OEX Jackal II Tent Review - The BEST Budget Two Person Tent?

[@BackpackingUK]

Buy from Go Outdoors here: tidd.ly/3QPgWbb

[@thewildtraveller604]

It's £125 now :(

[@Michael-4]

@@thewildtraveller604 Yeah, someones making a killing. Might as well pay a bit more and get a Cloud Peak 2 or something.

[@adelysiajarman3347]

I usually use the Oex Bobcat but I was competing in Endure 24 this weekend and needed more space for multiple changes of running kit, plus, it was forecast for lots of rain. So, I basically bought it because I thought the porch with its ground sheet would be great for storing kit, given the weather forecast. Plenty of room in this tent for me and I stayed nice and dry inside. But…. a) the door is velcroed at the top rather than a zip up (which no body mentions in their reviews, nor do the tent specs). It is 3 velcro bits rather than one long continuous strip and I found that the middle velcro in particular kept coming undone. b) the door lets the rain in (through the velcroed top probably or maybe the sides or the front at ground level?). Every time it rained there were big puddles on the porch ground sheet. Fortunately I’d bought plastic boxes to keep my kit in, but it’s not great having to get into or out of a tent with a puddle on the porch ground sheet. So, it is weatherproof but not in the porch and this makes it disappointing for me at the mo. I ended up having to keep the porch ground sheet rolled up and then unrolling it every time I wanted to sit or kneel on it, which meant that ultimately I couldn’t keep my kit in the porch. I’m hoping that someone might read this post and reply with advice regarding what to do, to stop the rain getting in and puddling in the porch.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@vulture3874]

Thank you for your advice. Although it has left me a bit confused. The outer door has a zip operation (5:57) and the inner door is unzipped at 6:19. Where the velcro you mentioned? If they have one on display at GoOutdoors I'd like to see for myself before buying. Thanks.

[@scottwhiting926]

Had the same issue recently. We got really bad weather from 6pm onwards. Wind and rain was blowing straight towards the front door. I would have pitched the tent the other way round had I known how bad the weather was going to be. The velcro at the top of the door comes undone with strong wind. No fixing it. After a few hours I noticed some wet on the inner door. I was worried about it leaking through to the inside so I had to work out a way of hooking my jacket up iin the porch to stop rain being blown onto the inner door. This worked OK. We stayed dry and snug. Might use the tent bag for this next time or try and sort out the top of the door. The velcro idea is not good, it should be a fully connected door. It's a great tent apart from this problem.

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

Thanks for the additional points, I'm in a quandary now about purchasing, especially as it doesn't mention anywhere about the front porch / Velcro issue!

[@majesticcamels4198]

Could you add extra velcro?

[@Fusion_947]

This tent done me well for my snowdonia trip in the summer late year, good tent

[@colinbennington4157]

Quality tent, gone up price a bit, but worth it for quality. Got to replace my old Vango so I was looking at OEX, made my mind up after seeing your video. That’s the tent I’m going get.Thanks for your review very helpful.

[@BackpackingUK]

OEX gear fluctuates massively, if you can hold out you'll probably get this cheap.

[@stevewebb5178]

I was humming and aarring between the jackal 2 man and the vango mirage. Similar weight but your review swung me towards the oex. Bad weather coming this weekend so I will update you. Thank you for your great reviews

[@BackpackingUK]

Hope the weather isn't too bad for you. Good luck!

[@hikingwiththeshackletons]

I bought this tent, and agree it’s very fiddly and time consuming, I really needed something quick to erect and pack away, so I opted for the PHOXX 1 V2, I’m starting hiking the national trails next spring, we enjoy hiking and have posted all of them on our channel, but I want to do more ‘solo’. Love The Shackleton family.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing!

[@raaz6451]

Thank you so much. It’s a great lesson. I will buy this soon.

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Nice review Andy. I have a small OEX Phoxx 1 tent and one of the poles fir that is quite hard to fit also. OEX is great value for money and I look forward to seeing this one in use when we can get out again 😀

[@BackpackingUK]

I’m looking forward to giving it a proper test in some bad weather. So far it’s only been used on nicer days. For the money I don’t think you can go wrong with OEX.

