The LiteFighter 1 Tent

[@GruntProof]

Here is the initial overview kzbin.info/www/bejne/paXEmmR9bM2Yo8ksi=E10v-A9EJuoTrozC

[@jp-un3fy]

I bought this tent recently in a army surplus store in the Netherlands. It was new in box with the ghost bone fiber glass poles. And i am happy to inform the fixed the problem with the and on the poles. The are now glued in place.

[@GruntProof]

Good to know!

[@carlcox7332]

I have a brand new 2024 model and mine has a totally different setup for the poles and stake out. Took me a minute to figure it out . But seems to work fine.

[@GruntProof]

I'm gonna try to limit the long drawn out talks. It's equipment, not a NASA mission

[@Greenhorn.]

I like the C&C soundtrack

[@AclockworkPurple]

Ha

[@B1B904]

Told these people how many vaccines the military made you take when you joined? Or are you still talking that anti- vaccine hypocrisy like a right wing troll? I bet you weren't screaming about your freedom when they were hitting you with vaccine after vaccine when you joined up. Funny thing is I liked your channel until you started with your conspiracy theory right-wing political nonsense... Just couldn't help yourself could you despite your hypocrisy? Here's a lesson for you don't get your medical advice from politicians, Facebook or propaganda tv and keep your nauseating conspiracy laden politics to yourself. Stick to reviewing gear and stay away from things you have very little actual knowledge of.

[@ryanrenshaw8572]

I enjoy the detail you give but I’m sure you have the metrics on what’s best … I may be in minority

[@XxTheLostChaosxX]

The best tent I own. Now I need a litefighter 2...

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

Here is some helpful commentary I had placed awhile back on another review of this tent: I have the Litefighter-1. I got this tent to significantly test in mild to wild conditions for outfitting my Alaska remote destination, multi-day river rafting trips. The tents I use guiding and outfitting are very high-end, well proven, well-thought out 4-season expedition tents. Tent selections like Mountain Hardwear Trango series as well as larger US & Canadian Military-based Overland Expedition, Bombshelter, SEP, and Arctic Oven. When C-19 hit... multi person tents alone for outfitting was not the direction to take. Single occupants in 2,3,4, 6 and up tents was not suitable and loadout on the overweight side of tings. SOLO yet reliable, weathertight, simple to set-up/take-down, accommodating, and featured enough tents had to become part of the equation I picked the Litefighter-1 in my top 5 for a the reasonably suitable, dependable, simple, lightweight, affordable, available, 3+ season tent test. I also liked MADE IN USA. Overall... a pretty good product. Definitely, has compromises and issues... however, in most cases mitigating workarounds. It struggles the most in shoulder seasons of early Spring and late Fall in boarder line rain/freeze/thaw conditions. Condensation on fly is a big issue just as it is on single wall tents. If pushed into 4th season... the fly does not go down and vestibules are exposed to spindrift. It is not really a 4-season because of all the mesh and lacking fly coverage in wind driven snows. No doubt the kit is very helpful, but it would need to velcro to a continuous perimeter line running around the top of tub and below mesh (where the little strips of velcro are presently for ID patches. Long winded --- Yet hoping this really helps some folks (and company out). Offering this insight provides real-world perspectives from putting this tent thru paces: Fall of 2020 to 2022 multi-season/multi-environment. Couple things to watch out for: A.) Plastic Hubs are prone to small multiple cracks!!! Thermoplastic could be a much better selection. I see some are now Aluminum. My Aluminum poles are DEC vs. Easton. It has not gotten to failing points, nevertheless stay attentive. Grommets over doorways are poorly thought out and lack reinforced stitching. Place a couple Guinness-beer nitro widget 'balls' in repair kit. Drill/awl a small/tightly fitting hole as pole endcaps. If/when grommets fail... place on pole ends, and you'll not spear-punch a hole in tent. Lengthen out all stake-able perimeter loops by tying of 1.5' - 2' cordage loops. Address stake count... consider more and better stakes. Modify head and foot ends that may have no small factory sewn-in tie-outs... maybe some do. If getting inner cover... consider a seamstress sewing in velcro securing all the way around just below mesh line.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

