Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent

Rated: 4 by 9 reviews.

Campmor (2009)

The Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 is an extremely light 1 person side entry tent with 1 door and 1 vestibule. The mostly mesh body keeps bugs at bay while providing great ventilation and offering stargazing opportunities. The full coverage fly protects you from the nastiest weather and provides a vestibule for storing extra gear outside the door. Set up is fast and easy with an all clip assembly. Extra room at the head of the tent for personal effects is very useful and handy. This would be an excellent solo long distance tent, perfect for the the AT or PCT.
  • Sleeps 1
  • Factory taped floor and fly seams
  • Full coverage fly for extreme weather protection
  • Atlas 7001 Aluminum poles are hard anodized and are completely field maintainable.
  • Lots of mesh for great ventilation and stargazing and minimizing condensation
  • 1 door
  • 1 vestibule with 5 sq.ft. for additional storage.
  • 2 pole design is easy to set up and is very stable.
  • Catenary cut floor and fly seams are taut and durable
  • Pitch Light compatible with optional nylon footprint - Pitch Light weight 2 lb. 6 oz. - create an ultra light shelter with the fly, poles and footprint (leave the tent body home)
  • Utilizes welded seam technology thus saving weight and eliminating stitching holes
  • 1 clear welded SVX window for light and visibility, won't yellow, crack or get filmy
  • Non-wicking grommet tabs with adjustable buckle.
  • Post and grommet assembly
  • Gated power clips at all pole intersections for added strength.
  • # 8 zippers with nickel plated sliders with silent pull tabs.
  • Bar tacked stress points add strength and durability.
  • Super-light buckles and webbing
  • Reflective zipper pulls and guy out points for convenience
  • 2 mesh utility pockets for gear storage.
  • Flashlight loop
  • Tent, pole and stake bags included.
  • Aluminum stakes and guy lines included
  • Fire retardant.
  • Import.

Altrec

Designed for the solo backpacker or cyclist, the Sprite packs small and doesnt weigh down a pack.  Front vestibule shelters gear and the efficient floor plan allows enough room for one person and essentials.  Lightweight Atlas 7001 poles stand strong in stormy weather.  Guaranteed watertight construction. Superlight option: pitch with fly only plus and Pitch Light footprint to shave pounds. Footprint sold separately.

Features:

  • Atlas 7001 pole system is strong, lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion and dents, and easy to service by hand in the field
  • Body Fabric: 68D Polyester Ripstop DWR
  • Clear SVX window is UV-resistant, providing a view and extra light
  • Color coded pole loops for easy set up
  • Floor Area: 17.5sq ft / 1.6sq m
  • Fly Fabric: 75D Polyester Taffeta 1500mm PU
  • Gear can be stored in canopy storage pockets or optional rectangular gear loft (sold separetely)
  • Interior Height: 3.08in / 93.98cm
  • Minimum Weight: 2.8lb / 1.3kgMinimum Weight: 2.8lb / 1.3kg
  • Number of Doors: 1
  • Number of Poles: 2Number of Poles: 2
  • Number of Vestibules: 1
  • One mesh door with dual-slider zipper for easy entry and exit
  • Packed weight: 3.4lb / 1.5kg
  • Pitch Light Weight: 2.4lb / 1.08kg
  • Pitch Light configuration allows user to set up a superlight shelter using only the tent fly, poles and footprint (sold separately)
  • Reflective starter point and guy-out loops for easy set-up at night
  • Superlight 1/4" buckles and webbing reduce tent weight
  • Tent Capacity: 1
  • Vestibule Area: 5sq ft / 0.45sq m
  • Vestibule allows for a dry entry into tent

Rock/Creek Outfitters

The Sprite 1 Tent by Mountain Hardwear is a one person tent that was designed with the fast and light athlete in mind.  The Sprite packs down small and doesn't weight your pack giving you a lighter tent to take with you when traveling on a bike, solo backpacking or fast ascents.  A large front vestibule allows for more storage and the efficient floor plan (see sizing chart) gives plenty of room for gear and one person comfortably.  The durable Atlas 7001 poles are super strong and can hold the tent up even in high winds and the Sprite 1 is guaranteed watertight due to the fully taped fly, taped perimeter seams, welded corners and welded guy clip anchors.   MHW also rain room tested it with 1200” of rain in 24 hours.

