The Tent That Doesn't Compromise - SAMAYA Inspire 2

[@fellrunningguide]

Interesting Tom. As you say, breathability sounds great "in theory". The real test will be to see how well it performs "in practice" on a rainy night. Keep us updated!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you, I will get it out soon for some real fun testing it.... ATB Tom

[@erichbachman7363]

The a-Tent-tion to detail is great!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey haven't heard that one.. Thank you for the feedback.. best wishes Tom

[@samhill3496]

I have a couple old tents of similar design. Always liked them and carried them on many cross country motorcycle trips. Easy to set up and carry. Now for this one; tie out points for guy lines, the trough design on the center roof where it drains to the pole crossing area, the water has to run over the poles looks like, may puddle there. Seams appear really heavily taped inside. Similar issues that you discussed. Like the weight 3.7 lbs or so. Breathability on a hot still day, waterproofness in a blinding rain with wind. That's what I want to see. Tom, good work evaluation and presenting this model. Certainly an interesting and liked layout. The storage is great. The price of about 800 dollars is up there but we both have back motels that are much more expensive and heavy. The interior headroom and wall steepness is really good. I like that. Room to get your clothes on and not be so cramped. Also cooking room in front. Double doored too. All in all they have it going on. Take care Tom. Careful out there.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Sam, you are a star with all your detailed comments so thank you very much for your time... This tent is very different and sits in middle ground between ultralight and 4 season tents... Personally I like the dimensions and benefits that this pole design brings... I hope to rain and wind test and that will be very interesting.. I think a few are having a go at its weight but its not designed as an ultralight shelter and the 70d durable groundsheet is great and this pole structure also adds weight due to the pole length and extra tent fabric... The company too have great information and detail on their website that's well worth a look.... I hope you are well and grateful to hear from you. Another video out in 30mins..... ATB Tom

[@marknoel2331]

Another thought: perhaps the ultimate single skin, breathable fabric is waxed cotton, as seen in the old Barbour motorcycle jackets. After all ducks seem to have used similar 'technology' for thousands of years!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Yes Mark some manufacturers have tried cotton again.. Nortent do a cotton version of the vern tent.. I think they cotton could be heavier though and possibly have a larger pack size. Thank you for the comment.. best wishes Tom

[@ianmacfarlane9454]

Thanks for the video Tom, that looks a great tent for summer.Glad company's are finally sending you products to review 👍👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Ian, thank you for watching and your support.. Yes I was delighted at SAMAYA for sending me this and another one too... ATB Tom

[@marknoel2331]

An excellent and honest review. Yes, the future must be single skin and it looks as if the future has indeed arrived! Thanks Tom.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Mark, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment... Yes I really like this tent and have no worries at all re the single skin aspect... I actually now have the Assaut 2 and really love it.... best wishes Tom

[@neilmckenna236]

Interesting little tent 👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

It sure is.. Might have to include it in my collection.. Very Impressive.. It's the top end of top end tents.. Very highly sought after.. Samaya have a range of tents called the 8K.. Designed for peaks over 8000m. I don't need one but I definitely want one.. ATB Tom

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

That's a great first look Mr Tom. I've never heard of Samaya. It's interesting with the single wall / mesh sort of hybrid design. Thanks.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Joshua, yeah a French brand and had great dealings with them so far.. Just like some of your brands down there like Mont for example not so well known in the UK... I hope you are well.. Tom

[@evangelistcryinginthewilde6380]

An interesting tent Tom. Good to see the 70D floor and nice touch with the spare/repair bag. Looks like great room inside, but I would like to see the laying down test for us taller users! Also, I would like to see the field test with the stove in the vestibule for cooking space. I agree that the single skin tent will be the way forward as long as the materials are strong enough and are able to get rid of the moisture well enough. I also like the idea of the modular design and think this is useful for all tents where we might swap bits for specific season use. Great video as always. Cheers Roger

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Roger great to hear from you and your thoughts 🤔.. Yea this was just a first look so areas I deliberately left out.. As I said and you have done the comments will reinforce or help me deliver my next video on this tent.. Cooking and space lying down.. Hey thank you for getting involved.. ATB Tom

[@flachlandfahrer4170]

I love your detailed reviews. I am in search of a durable 2-person , 3-season tent for off-road motorcycle touring. Even though packing size and weight is a big factor for me, I am really considering the hilleberg staika. A self supporting structure would be really nice. So I would like to see how bad the condensation in cold rainy weather is and how you would rate the longevity of the samaya in comparison to a hilleberg tent.

[@PaulJacksonOttawa]

Great work here. Thanks for all the great videos. Really appreciate how you review all the products you do. Thanks again

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Paul, thank you very much for watching and taking the time to comment.... I appreciate your support. Another video out in 25 mins.... ATB and thanks again.. Tom

[@AJ-vn5sq]

Once again Tom, a great no nonsense review. Is this the way ahead? Will we look back and laugh at how we used to carry massive tents with a senseless inner? Time will tell. Thanks for the video👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi A J I feel it could well be the way ahead for me that's for sure. Even if there is some condendastion I can manage that, and would possibly choose one of their other 4 season models with greater weather resistance. One like in my video up on KZbin at 16.00 today... Hey I really appreciate your comments and thoughts... ATB Tom

[@MrWipex]

Interesting indeed. Looing forward to some real tests. Keep it up!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thanks.. Another video filmed today but of a different tent... Field testing to start very soon.. Tom

[@BiznessWizard]