Another follow-up: Since my last long-winded attention to detail and suggested mods sort of commentary... here are some updates. A.) I found a set of new ballistic-fiber, carbon, and resin matrix poles. Same plastic hub, however probably the more suitable for these tent poles vs. metal. Quite nice, seam sturdy/resilient, warm to the touch, and I'm wagering less condensation. B.) Urethane sealing on all outer seam work of the tent fly as well as the bathtub floor. C.) Also worthy of mention minor repair to a few pin-holes thru floor and re-gluing/re-taping one of the awning grommets. D.) Better stake kit: 7001 ALUMINUM 10"/25cm Cyclone Spiral Stakes. I outfitted this as a rental tent for two groups this season. One mid Summer and one early Fall. The Summer trip had no issues, reliable, easy set-up, and stayed completely dry. The Fall trip was a successful Bison Float Hunt by cataraft that will be featured on Randy Newberg's channel. The hunter wanted a solo tent. Weather was forecasted to be extended saturating wet multiday. I promised he'd stay dry. Hunt went awesome. Hunter stayed dry. In retrospect, said he would have liked more space - lol. That is the one thing about small solo tents... makes it harder to get in and out of clothing, boots on/off etc. in confined spaces.

[@drewmis1]

Is there not meant to be another cold weather insert to make this a 4 season?

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

@@drewmis1 Addition is somewhat of an accessory gimmick and not well thought out or thoroughly tested. Conceptually and practically... It should be interpreted as a potentially useful part of the kit... however 'as-is' is still a far cry from real winter snow/ice/winds 4--season conditions applicable. Beneficially/realistically...it would have to be used in nearly optimal, less-demanding, relatively light-wind, and cool weather conditions. In the shoulder 3+season scenario... you would find a benefit of less condensation under the fly sheet. That said, in full-on 4-season the poor-design feature (and big-time issue factor) is that the bottom perimeter is essentially wide open, and all too easy to have wind-driven spindrift entering into the tent. you'd want to make the modifications. === Such as a seamstress sewing a velcro perimeter to the top edging of the tent body 'tub' (below the mesh line) and corresponding velcro all the way around the cold weather accessory. This mod would provide what is truly needed, but it would not be inexpensive to do it right. Load-out and set-up time would also increase Bottom line: this is a

[@Lettusfarm]

Dude I bought this tent for $180 and would put it up against any other that’s 3x the price Edit: anything up to $1200

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

@@Lettusfarm . Just not an accurate assessment for Litefigher1. In truly demanding conditions, self-reliant, remote environments >>> you'll be way under gunned

[@HughConlon82528101]

Couple of quick takes...1st) I watch your channel exclusively for “grounding” in my preferred method of commo; BLUF, honest assessments with helpful notes. 2nd) The sheer delight in watching a ‘doer” do (stuff*) *=other word that “triggers”...send it!

[@Roller822]

Great wrap up on this test. Sticking with my original ICS. Drive On, Sarge, Drive On

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

great review bud, thanks for always keeping it real

[@MatthewHammerCFI]

I have this tent and I own both the carbon fiber and aluminum tent poles. I prefer the aluminum ones. Simple fix with the carbon fiber poles is to epoxy the ends in. Shouldn't have to do that, but it worked for me.

[@Xpnential999999]

Drilling out the bushings a bit would seem to be a relatively easy fix.

[@Jondantic]

I really appreciate your insightful honesty. Definitely not a lame sponsored advertisement and an expectation that outdoor gear needs to stand up to practical use Great video

[@boss302nard]

eBay has them for around 1/2 the price. It’s a great tent. I didn’t have the issues he mentioned. I intentionally tested it in heavy rain. Now I have 2.

