FIRST IMPRESSIONS FEATHERSTONE TREKKING POLE TENT BACKBONE 1 & 2

The Featherstone Backbone 1 & 2 single wall trekking poles tent will be released in May 2023. I got a chance to give my first impressions of the tent. I was thoroughly impressed. This backpacking tent comes in at 2 lbs. 6 oz. The two person tent comes in at 2 lbs. 11 oz. With amazing innovations on lowering condensation issues and great guylines, this tent is a great addition to the field of trekking pole tents on the market, with a price to beat most on the market. Check out this first look at the Featherstone Backbone tent. #ultralightbackpacking #hiking #gearreviews
The Featherstone Backbone 1 & 2 will be released in May, 2023

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Excellent review Brad! Seems like a really nice tent for that price. 2 person coming in under 3 lbs is great. 👍

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Yeah, for this price…they will do well. It has similar features to the Gossamer Gear One. It really is a great design. Crow✌️

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING 👍 Happy Easter

[@MoeBergOSS]

Wow…. You killed this initial review. Not to long and not to short. Just enough details. You were clear and concise as well. Im a gear head and gear guru yet you found a lesser known company’s tent that is a great balance between lightweight, affordable and appears to be an excellent tent that I didn’t know about. Bravo….

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Appreciate it Moe! You are very kind. I really like the price and features of this tent. I think they will do well with this one. Crow✌️

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

The design seems interesting but a 20 inch footbox for the 1P is a show stopper for me. I'd like to see the 2P.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Yeah, the 2 person might be the perfect 1person tent. It has a 43” width. So, that would be perfect and only another 5 ounces. This is a great tent. Crow✌️

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Wow… this has been my dream setup. Essentially a duplex but squeezed down to the size of a 1-Person tent. If Zpacks or a similar company would make a tent like this so that its a bit lighter, I’d be all over it. Very interesting offering indeed.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks my friend! Yeah, I was super excited when I got this out of the bag. It really has some great features. Similar to the Gossamer Gear “the one” but, Featherstone has really thought through the design. I really like it. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@sgtpickles1319]

I was so excited when I saw this but disappointed they didn’t give the 1P a 25” foot. To me all 1P tents should accommodate a 25x78 pad.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I agree ✌️

[@homesteadingwithsadie]

Yes it seems like it is really nice with all those pockets, and easy set up

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I agree! And that the price point, I think they will sell a lot of these. Appreciate it. Hope all is well on the Homestead. Crow✌️

[@GoAheadandHike]

Thanks for your video! I first heard you talk about this tent on Backpacking and blister podcast, then watched your video. I just ordered the 2 person tent to use when my son, who is 8, goes with me. He prefers a tent with me over my preference of a hammock. I'm excited to get it and start trying it out in the yard before the cooler weather comes in and we can take it on the trail! Thanks again for the great informative video!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks for watching it Jessica. I hope this tent works for you. I have really enjoyed the 1 person version. I think it is a great quality tent at a very affordable price. I also have their quilt and love it. I think they make vey good products. Best of luck to you and your son on future adventures. That is very cool that you can share the outdoors with him. Crow✌️

[@amputeeoutdoors]

Have to say, a lot of thought went into the design of that tent. Great video showing all the details.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I agree. They really thought through this thing well. Crow✌️

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks love it big guy

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks so much! ✌️

[@mistysmeanderings6428]

Great detail! Thanks Crow.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks so much Misty! ✌️

[@DMSAdventures]

Always love me a tent video. Been looking at 2 person Tents recently for when it's just me and Rugged Mountain Mister!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

The two person version of this tent is amazing. It will be out in May. Amazing price…might be worth a look. Thanks for watching it Mark. Hope all is well with DMS gang. Crow✌️

[@IanYGath]

A nicely done introductory review. It looks like a good product. Happy Easter Crow. God bless. 🙂👍🏻🙏🏻

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Happy Easter Ian! Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@ProjectNineOaks]

What a great review! This looks like a great one-man tent.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Appreciate it! I am very impressed with this tent. Crow✌️

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Excellent lightweight option! Looks like a solid tent for the money!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

It’s amazing for $159…great tent! ✌️

[@rodoutdoors]

Nice to see more budget options covered.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks Rod! Yeah, I think they will do well with this tent. Great price and design. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@tomhoppe5757]

Great review. Personally, I’d spend the extra $80 and get the Durston X-Mid 1P tent. It’s a two wall, so condensation isn’t a concern; it weighs less; it’s made of silpoly, so it doesn’t stretch and absorb moisture; it’s easier to setup; and it has more room.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Good point Tom. Yeah, those Durstons are amazing. I haven't gotten one yet. But, I hear good things. I do like this tent though. it is well made. Thanks for watching my review. Crow

[@Im_With_Stupid]

An extra $80 for a Durston over a rebranded generic Chinese tent is a no-brainer for sure.