Good video as always, Tom. I believe as high moisture transferring fabrics are developed and improved they will become the standard of the future for lite Weight back packing tents. I look forward to you taking this tent out into some of your windy favorite places. Thanks for all the effort you put into these informative videos.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Denis, great to hear your thoughts.... Another video up at 16.00 today on a different Samaya tent.... I hope to start testing soon after that.. Once again thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.... ATB Tom

[@p.richter9592]

Great video as always. A while ago, I was extremely close to purchasing the Samaya 3.0. However I communicated with a woman that had bought and used the Samaya 2.5. She said that after about 50 days of downpour (not all at once), the tent fabric started to leak, and she ended up with a swimming pool inside the tent. And that was that. She switched to another tent manufacturer. After having heard her story, I just couldn’t afford to take that chance. I really think the Samaya 3.0 would have been the perfect base camp tent for me. But if the tent fabric can’t stand up to long term use, it’s not worth it. I have used Hilleberg tents for years, and have never had an issue with the tent fabric leaking. However, if you ever get the chance to test the Samaya 3.0, I would definitely be interested to hear what you think. ATB from Norway 🇳🇴

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi, yes I love the look of the Samaya 3.. Interesting to hear of your friends experience with the tent.. I wonder what the response was from Samaya? Hopefully I will start testing soon... Hey thank you for your continued support of the channel... Tom

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

Hi Tom, firstly well done on securing some Samaya tents, not envious at all 😅 I'm not convinced by this design tho and not sure what it's target is. Am I right in thinking it's 125 wide and only has full mesh walls ? So basically if you remove the vestibules you have a dry hot weather option only. Also out of interest is it just standard bug mesh rather than the tighter strong weave fabric in the Hilly Enan for example . I think they missed a trick there if not as it would be draught free and would add to the versatility in colder temps ? If it's standard mesh it just looks like a summer tent to me especially if it doesn't have any solid lower panels. At 1.6kg there's lighter summer 2 person single skin tents so I can't see why I'd buy one ? That fabric they use will be 37.5 as used by crux / lightwave & big Agnes amongst others. If so a heavy rain test would be good on video as it tends to stop working once wetted out. Having said that there's so little of it I think you'd get more moisture coming thru the side mesh ? Mmmmm , I love their paired down design but don't really get this one so far ? ATB A

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Andrew thank you for your comments...Yes you are right about the dimensions. This was a first look video and actual dimensions I decided to leave out.. I spoke with Samaya and the type of mesh was selected it for its weight to durability ratio... The fabric is not 37.5. I mentioned in the video and quoted its MVTR, that the fabric was called Nanovent. This has theoretically twice the breathability of 37.5.. Although admittedly the title of the video is talking about no compromise there will always be compromises somewhere and it's up to the individual to select what preferences they have. For example this groundsheet is 70d (personally I like that) but this increases the weight. The pole structure and pole length also increases the weight but really adds to the internal volume for two people siting up in the tent and many users will like this aspect...I definitely plan to rain test so that will be interesting.... ATB Tom

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

@@TOMHEANEY100 Ah ok if it's a proprietary fabric I'm more interested ! Look forward to your rain test , be keen to see how it works. Keep up the great reviews and all the best. A

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@AndrewParkOutdoors Hi Andrew thank you for your feedback.. Hard to keep up with you in the tent reviews.. Looking forward to your next one.. ATB Tom

[@wildcampireland]

Tom , it's around the same weight as my Hilleberg Niak . It looks interesting but I think I'd prefer the Niak with the inner . Enjoying your videos .

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Mark, thank you for your thoughts.. I am a big Hilleberg fan as you know but am impressed by this. It's just very different and I actually like the modular idea. Close between this and the Niak but really fabulous space in this one and height to sit up for two people.. ATB Tom

[@outdoorsinspiration9284]

Great first look! Now it needs a bit of Mourne wind and rain to see how it behaves. 70 denier GS is tough, and the headroom is fabulous. I’m not so sure it needs great breathability in the textile because it has two massive mesh door panels and a very high cut vestibule - although you’re right, it does also need a two way zip. Well done, Tom, you’ve displayed a great product; but you need to give it a battering in some weather to convince us. Finally: what are the poles, who’s design and what diameter? Pegs?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Shamus, sorry to take so long to get back to you.... I will get it out and test soon I hope... Great comment on the mesh doors and the breathability, even half mesh and half fabric could be an option for a possible improvement... Poles are DAC 8.7MM and the pegs are 6 grammes made in Switzerland by a company called Swiss Piranha... I will show them in my next video up shortly at 16.00 today.... ATB Tom

[@defender626]

Very scientific, detailed and logical review. I was looking for information about Inspire 2 and after reading tom's detailed review and test report, I am confident about the tent. Your review was very helpful and I decided to subscribe.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for the comment and feedback. I have a few other videos on the Inspire 2 and there is a 30 percent discount code in their descriptions.. I will also have a further review up shortly... Best wishes Tom

[@trickofthetrail]

Looks like a really interesting tent Tom. I like the modularity of it. I've not heard of Samaya before, so will have to check them out. I look forward to seeing how it handles the Irish weather conditions 😄. Great vid as always. 👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for watching and leaving me a comment... Sure I had not heard of the Stone Glacier Skyscraper 2p until I saw in on your channel... Great to learn about new gear.... I hope to test it soon and then the fun will really start... I have another video up in a few mins on this brand.... ATB Tom

[@bimazivanovic4784]

