Ultralight Survival Shelter 2
LiFESYSTEMS
Product Review
Storm shelters, potential life savers!
As we move ever closer to winter, it’s very much worth highlighting an item that should be in your kit for when that perfect adventure turns a little uncomfortable. We’ve been reading more and more stories from the mountain rescue teams about people venturing out into the Scottish mountains ill-equipped, with very little experience or just simply choosing not to acknowledge the risks that are out there. Whilst there is a substantial list of what you should be packing, we wanted to take a look at the LifeSystems, Ultralight Survival Shelter 2. We have always carried the basic items of emergency kit that all responsible mountain users carry. With the addition of this shelter, we feel even more confident we have the capability to manage the risks more effectively.
The Ultralight Survival Shelter in action
We recently undertook an adventure in the Cairngorms where the weather was quite harsh. During the trek to the summit of Ben Macdui, on our second day, we began to feel the effects of the weather and general fatigue. We had made a hot drink before we struck camp at Loch Etchachan in the morning using the LiFEVENTURE Thermal Mug. Doing it before we left would mean less messing around with stoves later. We reached the Sapper Ruins near the summit and decided to take advantage of it’s walls for shelter. The wind was whipping in from all angles so we decided to get out the shelter. This was actually the first time we had used one and we were extremely surprised to feel the almost instant change in temperature. The wind was well and truly left outside. We pulled out our thermal mugs and some food to try and recharge our energy levels. It was such a quick process to deploy the shelter and get in, there was no hassle. When your tired and feeling fragile, the less hassle the better! We were out of the wind and rain, and importantly, beginning to feel better!
To watch our Cairngorms Adventure: CLICK HERE
OTAT Scotland Top Tip - When you are inside the shelter, lean back and relax. The structure and shape of the shelter allows you and your adventure buddy to support each other. Its actually very comfortable!
Why do I need the Ultralight Survival Shelter 2
It’s often thought that these shelters are only for an emergency situation. We’d like to suggest that if you use it to ensure you don't actually arrive at the point of an emergency, from a weather perspective, this then becomes a very sensible investment. Be it mountain biking, hiking, packrafting, trail running, the list goes on. The Ultralight Survival Shelter really does make complete sense. Survival shelters are an essential item of safety equipment for any outdoor activity.
As we’ve said, it doesn't really matter what kind of adventure you are undertaking. The important factor is to make sure you have the capability of creating a barrier between you and horrendous weather. We all know how wind-chill works, the minute you stop the wind hitting exposed skin you are no longer experiencing the effects of wind-chill. This group shelter gets you out of that wind in seconds.
Okay, so MrsO and I aren't 6 footers but we found that there was plenty of space to put our rucksacks inside the shelter for us to sit on and get off the ground. A neatly shaped bottom skirting helps stop the wind from finding its way under the edge. There was also enough space to move around a little, no dancing but enough to have your lunch. Head room was ample for the two of us. When you lean back it’s also very comfortable and helps create tension. This helps the shelter defeat the effects of the wind.
The shelter is a supremely lightweight, weighing just 215g. Easy to deploy and re-pack, it is suitable for use in all weathers, creating a surprisingly warm and sheltered internal micro-climate. .
This is how quickly you can be out of the wind and into the warmth.
Specifications
Persons: 2
Weight: 215g
Dimensions (packed): 140 x 75 x 75mm
Dimensions (unpacked): 1400 x 900 x 450mm
Price Point: £59.99
Features
Designed for 2 people
Ultra-lightweight design
20D siliconised nylon fabric
Air-vent
5000mm hydrostatic head
Waterproof seating panels
Reflective strips for increased visibility
Integral stuff sack
Value for money
How much value do you place on the your own comfort and welfare and that of the group!?! It has to be said that there are cheaper options on the market but equally there are far more expensive options. If you want a product that’s very lightweight, packable and one that feels strong and robust, then the LifeSystems, Ultralight Survival Shelter 2 is a very realistic option. You are also getting a product brand that has a wide representation in the major retail outlets. As always this is a good indication of quality.
We have now used the shelter several times in driving rain and wind. Up to this point we have yet to notice any major issues in terms of its durability. We do expect that the trade off between weight and durability will have an impact eventually, but for now its all good!
What we would like to see
This is a difficult one! Normally we like to have a couple of points that we think would improve the product but on this occasion we cant actually add anything of value, so we wont. We could have said, we would like to have a window on the shelter! But, this would then remove one of the products main features, it’s weight and size.
STOP!! - We’ve thought of something! The name, “Survival Shelter”, this says to us that the product is primarily for emergency use. As we have indicated in this review, we prefer to use the Ultralight …. Shelter 2 in a way that helps us avoid getting into trouble in the first place. That old adage, prevention is better than the cure applies here!
Lets wrap this up
A very good product that will be a valuable addition to the kit of any serious user of the outdoors. It’s not just for emergencies, it’s for your own comfort. Whether you choose this product or not, a group shelter or survival shelter is a must. Did you know its Christmas very soon, not a bad gift idea possibly!
To find out more about the LifeSystems, Ultralight Survival Shelter 2, hit the links.
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