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This is a tent we are certainly familiar with, having been one of the first pieces of kit we tested and  reviewed for UOG back in 2017. The Orion II UL is back with us again with a few updates for added strength and more liveable space internally.

Previously we commented on how impressed we had been with the weather resistance of the  Orion II UL. The new DAC poles have been beefed up to 9.3mm for added strength yet keep a relatively low weight. Used throughout late winter and early spring this is what we would regard as a 3-season+ tent, strong enough to handle some rough weather, including a blustery night on the Cromdale hills not too far away from our home in the Cairngorms. The 10,000 mm water column 40D fabric does a great job in heavy rain and certainly feels like a safe shelter to spend some time when the conditions weren’t on our side.

The pitching is very easy. Poles are colour coded and numbered in sequence. Oddly you do have to be careful which way around you insert the pole as only one end fits into the metal rivet. Although the set-up is a fairly quick process and can be done on your own. Fly and inner pitched at the same time to save time and reduce rainfall or snow entering the main living space if the weather conditions take a turn.

The guylines are in abundance, long in length, and made of a decent thickness of cordage! Exactly what we want from a tent of this style and even includes small mesh bags for storing away. A great feature that just makes life that little bit easier, especially in cold weather.  Exped even provides two additional guylines which we fitted to the side walls for just a bit of extra stability.

Unfortunately, without side skirts and fabric that hunkers right to the ground, it’s not the most ideal shelter for use in snow. It is certainly strong enough to handle snow pack with the steep walls and 3 pole system easily able to handle winter camping. It would have been great to have seen this as an option when updated.

The  Orion II UL really comes into its own when you consider the space inside. The large floor base comprises of separate vestibules and plenty of space to fit 2 people and kit. This really is a very spacious shelter, which can be an issue with finding the perfect pitch but offers a lot of room for those long winter nights or patches of bad weather. Lots of storage options and the inclusion of a gear loft make use of the entire space.

The doors now open in a variety of ways to allow a bit of airflow without flapping around in the wind, opening the upper section if cooking in the vestibule in persistent rainfall. The inner fabric is most undeniably Exped, bright yellow and green, not our favoured hue for the morning sunlight to radiate through, although there are very few draughts even in strong windspeeds and condensation is low even whilst camping in the colder months.

Pack size is very reasonable considering the pitched size of the Orion II UL, and we would be quite happy to carry this on our own if making a base camp for a few days, or on a bikepacking or packraft expedition. Split between two is our preferred option and you have a relatively lightweight shelter that you can rely on considering the many weather conditions we often encountered over a short period of time camping in the UK.

With the extra guylines, pegs (which Exped includes a full set of!), and footprint (which allows better use of the vestibule) the Orion II UL comes in at just under 3kg.

Our Verdict

Exped’s Orion II UL is a shelter built for stability and liveability. Strong and spacious it became the tent we would look to carry if expecting mixed weather or a base tent for multiple days use. Coming in at just under 3kg carrying extra guylines, pegs, and footprint, this is certainly not the lightest option but instead one in which the large vestibules and internal space made for easy living over the longer nights throughout the late winter season leading into spring. Although the structure is a solid 3 pole system which can handle tough conditions it would have been great to have seen a few additions made to make this an all-season option, with the fly not hunkering all the way to the ground to stop snow entering the vestibule. Best used as a two-person tent with a shared carry weight, the large space inside and plenty of storage options meant two people weren’t fighting for space. The newly designed doors meant preparing meals in bad weather is achievable, and a steady airflow meant condensation was kept to a minimum. All in all, a solid shelter which we very much enjoyed using, albeit a bit on the heavy side for truly lightweight travel. 

Trek Scotland is a small family business based in the picturesque village of Tomintoul in the North East region of the Cairngorms National Park. They provide bespoke Mountain Guiding for Single Day Walks and Lightweight Multiday Trekking experiences, including wild camping, in the stunning Cairngorms wilderness and surrounding areas. Whether in the high mountains or lower valleys, their Multiday Treks are equipped with high quality, lightweight camping and trekking gear. They only work with small groups and, whatever your ability, pride themselves on designing your outdoor experience completely to your needs and with professional guidance and expertise. Adventure is waiting... Read more from Trek Scotland