[@tramperscott]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts so far. Will look out for a follow up

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks my friend! I really line this tent…and at that price, amazing! Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@mountainsmoore3657]

Those vestibules are the thing that grabbed my attention. I have the Big Agnes UL-1 BIKEpacking edition. It comes in right at 2 lbs, with the poles and the ground cover, but it doesn't have anywhere NEAR the vestibule space. Looks cool! Great review, Crow!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks Brad…yeah, at this price…they are going to sell a lot of these tents. Great design. It has a lot of similar features of the Gossamer Gear One…at a fraction of the price. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@MinuteontheMountain]

That's a great review, Crow. Seems like a good piece of gear for the money.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks John! Yeah, I think so, great design at an incredible price. They will sell a lot of these. Crow✌️

[@stonedapeadventures]

that's a good deal, for a tent that light. can't wait to see how it works for the long run.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Appreciate it! Yeah, amazing price and good quality. Crow✌️

[@diverjake12]

Well you sold me 😂 120% buying the 1 person!!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I have really enjoyed it so far. It is not very expensive and has all the stuff you want for a one person tent. Great purchase for me. Hope it works for you too! ✌️

[@paddle_hike]

Okay that's a winner tent! I was going to get another one but I might get this one. Looks awesome! Thanks for sharing *** Hope they'll get more cause ...all sold out already ***

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I think they are releasing it in May. I really like this design. It is light and inexpensive…so, I think they will sell a bunch of them. Crow✌️

[@redshepherdoutdoors7201]

Really nice first impression and I’m looking forward to a long term review. Looks like a really nice tent and I like the extra mesh at the head end and the stays that raise the foot end. I like those metal rings on the guy lines too. Great price as well! Have a blessed Easter, Crow ✝️

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Blessed Easter to you too my friend! Appreciate it! Yeah, I really like this design and at that price…I think this tent will do well. Crow✌️

[@tom_olofsson]

Looks great.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I have really enjoyed this tent. It is great quality and affordable. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@Doc_Watson]

Great review. Preferring hammocks, I rarely tent, but this has some nice features that I wish my trekking pole tent had. (pole pockets, storage pockets, and ventilation by your head)

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Yeah, I really like it. This is just a first impression. But, after using it for the first time this weekend…I like it even more. Hard to beat that price! Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@treklinda1309]

Very interesting..have never heard of that tent before.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

It actually will be released in May. Featherstone makes more traditional free standing tents. This one is a new design. I really like it. At this price, I think they will sell a lot of them. Crow✌️

Thanks for the review ⛺️ Tempted to lighten my shelter from MSR Elixir 1. Looking forward for the long term impressions.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I will do another video later and update on the long term exposure of the tent! Thanks again for watching it! Crow✌️

@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING Not sure if I can wait that long 😅👍 Cheers

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

😂✌️

[@jairoaguilar3838]

Great review!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

You are very kind! Thanks. 🙏

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Sil nylon budget tents are improving all the time and the weights are falling fast. Nice review. Really like this one. 🦑

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks Squid! I think they are going to sell a lot of these. It reminds me of the Gossamer “the one” amazing price. Crow✌️

[@jamesking4225]

Great review

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks so much! It is a great tent. Crow✌️

[@SeniorHiker77]

Nice comprehensive review Crow. Now the Lanshan has some competition.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Yeah, at this price…I think Featherstone will do well. It has similar features to the Gossamer Gear One…but, a fraction of the price. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@JBENHIKES]

Cool review !

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks JBen! I really like this thing. Great tent. Nice price! ✌️

[@TDOLLA]

very interested in this bad boy. I believe it’s in stock June 12. I am not so much a backpacker as I am a deep woods camper so I don’t typically carry trekking poles, I pack in and set up a camp and pack out so I will end up having to make my own 45-47 inch poles for this. The quality and features at this price point really look amazing

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks for watching it. Yeah, I really line this tent. They also have the two person version. I have really enjoyed using it. Crow✌️

[@Ottawa9one9]

Great review and cool tent. Seems to be a combo of features between a GG The One (pole placement and floor taper), Tarptent (vertical lower parts), X-mid (two doors). I like the two door design on a 1P because it gives you more flexibility in tight spaces where the ground is slanted and there are trees and other obstacles around.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I totally agree! Yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head with the similar features. Great design. Wonderful comment! Thanks for watching. Crow✌️

[@cachemacstrailtime]

It is nice to have a cheaper option to some of the other trekking pole tents. Great review!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks Michael! Yeah, they really designed this thing well. I am super impressed. Crow✌️

[@safromnc8616]