I'm skeptical of breathability once you have icing on the outside of your fly. Plus the snow and all that. But we'll see with time, can't wait for a winter testing video.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hello, thank you for your comments. Its a tough one.. All tents in practice can suffer under certain conditions. For example when my Hilleberg Jannu was under heavy snow load the outer was pushed against the inner and this reduced internal breathability. When you see double wall tents in really cold conditions, dampness freezes on the inner and the wind shakes it off and makes it snow on the occupants.. Samaya sent me out this tent but it is back with them now so I wont get the opportunity to test it any further unfortunately.... Thank you very much once again for watching and taking the time to comment. All the very best wishes.. Tom

[@WildScotAurora]

I really like this tent and would've liked to see how it held up to some stormy weather.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Yes I think it would do very well but remember its only classed as a 3 season tent... I do my best to test and not just review tents but when I have a borrowed tent I have limited time and opportunity to do this sometimes... best wishes and than you for the comment... Tom

[@OutdoorPrep]

Reminds me of Fjallraven View 2. Great review Tom! You’ve been keeping busy 😃

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Rob, great to hear from you.. I dont seem to be getting notifications when you post a video so just gone to your channel and changed the settings.... Yeah KZbin keeping me busy but for very little.. A slave to the system and how long can I last??? Tom

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@TOMHEANEY100 haha you're doing great! I need to start posting again :) Hope you're well mate!

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Hi Tom great video about a interesting tent - I am amazed how you keep finding special tents😊 maybe you could make a video about how you clean,maintain,repair and change elastic line in the poles - how long last a tent etc

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Hans, thank you for watching so quickly and taking the time to comment.... You have had a good collection of tents yourself... This idea really interests me as I have been looking for the perfect tent fro a long time... I need them strong and durable and usually when you do this they get heavy or too heavy.. Single skin could be the answer for me as these run about two thirds of the weight... Lighter than the Abisko but potentially more durable. Surely by now technology has got them breathable enough. Sure you have had condensation issues in the Abisko so I think I can deal with it if it happens.. Looking forward to field testing this one... ATB and great to hear from you and also your thoughts on another video.... Tom

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Very interesting with breathable fabrics - could be a game changer

[@rw3035]

Thanks for the good review. I do wonder if the producer of this tent thought putting their brand name and logo so prominently all over this thing is something the particular target audience really likes

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey I heard that mentioned by a good friend of mine too... I actually really like it but I understand some wont. From the brand perspective I think it's the way to go.... ATB and thanks for your thoughts... Tom

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

Looks to me like a good tent and moisture transfer is most interesting, if indeed it shows this to be so in real world environments! Also I hope they produce in its colour format a green or sand. This will stop any National Trust Rangers from wincing at the sight of it lol Thankyou Tom for a most interesting presentation!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi, no thank you for watching and then taking the time to share your thoughts... It's actually not too bright in reality. It was sunny here and that makes the colours pop.. I cant wait to test out the breathability as the figures have got me very excited... ATB Tom

[@jeanwatson189]

I've also found that particular shade of blue can be very attractive to bumblebees, not so great if they get inside the tent!

[@TonyHobbs]

Single wall been around an age MLD for em 😊 had my first single wall in 2011 on KZbin 😊

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Thanks for sharing Tony.. ATB Tom

[@thewestonfront]

Interesting to see this pole structure in use again. I had a Terra Nova Solar 2 for around ten years and it was great and had this structure. I've not seen any other tent available today with the same two pole structure - ideal for three seasons.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi yes I remember the Solar 2 and not sure why it was dropped.. I actually like this pole structure as it's strong at the sides and gives great internal height.... Best wishes Tom

[@bjrnarnykrem817]

Have a look at the Fjallraven Abisko View 2, same pole structure, has an inner tent with solid and mesh doors. Weighs a bit more though!

[@giotto4321]

Great review, many thanks for that. The weight and packed size are really appealing, as is the design detailing but the price....yikes, that's a bit 'spendy'! For someone that rarely camps, it's probably overkill for my requirements but I appreciate it's horses for courses.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey great to hear that you enjoyed the video... Thank you for your many comments.... This tent has a lot going for it with great space, strength and space for two.. The breathability will be top too ... best wishes Tom

[@xjessukx]

Did you mention the floor size and what size mats it can accommodate. I'd also would prefer half mesh doors to help keep the drafts out

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Shawn, great to hear your thoughts..No I did not mention.. This was a first look video so I deliberately left some aspects out. Half mesh yeah that's a thought.. In my next video of this tent I will cover the aspects that you mention so thank you for the feedback... Tom

[@platypushatstand]

Whilst a prototype, what is the price likely to be? As to weight, 1.6kg for a single-skin tent is heavy to my mind (a Luxe Hexpeak V4A is 1.2kg, as is Hilleberg Enan, yes they’re both double-skin tents, but lighter). No mention of the dimensions? When you removed the grey sides I noticed that the tent started bending laterally as it was getting pushed around by the wind, would it’s stability be improved if the guy lines were pegged out? As to colour: well it needs to be dark green / olive green as it’s not remotely stealthy.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.... I thought I mentioned the price.. Its £900. Its not designed to be ultra light as Samaya have their Ultra range for that... The Hilleberg Enan (you know I am a big fan) is a completely different tent with a single short pole and only space for one person to lay down in... I didn't mention the dimensions as this was just a first look video. Yes I noticed it flex in the wind so well done on picking up on that one... There is a lot do do filming, editing and answering comments on videos and this is all takes a seroius amount of time. So I didn't guy out the tent as I new it didn't need it for the video and was under no threat of damage. The guy line wraps around the poles at the crossing point so very stable. I will have this done for my next video on the tent.... ATB and I appreciate your comments and hope I have answered you ok... Tom

[@platypushatstand]

@@TOMHEANEY100 Thanks Tom. At £900 that puts it squarely into Hilleberg Niak territory. I’ll await the other videos. Though it’d be useful to have the option to open the porch doors from left and right given they’re detachable and have half solid/half mesh inner doors, otherwise it’s a summer-only tent in the UK as the fly doesn’t appear to go to the ground so it’ll always be a draft unless dead still air. Another single-skin competitor must be Tarptent?