[@orion3253]

Do you have the current generation tent or older milsurp?@@duffelbagdrag

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Good stuff brother! I want to like that Tent System but I've seen a few issues from Luke/ TOGR as well as yours you pointed out that keep me relegated to the easy Basha or Tarp setup (which is much lighter too). Knifehand that algorithm!!!!

[@BiznessWizard]

Yes, those are the crummy ends on the Carbon fiber poles. I could not stand them or the feel of them. Ended up buying a set of the aluminum poles (They sell them separately) They have proper staked ends that don't come apart like Carbon ones do. The ends are also a slightly smaller diameter and don't hang up in that hole.

[@louiemorris9598]

You can never go wrong with just a tarp and bivy cover. Lighter and more compact. And more versatile.

[@kurtbaier6122]

I enjoyed the vid and review. In my humble opinion a actual size 8x8 nylon tarp is the best minimalist shelter in all seasons.

[@user-ve9fl6lh5z]

Bugs though

[@jeffroW0331]

I'll stick with my poncho liner. Thanks for the review

[@protectpersevere2030]

Man for that price it should be bomb proof

[@ColemanOutdoors]

For a tent at that price, the pole ends should have a locking or threaded twist of the end. They need to come out...that's a given. Shock cord doesn't last forever a removable end makes it possible to replace. Of the 3 backpacking tents I own with this type of pole system, only one comes out like this Litefighter, it was under $150. It still looks like a great tent though. A little strip of Gorilla Tape will keep them in place. 😉

[@alouiciousjackson5812]

Damn I can't remember which kind of poles mine has now I got to take it out and check!

[@PiotrS-a]

Thank you for review!

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I have a (go be dry) two pole dome tent with a tub waterproof bottom and a rainfly I can't get ride of what works so well!

[@Matto_Harvo]

Appreciate the honest review brother. Thank you.

[@x7H3x0N3x]

Sorry, somehow just came about your channel...last night, been catching up. Was looking at the lightfighter until this vid. Just grabbed a Eureka. Thank you for the content!

[@PrometheusForever]

GP: tuff and sturdy 🐻 : Hold my beer.

[@olpepaw4747]

You are the ONLY person to ever even mention the pole issue...not even TOGR!! So it's a NO-GO for me!! (Plus I'm just too damn poor to pay 400 for ANY tent! Lol)

[@carlcox7332]

They pop up all the time on marketplace where I'm at for anywhere between 100 to 250. There's even one never used for 80 I'm thinking about taking the hour drive each way to get.

[@MattHarris0008]

Yeah you can get them much cheaper from surplus shops. Used go for under 200 bucks pretty regularly or around 350-400 for new.

[@neil_castell]

great to see somebody doing an unbiased review, (maybe you can sand down the ends of the poles, make them a tad thinner)

[@lkillswitchl]

Love the contest, can’t go wrong with quake 2 and rob zombie. It brought me back. ❤

[@steveturner3999]

Haven’t had a chance to use mine yet but I’ll be looking at these issues when I do. Thanks Randall.

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

At $400 does it matter if it's grunt-proof? It's not wallet-proof!

[@GruntProof]

Check out how much backpackers are paying for their UL stuff 😅

[@couchcamperTM]

@@GruntProof UL^^ - the Bikini effect - less fabric, higher price. But it's mostly because they all want cuben... The litefighter is made from totally normal materials, and not in a small cottage "company", It's too heavy and pricey for what it is. Not a problem if Uncle Sam pays for it, but the little man doesn't want to shell 400 for a 250 tent, he already has to finance Uncle Sams other strange buying decisions with his Dollars ;-) (F-35, UCP, Zelenskys coke, and the list goes on)

[@asmith7876]

@@couchcamperTMTotally agree with you, at that price and weight it’s a no-go, as for the UL stuff, it’s even more expensive yet more fragile! WTF? 😂

[@couchcamperTM]

@@asmith7876 but some people just fall for the hype. I have a "UL" daypack here, 25 liters, 86 grams without cutting anything off, 25 bucks. Wasn't even advertised as being UL and it's still in good shape after 8 years. The UL guys are glad to get one that's way heavier for 200 bucks for one hike, I mean, seriously? they should do some research if every gram counts ;-) Some UL stuff lightens the load less than it lightens the purse xD I think most of them are just too rich and don't have to care. And they buy stuff for one season or half a thru-hike. I prefer to buy stuff for decades.

