The Wilderness Shop has the widest range of tents in Victoria!
We have over 25 different tents from brands including:

Mont Exped Wilderness Equipment Salewa Vaude Outdoor Research Hennessy Hammocks

 Choosing a Tent: There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a tent.

MONT
ADVENTURE EQUIPMENT
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Moondance 1, 2, 3
The Moondance series of Mont tents (comprising Moondance 1, Moondance 2 and Moondance 3) are true ultralight models and feature tough floors and great ventilation for those looking to minimize weight without compromising durability.

    

Go to our Gear Review on the Moondance

Firefly
The Firefly offers outstanding internal volume. The free-standing design creates a solid structure and the dual entrances combined with two roof vents provide unbeatable ventilation, ideally suited for bushwalking.

  

Epoch
The Epoch is a true 4 season free standing alpine tent with a unique 6-pole design providing enormous stability in high winds. In fact wind tunnel testing showed that the addition of the ridgepole increased overall stability by an amazing 40%. The Epoch is a very generous 2 person dual entrance dual vestibule design and features large 3 way roof vents for increased comfort over all conditions. Constructed with durability in mind.
  

Batwing
The Batwing 3 lightweight Tarp shelter is the ideal size for lightweight backpacking. If you’re looking for a tarp suitable for a larger group then check out the Batwing 5.


  

  EXPED EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT
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Vela, Extreme & Ultralight
The Exped Vela 1, a spacious single person shelter in a quick setup design, available in either the
durable Extreme or the Ultralight configuration.

                  

Venus, Extreme & Ultralight
The Exped Venus II has loads of space for two and their gear, plus the added benefit of dual entrances with large windows for terrific cross ventilation. Available in 3 configurations, the standard Polyester model, the Extreme, or the Ultralight.
              

Go to our Gear Review on the Venus

WILDERNESS
EQUIPMENT
by Sea To Summit
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Tectite
The WE Tectite is a range of truly innovative, single-skin hybrids. Available in the Tectite 1, Tectite 2 and Tectite 3, with excellent space, protection, wind stability and flow-through ventilation. The ideal tent for those who need lightweight comfort, but not storm protection.
 

Go to our Gear Review on the Tectite

First & Second Arrow
The WE First and Second Arrow are a classic tapered tunnel tent. With outstanding aerodynamics, high strength, brilliant space distribution, unequalled convective and forced flow-through ventilation, year-round versatility.

Dart
The WE Dart has strong performance in all backpacking conditions: stability and strength in high wind, generous floor space for two tall occupants, good head room, independent access and vestibule space for each, good cross-ventilation and the convenience of free-standing set-up.

 

I-Explore
The WE I-Explore is fully-free-standing tent that accommodates three adults and features double-sided access, two spacious vestibules and easy set-up. The i-Explore 3 would be a great family backpacking or lightweight general camping tent. Available in 2 combinations, a mesh inner or full winter inner.

Overhang Tarp
WE Ultralight Overhang Tarps are engineered for the fast and light. WE Standard Overhang Tarps Engineered tarps for shelter in every season.


 

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Sierra Leone
The Salewa Sierra Leone II is a long-term classic favourite with bushwalkers! The extended inner tent length is perfect for taller people, in a modified dome tent. Two ridge poles increase the vestibule space.
                      

Denali 2, 3
The Salewa Denali is a versatile dome tent. Easy setup is a feature of this best-selling tent. This tent has all you need for mid-level bushwalking and car camping trips.
Available in 2 models, for 2 or 3 people.
                                  

VAUDE

OUTDOOR RESEARCH

OUTDOOR RESEARCH

HENNESSY HAMMOCK
“the coolest tent in the world”

Hogan Ultralight
The Vaude Hogan Ultralight is a Multi-award winning tent. Tthe ideal ultralight tent, making it ideal for trekking and bike tours.

 

Nighthaven
The Outdoor Research Nighthaven is a minimalist yet fully enclosed tarp-style shelter, with optional fitted floor. Uses trekking poles to set up.
  

Aurora & Alpine Bivy
Select from either the Outdoor Research Aurora Bivy, an minimal, lightweight, classic, no-frills bivy, or the Alpine Bivy which is a fully featured, lightweight, water and weatherproof, one-person shelter with optional pole.
              

Scout & Expedition A-Sym
The innovation in hammocks! All Hennessy Hammocks come complete with attached mosquito netting, detachable rain fly, support ropes, and stuff sack with set up instructions on back.

  

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CHOOSING A TENT!

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Choosing A Tent
There are so many tents to look at when considering a purchase that the process may appear too daunting, but it needn’t be! If you break down your requirements into a number of factors, including roominess, capacity (number of people), weight, features, weather resistance and price, the whole procedure is streamlined.

Range
At The Wilderness Shop we have around 25 different tents from 7 of the best manufacturers worldwide. “Why?” Each brand and model has its own pros and cons to best suit your requirements.

Tent Wall Selection
All our tents are clearly displayed with color pictures, dimensions, pricing and other relevant information. We can readily set any tent up for you, giving you a better idea of how to do it yourself when the time comes!

Download The Wilderness Shop’s Tents & Bivy Bag Brochure for more information.

