An Ode to My Tent

Where would we be without our trusty shelters? Mat reminisces on the memorable moments spent with his most dependable outdoor companion – his tent.

Casting my mind back over the adventures we’ve shared together, I remember fondly how it all began – with a misadventure on the Main Range. My first winter backcountry trip was an excursion into the unknown and you, fresh out of the box, came along for the journey, untested. 

We were just strangers back then

Night one was a lesson in mountain campsite selection. We both spent the night being pressed and stressed by the wind, and your value was evident from the outset. We’ve come a long way since and shared far more than just the kilometres – from rugged mountain hikes where you sheltered me, bone tired and caked in mud, to snuggling with my girlfriend on the Overland Track, warm and dry while it snowed outside.

Since then, we’ve travelled across mountain ranges, across countries, and across continents; through the wind, rain, and snow we’ve built trust – most of the time, it’s just us. Mat and his trusty Wilderness Equipment Space 2.

In many ways we’re alike – not flashy, far from the best at what we do, but fit for purpose, and we do a bloody good job of it despite what we may lack. What we’ve learnt and experienced together could fill volumes, but my fondest memories shine through.

A Spring Traverse of the Main Range

Building on the lessons of where and how to pitch a tent in windy weather, we returned to the Main Range one spring. From Dead Horse Gap to Schlink Pass, we were harassed by a constant nor’wester as we traversed the highest stretch of hills in Australia.

‘Find a depression on a lee aspect, pitch it tight, for sure you’ll regret it if you don’t do it right.’

Solitude in spectacular locations has become the theme of our adventures together and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You camouflaged perfectly, selflessly allowing the scenery to shine

Alpine Hiking in Peru

Travelling in a foreign country and embracing the challenge to navigate with a limited grasp of Spanish, you were a refuge and a home away from home. On that trip I learnt that no matter where I set up my tent, when I’m zipped up and ready for bed, I could be anywhere. 

Snuggled amongst the rocks at high camp in Tocllaraju

Well, except when suffering the huffing, puffing, and insomnia caused by hanging out above 5000m – that was a reminder of exactly where I’d made camp. Then, after hypoxically strolling down off the mountain, we were accosted by a crowd of rock-licking cows who jostled into our alpine meadow almost trampling that small patch of paradise.

Bloody cows nearly toppled you (but you held firm!)

Adventures in Tassie

During a brief jaunt in the Wilderness World Heritage area of Tassie’s remote South West, your lightweight shelter was invaluable. I scampered across the Western Arthurs as quickly as I could, with a small pack and just the essentials – a heavier setup would have made the trip implausible.

A relaxing retreat for us both at Lake Cygnus

Then on a winter snowboarding adventure to Mt Ossa, I woke inexplicably with cold nylon pressing against my face. A couple of confused whacks dislodged the accumulated weight of gathering snow and sent you springing back into shape. Sheltered and cosy, I had no idea what was happening outside, your toughness again on display.

Moonlighting as an igloo

Road Tripping Across the USA

On a four-week climbing trip in the US we spent not a single night apart; we free camped, stealth camped, and bivvied in some incredible locations. From the awe-inspiring beauty of the High Sierra to the wilds of backcountry Wyoming, where we scaled the granite towers looming over glacial cirques. Spending that much time in bear country I was acutely aware of how little protection 20 denier nylon can provide against a hungry grizzly. 

Your canvas peaks held just as firm as the granite towers looming over us

Despite that, I wouldn’t trade my tent in the mountains for anything. Where else can you unzip your door to find a meteor shower peppering the clear mountain skies? Tents might not be for everyone, but as someone who regularly spends a large percentage of the year in one, I feel qualified to say that mine is a pearler.

2.0kg, 4 season, lightweight, durable, packable, versatile. I can affix any adjective that describes what an Explorer may want in a tent and it’ll still be true. And although it doesn’t offer some of the features of its competitors, my tent has been tested with everything that Australia can throw at it and more. Yet still it stands strong, ready for another trip, and as I pack for an adventure into the rugged Southern Ranges, I know that my trusty friend will keep me warm and dry no matter what I encounter.

Relationship status: deeply committed to my tent