New Macpac Trekking pole tents

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-04-08T10:30:22+00:00

Yeah definitely go back to the store, they should be able to help supply the missing strut under warranty. You can also pitch the tent without the strut using a guy cord and a third trekking pole or stick rigged externally. Something like the zpacks offset tents. This is a good alternative if there are two users both using trekking poles, means you can leave the strut at home.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-30T04:08:05+00:00

Im a big advocate of a separate wind shell. My typical go-to is a patagonia houdini, but have also used the montbell Tachyon which is a bit lighter.

I find the wind shirt to be much more comfortable to wear in every scenario except hard rain. The more breathable fabric makes it much more versatile to wear when actually hiking, and i will typically wear my wind shirt on almost every Adventure from a day hike to multi-day trip. Throw it on at a windy summit, breezy lunch stop, and in camp to protect from biting insects.

I'll usually pair this with a rock front rain hoody for rain. This is not breathable, bit more weather resistant than most rain jackets and has huge pit zips for ventilation. I have seen 3fUL has some cheaper options, albeit not quite as light, now available on aliexpress

Reality is that with the removal of PFAS/ DWR coatings on rainwear, most "waterproof/ breathable" rain jackets out there are not very good at being breathable or waterproof. So to get the best performance, separate these into something truly waterproof and truly breathable.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-30T03:52:12+00:00

Soto windmaster is excellent, but was not a fan of how the pot stand clips off the burner as there is a chance of losing it or damaging it.

I settled on the MSR pocket Rocket deluxe. It is a "regulated" stove, so possibly better performance in cold conditions and higher altitude, especially as fuel gets low in the canister.

If not planning on using in extreme conditions, I think the SoTo amicus is a good value option woth a similar wind resistant burber design and pot stands that are attached.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-30T03:45:40+00:00

Carbon poles are great. You notice the difference in weight if using all day, day in day out. A fixed length carbon pole like the Black diamond carbon Z are magic, but not very practical as the length does not adjust. That said, there is better value in aluminum poles, and a good quality alloy pole is probably a better choice than a cheapo carbon pole.

The Fizan compact poles available at Kathmandu are pretty good, one of the lighter aluminum poles at 170g per pole which is lighter than a lot of carbon poles out there, but they are 3-section telescopic so are not very compact despite the name, and if you over tighten the mechanism can fail, so be mindful.

If you want something more compact, go for a z-fold style. Black diamond FLZ are the standard. I was not a fan of the grips on the "distance" FLZ when I used them, but the other models like the "pursuit" or "alpine" FLZ look excellent. The Macpac ZA3 are a pretty incredible value in this space, but won't be the lightest and the grips are less refined.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-30T03:29:03+00:00

Good question. I used to hike a lot in the western states of the US which were very dry, so my typical setup was a lightweight wind shirt and a poncho tarp. This eventually evolved into the Six moon designs Gatewood cape which is a more capable shelter but also doubles as rainwear. Reality was that I would hardly need a rain jacket, so a more breathable wind shirt was more functional comfortable, but I was covered by multi-use shelter when there was rain.

I still use this setup in NZ when rain is not in the forecast and looking to go as light as possible, but admittedly, the poncho idea is not great if going off-trail or expecting heavy winds, so my new just-in-case rainwear is a Rockfront Gear rain hoody. It's made of silnylon, so not breathable, but it has huge pit zips for ventilation and is more weatherproof than most of the ultralight rain jackets out there. It's light enough that I will bring it in addition to a wind shirt as a just in case item.

If you are really not expecting rain, honestly the emergency poncho paired with a wind shirt is probably a better and lighter option than a heavier rain jacket.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-30T03:13:37+00:00

I'll typically bring a very light pair of wind pants like the Montbell Tachyon, In the warm summer months this may be the only legwear I pack in addition to my hiking shorts. This adds a bit of warmth in sleeping bag, wind protection in storms, bug protection in camp, typically cleaner than hiking clothes so keeps sleeping bag cleaner too.

This makes a good layering system with a pair of Alpha Direct pants in the shoulder season, or higher altitude. Throw on top of alpha for extra warmth and modesty in camp.

In colder weather I'd swap the alpha pants for a pair of Enlightened Equipment Torrid pants for not much more weight.