[@elizab1028]

We like double wall tents because you can move around freely inside the tent, without rubbing up against any wet fabric. So, these single wall tents look interesting, but we're not ready or wanting to use one...yet. Also, instead of being able to completely zip off the vestibules we'd rather see some air vents that could be used even when it's raining/snowing-especially since it's single wall. i.e., Spend the weight on some good vents instead of the long zippers.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Eliza, thank you for your comments and thoughts... Its great to have feedback as many viewers sit and read through the comments, and the manufactures too... ATB Tom

[@bonilsson3161]

Looks like a really nice tent, but does it take really hard wind? How about the poles quality?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Bo its a 3 season tent in theory so I wouldn't be too hard on it wind wise.. The pole crossing point at the sides feels very very strong when guyed out. Poles are DAC NFL 8.7MM.... ATB Tom

[@Prashant.Khapane]

I really wish this was available last year before buying Samaya 2.0

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Yeah it's nice but I still prefer the 2.0... Thank you for your comments. I appreciate them.. ATB Tom

[@AlexSmith-ln1tv]

Hi Tom, I was wondering if all the vestibule doors can be opened up and fastened to the main body? Would be great to open the whole tent up without removing the vestibules entirely. Thank you in advance for your time

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Alex thank you for your comments and thoughts 💭.. To be fair the vestibules can be removed really easily. In fact you could remove them almost as quickly as have tie backs.. BUT I suppose tie backs would be handy as you don't have to look for somewhere to store them.. It's a brand new tent so it may get refined over the years. Although I haven't used the tent extensively this definitely would not be a deal breaker for me personally.. I hope that helps. All the very best wishes Tom

[@OneWeekGetAway]

Looking forward to your field testing to hear about breathability and condensation... Looks more like a 1.5 person tent than a 2 person tent. Curious to know more about how it compares to the other new Samaya tents...

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Brian, thank you for your comments.. I was able to field test the Samaya 2.0 for condensation and it did exceptionally well... The volume inside the tent is great especially for sitting up a there is great height in the tent made possible by the pole configuration.... All the very best wishes Tom

[@OneWeekGetAway]

@@TOMHEANEY100 I can see the sitting up advantages, but when you were laying flat it seemed you're practically touching the walls

[@alanmanzie9902]

I am still looking for a one-person or two-person tent, besides this tent, do you have any other recommendations? Thanks, my friend.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Alan thanks for your comments.. Great to hear from you.. You would need to remind me of your weight limit regarding a tent and how strong you need it to be.. Also your price limit.. Messenger better for this than here is think.. Tom

[@stewartperry7797]

Even with bad ventilation I’d go to my Unna Hilleberg. The foot print looks close

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Yeah Stewart foot print very close but a definite inner volume difference and height here with the pole structure.. Unna is 4 season which is important to me.. Tom

[@mickymack1230]

Another great Review Tom, it looks like a great lightweight tent. I'd like to see how it would fare in wind and rain combined. On the subject of topics to cover and in light of the recent attempts by landowners in England to restrict access to Dartmoor, could you give us a run down on the situation in Northern Ireland? I know in Scotland one has in theory have the right to roam and wild camp? So what is the situation in Ireland both North and South. I know you camp a lot on the Mournes, but I seem to remember temporary access restrictions have been put in place in the past due to Gorse fires Any thoughts?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Micky, thank you for watching and making the effort to share your thoughts... I will be field testing it shortly... I will consider at some point your thoughts on other topics like you mention... Just a bit snowed under with tents to review and test as have had a lot of offerings from companies and other private owners which I really appreciate... ATB Tom

[@iwonaarn1902]

Hello Tom, thank you for this video ! I have used Hilleberg Unna in many years (with footprint), but now I am looking for lighter tent. Can you please tell how well Inspira 2 is performing ? I use my Unna in Norway, we have very wet weather so I wonder if Samaya can stand against rain ? Regards, Iwo.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi really sorry for the late reply as on holiday and got a bit behind.. It's a hard one comparing tents of way different weights, season ratings and single versus double skin.. I wouldn't use the Samaya in very wet weather. It won't leak but there are limitations of any single skin tents.. Both my friend and I have the Samaya Assault 2 and love it but we have other tents and pick the nights we use the Samaya.. If it's going to rain all night then we will use one of our other tents.. This Inspire was leant to me so I didn't get the opportunity to do a long term test.. I hope this helps.. best wishes Tom

[@yep9710]