Factors to consider
Expected weather conditions that you will use your tent in is a primary factor. A 2 season tent is best for summer use, edging over into spring and autumn use. A 3 season tent is designed for use in spring, summer and autumn. A four season tent is for year round use, possibly suitable if you are caught out in the snow. A ski touring tent is for exactly that, snow camping. (Note our seasons are based on Australian conditions.)
Roominess is a very personal thing, both inside the tent and the vestibule space. If you are minimalist and do not spread gear around, then a small tent is suitable. Go for more space if you want to unpack all your goodies so they are on hand. If you want to keep your boots and pack out of the elements, consider a spacious vestibule. In the event of bad weather this will also give you some cooking space Alternatively if your pack is left outside under a pack cover then you may be happy with a small vestibule.
Capacity is the number of people a tent will fit inside without gear. Some 2 person tents are smaller, therefore suited for use in good weather, while others have more room to sit out a storm. A couple of tents are referred to as 2-3 person, meaning they are roomy for 2, small for 3. Bigger people after a 1 person tent may look at a small 2 person tent. Adopt a flexible attitude here!

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Weight is affected by many things. However if it is too heavy for you to carry, it is not the right tent for you. A smaller tent will be lighter. More expensive tents will use the latest materials and technology to reduce weight. Tents designed for severe weather may be heavier than a 3 season tent.
Features such as 2 doors and vents high in the roof will result in better ventilation. Some tents allow you to open and close the vents while still inside. Pockets in the side walls or a mesh loft are both handy for storing gear. A ceiling clip for hanging a lantern can be useful in winter. Extra pegging and guying points add stability in strong winds.
Ease of Set-up is something to consider, especially if you are solo camping. All of our tents are normally available for set-up in the shop, so you can see this for yourself. Once you have set a tent up 1 or 2 times, you will be more familiar with it, and the time required will be reduced.

GEAR REVIEWS!

Exped Venus II, by Nick

The Exped Venus II tent has proved to be a very adaptable tent for unpredictable Australian conditions. Things I like about the Venus II tent are many, and here is a short list based on my experience: The large side entry vestibules provide easy access, have enough room for a large pack, yet still leave enough room for cooking and getting in and out of the tent; The Venus II is a light 4 season tent (2.7Kg trail weight) and has dealt well with south-west Tasmanian wind and snow. The poles slide through sleeve poles which adds greatly to the strength. The inner is connected to the fly so pitching is quick and dry in wet weather and the floor is durable and waterproof (10,000mm); The internal walls of the tent are either steeply pitched or vertical which makes it feel very roomy (I am 6” tall), there are lots of internal pockets and two people can sit side-by-side at the doors playing cards or eating dinner in inclement weather. The tent is warm in cold weather, and in warm weather the majority of the side walls zip out as fly mesh to encourage good venting.
Other Exped Tents you may consider are the Auriga and the Sirius 2.

Download The Wilderness Shop’s Tents & Bivy Bag Brochure for more information.

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Mont Moondance

The Mont Moondance II tent appears to us, to be the least compromised lightweight two person tent on the market. It is a freestanding tent (1.9 kg trail weight) with plenty of head room, is quick to pitch and all parts of the pitch are taught. The internal walls block wind and sand on the lower half and provide a well ventilated mesh on the upper half. Steep walls give you the maximum living space out of the tents  footprint. The floor is very durable and waterproof (10,000mm waterhead), unlike some lightweight tent which rely upon an extra footprint. The vestibules are on the sides, in which you can stow a pack, boots and a bit more. I have had the Moondance II in driving rain and it has kept me bone-dry, and it has dealt well with light snowfalls. It is possible to set up the fly first if it is raining while pitching the tent. Minimum peg requirement is 2 (for vestibules) in fine weather, 6 in windy weather and 8 in foul weather. The fly has double zips with a smooth action and a 'rounded' vestibule opening which makes it easy to get in and out. I have used my Mont Moondance II for over a year now, in all seasons and conditions and have found it extremely liveable tent. The Moondance 1 is also available: a single person model at a even further reduced  weight, and the Moondance 3 offers room for 3 at low weight, or as a palatial 2 person tent!

Download The Wilderness Shop’s Tents & Bivy Bag Brochure for more information.

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Mont Firefly

The Mont Firefly has been specifically designed as the best all-round tent for 3-4 season use in Australian conditions. Roomier than the Moondance 2,
the Firefly represents an unbeatable combination of maximising space while keeping weight at a comfortable limit for 2 people.

Wilderness Equipment Tectite
by Mark

I own a Tectite 1 and have used it as a single man tent for many of my adventures as well as weekend camping. Its very spacious as a one man tent with plenty of room for your pack inside. I appreciate the simplicity and speed of putting it up as well as its low weight. So far I have not had any issues with condensation on any of my trips. On rockclimbing trips when saving weight is essential, I use it as a two man tent, but packs then need to stay outside.
W.E. have managed to make a lightweight group of single skin tents while maintaining their commitment to keep their products robust and strong. It achieves this by doing away with the conventional double skin design and opting for a single waterproof exterior. The floating-floor design with mesh connecting to the walls allows plenty of ventilation to ensure condensation does not disturb your sleep.
The single pole design makes erecting the tent super easy and fast. Simply slide the pole in, peg one end and stretch out the other end and peg down and you are ready to tuck in for the evening. The tents offer ample interior space at their nominal capacity and can fit one additional at a squeeze. The Tectites don’t compromise by using fragile thin fabrics and so while not as light as some ultralight tents you can be assured that your tent will survive years of in harsh environments.
Overall the Tectite tents are a multipurpose, go anywhere, lightweight tent. Single skin designs are often considered specialised tents however I have found my Tectite useful for most conditions and circumstances. I recommend it to people who value simplicity and minimal weight.
Other WE tents include the First Arrow, Second Arrow, Dart, Dart 2, I-Explore and Overhangs.

Download The Wilderness Shop’s Tents & Bivy Bag Brochure for more information.

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WE Tectite 1, 2 & 4

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