LabNebula
We wanted to test a tent that would
withstand the elements. A perfect home for the alpinist and hiker that
guaranteed 100% stability and waterproofness, characterised by both its
versatility and functionality. Our choice fell on the Nebula by The
North Face, a true classic two-man tent designed to be used 365 days a
year and in all weather conditions.
A quick check immediately brings to
light the quality of the Nebula – the floor is in Taffeta Nylon 70
Dernier coated in PU to guarantee waterproofness, while the flysheet is
in 75 Dernier ripstop nylon. The all-important seams are taped and
although all these materials are not ultra-light they are extremely
robust. In line therefore with the design goals and philosophy behind
every North Face tent
Durability, reliability and resistance. These are the three keywords
that describe TNF tents, and the actual structure, supported by three
poles in 7075-E9 Easton aluminium, translates this concept perfectly.
These alloy poles are famed for their strength and reduced weight and
still today are without rivals.
How the various components fit together is a crucial factor in tent
stability, and the designers of the Nebula opted for continuous pole
sleeves. These not only help pitching, but also guarantees an even
distribution of tent tension. Unlike clip-on flysheets, the continuous
sleeves reduce the risk of localised damage to the flysheet due to
sudden gusts of wind, snow build-up etc.
The tent is fixed to the floor using
aggressive aluminium V-shaped pegs, inserted into adjustable loops.
These proved to be far more efficient than the traditional elasticised
loops at tensioning the flysheet, especially on rugged terrain. TNF has
gone one step further, colour-coding these loops: setting up the tent
wrongly is practically impossible, even at night since the pulls and
loops are glow-in-the dark and reflective!
The Nebula proves to be extremely versatile and comfortable, with all
available space optimised 100%. The twin vestibules are great for
storing rucksacks and gear and operate as easy entry points. Two
windows provide ample illumination: the first, in polyurethane, is
located on the door providing a great view outside, while the second is
internal and works somewhat like a Venetian blind. It has to be said
though that we removed the blind in summer to increase ventilation,
which with the two doors is already excellent.
As has become the norm with all North Face tents, the Nebula excels for
its attention to detail. Paradoxically though there are almost too many
zips on the doors, while perhaps an internal mesh is missing to hang up
wet clothes.
The combination of durability, size and height does not place the
Nebula at the top of the featherweight category. Weighing in at 3.66kg,
it isn’t exactly the lightest. But perhaps this is also one of its
greatest plus points, for the Nebula can be relied on when the going
gets tough. And, not to be underestimated in an emergency, it can fit 3
people at a push. Definitely an excellent partner for both
mountaineering and trekking.