I like some of the features as noted. I'll take a look at the 2P. I typically steer clear of the 1P's as they are just too tight and I like to have some of my gear inside....& spread out. I'm too old for the skinny sleep pads...lol

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

😂😂😂…I hear ya! I think the features are similar to the Gossamer Gear One and Two, just a lot less expensive. Great tent! Thanks my friend. Crow✌️

[@nauticalknotcraft]

Good review. It has some good features. Curious what the long term road test will reveal. Thanks Crow. Bravo.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Appreciate it! Yeah, I will do another video in about 6 months. I want to see how it performs on some trips. Right now, I love it. Crow✌️

[@CastawayHikes]

I love the design of the tent, they have really put some thought into improving the standard twin trekking pole tent design. I too am glad that they didn't use that cursed moon shaped door design that Zpacks is stuck on for some reason 😂 I love that they have the corners of the bathtub floor tensioned so that the bathtub walls stand taut. The only thing that I can really say that I'm not excited about is silnylon. I really wish it was silpoly instead because itnis less prone to absorbing water. I'm moving away from Dyneema tents, I just really love being able to shake my tent out and cram it into a grocery bag rather than having to fold and roll it. I love the video man, it was very thoroughly presented

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks so much Castaway! Excellent comment. I do like the sip-poly as well. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@b0mazor]

its not seam sealed. if you look at their website which i did today, it says seam taped with a seam seal tube which they include for you to do yourself. Luckily they explain only 1 seam needs additional sealing and its fairly small.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Good deal! Thanks. I need to seam seal mine. It is taped. But, you’re right. I need to add that one seam on mine. Thanks for watching. Crow✌️

[@b0mazor]

@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING on the fence between this tent and the lanshan 1 pro. Have you come across it and how would you compare the two? I heard their quilt is a great value. Not sure if I should keep my gear all one company.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I have the Lanshan 2 tent and love it. Depends on what you want. Both are good tents to me. I have the Featherstone quilt and it is amazing. Great value. Crow✌️

[@ScottOwens28]

Great video. Like this tent. It's similar to my OneTigris Tangram, but way lighter. Is that the only color? Thanks.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Best I can tell, this is the only color option right now. It will be kneaded next month. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@ricker76er]

Odd to put waterproof zippers on a mesh door. Seems like a missed cost reduction. Thanks for the review. Well done

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks so much! ✌️

[@elizabeth4053]

Huh. This showed up in my recommended list. I’m looking for a two person trekking pole tent

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

The two person version of this tent is amazing! It is also very reasonably priced. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great seeing you Brad. This was an outstanding review. Did it pitch pretty quickly? And you could probably shave some weight on the guy lines. God Bless

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Yeah, super easy to set up! I love this tent. Thanks for watching Warren. Hope all is well. Crow✌️

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING yes, doing well planning another 100 mile hike in June.

[@dwaynestewart411]

That is actually a pretty cool tent

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I really like it! ✌️

[@jacobarnold8371]

I just ordered the Backbone 2p tent and Featherstone sent me an email letting me know that they would be shipping me a seam sealer kit with the tent. So I will actually have to seal the seams myself. U don’t know if this is specifically for the 2p or if this is a new policy. Just FYI.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Interesting. I haven’t heard of this. I think my Backbone 1 is already sealed.

[@Walkingwildcampinguk]

I’m looking for a trekking pole tent atm for summer here in ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 this looks pretty interesting 🤨 Decathlon do a similar design at around £150. Great video mate 👌🏼 really enjoyed it

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

You are very kind, appreciate it. Yeah, I am really liking this tent. It is released in May…I think they will sell a lot of these. I just bought the Forclaz 100 down puffy from Decathalon, and love it. Thanks so much for watching this. Crow✌️

[@travismcgill5482]

This tent has almost everything I want in a tent with the right weight and some awesome features, but sadly the foot box width is just not big enough I wish they didn't taper it. Great review though. I love your videos, and I hope to do the ATC soon.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks Travis! Yeah, I love this tent. It is a great design. The foot box does taper down a bit and that can be an issue for wider pads. But, the price and great quality makes it an amazing tent. Thanks for watching this. Crow✌️

[@mikeoverway6587]

Great review; well done! Love the features - tensioners, rings, pole pockets, draft screen, hight tub, vestibule space, straight up foot end (for more space, wish the head did the same), weight & PRICE! However, while the 1p tents are usually wide enough for 1- 25" wide & long pad, rarely are 2p wide enough for 2 - 25"; seems odd and unfortunate. If the argument is weight on the 2P, then why aren't 1p's narrower?...doesn't make sense to me. A couple extra inches of length would be also helpful, most of the big name companies make these things at least 86" long. ...at 6'7" and built like an NFL tightend, I understand that all this matters to me more than for most. Good chance I'd order it right now if it was at least a bit wider/longer. This should be great for most. Keep up the good work!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks so much Mike! Excellent comment and insight. Appreciate it. Crow✌️

