The hikers are always concerned about the weight of the hiking gear and Sierra Designs has somewhat specialized in it. Their latest release is the new line of ExoFusion fast-and-light tents. Called the Mojo UFO, this two-person backpacking tent weighs less than 2 lbs. (0.9 kg) only. It has a friendly design and pitches conveniently in minutes. The price tag of $1,799 is the only thing you might not like about the ultra light tent. The company in its press release has explained that the tent is aimed at people looking for ultra light gear using space age materials with innovative design. The tent is not made from nylon or polyester which is commonly used but instead uses cuben fiber, an ultra light, highly durable fabric used in sailcloth.
The Tent is Made from Cuben and Carbon Fiber
The Cuben fiber has gained in popularity in the recent past and has been used some other new tents coming into the market. However the Mojo UFO is different from those tents as it has complimented the cuben fiber construction with pure carbon fiber poles making it the strongest and the lightest tent. The tent and its ExoFusion system is unique because of its external pole set-up that pitches quickly. Its integrated rain fly sets up equally easily and scores over single wall tents as it provides more ventilation. But it is the materials used to make the Mojo UFO that has pushed its price high which might appear very steep to an average hiker. Cuben and carbon fiber are both expensive materials and Sierra Designs plans to manufacture it in limited quantities because it will retail for $1,799.
Mojo UFO is Superior to Tents in its category
Mojo UFO has created a class of its own as normally the lighter variety of backpacking tents are priced in the $400-$600 bracket. It is not competing with the heavy duty mountaineering tents which might cost much more but it will have to compete with tents like Sea to Summit Specialist Duo that weighs even less at just 1 lb. 6 oz. (0.62 kg) with hiking poles and retails for only $500. That is $1,300 less which could get you so much more additional gear. But the company came forward to justify the pricing and reaffirm the superiority of Mojo UFO as compared to the others. Scott Kaier, marketing manager for Sierra Designs’ parent company American Rec pointed out that their tent was a full-size, two-person tent that is comfortable and fully-featured. The tent is 50 inches (127 cm) wide at the head, tapered to 41 inches (104 cm) at the feet. It is no doubt roomier than Specialist Duo. In addition the new tent has other features that make it superior to competitors in the ultra light segment in the tents market. Its material, both of the body and the pole makes it the strongest and most durable in its category and despite its higher than average price it will attract buyers who insist on having the best of everything. And Sierra Designs claims that Mojo UFO is the best. You can check for yourself as it will debut soon in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.