At last some proper tent reviewing. No bullshit, clean assesment. You are right : pole structure combined with lines look optimal. So many contemporary tents are utter bullshit: ultra lightweight - money! but you need a tent floor protector- more money! Here's my problem: I always have had doubts on single skin tents: what about condensation? When it rains, air humidity is 100%, there's no (or very little) passing through the tent skin- breathabilty of the skin is almost nullified. An inner/outer tent at least has the advantage to evaporate through the inner tent&condense on the inner surface of the outer tent, then with some luck pearling to the bottom instead of dripping back through the inner tent. I know this is theory, I'm old school- my first real tent was a North Face Vector 25- but in a -15 C night with 3 inside, we got literally soaked by condensation. So what about a single skin tent & condensation? Not on a dry summer night, but a semi freezing +2/-2 night, with sleet? Because imho that's where the real testing happens. Add some heavy wind gusts to that to make it even worse, why not? Could this Samaya stand the test? Very curious to read your opinion, thx!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi, thank you for this detailed comment... To be fair on Samaya this is a 3 season tent... There will always be conditions which will challenge or defeat tent function as you mention in your example... My example is the night I used the Jannu double wall in heavy snow which pushed the outer against the inner and that limited breathability... It's about having the right tent for the majority of conditions that you camp in. I tested the Samaya2.0 4 season on a wet night with no wind or much venting and it was amazing with its lack of condensation. Samaya are saying these tents are twice as breathable as any other tent fabric used and this makes all the difference IMO.. But if you go looking for certain conditions to make it impossible for the tent you will find them as all tents are portable structures of lightweight material and aluminium poles... I hope this helps.. All the very best wishes..Tom

[@yep9710]

@@TOMHEANEY100 Thx for your reply, Tom. So what happens when you touch the Samaya fabric from the inside while it's raining? Sleeping bag, for instance, it does not need to be heavy physical contact. Will it leak? Maybe I'm suspicious cause it sounds so counterintuitive - like taking your first breath underwater from an oxygen tank. Don't get me wrong: I would LOVE to spend a night under heavy rain in such a tent & stay dry. Also, what about duration of the waterproofness/breathability? I'm so fed up with buying 400€ gore-tex (or similar) jackets that promise the world but deliver wet underwear after some months of regular use. And no, I don't wash them with "special soap" any longer. I never felt that soap works properly . I realise I sound like a nag, but after 40ish years I've kinda had it with more of the same being sold for the next revolution. I remember the first single skin Black Diamond tent made out of Goretex with some woven structure on the inside to capture condensation. Saw it once, never saw it again. Why did the Gore tex one fabric tent concept never took off? Only because of breathability/condensation? My guess is that it's about a mix of reasons that only reveal themselves in the long run. The Samaya looks really well designed, but for that price it must deliver more than just a couple of nights in more than average conditions.

[@my_handle....]

Hi Tom, Being single skinned, I would like to see how condensation is managed in this tent. How will the modern fabrics really perform? Thank you for another quality presentation. Kind regards 👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi, thank you for sharing your thoughts..That will be one of my next tests to see the breathability in practice. Double to ratings though in theory of some other brands has like I said in the video definitely got my attention.... ATB Tom

[@MiriamKennedy]

An interesting new shelter Tom! The roof angles remind me of the Sea to Summit design - a simple change which provides nice space up top. Really liked the pockets and all the novel features. Interested to hear about the condensation of course in addition to quality of supplied pegs, wind performance & fit with two mattresses. Enjoy your fist camp with it 🤗

[@bonilsson3161]

Seing the tent without the vestibules its definitely a summer season tent too.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Bo, thank you for the double comment... Its 3 season so more for summer that winter I would think... ATB Tom

[@alanmanzie9902]

Hey Tom, Great review! Expensive, but it I did like the design and functionality. Will you be doing a review of this tent for wind durability? Many years ago I came close to purchasing a Biebler single-walled tent. Biebler was purchased by Black Diamond out of Utah. I have no idea what happened after, but Biebler was years ahead by developing a single-walled tent. It's primarily designed for light backpacking in higher mountain terrain. I may be a bit off on my facts, like I said Biebler was a true innovator in tent design. Al

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Alan, I hope you are well.... Yes I remember these tents and now I think Black Diamond call it the Fitzroy..They dont seem to tell you the breathability of the ToddTex single-wall fabric but I love the bomber 4 pole geodesic design.... ATB Tom

[@willek1335]

If they're letting you test/have it, then that's great. Shows us they're confident. I'd love to see a real wind test that indicate what limits it's capable of. That, and while I'm not sure how, long term durability is always a question for a pricy+new tent company (I'm especially suspecting of Velcro over time). Cheers. Overall quite positive, and hope for more tests.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Willie, great to hear your thoughts.. Yeah when they sent it to me they know I will try and kill it.... So Samaya must be very confident.. To be fair when they say its 3 season then that's fine by me and I would be realistic in what I would expect performance wise.. The velcros are a good size so support very well and again for 3 season use no worries. The floor is a good 70d thickness so that's great on the durability front too... The main Nanovent membrane also feels pretty tough. The vestibule fabric is light but once again for 3 season fine by me... So thank you for your comments... ATB Tom

[@willek1335]

@@TOMHEANEY100 You're doing a good job.

[@willek1335]

@@TOMHEANEY100 btw, probably a wild coincidence, but some months ago I was in a back-and-forth dialogue with them. I basically stated I interested about what they promised, but there was one thing missing for their price tag. There was a distinct lack of KZbinrs that had tested their tents and could verify their claims. This is probably unrelated, but it suits me perfectly. I'm happy to see you guys are in contact. Perfect.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@willek1335 Wow that's great to know... I have to say I have been super impressed with the communication. When I ask for something its just done instantly.. I mean I talked on Friday and had the tents on Tuesday from France..... Tom

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@willek1335 Hey thank you I do try.... 😬😬

[@larsbijl3300]

To be honest, i wouldn't be expecting many 2 person tents that are new to the market to come anywhere near close to 1600 grams, as nemo etc. all come in at around 1200 grams or less than a kg for freestanding double walled tents

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Lars The volume and heavy floor of this tent add to the weight and it's not designed to be ultra lightweight. Samaya has an Ultra Range that's designed for that. Most of the American brands go for very light floors to save weight.. It's a tough one as there are so many choices out there with different specifications. Hey I appreciate you sharing your thoughts 🤔💭...ATB Tom