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

@@GruntProof - yeah, but if someone is trying to sell me a Toyota Camry for $40,000 it's no comfort that people are paying $250,000 for Ferraris.

[@hiramhaji7813]

Outstanding review

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Lightfighter makes great equipment, never used their tents but always heard good things about them! Your concerns are noted, perhaps if you contact them, they will make a change to the design

[@daveevans8847]

I never peg down the corners, only the 2 fly tie outs and the extra guys if needed.

[@TheMediatorOfChaos]

That’s very strange, my poles pop in and out no problem, but mine look different. I think they must’ve changed the design at some point. Mine’s issued though, so who knows

[@CherokeeTwilight]

I was waiting for your review, Im not surprised. I have heard way to many similar complaints by other owners. I hope they fix those issues.

[@jeffrdnck7973]

I have an older one and like you stated i ripped a tie out loop and that disappointed me but I have zero issues with the poles/grommets. Mine came with aluminum poles so there must be a difference. Thanks for the content!

[@eskimomarine2252]

Thanks for the no-holds barred review! It's too pricey at the get-go.

[@johnburgin7478]

Thanks for the review

[@nateminegar6974]

Great tent, I have one and the cold weather liner. Doesn’t work for me though - I’m 6’4” and my head and feet touch the ends. This tent is only for grunts 6’ and less. Otherwise great solution for a 4 season tent.

[@Mouthpiece985]

I bought two of these new fo 10$ each it is the best tent i have ever used so far

[@TrailRider1200]

How does the carry bag hold up? Looking at getting just the bag to hold my ICS. Once again, I shall bitch about not knowing that these tents existed until after I got out of the Army. 4 years spent sleeping in my stupid hole with my stupid poncho, if that. Of course my last 2 years I was on tanks and either slept in the tank, or on the cot that everyone in the crew had, right next to the cooler full of gatorade and pogey bait, so I guess it kind of makes up for it 🤣.

[@bopeton]

It's possible to get the shock cord back into the poles, it just takes a ton of patience and I hate doing it in the field. I run into that problem a lot too. They need to pin it in place, or something.

[@GruntProof]

Yea we don't have time to be messing with that

[@journeyman7189]

Good review Randal. I pick up an old version a bunch of years ago, in their green/grey colour single door/single vestibule and haven't had any real issues but I can see that pole issue being a problem. Poles are the problem with all tents. If they go your systems screwed which is why I've moved to tarps. That and the versatility, light weightedness lol Nate

[@GruntProof]

They have loops up top to use with a ridgeline in an emergency

[@NZComfort]

Have you reviewed LiteFighter’s hammock? I’ve been looking at them for a while and would love to see a Grunt Proof review!! Thank you for your vid.

[@winstonsyme7672]

Uhh.. the price already makes it a no go. Despite the tacticool name it's just a standard tent. The size also gets me. That's the majority of the space in your bag. Where is your winter weight sleeping bag going?

[@alramlebsi549]

Darn. Was hoping the lite fighter tent would get a pass.

[@Enigma277]

If the LF1 is a FAIL, What's left out there?! I have the ICS alongnside this, and that still "sticks" to itself when in storage. Maybe we just revert to HD tarps with loops, grommets, and good old-fashioned ropework?

[@CaptGizmo01]

use a Dremel tool and grind the aluminum hole a little to widen them a hair width. That should fix that problem.

[@chewies9456]

Wonder is filing or sanding down the end just enough to still have a lip to lock into the eyelet would make it easier, Or file/sand it down even, and make your own shallow notch , just enough to lock it in. Looking to get one of these tents but seeing this would definitely require me to macgyver some things.