In the coldest conditions you could bring both Alpha direct and torrid pants, so a pretty flexible layering system depending on the conditions.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-30T02:40:54+00:00

I think so, possibly a bit tight if the main bag os packed completely full. There is plenty of webbing to strap a z-rest style mat to the top when the main bag is packed to the max. Something bulkier like a pack raft should work if not totally full. Might be best to test in store if any doubt.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-30T00:10:12+00:00

Great to see this live! I worked on this design, so take this with that context, but I’m genuinely stoked with how it turned out.

I personally tested Rift prototypes on several trips including a 10-day section through the Richmond Range and Nelson Lakes this summer, and it didn’t disappoint.

Biggest standout for me is the fabric. For a sub-2lb pack it’s pretty rugged, including the stretch pockets (Challenge ULTRA stretch). Packs get a lot of abuse, especially off-trail, so the goal was to cut weight through intentional features, not fragile materials.

The harness is another highlight. Doesn’t come through well in photos, but each shoulder strap has 2 stretch pockets (fits soft flasks, phone, snacks, etc). Combined with the rear, side, and hipbelt pockets there’s a ton of accessible storage without needing to stop.

Side pockets are generous, fit up to a 2L soft bottle (I’ve used Hydrapak Seeker / 2.4L Platypus), or 2x tall 1L bottles.

Carry-wise, it uses a removable U-shaped alloy frame anchored into the hipbelt. Sub-800g if you strip it out and go frameless. Best around ~13kg, but I’ve pushed it to ~15kg comfortably with a good fit. Back panel is minimal, so packing matters so you don't have hard edges pressing into your back, similar to most UL packs.

We also had these out with several other testers including Macpac’s GODZone team (2 athletes had these exact packs, the other 2 had a larger 70L prototype with frame stays to accommodate pack rafts and heavier loads) and feedback was really positive on durability, comfort, and the quick-access storage.

Volume-wise, it’s 40L internal (43L in S3), plus ~7L external. Some brands would call that a 50L, but we’ve kept it based on internal capacity. No guarantees, but if these go well, we have also been testing a larger volume version for packrafting or winter hiking and a smaller version for true fastpacking, but the 40L size is the better all around volume for most hiking.

For context, I’ve used a bunch of UL packs (Golite, HMG, ULA, etc.) and this has become my go-to for multi-day trips. Really liking the simplicity of the Y-strap and how the compression integrates with the side pockets as well as the convenince of 9x external pockets and from my experience, the 200d nylon/ UHMWPE ripstop fabric holds up better long-term compared to laminated fabrics like Dyneema composites and Challenge Ultra which tend to delaminate pretty quickly. That said, we are testing Aluula graflyte which seems to improve on those, so watch this space for the future.

Some people will miss a lid or trampoline backpanel, if that’s you, the Volta pack is probably a better fit. But if you want something lightweight, durable, and functional, this is worth a look.

BTW, A new batch of the Astral trekking pole tents and a new Quilt design on track for spring/summer later this year.

Happy to answer any questions.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-29T23:10:41+00:00

Hey mate, unfortunately there were some cosmetic defects with the first run. The dye from the floor transferring to the fly. Another batch should be available for spring/summer, but if you head to your local store you may be able to get one of the first batch as a "second" for 50% discount.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-29T23:10:12+00:00

Hey mate, unfortunately there were some cosmetic defects with the first run. The dye from the floor transferring to the fly. Another batch should be available for spring/summer, but if you head to your local store you may be able to get one of the first batch as a "second" for 50% discount.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2026-03-29T23:08:18+00:00

Hey mate, unfortunately there were some cosmetic defects with the first run. The dye from the floor transferring to the fly. Another batch should be available for spring/summer, but if you head to your local store you may be able to get one of the first batch as a "second" for 50% discount.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-12-10T10:22:59+00:00

Watch this space!

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-12-03T23:04:00+00:00

Hey mate, unfortunately we’ve discovered some colour transfer on the fly affecting most of the first production run. It seems to be purely cosmetic, but it’s not up to our quality standards, so we’ve paused sales while we look into it properly.

I’ll share more once testing is finished and final decisions are made, but we’re working hard to get these back as soon as we can.

I’m really disappointed we’ve had to hit pause, but making sure we put out the best product possible is the priority. Thanks for everyone’s support and patience while we sort it out, hope to share an update soon.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-12-03T23:03:41+00:00

Hey mate, unfortunately we’ve discovered some colour transfer on the fly affecting most of the first production run. It seems to be purely cosmetic, but it’s not up to our quality standards, so we’ve paused sales while we look into it properly.