[@shaunhiggins1545]

Interesting tent. It reminds me of the Hilleberg Rogen (1.8kg) and its clone the Taiji which both have the same double vestibule pegged out, only in the poles are reverse direction on this which is great for headroom across the tent. The Rogen uses a third short pole to achieve what this does with reverse poles. I'd be super interested to know how it performs re condensation with that high breathability. Also wonder if they have a footprint option and how much it covers.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Shaun, thank you fro watching and taking a moment to comment... Yes you are right about the other methods of gaining height in the Rogen etc.. It should be good re the condensation as it also has the mesh doors.... Yes they have a footprint and from the spec I think it's just rectangular. I will check with Samaya and let you know if that's not he case.. Another Samaya video up today at 16.00... ATB Tom

[@Martycycleman]

I'll wait and see the full test. It's quit dear, but, if its as good as it thinks, maybe not.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Marty hey than you for the watch and comment.. Fast off the blocks as usual os great to hear from you.. Yeah I compared it to the closest tent I was aware of and only £100 more but a kilo lighter. Solace I said it has my attention and I cant wait to test... I hope that you are well. ATB Tom

[@Martycycleman]

Hi, Tom, in your opinion, could you comfortably use this tent as a solo camper without the vestibules?

[@darra8882]

Hi Tom, Great review, but! Single skin weighing it at 1.6kg? That’s not lightweight, and a quick look on the ultra-lightweight gear website shows there to be 40 other double skin tents that weigh less than that. You didn’t say, I don’t think, how much it costs either, but I’m guessing it will be £700-£800 plus? . It might be unique, but to me it’s heavy for single skin, and costs a fortune. An MSR Hubba Hubba NX is 1610g and is less that £500, has good width and head height and doesn’t have a full mesh inner. I really can’t see the point in it, but maybe I’m missing something

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Darra, thank you for your comments... It's not designed as having light weight as the core feature. Samaya have an 'Ultra' (lighter that light) range for that purpose so maybe I should have pointed that out in the video. sorry... I did mention the price and that's £900... The floor on this tent would be twice as durable as the MSR and that adds weight... There are 100s of tents on the market all with different pros and cons.... It's just deciding what is important to each individual.. Regarding the cost, companies that do the research and development themselves and that are also smaller companies, have to build this extra cost into the prices of their products especially trying to develop cutting edge technology... ATB Tom

[@garynesbitt5078]

Hey Tom. Great to see a unique brand and design being reviewed. Must confess I can’t make my mind up on this tent 🤔. For single skin I’d like to see the weight down around 1400g. This would off set the inevitable sacrifice on moisture management. No matter how breathable the fabric single skin will never match double IMO unless this fabric they are using is completely game changing. Also if it’s meant to be a 2 person the internal floor space looks very tight. To me it’s a 1 person so not sure what the point of 2 vestibules is? It’s a bit fussy with that modular set up for me personally. Wind performance interests me less because it’s marketed as 3 season. So for me I wouldn’t take a 3 season tent out in overly strong wind and expect them to take a hammering. All in all an interesting tent, but initial opinion it seems to not quite excel at any 1 thing. I’d rather get a Niak or Rogen. Niak same weight. Rogen 400g heavier and proper 2 person and not have to worry about condensation. I’m very interested to see the next model they sent you. From what I have seen of it, it’s a much more focused product. Maybe your field test on the one in this review will change my mind. Yet to be convinced…..great content as always looking fwd to your next review 👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Gary, I always look forward to reading your thoughts... Some great points here.. It's a very different tent and I love the technology, colour and look of the tent. If this fabric is as breathable in practice as in theory then single tents with this fabric could be the way forward for me. I would just select a 4 season design... ATB and I hope that you are well... Tom

[@thewestonfront]

If you take one or more of the vestibules off, is there something put on in their place to keep the rain out?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you for the comments.. No so its only for dry nights or full ventilation during the day.. Best wishes Tom

[@Jordafneil]

Hi Tom, I'm in the market for a 3 season dome/geodesic tent for all round use but mainly ridge camping for hikes and photography. I'm struggling to see a downside to Inspire 2.0 aside from the possible longevity of the Nanovent fabric. Would you recommend this tent over something time proven such as the Hilleberg Rogen?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Jordan thank you for your comments.. Thats a tough one but the inspire 2 is 500g lighter and the pole structure gives great strength form the side and internal height. I haven't actually reviewed a Rogen but I have had a look up close at one inside and out... Build quality of the Samaya is definitely as good as the Hilleberg IMO. The Hilleberg Red label tents use very light weight fabrics which you will need to be very careful with and the nanovent fabric here feels durable but obviously I cant test it over time... Different people have had different experiences with water proof breathable fabrics regarding durability.. I personally had a pair of gortex gaiters which took 20 years of abuse with no leaks so personally I wouldn't worry at all regarding the fabric durability... I hope that this helps and sure let me know what tent you decide on as I would be very interested to hear and why.... best wishes Tom

[@dominolastley1754]

Thanks for the review, Tom. I see it's available at Snowleader for 809 pounds. At that price, unless you find it to be truly extraordinary in testing, I think it is far too expensive for what you get. I'd be tempted to go for an ultralight dyneema 3 season tent (Zpaks or Durston) the that kind of money. To be fair, I really don't know what things cost in the UK vs. here in the US. 809 might be quite a reasonable price for that tent in the UK. I'm not against spending money (I own and use a couple of Hillebergs, among others). I look forward to your next review of it. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your reviews.