[@GruntProof]

It would help

[@huddless50]

Only Uncle Sam pay's that much for it. Mine works fine but I'm not a grunt so there's that? Maybe using two hands might work better? Just a thought.

[@carlcox7332]

Nah. Sam always goes with the lowest bidder so they have to sell them for 400 to the civilian population to make up for the loss on the gov contract. A 200$ tent selling for 100 a piece in huge quantities and 400 if you buy one

[@Fronzel.Neekburm]

Quake 2, awesome,. Great review too.

[@smashedhulk8492]

Thanks for the info.

[@old-man463]

its gotta be grunt proof or its a no go for us

[@davidhall3747]

Although the Litefighter Tent superseded the TCOP by Eureka, it doesn’t seem to be better.

[@surfinoperator]

Hej Mate, your KZbin content is soooooo AMAZING & INFORMATIVE & FANTASTIC & INSPIRING, showing all the pro & cons is so helpful and sometimes just pure entertainment... KEEP IT UP and COMING and ROCKING IT! My favorite shelter is a mix of different poncho layers. I use(d) a raincover poncho + a winter poncho, it's multifunctional and lightweight. The new CARINTHIA poncho products are amazing, you can make also a sleeping bag with a mosquito face cover.... Can't wait to get finally my hands on😊 Greetings from a fmr.🇪🇺🪂⚕️🕵️‍♂️🏴‍☠️🤘

[@BeeZMannn]

Ey grunt proof I remember seeing a video of yours of you and sergeant porter in a foxhole during a sand storm is that video still up?

[@Semmarv]

Hey Randall, can you reccomend a poncho that won't get me odd looks from the SGM? They don't issue OCP ones any more, and I'm starting to worry they're going to make me turn in my old digital one. All the OCP ones I see seem to be chinese crap, and even coyote-colored ones I'm seeing are... Questionable. Any suggestions to help a brother out?

[@GruntProof]

Buy a woodland one, and tell your SGM I said it makes more sense in the field

[@ThomasFlanagan-te1uj]

#1 thank you for all of your reviews, from Gluckstadt, MS. #2 could you drill out the offending orifice without degrading stability?

[@CherokeeTwilight]

Ever try the TCOP?

[@exploringgodscountry]

Besides cammo pattern, it doesn't look any different than my tent. Must be a heavier rip stop cause is much heavier though. Doesn't strike me as a 4 season tent either. If is, that's quite inexpensive.

[@rickcampbell5429]

Do a grunt proof review of the tcop USMC 1 person tent

[@jakemontell.7415]

I used these while I was in the field most of the time. Unfortunately most of the time they never had enough for everyone...I used one once. Then decided to just use a poncho and the sleep system.

[@eaglessj]

Nice review, I know ultralight may not be your thing but the six moon designs “lunar solo” backpacking tent only weighs 24 oz. compared to the 7 lbs this tent weighs and it also only takes 1 hiking staff or stick to set it up and actually provides more room than this tent. Cost is lower as well. Worth looking into. I like mine and many through hikers have used them for years. Not a dig at this tent. Just throwing out other options for those interested. Personally I think for a fast recon, Bugout kit scenario, a simple poncho/tarp may be the better option. The homey feel of a tent is a warm welcome though.

[@memathews]

Yep. I use the SMD Gatewood Cape, which is essentially the Lunar Solo without bug netting or floor, under 1 pound with a ground cloth. Impervious to days-long rain in the PNW. It's a tight fit at 6'3", but it's definitely wide enough and sheds all the wind and weather.

[@captainamer71]

You didnt watch video? He states tent is 4.2 lbs Where do you come up with 7 lbs? I own this tent and it is not 7 lbs

[@eaglessj]

No idea where I got 7 lbs from. My apologies on that. However, I stand by the rest of what I said. The lunar solo is still 1/3 of the weight at 24 oz. and is a proven piece of kit with thru hikers spending hundreds of nights in one. @@captainamer71

[@ricksilver7398]

I just bought one for $200. But I have not had a chance to set it up yet. I wonder if there is any other remedy or maybe it will wear over time and become easier to break the tent down. I will definitely have to experiment with it. Ì don't need PTSD kick in and throw it into a campfire.😂

[@bricketdabrown9607]

Nice

[@thecentralscrutinizer2681]

? Are they the plastic poles or the metal poles?