Features:

  • Atlas 7001 poles system
  • Clear SVX window is UV-resistant, providing a view and extra light
  • Gear can be stored in canopy storage pockets or optional rectangular gear loft (sold separately)
  • Guaranteed watertight protection
  • One mesh door with dual-slider zipper for easy entry and exit
  • Pitch Light option for fast and light hiking *(Sold seperately)
  • Reflective starter point and guy-out loops for easy set-up at night
  • Superlight buckles and webbing reduce tent weight
  • Vestibule design creates a dry entry into tent

Moosejaw (Spring 2010)

The Sprite 1 - 1 Person Tent by Mountain Hardwear. Designed for solo backpackers or cyclists, the compact Sprite doesn't weigh down a pack.

FEATURES of the Sprite 1 - 1 Person Tent by Mountain Hardwear

SPECIFICATIONS:

Features:

  • Atlas 7001 pole system is strong, lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion and dents, and easy to service by hand in the field
  • Clear SVX window is UV-resistant, providing a view and extra light
  • Color-coded pole loops for easy setup
  • Gear can be stored off the floor using canopy pockets or a accessory gear lofts (sold separately)
  • One mesh door with dual-slider zipper for easy entry and exit
  • Pitch Light configuration allows user to setup a superlight shelter using only the tent fly, poles and footprint (sold separately)
  • Reflective starter point and guy-out loops for easy setup at night
  • Superlight ¼" buckles and webbing reduce tent weight
  • Vestibule allows for a dry-entry into tent

Backcountry Edge

Updated for 2009! Boasting an innovative, asymmetrical layout, a light packed weight and a packed size of 19 x 6, the Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 offers the efficient performance that solo backpackers crave. Though not freestanding, once pitched, the Sprite 1 is rugged enough for 3-season usage in a variety of conditions.

Features:

  • Atlas 7001 UL poles
  • Canopy storage pockets
  • Dry entry vestibule
  • Dual-slider mesh doorQ SVX window
  • Guaranteed watertight construction
  • Pitchlight compatible (footprint sold separately)
  • Rectangular gear loft compatible (sold separately)
  • Reflective guy out loops
  • Reflective starter point
  • Superlight buckles and webbing
  • Welded guy clip anchors

Backcountry.com

The Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent gives solo backpackers comfort that no bivy sack can match without forcing them to go with an overkill two-person tent. This roomy alternative keeps out the bugs, shelters you from rain, and even keeps your boots and pack undercover.