[@DazzOutdoors-UK1]

Best review of the Jackel II I’ve seen thank you 👍

[@OfWodensFolk]

Just grabbed one of these for £85 from Go Outdoors. Had enough of using my Bobcat 1 now as it doesn't give enough room for my sleeping setup. Adds an extra 1kg to my backpack but will be worth it for the space.

[@BackpackingUK]

The space is incomparable, the Jackal II is huge.

[@AnotherHipster]

Really enjoyed this, I picked it up for a similar price at Christmas. Thanks for being honest about the poles, I thought I was just doing something wrong/am really weak but seemingly they are just really strong poles! Also not sure if you noticed but the door flap has 2 zips, together is a blackout style & the other is just a single mesh window so you can have more airflow with out flies coming in :)

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing, I should have mentioned the two-part door!

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

Thanks for letting us know about the fly screen door; I thought I saw one but it wasn't mentioned on the review... Also, it's now a year on and sadly, I cannot find it for less than £125.00 anywhere now, so a bit of an increase!

[@thesouthernwoodsmanuk216]

Great review. On this tent . Great for the winter. Thanx buddy.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks 👍

[@ReeceDee]

I ordered the phoxx 2 yesterday see the reviews about the size and clearance issues. Also the inner tent first set up was really off-putting I wanna set this up in all conditions...so I cancelled that and ordered the jackal 2 based on this video. Thanks again. Will let you know how I get on 😊

[@BackpackingUK]

Personally, I think the Jackal II is a much nicer and larger tent but it does weigh more. As long as you’re happy to carry the weight you’re into a winner!

[@ReeceDee]

@@BackpackingUK my work bag weighs about 15kg so I'm all good ha ha. This tent is ultralight camping compared to my usual. I'm excited....looks nice and simple to pitch. You're right though for 2 people it gives ample space so you can actually breathe. 👍🏽

[@owendonnelly178]

Just got mine for 40 quid heading to Donegal at the end of the month so fingers crossed 😉

[@BackpackingUK]

Bargain!

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

This reminds me of my Vango Hurricane Alpha, 30 years old and still going strong.

[@simoncee9011]

It looks like my Vango mirage, but that is semi geodesic. Which I like due to the ability to move it once it is up. I love watching your tent reviews but won't be giving up my Vango mirage, ( which I think is now a Helvellyn) keep up the good work. 👍

[@davidhudson7590]

Just got the 3 man version as was cheaper than the 2 man and not much bigger plus porch is real bonus for storage or bad weather cooking was gonna get the phoxx 2 man but seems tiny n no storage I can live with extra pack weight for more room and comfort

[@BackpackingUK]

These are really good tents, I don't understand why I don't see more of them around.

[@jenny.barter]

Looks a decent tent that mate,really good review.Btw got my jetboil skillet yesterday can’t wait to get a bit of cooking done with that bad boy 😂

[@BackpackingUK]

Honestly, that skillet is the best piece of backpacking gear I own!

[@JohnMcCfatty]

Great video man, just getting into camping and you're one of the best channels I've found. Still trynna decide between this and the eurohike cairns 2 dlx for my first tent. Oex seems better made overall but pricier and probably less warm in colder temps idk

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for watching! I have a Eurohike Cairns 2 DLX as well. The OEX tents are much better for backpacking and wild camping. Have a look at the OEX Racoon 2.1 as well.

[@JohnMcCfatty]

@@BackpackingUK cheers for quick reply my dude, ok sweet think ill go for the jackal ii then not fond of the design of the racoon honestly. much love bro

[@davidreed6817]

Good honest review, I enjoyed that and I'm thinking of buying one of these but can you please tell me where you bought one for £80?? as in my local Go Outdoors today they are £110

[@BackpackingUK]

I got mine from Go Outdoors too. It may be worth waiting to see if they release a further discount. Note they are currently running an additional rucksack discount that ends today so possibly a new one tomorrow? Hopefully tents!