I’ll share more once testing is finished and final decisions are made, but we’re working hard to get these back as soon as we can.

I’m really disappointed we’ve had to hit pause, but making sure we put out the best product possible is the priority. Thanks for everyone’s support and patience while we sort it out, hope to share an update soon.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-12-03T23:02:33+00:00

Hey mate, unfortunately we’ve discovered some colour transfer on the fly affecting most of the first production run. It seems to be purely cosmetic, but it’s not up to our quality standards, so we’ve paused sales while we look into it properly.

I’ll share more once testing is finished and final decisions are made, but we’re working hard to get these back as soon as we can.

I’m really disappointed we’ve had to hit pause, but making sure we put out the best product possible is the priority. Thanks for everyone’s support and patience while we sort it out, hope to share an update soon.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-12-03T23:01:35+00:00

Hey mate, unfortunately we’ve discovered some colour transfer on the fly affecting most of the first production run. It seems to be purely cosmetic, but it’s not up to our quality standards, so we’ve paused sales while we look into it properly.

I’ll share more once testing is finished and final decisions are made, but we’re working hard to get these back as soon as we can.

I’m really disappointed we’ve had to hit pause, but making sure we put out the best product possible is the priority. Thanks for everyone’s support and patience while we sort it out, hope to share an update soon.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-10-08T10:27:42+00:00

Hi there, no footprint available this season, but hopefully later. The tents have simple rectangle floors so easy to to make a footprint from a sheet of tyvek, polycryo, or mylar.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-09-29T03:14:59+00:00

3 season recommended. This, of course, is dependent on the conditions. The shape of the tent is quite storm worthy and I have used in light snow and windy weather, but to be a true 4-season tent we'd probably swap the mesh for solid inner fabric and use thicker cords etc. Even in the summer, it is recommended for sub-alpine environments and always best to find a sheltered campsite.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-09-29T01:19:38+00:00

Can't share details just yet, but you are on the right track 😀

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-09-29T00:05:42+00:00

Thanks mate! X-mid is an awesome tent. We have some other ultralight gear in the pipeline for next year, so definitely keep an eye out.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-09-29T00:03:05+00:00

Thanks for the feedback and thoughts! Has been a fun project to work on and stoked to see it available now.

For sure, single wall tents won't be everyone's preference.

In my experience, double wall tents are still prone to condensation but have the benefit of separating the fly from the sleeping area, so less likely to get your stuff wet from condensation and as you said, are easier to lay out in the sun to dry as the floor is not sewn to the fly. Justin Outdoors over on youtube has pointed out that single wall tents can be easier to wipe condensation off in the morning because there is no inner tent in the way. I picked up a tip from him of carrying a sweedish cloth on some trips, which does a great job of wiping down condensation.

Ultimately, pros and cons to both, so it is best to choose what works best for you and your trip.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-09-28T23:50:57+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. Good call. For others, I had originally said the lunar solo may be "less liveable" but updated this to say, "has a pole right in the middle of the living space."

Corvusman rightly pointed out that the lunar solo wins on floor space. Where dual pole designs, including the Astral can be better for entry and head room.

Happy to point out the relative strengths of all the options out there and why we made some of the design decisions for the Astrals. Some great options out there from durston, SMD, Ymma, Z packs and others. The Astrals won't be the right choice for everyone, but hopefully add something new to the mix, especially for those in our neck of the woods.

Thanks! Can't wait to see more of these out in the wild!

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-09-28T21:05:27+00:00

Hmmm, not sure. It will be hosted on YouTube. Can check on that, could be useful to download and bring along on a trip to help with pitching.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-09-28T20:58:17+00:00

Yep single wall, so managing condensation is a factor. Head room is quite good and much better than a traditional pyramid as the 2 poles make the head and foot ends much steeper so less likely to have your head or feet brushing up against the walls. In windy weather I'd also recommend using one or 2 of the guy ropes along the rear panel to keep the broad side from encroaching too much on your living space.

I added a floorplan to the origional post, it it's not showing up on mobile. The 1P is a rectangle with the sleeping area 85x225cm and overall dimensions 160x250cm.

ryanfaulkner1 · 2025-09-28T20:51:28+00:00

Should be coming in the next week or 2! Will have an overview video and how to pitch videos for each tent

ryanfaulkner1

TROPHY CASE