in the tipi, there is no traditional base-vent system so you'd need to be very careful to ensure ventilation. At £480 it's expensive compared to similar sized tents... but competitive compared to similar sized tipis. If it were my money, I'd actually spend more and get either a bigger Onyx (7 or 9) and have it as a social centre, or a more feature rich Tentipi like the Zirkon or Safir which have inner-tents and proper vents.
For the full review, see
http://www.gearweare.com/2010/11/tentipi-onyx-5-cp-tipi.html