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

Just considering this 1 year after your price comment and I cannot find one for less than £125.00 (including Go Outdoors), as of July 2022 ! 😢

[@fayedavis1150]

Did you also experience huge difficultly getting the larger pole hooked in? I was really worried I was going to rip the stitching on the tent 😬 only set it up in my living room, haven’t been out yet

[@BackpackingUK]

It is a tight fit. I would say tighter than most but it shouldn't rip the fabric or break the poles.

[@eversleyowl]

At Easter 2024 prices / deals this tent is only £30 less than the Naturehike Cloupeak 2 (£135 vs £165). How would you compare the two and which do you think is the better buy?

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ve got a soft spot for the Cloud Peak 2, it’s a great design.

[@smeghead7698]

Blacks and millets just dropped these to £106 with a code. Great price.

[@tonyubr]

The porch (vestibule) area is great on this tent. Bought mine from go outdoors. Spot on 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

The porch is one of the main reasons I purchased this tent. I love the way the ground sheet runs through.

[@handmadepottery2135]

Great review Andy, thanks. I've had my first couple of nights out and loved it, I already want to upgrade My tent, the two I have in mind it this oex your reviewing or the vango Tempest, would you recommend one over the other, probably a bit daft but I like how you can unzip the vango door from the top or bottom, you can't on this can you. Cheers, Leigh.

[@BackpackingUK]

I think the Vango Tempest Pro is a better tent but it costs more. It's smaller but lighter. If you intend to use it for backpacking the Vango may be a better option but if it's just camping I'd go for the OEX.

[@handmadepottery2135]

@@BackpackingUK cheers Andy.

[@handmadepottery2135]

@@BackpackingUK Andy, really sorry to bother you again, how much different would this be quality wise than my Eurohike tamar 2, £30, would I notice the difference? I want to get my second tent right and to me this is quite expensive hence asking you. I favour this over the vango for some reason, as you said its bigger and the vesta thingy looks bigger too. Not going up any mountains any time soon but maybe next year.

[@handmadepottery2135]

@@BackpackingUK The only thing putting me off this tent is the integrated porch ground sheet, if that gets really muddy your packing it away with the tent!! I guess you could jut roll it up and not use it.

[@iknowyoureright8564]

@@handmadepottery2135 I have the tent Leigh, the vestibule groundsheet is a good size, all ya gotta do is bring a wee microfibre cloth with you, and before packing it away give it a quick wipe, only takes 20 seconds, and I would always wipe down the outside and inside of the flysheet too as there is always some condensation, only takes a minute or two and means the tent is going away nearly totally dry…..I’ve had it up mountains, twice now and it’s handled very well, no leaks and warm and spacious, well worth the money.

[@spotsandstripes2]

Does the flap gave double zippers so you can let the top part of the flap down instead of rolling it up?

[@BackpackingUK]

Sorry, can’t remember for sure, but think it does.

[@spotsandstripes2]

@@BackpackingUK ok .. thank you for the honest answer 👍

[@mickronson8672]

i laughed at those boots outside the tent

[@garywright6730]

Thanks for the review andy that's really good value impressed with that take care atb 👍👌

[@BackpackingUK]

Cheers Gary. I know this was a review of just the OEX Jackal II tent, but I would of thought all their other tents would be good value too. Definitely recommend OEX.

[@m0ther0ne]

Nice tent, but why not have the ground sheet attached to the tent (bathtub)? I find that these kind of tents colder than bath tub style tents. Good review.

[@S1MediaHQ]

Because the small gap all the way around the edge provides crucial ventilation as it allows air to travel up and over the inner housing and out the vents at the top preventing condensation and moisture build-up.

[@derekth71]

Is this still the top pick for someone on a budget needing a small(ish) tent that will take a tarp over the entrance to keep out the rain (we've had a lot of that lately! 💦😉)?

[@BackpackingUK]

Even though this review is a couple of years old, it’s still a great buy. Pack size is large though, so be careful if you want to take this solo backpacking. The Bobcat and Tarp work well together is you want to shed size and weight.

[@ScottLindemann]

Got this tent for £130 on Amazon 😀

[@pjchosen]

To save time, can the inner part be left attached and it all roll up together?