[@sneakybow1]

You have to realize that the price is including the VAT which we don't pay here in the US.

[@dominolastley1754]

Good point. I had completely forgotten about VAT

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Domino, thank you for your comments and taking the time to watch the video...The main fabric is twice as breathable as any other fabric that I can find in a single wall tent... It is Samaya's Nanovent membrane and cutting edge tech like this is always expensive when the company has had to do all the research and development. They have it in a number of tents as many users have different requirements.... I have another Samaya first look video up on KZbin at 16.00 today and during this I give a little insight into the company and my experience of dealing with them.... ATB Tom

[@Bikepacking]

Link to website would be great

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Mark, www.samaya-equipment.co.uk.... there you go. Thank you for watching and I hope that you are well.... Tom

[@IrelandOutdoors]

Wind test on Luke’s for the next video Tom!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

I hope so but away next month so not sure if I can fit Luke's in ..

[@davids9549]

The average weight of my inner tents is 400g (albeit for 1-person shelters), so hardly a 1kg difference! That said, if comparable moisture control can be achieved by these new wonder-fabrics, then as you say that's the way to go - the proof will be in the pudding and I look forward to your real-use findings. The only remaining advantage of a double-skin tent might then be superior insulation, because cold has to penetrate two separate membranes plus the neutral space in between them (rather than just a single membrane). Typically I find this amounts to around 5 degC, but of course it's breezier in an outer tent than inside a single-skin tent so that difference might be reduced.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi David some great points here especially regarding the temperature difference between single and double wall tents... Some testing to be done for sure.. ATB Tom

[@sabotage6301]

This is a variant of the FJ Abisko View 2 basically. If Samaya sent me this i would compare them. The main design value in Samaya that i see is Alpine use.....going vertical...so with this Inspire 2 you'll have wonderful views and ventilation with less weight.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Yes absolutely, same pole structure but a kilo lighter due to the single skin technology.... Hey thank you for your thoughts and comments... All The Very Best... Tom

[@whatsnottohike]

I like the design of this tent (not so keen on the colour) but i would like to see a couple of things. I'm 6'3 so would be good to know if i can sleep lengthways. Also, I can never really judge a tent until i see it perform in a few different environments, so i look forward to seeing how it performs. If they want to send me one to use in the Pyrenees and review on my channel, feel free! :-) Thanks!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for your comments.. I hope that your channel is doing well.. I will hopefully doing some real world testing real soon.... ATB Tom

[@mulreid]

This tent is literally a single wall version of my Abisko View 2. Pretty interesting. Can you double pole this like mine? Can both fly sheets be rolled back? I think they need to work on the colour scheme if they want sell these in the UK. It will be interesting to see how it performs. Cheers Tom.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi you are right and I made reference to the Abisko View in this video.. No option for double poles as Samaya want to keep their 3 and 4 season offerings very different.. I king of agree with them as if you need to double pole a 3 season tent you then stress the lighter weight fabrics. Your tent though is a bit different with the hybrid fabric set up...I dont thing the fly can be rolled back as its very quick to take on and off... This was a great comment so thank you for your thoughts... ATB Tom

[@WildScotAurora]

How does your abisko view do in the rain and wind?

[@mulreid]

@@WildScotAurora Really well. It’s my bomber tent and can be double poled. There is a video by bushman and blue where he camps on the top of scarfell pike in it.

[@WildScotAurora]

@@mulreid I really like the look of it and you've pretty much convinced me to get it. Thanks.

[@sneakybow1]

I think many may be disappointed at rain performance of this tent. This is similar to almost all single skin mountaineering tents that are designed for high and dry environments , where any precipitation is in the form of snow. High humidity will challenge any single skin tent. Where I live in central Idaho this tent would probably perform much better than it will in your more humid climate. They have several tents in their range that I've been waiting to see reviewed. Good on you for taking it on Tom.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey great to hear your thoughts thank you... Yeah tents like this definitely attract the comments as they are quite different... I feel having twice the breathability of most other single skin tents is a great start. Also with the amount of mesh in this tent I would be surprised if condensation is an issue.. BUT certain conditions will challenge it for sure and I hope to test it very soon... I have just filmed a first look of the Samaya 2.0 and I hope that's one of the ones you are interested in... On KZbin by Sunday afternoon or evening.... ATB Tom

[@kmason5241]

Most of the German speaking review comments reflect the high price of Samaya by asking is it worth the big price tag it comes with? Sasha at WildhikesTV has had one (the Alpine) over 10 months and is a fan. But to take a phrase from Summit or Nothing - "do you need the Gucci gear when most important is to get outdoors" (affordably).

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi, Everyone has a choice on what gear they select and how much it is worth to them.. Cutting edge tech in any industry has a premium price which is definitely not for everyone. Companies that actually do the research and development themselves and dont just copy others then have to cover the costs in their prices. Tents like this will have a niche market for sure and are not for everyone. Do you need it? possibly not but if something functional and different is your thing then why not.... ATB Tom

[@petergilbert72]

Hi again Tom. In this video you say that with a couple of modifications you’d be able to make it a 4 season tent. I don’t think you said what those might be. Any hints? 😃

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Peter, you are right I didn't mention what they are..Perhaps I should not have used the word modification as it implies that the changes can be done by the user... I actually meant small changes from the factory, mainly adding solid doors to each side of the inner and heavier duty fabric on the vestibule. The strength of the tent side on and the way the guy line supported the pole made it very strong and I suspect very stable in high winds.. Sorry about that and I hope that helps.. best wishes Tom

[@petergilbert72]

