The Alpinist Mountain Standards reviews apply Alpinist's tradition of excellence and authenticity to gear reviews by providing unbiased, candid feedback and anecdotal commentary to equipment tested (hard) in the field. Our panel is comprised of climbers who use the gear every day as part of their work and play. Only the gear they would actually buy themselves, at retail price, qualifies for the Alpinist Mountain Standards award. The five-star rating system is as follows: One Star = Piece of junk. Two Stars = Has one or more significant flaws, with some redeeming qualities. Three Stars = Average. This solid piece of gear is middle-of-the-road on the current market. Four Stars = Better than most comparable gear on the market. It has one or two drawbacks, but still 90% positive. Five Stars = Is there such thing as perfection? An Alpinist Mountain Standards award-winner. Review Panel Adam George Caroline George Larry Goldie Blake Herrington John Race Bert Severin Jed Workman The rest of the MS Team |
 Mountain Hardwear EV2 TentPosted on: July 31, 2005 
MSRP: $625 The Mountain Hardwear EV2 tent is so high tech, when I'm in it, I feel as if I am in the space shuttle. With its integrated vestibule, it's kind of shaped like one too. The three-pole design and non-stretching fabric reinforcements make it out-of-this-world sturdy against the warp-speed winds at high altitude. The four inside and outside operating vests work awesomely when things start to heat up or when your partner doesn't hydrate his meal enough. Its weight is unbelievable: 4lbs. 14oz. to be exact, for this type of four-season, expedition-quality shelter. While at $625, you might want to start saving for one of those up-and-coming shuttle fights instead, believe me, it's money well spent. The R&D that must have gone into this tent is mind-boggling. It seems as though every tiny, little detail has been well thought out and executed in complete style. If you can afford it, whether it is for Denali, Ama, or the Grand in winter, this tent will not let you down. |
