Bikes are cool, but every one of us cyclists were checking out Tentsile’s suspended tents hanging the trees behind PressCamp’s standard brick and mortar accommodations. Perhaps most appropriate for the cycling crowd was the Flite, shown above with the T-Mini “floor” suspended below it. Both are designed to hold two people, and the Flite packs down to 18x6x6 inches (40x10x10 cm) with a weight of about 7.5lbs, Add another 2.4lb for the including ratchet straps so you can float among the threes. Or forgo the height and just stake it into the ground on dry bikepacking trips. Retail starts at $350 and includes a rainfly and all equipment, including the straps. It’ll hold 485lb (220kg), which means two campers and their gear. Basically, it’s designed to replace a full hammock system but be more comfortable.
The T-Mini could work all on its own if you don’t need bug, wind or rain protection. It, and all of their tents and platforms, run non-stretch flat cords along the center, which for these two-person items, creates two sides that can dip slightly under the weight of the occupant so you won’t roll over onto your roomie. Unless you want to…
The biggest of the bunch is the Stingray (from $650), shown here floating on top of the Trillium platform. Both measure 14x14x14 feet (4.2×4.2×4.2 meters), and they offer that screen surround to create what’s essentially a two story tent. Keep climbing higher and adding platforms and you can build a multi-story tree condo to sleep all your friends and family. The Trillium runs $250. They say even this oversized model can be set up in under 30 minutes once you’ve had a little practice. The base straps in the floor run from each corner to the center, creating three sleeping sections around a central entry port.
As for durability, they say they’ve taken them to festivals where thousands of kids were bouncing in and out, pulling on everything to climb in, and basically using it as a trampoline. The only damage? One of the screen door flaps ended up looking like a ladder, but was still fully attached. I tried pulling and stretching the bug mesh and it’s surprisingly tough. And the rumor-lets did their best to bring it down, but the tent was solid. And super fun. We totally want one now.
The straps are rated to 1.2 2.5 tons, more than strong enough to support a family.
This one’s a new model that’ll use a center circus pole design to create headroom. Surrounding the pole will be an optional hanging storage compartment with three openings and levels facing one of each of the corners…giving all three occupants their own cubby.
No word on pricing or availability yet, but there are other models available on their website. They also create limited run accessories, like storage bins and laundry bags, from any tents sent in for warranty replacement. If you wanted something unique to add to your tent, just let them know.