@@TOMHEANEY100 thanks Tom. Will be interesting to see whether they make changes to the final version.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@petergilbert72 I don't think so as I asked them about it and they wanted to keep the 3 and 4 season tents very different... Tom

[@Bikepacking]

Concept is generally good but the color would turn me off also the doors dont like when the door rolls down … but overall thinks would be a good tent for bikepacking touring covering all season except for snow load … but air flow looks good for hot climates

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Mark, really great to hear your thoughts thank you...I love the colour as not as many decent tents this colour and I always like two different colours on a tent...The tent is different which I really like too.. Take care catch up with you soon.. Tom

[@stewartperry7797]

I want to see it deployed into a steady rain with some wind. I don’t care for anything Velcro. It won’t last and especially when it’s in contact with dirt. Good review but the tent needs a practical in use show. Thanks Tom

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Stewart, thank you for your thoughts... Yes I agree and some practical testing will start soon with the wind and rain we get here in Northern Ireland.... ATB Tom

[@alanhunter2051]

A interesting tent. The one thing that I hate is the doors. Useless to quickly open to access the centre of the vestibule. They will get damaged easily and dirty. I would refuse to buy for that reason. Its in Hilleberg Anaris territory. Same weight and size give or take.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Alan thank you for your thoughts... Most three season tents have lighter fabrics prone to damage. the doors here are light for sure but 3 season shouldn't be too demanding... The tent has great durability in the floor and the main breathable fabric. Colour wise I love it but that's just personal.. The silver kind of sets it off, but colour is very personal so I understand your thoughts.. Not so keen on colours that get dirty so I agree on that one but the doors being six nylon will be easy to clean... ATB Tom

[@craig3401]

It's definitely an interesting concept as with things like this the true test is what it's like when out on the hills the condensation would be my main concern.the space looks great tho I'll look forward to seeing you put it through its paces

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Craig thank you for watching and commenting so quickly.. Yes I can't wait to test it as a first impression it ticks many many boxes. Feels a bit special.. The theoretical breathability is amazing... Thank you once again for watching... ATB Tom

[@lifesahobby]

👍👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you very much for watching and your continued support.... Great to hear from you... Tom

[@lifesahobby]

@@TOMHEANEY100 here for you

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@lifesahobby Good to hear.. I hope you are well. Tom

[@TonyHobbs]

Is it Chinese? What was the paid promotion?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

No it's not Chinese.... Regarding the paid promotion maybe Samaya will send me a few bits and bobs for making the video.. Tom

[@TonyHobbs]

@TOMHEANEY100 you don't need to say paid for that I don't think. That is if they pay you. I think when kit us sent out for testing etc it's not paid for as such. I see loads testing vids they don't put paid for. Only paid for like square space or advertising etc Great your getting nice kit. Where is it from?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@TonyHobbs Thank you Tony.. I didn't want to take any chances... It's from close to Chamonix in the French Alps.. ATB Tom

[@TonyHobbs]

@@TOMHEANEY100 very nice, look forward to next video

[@andymcc3059]

TBH, when you can get a Dyneema tent that's lighter for less, and a Hilleberg for around the same and stronger I just wouldn't buy it. it seems to be a tent that doesn't know what market to be in. If they're going for the alpine/ mountaineer market, they'll need to do better. Plenty in that market like BD etc.🤷‍♂️

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Andy, hey great to hear your thoughts... Its not designed an an ultra light tent as Samaya have an ULTRA range which focuses more on that... Hilleberg don't have a tent with this pole geometry so its hard to compare IMO... Samaya state that its a 3 season tent. Standard dyneema tents dont have any breathability in the actual fabric... So yes I get it in respect it's very different and possibly fits in between lots of different tents.... Samaya are also expanding their range with new product launches and have great alpine/mountaineer offerings.... Thank you Andy once again for your detailed thoughts... ATB Tom

[@KOL630]

@@TOMHEANEY100 I had the niak which was a 1.5 person tent but I slept with two on occasion. That was very light for the size and double wall. To me a single skin tent should be 1.5kg MAX to be classed as lightweight. The rab bivi or Crux tents are lighter. No vestibule but ultimately if you want light weight you make compromises. Nice video as usual though Tom keep up the great work 🙌🏼

[@sneakybow1]

@@KOL630 Samaya has several offerings that are under a kilo. This tent isn't marketed as lightweight, but they have those available.

[@slipperysalmon13]

Wow, they go single skin to save weight then add 2 zippers for removable vestibule. In the UK, you are never leaving home without those vestibules.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Simon fair enough BUT they have an Ultra Range if weight saving is the most important feature... I suppose many people still want features too.. Even with all this it's still a kilo lighter than one of it's closest competitors.. You would get a few dry nights in the UK 🤔🤔 Tom

[@slipperysalmon13]

@@TOMHEANEY100, Pretents Lightrock 2 is 1.6kg, similar design but with solid inner. 1 person version is outer pitch first and 1.25kg.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@slipperysalmon13 Hi Simon... must have a look thank you.. Tom

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Just did its quite a nice tent...Tom

[@bonilsson3161]

Maybe its a 3-season tent, a fall, winter and spring...

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Yes Bo that's a specific option... . Thank you for sharing your thoughts.. Tom

[@lawrencejack5038]

When any tent is that far off the ground “for air flow” the midgies just come in under the fly big time, absolutely not good 👍🏻 and £900 😳😰😰😰 no chance !

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Lawrence thank you for sharing your thoughts.. Most 3 season tents have this height on the vestibules so you gotta pray for the wind.... Once again thanks for your comments... Tom