Area:17.44 sq ft / 1.62 sq m
Average Min Weight:2 lb 15 oz
Average Packed Weight:3 lb 7 oz
Avg. Min. Weight:2 lbs, 13 oz / 1.29 kg
Avg. Packed Weight:3 lbs, 7 oz / 1.57 kg
Body fabric:All Mountain 70D Nylon
Canopy:20D Nylon Knit Mesh; 68D Polyester Ripstop DWR
Capacity:1
Clip / Sleeve:Clip
Clips or Sleeves:Clips
Doors:1
Floor:75D Polyester Taffeta 1500mm PU
Floor Area:17.5 sq ft
Floor Dimensions:90" x 31" (widest point)
Floor Space:31 x 90in (79 x 229cm), 17.5sq ft (1.6sq m)
Floor fabric:All Mountain 5000 Nylon
Fly:75D Polyester Taffeta 1500mm PU
Fly fabric:All Mountain 68D Polyester
Freestanding:No
Height:3.08 ft / 94.00 cm
Interior Height:40in (102cm)
Interior Storage:Canopy Storage Pockets
Manufacturer Warranty:Lifetime
Material:Walls: 20D Nylon Knit Mesh and 68D Polyester Ripstop DWR Fly: 75D Polyester Taffeta 1500mm PU Floor: 70D Nylon Taffeta 3000mm PU
Minimum Weight:2 lbs. 15 oz.; 1.32 kg.
Number of Poles:2
Other:Stuff Sack Included
Packed Size:6 x 19in (15 x 48cm)
Pitch Type:Non-freestanding
Pitchlight Weight:2 lbs. 6 oz.; 1.08 kg.
Pole Diameter:8.93mm
Pole Material:Atlas 7001
Pole Type:Atlas 7001 Aluminum
Poles:Diameter
Recommended Use:Lightweight Three-Season Backpacking
Seam Sealed:Taped Seams
Seasons:3
Sleeping Capacity:1
Usage:Three-season backpacking; Camping
Ventilation:Mesh walls
Vestibule Area:5 sq ft
Vestibule Space:5sq ft (0.5sq m)
Warranty:Lifetime
Weight:2lb 13oz (1290g)

Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Tent Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
53
45
31
20
10

Positive Reviews:

great solo tent for almost any situation

Rating:*****

I have last years version but form what i can tell nothing has changed. the only real drawback here is the lack of a free-standing architecture - this makes pitching on a platform a pain in the neck but nothing some parachute cord and nearby trees cant solve. while not being especially light, it takes up very little room, so its great for solo trips where you want more than just a bivy.

the asymmetric design has a ton going for it! the internal nook leaves all the room that you need for some night time reading, a head lamp, toiletries and so on. the vestibule is just the right size for a pack and boots. some have complained that it is cramped in side, though i find it to be plenty spacious. i'm 6'1" and 175lbs, so not especially large but have found my self more than comfortable in it.

the stakes that it came with were the worst stakes ive ever seen, two of them bent immediately. the bottom of the barrel stakes that you can get in bins at REI are of greater quality. its non-freestanding design also requires a good number of them. not really a big deal imo thought minimalists may be irked.

this thing is extremely hearty! as a result of poor planning and waning daylight, i ended up pitching the thing at over 5000 feet on the presidential ridge of the white mountains. i tried to get in the lee of the terrain as best as possible, but i still got hammered with 50mph winds all night long. when i got up the next day you could have bounced a quarter off the fly. im considering using it as a winter tent in conjunction with a bivy sack since it seems pretty bombproof.

Update: A friend and I went camping over the 4th of July. The weather was rotten; punctuated by thunder, lightning driving rain and hail. We both have Sprites. I remained very comfortable all night long while my friend wound up soaked as condensation poured in on him all night. I theorize that one of two things happened to him: A) his whole fly is defective and useless, or B) he somehow didn't manage to get the fly taught enough to keep it off of the tent body. I suspect the 2nd option is the most likely. In my opinion getting both the tent body and the footprint if present as taught as possible before attempting to put the fly up is critical to avoiding this problem. Further compounding the issue is the fact that he used the 2007 model tent body and fly with a 2008 model footprint. Both the footprint and the tent body have the hardware required to pitch the fly, however part of me wonders if the 2008 footprint is not somehow just different enough to prevent the fly from sitting tightly over the hoops thus preventing condenstation. At this time, this is the only explanation I can think of given our otherwise identical equipment.

Brian G. Sweeney at Backcountry.com on 04/30/2009

Just right for intended use and great for the price!

