A while back, I joined Blackburn for one of their adventure camps where we rode in, camped and rode out. We journalists had it easy – our camping gear was shuttled in for us. But the new Rangers for that year? They packed it all in and out on their own. We still had to pitch our tents, though, and for that they provided us with the Poler One Man Tent…
Poler’s single occupant tent is perhaps the largest such item I’ve ever seen. Most one-person tents are designed for light weight and minimal footprint. This one, however, sits on the ground covering 32″ x 85″, rising 40″ high. And that’s just for the tent. The rainfly sprawls another foot or so on either side, and a few inches on the ends.
That’s plenty of room inside for my 6’2″ frame inside a super thick back country sleeping bag and space to wiggle.
Inside the rain cover was room for my Osprey Shuttle, their largest roller suitcase. It basically creates a vestibule for your gear, shoes, etc.
Fortunately, the rain fly is properly waterproof, so all my gear stayed dry despite the freak snowstorm that blanketed our campsite.
The tent’s virtually entirely mesh, save for the bottom (which rises up to prevent water ingress) and the center top panel. That makes it wide open for more pleasant nights. Set up is easy and straightforward, and the tent is solid. The only downside is the weight and pack size, both are big. With all cords, stakes, repair kit and rainfly, it comes in at about 5.5 pounds (2.49kg). And the pole segments prevent it from packing down too small (6″ x 18″). All of which is fine for car camping on your own, but it’s a bit much for bikepacking or backpacking.
If your mode of transport to the campsite is motorized, the Poler will give you a ton of space to sit upright and store all your gear. There’s a door only on one side, so there’s some wasted space off the other side when you’re covering gear with the rainfly, but other than that it’s a solid offering worth checking out. Retail is $184.95.
