Everybody knows that I love the outdoors. This is the fourth tent that I owned (I had domes and a tadpole before) but this will be the first one that I'll make a review.

Please note that whatever I say here is factual and only based on my experience. This is an honest review and not a paid post.
----

It was more than a year ago when I scoured for a new tent for our hiking trip in Lake Holon, Mt. Parker. And since I was on a tight budget, I had to look for a tent that has a price like the ones you use for junior camps but should be durable, lightweight, waterproof, and can withstand harsh environments. Yes, I must be delusional. Where in the world would I find that?


Facebook. Haha. Yes, Facebook can do a lot of wonders today. It can be a therapist, a stress reliever, a trophy shelf, a shock-absorber, a news source, a search engine, and of course, an online shop. And this is how I got amazed by Facebook's algorithm. It knew what I was thinking and what I needed at that moment that the Brown Trekker Outdoor Products page just appeared on my news feed out of the blue.

Anyway, to cut the story short, I got this Brown Trekker Hybrid Solo Tent 1. I've used it for over year, in countless and almost extreme situations. I think it's about time to let you guys know how this tent served me.

So let the disemboweling begin.

BROWN TREKKER HYBRID SOLO TENT
I really have no idea why it's called a hybrid tent. But judging from how it looks, it sure does look like a sniper, tunnel, and tadpole tent rolled into one.

Product Description (taken from their site):

Inner Tent:	High density Nylon mesh
Floor:	210T Taffeta PU5000, PU Sticker
Poles:	7001# Aluminum
Size:	72 x 43 x 30 inches
Weight:	1.8 Kg
Rainfly:	30D Rip-stop Polyester, PU3000MM. Silicon Coating, PU seam taped, Anti-tear

MY VERDICT
Disclaimer: Before proceeding, please know that I know no shit about tent terms. Taffeta, rip-stop, PU5000, or whatever are all alien to me. And I'm too lazy to look it up. So please, if you have questions and comments, leave it at a layman's level. Okay?

Capacity and Comfort
This is a solo/one person tent. So don't expect to have a room for board games and dressing up inside can be a little challenging too (but it can be mastered in no time ;)).

It is a two-door tent. With one huge entrance at the side and a porch where we can keep all our backpacks while sleeping.

This tent is ideally for one person only, but Jan and I can fit and sleep (with enough room for frequent movements) in this tent comfortably. We both have lean body built and he stands 5'6. So for a solo person, this tent leaves a lot of room for rolling left and right.

Set up
This is not a free-standing tent. Although non-free-standing tents get a bad reputation because they would take more coordination (at least 2 people are needed) and patience to set up, this tent is relatively easy to pitch - given that it is done on a soft ground. Pitching on a semi-rocky area, however, can be a little tricky.

The rocky areas of Lake Holon

Weatherproof
I was quite impressed by the weatherproof-ability of this tent. It kept us dry during moderate to heavy rains (I still have to test this on heavy storms though. Hehe). It was able to withstand the harsh winds of Mt. Apo. And I'm not really sure if it's a 3-season or 4-season tent. But does it matter? All I know is that it kept us warm when the temperature dropped to almost zero and it kept us cool during warm days.

At Lake Venado Campsite. Nagse-setup pa lang sila. Tapos na kami. :)

Craftsmanship
We have used this tent several times in different terrains: from soft to rocky grounds to bushy and thorny floors; and in different situations: from sunny to windy to rainy. And it has never failed us yet. The poles and pegs seem to be sturdy too. I am a reckless handler, and so far, my tent is still in good shape. (Except, I've lost the pegs again).

At Mt. Apo campsite. What I love about this tent is that I can set it up anywhere, even in TIGHT spaces.

If I am not mistaken, this tent is locally made. And I have always trusted local outdoor brands like Habagat, Sandugo, Conquer, etc. Matitibay ang gawa ng Pinoy.

Weight/Packed Size
I stand 5'3, have a slim body, and barely weigh 48kg. Hence, I can only carry a 36-40L pack (sagad na yan) and only up to 10kg (sagad na din po yan, di na pwedeng dagdagan. Haha) on a multi-day hike. I pack as light as I can. So a 1.8kg tent is a HUGE turn on for me. I think this is the lightest tent I've had and seen so far.

Cost
For a lightweight, durable, and aerodynamically designed tent at Php 2,599? You get yourself a great deal.

My Final Verdict

Pros	Cons
- Lightweight - Durable - Aerodynamically Designed - Waterproof	Non-free-standing - which means you need to take down the tent again if you wish to transfer to another area

I'm not really sure if this tent is still in stock. But I do recommend Brown Trekker Outdoor Products for all your outdoor and trekking needs. I've already purchased a lot from them. From camping stoves to trekking gloves to knives to a lot more. They are very accommodating and will answer every question patiently and politely (kahit na ang kulit-kulit ko na minsan). I live in Davao City and still opt to purchase from them because aside from the fact that their items are cheaper (even if you add the shipping fee - which is just equivalent to a back and fourth taxi ride if I choose to buy in the malls), I never had a bad transaction with them. :)