[@darylmeese9621]

What tie down locations are the extra 4 guy lines for? I can't decide if they're helpful or not.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I guess just for the tie out in the middle of the foot box side to give extra room. Other than that, I’m not sure. It is a great tent. I use it a lot. ✌️

[@DaveOffGrid]

Great first look on a cool new offering from Featherstone Crow! What do you figure you could get the trail weight down to? Any chance to cut some extra ounces there? Seems like you can fit a wide and tapered pad in there. Are the trekking pole locations off-center so you have more peak height at the head end or are they directly in the center? This would be a decent budget option compared to a gossamer gear tent or six moon designs for beginners!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Good questions Dave! Excellent insight…the poles are not off center. They are positioned in the middle and create a perfect apex height. I think you hit the nail on the head…perfect budget option. I think this design is better than the gossamer gear tent, at a much better price. Love this thing. Crow✌️

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING those are fightin words! 🤣🤣🤣 Love my GG tent!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

😂✌️

[@beararms6945]

That tent leaks like you're camping under a waterfall, it sucks cause I wanted it to work but after 2 days of downpours we were soaked 129 miles in the middle of the Appalachian trail, wasn't a great experience, it just moves around way to much in the rain . I wish I could say it was just a manufacturing defect in mine but we ordered 6 and they all leaked and those pole pockets ripped out on 2 of the tents , the zippers were constantly sticking, as for condensation, its terrible in this tent and I'm not the only one , these tents were a waste of money . We ended up packing back out of the trail and hitching a ride to cabelas and bought 4 kelty mesa 2's and than jumped back on the trail for the rest of our 568 mile journey.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Holy Crap! That really stinks. Man, that is bad news for this tent. Have you reached out to Featherstone?

[@beararms6945]

Yeah but they never contacted me about it, sucks

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

That isn’t cool.

[@beararms6945]

Just ordered the kelty mesa 2.0, a little heavy but holy crap man , you should get one for a review, just spent 3 days in this thing in pouring down rain ,just found my new trail tent. Still love your reviews though brother

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I have the Kelty “late start” and love it. Kelty makes great tents. I may check that one out. Crow✌️

[@GodsCountryOutdoorsNC]

Are there zippers on the vestibule doors, or toggles?

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

The vestibule doors have zippers. ✌️

[@Chinook__]

I’m going to test this. If you want a real test, reach out in 2 months. Sometimes you get a deal with gear before it gets “famous” and they charge 2 million doll hairs.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Thanks for watching it! Crow✌️

[@Chinook__]

@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING Thank you for giving some realistic view of product. I like your style and I’ll test it.

[@Irishdaisysadventures]

So hows it been after using it? I have the Featherstone Obsidian 1p freestanding tent now and I am very interested in this.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

That funny. I just filmed and update to the video. Personally, I love this tent. It is so affordable and whether you get the one person version or the two person version…it is a great buy. Awesome features and low weight. I really like this tent. Thanks for watching it. ✌️

[@Irishdaisysadventures]

@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING great to hear. I look forward to the updated video.

[@mos619]

Any updates on this?

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Funny enough, I have a video coming up next month on the one year update to the tent. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@mos619]

@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING Awesome I'll be on the look out for that!

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

So it's a gossamer gear the one knock off?

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

It does have some similar features. But, a fraction of the price and has stays on the foot box to raise it. I have seen the gossamer gear one…I would definitely get this one before that one, at this price. Thanks for watching it. Crow✌️

[@jamesking4225]

Probably just as good if not better at a lower price point than the one SilNylon tent

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I agree! I think this tent is going to do really well! ✌️

[@Tanko3691]

Looks like a Lanshan copy, although, it looks good but no good for UK.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

It is an amazing tent for sure.

[@Im_With_Stupid]

This company just scammed a bunch of people on Amazon, raising the price to $179 (from $129) right before the big Christmas sale, putting a 30% discount on it (only $5 off it's actual retail price), and then lowering it back to $129 as soon as the sale was over. Oh, and now it has a 10% discount code you can apply to the $129 price, making it $117, which is even lower than the fake 30% discounted price during the sale.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Dang! I didn’t see that. Not good. I will ask the company about this. Crow✌️

[@Im_With_Stupid]

@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING They did a similar thing with the 2 person, but not as bad. They raised the price from $179 to $199 before the sale and didn't put a 30% discount on it, but offered that same 10% discount code instead, bringing the price down to it's original uninflated $179. They haven't (yet?) lowered this one back to $179, though, probably because it gets the most sales. For the record, they did not offer this 10% code for the 1 person to be used in combination with the fake 30% sale discount.