[@GruntProof]

Metal. A very light alloy

[@thecentralscrutinizer2681]

Thank you .

[@brandonarmstrong2730]

You could drill the hole and alleviate the problem within three minutes and 10 seconds instead of ripping and breaking the plastic and cordage

[@davidstonkus3288]

Good review. A little sand paper might fix the pole problem, but the loop screams poor quality. Have you had a look at the monowalker.. Canadian prepper seems to think it's the cat's meow for carrying gear on foot?

[@migueltorres8925]

BRAVO ZULU 🔱

[@happynowfarms]

$400.00? Give me a poncho, 6 bungie chords, 3 shelter half poles and some tent stakes and i am set. I am assuming with the design flaw the designer was not an actual Light Fighter.

[@ForestSpirits-yk7ts]

Good review but like someone already said, there are a lot of good offers around 200$ on ebay. There's no point in spending over 300 bucks for this. Bought one for myself too. By the way, what's the name of the awesome ending track?

[@Owl1126]

Quake 2 soundtrack is based af

[@noshame7472]

I agree for, years I've been looking at this system and seeing how great it is? But Have come to the same conclusion it should have been tested more by soldiers in the field in multiple weather condition over time. I would give it a fail as well. People get too lost with the OCP camo and Tan designs, especially for the civilian market. OD green Version would look good as well.

[@Maryland_Kulak]

I have one and never use it. It’s too heavy for backpacking and too small if I’m car camping. I want at least a two man tent so my gear can be inside.

[@GruntProof]

I'd destroy that 🤣

[@Maryland_Kulak]

PS: Retired infantry officer here. Gear only has to be grunt proof for the same reason communism always fails: Grunts don’t own their gear so they don’t take care of it. It’s like the way North Koreans who work on the government’s farm don’t produce any food but capitalist farmers feed the world. Any normal person who owns a tent doesn’t shut it in the ramp of an IFV etc.

[@Maryland_Kulak]

@@GruntProof You could destroy it and buy 12 more and it would still be cheaper than one LiteFighter! I had one hold up surprisingly well in a wind storm in the Guadalupe Mountains. I see KZbin got rid of the post already.

[@leesullivan4802]

I wouldn't even pay half

[@Minuteman_Expeditions-wo2cp]

I hope that tent company goes out of business so nobody else gets taken for a ride

[@xusmico187]

major design flaw

[@STOKERMATIC]

😂🤣😂 you can’t get it in the hole.

[@talkeetna911ify]

So far my poncho is still better 😂

[@easygroove]

if you prefer Woodland Camo instead of Multicum - search for the TCOP (Tent combat one Person) - (is heavier, but has aluminium poles and comes in Woodland Camo/light brown and is kinda light proof)😉

[@GruntProof]

Been trying to get one for a while

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

@@GruntProof "Colemans military surplus". You'll find one there, unused, for $280. Be ready with a few tubes of seam sealer, the seam tape on the fly will probably be coming up, and will leak badly if you take a garden hose to it. The underside of the fly doesn't take to seam tape very well.

[@thenorthwoodz]

​@@GruntProof Un-issued Eurica TCOP woodland 279.00. Got one last year, good to go. Comes with everything even repair kit. Colemans Military Surplus online. Seam tape on the main cover may be the only thing you may have to re-do beginning to separate due to its age. Everything else perfect. Just checked avaalability, in stock.

[@easygroove]

@@MiddleOutdoorsman seal it with an iron - just be carefull with the temp... start very low... work the temp up unti it "seals" / lightly melts the seal againt / towards the tent fabric AND put some baking paper between the iron and the tent fly! worked well for me.

[@Sonjaorleans]

Those holes wont fill up with dirt if you set up the tent right with a skirt under parts so dirt don't get in them