[@BackpackingUK]

I guess you can being an outer pitch first style tent. To be fair, it’s the outer that takes the time to set up, the inner is quick and easy.

[@Harry_Hjelm]

I got the oex rakoon 2.1

[@BackpackingUK]

That's a great tent too, I really rate my Rakoon!

[@freedommusicireland7398]

That tent looks great! Nice vid! Just checked go outdoors online,,, they have none :(. Can u sit upright in it without your head touching the roof? Also have u tested in very heavy rain? I live in Ireland .. rainy .. lol

[@michaelwrest6145]

Thanks for this helpful review. At this price, it seems a bargain. Is it really worth spending several times as much for a premium tent? I know the silicon-coated tents used by many KZbin presenters are superior, but are they worth the initial outlay?

[@BackpackingUK]

OEX and Vango tents are very strong (possibly stronger than pricier tents!) but they weigh a bit more and the quality isn’t as high, but is still very good. A tent costing twice the price isn’t twice as good!

[@joekelly9369]

Yeah i fancy the open at both end jobs phoxx 11 v2 and msr hubba nx , i can carry either solo and be happy .. as i cant always get mates to spend a month or three up Scotland that monster porch to me just says excessive weight , iv no doubt its a great tent , but its NOT a backpacking tent , or expedition x country type tent , my two man hubba nx is 1.6 kg , ok its not as cheap but its roomy and possible to drag up most mountains . The phoxx 11 v2 is a great long distance backpacking tent to

[@BackpackingUK]

I don't think you can compare a £450 Hubba to this. However, 2 of my mates have MSR Elixir 2 tents and they weigh 2.77kg and MSR class them as 'Backpacking Tents'. I do agree that they are towards the top end of the scale though! Phoxx 2 is a great stealthy backpacking tent, it's just personal preference if you like the low height. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@ro.659]

Hi, thanks for the great video. Would you say you can sit up inside the tent? Im new to camping and am not sure if thats a reasonable thing to expect in a 2man tent. Im only 5ft4 so not tall by any means 😂

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, absolutely! Look for tents that are approx 100cm + high and you will be ok. Beware of some of the smaller (say 70-80cm high) tents as you often do everything laying down which isn't ideal. Personally, I steer clear of them.

[@ro.659]

@@BackpackingUK Thank you! Your videos are great for new campers on a budget like me, thanks a lot :)

[@jamespratt9229]

Would you say this is better than the oex coyote 3?

[@BackpackingUK]

For backpacking, yes. For field camping, no.

[@jamespratt9229]

@@BackpackingUK thank you 😊

[@KytelMusic]

Recently bought one of these, and had a camp out in the back garden last night to test it out. I had some problems with condensation, even with just the mesh layer on the door and the vent fully open. When I woke up, the inner walls were really wet and the bottom of my sleeping bag was just touching the bathtub and it was wet as well. I know that all tents can suffer from condensation to some degree, but it seemed to be quite a lot. It was raining last night as well. When I checked the porch area the groundsheet was soaked with big puddles. Might not be the best idea to leave any kit that you wouldn't want to get wet in there. I'm not sure how water got in there, as I was pitched on flat ground. Possibly the zips on the outer door? I still think it's a great tent for the price, just a few minor negatives.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing. Everyone appears to have different experiences with condensation. I think it totally depends on the conditions and it looks like you had the worst mix!

[@jasonmaddison6148]

great vid andy .

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks 👍

[@benmartin4489]

Lets in alot of light?. You should do a blackout test by zipping yourself in.

[@BackpackingUK]

It's definitely not blackout. However, it's not too bad. That's one of the reasons why I prefer dark green tents, they do block out some of the light compared to other colours.

[@boltsfl4923]

Hey, I have been looking at the Shadow 250 Nightfall Tunnel Tent which seems similar to this one but is around £50. Would you say it is a better option to get that or would it be worth my money more to go for this one instead? Another question: The Shadow 250 Nightfall Tunnel Tent has a dark inner which stops light from entering the tent and from what I can see from your other reviews of more expensive tents, they seem to let in a lot of light, so do you do you find that annoying as you may get woken up early, or does it not affect you?