Rating:*****
I bought the Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 to replace an aging dome tent I have been hauling around on bike trips and backpacking. I have used it on a three day cycling trip, one backpacking trip and several times just camping before hikes. I'm very happy with the 1.29kg weight and comfort. I wish it was a little higher, but especially when backpacking, I'll gladly sacrifice a bit of headroom for less weight. I have learned to get dressed horizontally, as my head comes pretty close to the peak when I sit up straight (I am 178cm tall). Thanks to the vestibule and wing of interior space, the tent isn't at all claustrophobic. That extra space also leaves me plenty of room for my 70L backpack, my day bag, boots and other items. I do recommend a footprint, as the vestibule is otherwise open to the ground. The floor of the tent hasn't seeped moisture through from wet ground, but a footprint will insure that it stays waterproof. Mesh through most of the tent prevents condensation. I haven't noticed any condensation at all so far, partially due to pegging the fly out as far as it will go. I haven't been out in the pouring rain yet, but the few light sprinkles posed no problem, and the fly dried quickly once it cleared up. The vestibule is nice for storage, but opening the door all the way uncovers it, so it's only sheltered when the door is closed. I can open, sit inside, close, then take off my boots for sheltered entry. I don't think it will be feasible to do much cooking there on rainy days, although with stored gear at the foot of the tent and the door mostly closed, there might be enough room for some cramped food prep. But hey, I bought this tent so that I didn't have to feel like I was carrying everything but the kitchen sink!
Steve in Japan at Altrec on 08/18/2009

Great but not perfect

Rating:****
Tried it out in an weekend hike. The weight is a little bit on the heavy side if you use it together with footprint. In addition, the bottom did not seem to be level with the ground (I did look for a level place for a while.) It is also not a free stand tent. Other than that it is a pretty good tent, easy to setup, very good quality and easy to pack. I haven't got a chance to test it out in rainy conditions. If it is not for its weight and not free-standing, I would give it a 5 stars.
Jet at Altrec on 06/22/2009

Awesome, Light, and Thoughtful Tent

Rating:*****
Bought this tent after seeing my buddy hike with it all summer in Denali. He loved it, and I love it now too. It packs down relatively small. It can go even smaller if you get the footprint as well. The rain fly will pitch to the foot print for an ultra light shelter. Haven't had any problems keeping the rain out with it. Hasn't leaked yet. All in all, it's a great solo backpacking tent.
Michael at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 01/25/1910

Great value for a solo tent

Rating:****
Set up was a breeze. Tent is very stable and easy to adjust. The extra notch inside the tent is nice for basics needed during the night and the vestibule is a plus for a one-person tent and could hold an average week-end size pack. The tent narrows towards the foot area and is the size of typical mummy bag so sleeping pad should be narrow or tapered.
Fred Fletcher at Altrec on 03/06/2008

Good little tent

Rating:****

This is nice, sturdy, lightweight solo tent. It's not freestanding, not all that light, and a little short though. I'm 6' tall and felt like the length was somewhat restrictive. I do like the dimensions and design because the little area next within the tent for storage is pretty cool and the vestibule is larger than other solo tents.

Stephen M. Bennett at Backcountry.com on 12/23/2009

Bag the bivy

Rating:****

Groovy little tent. this thing has ample room for my 69" 175lbs frame and the cool little cubby next to the head lets you play with your GI Joes while you wait out the rain. Its just too bad that it's not freestanding.

Jacob Kokotkiewicz at Backcountry.com on 05/30/2009

Good tent at a great price

Rating:****
A fine little tent that weighs almost nothing! The tent is easy to set up, easy to pack up, and stores in a small bag. If it would have been a free standing tent I would have given it 5/5 stars.
Rob Vallance at Altrec on 04/30/2009

Neutral Reviews:

Tenting in Escalante Utah wilderness

Rating:***

Just got back from a three day backpack with a new Sprite.
It was easy to set up, withstood 30 mph winds the first day, and comfortable in the vestibule for reading and even dressing. Only complaint was its' fragility, after the first day on the trail I noticed tiny holes in both the internal tent and rain fly, probably caused by the tent poles or stakes rubbing against the material as we shimmied through Round Valley draw slot canyon (both stakes and poles were securely wrapped inside their bags, inside the tenting material). Is there a warranty on material?

lal100308551 at Backcountry.com on 05/01/2009