[@BackpackingUK]

If you intend to use the tent just for camping and not for backpacking I'd go with the Shadow 250. It's an absolute bargain at the moment and the blackout will be a welcome addition.

[@boltsfl4923]

@@BackpackingUK okay I think I'll go for the shadow then, thank you

[@billb3374]

Do you know if this tent is available in the states?

[@BackpackingUK]

Unfortunately OEX products are only available in the UK.

[@billb3374]

@@BackpackingUK thank you for the reply. The funny thing is I don't normally like tents but I really want one of those.

[@TranceHeed]

Bought this recently. I found when lying down my face was touching the net at the back of the tent. I’m only like 5 10 or under and feet touching the door. Annoying.

[@BackpackingUK]

Mine is definitely bigger than that. Is the floor taught? Maybe it needs pegging out better to stretch the inner?

[@TranceHeed]

@@BackpackingUK looked very tight from outside, but for some reason the back of the inner was sloping down more. Hopefully better on my next outing,

[@joekelly9369]

God no , im all for decent tents but after being stuck in a few for weeks at a time the main thing ( theres no rain gettin in this tent ) isnt going to be your main concern ( theres no LIGHT getting in there either) that will drive you mad afer a long drawn out fortnight long storm , it happens with side opening tents that cabin fever depression doesnt set in at all because you always have a great view , and tons of light ,

[@BackpackingUK]

Fair comment. I’m a short-trip guy so those feelings will never happen to me but I totally appreciate the need for a light and airy space on long trips.

[@mattsloan7147]

Thats a good 2 man tent that. Also looks really premium and for £80 i'd be really impressed with that. Cheers Andy, another great review.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks 👍

[@cappaculla]

Great review, seems to be out of stock, at least in the search results I tried.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for the update. Go Outdoors stock is always up and down! If it's out of stock it won't be long before it's re-stocked and then heavily discounted again. I saw they have the Jackal III tent available.

[@cappaculla]

@@BackpackingUK Yeah, Saw that actually, is there a one man equivalent? Jackal 1 ? :)

[@BackpackingUK]

No, but OEX do the Lynx, Bobcat and Phoxx in one man versions. I should note the Lynx is as rare as rocking horse poo! The others are normally in stock but if not should be re-stocked soon.

[@giftedandbroke]

It's in stock at Blacks at the mo - £93.50 if you use the code NEWSU (15% off)

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for the info!

[@wedz-memoriestolookbackoni7196]

great infos! thanks a lot!

[@BackpackingUK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulbrough4861]

is this the successor to the Bandicoot?

[@BackpackingUK]

You can still buy the bandicoot. This main difference with this tent is that it keeps the middle height for much longer.

[@eversleyowl]

Ouch, price has doubled in just 2 years. Nice review, but nowhere near the value it used to be.

[@Mantusynas]

That looks like sweat box in summer

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, it’s not great. That’s the problem with 4 season tents!

[@floatingfreedom6091]

Lanshan 2 all the way

[@Zeamus634]

Looks a bit big for backpacking mind 😐

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, but it splits into 2 packages so it's easy to share the load.

[@Zeamus634]

@@BackpackingUK it still looks twice the packed size of something similar like the Phoxx 2.

[@Coral813]

Worst tent I've ever bought used it the first time over the bank holiday just gone. Firstly you have to sleep with your head at the door because it's too narrow at the other end. Secondly I woke in the morning to moisture running down the inside. My old tent I paid £50 for way more head room and no moisture on the inside this jacket is crap and will be going back.

[@BackpackingUK]

Most tents have a head end. This is more of a 4 season tent so has less ventilation and is more susceptible to condensation. I should say this August has been a particularly bad month for condensation no matter what tent you use. It's difficult to solely blame the tent.

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Blatant copy of Nammatj/Nallo/Anjan.

[@BackpackingUK]

So many of the budget brands borrow from Hilleberg.

[@stuartwelsh9961]

I have just bought one from go outdoors for £100 there priced at £125 but at the minute they have got 20% off think it's till the end of October

[@BackpackingUK]

Bargain!