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Frankly, I chose this tent because of its low weight and because having used single skin shelters of this type in the past, I know they provide significantly more space for a given weight. I don’t mind a bit of condensation, which is a fact of life when single skin camping.

I soon realised however that the Mid 1 isn’t just a regurgitation of the single skin pyramid design of other brands in Dyneema but a thoughtful redesign of the classic shelter. The more I used the tent the more impressed I was that the unexpected design features really did work.

Of course it utilises a trekking pole as a central support. But HMG realised that while some trekking poles used by tall people are the perfect length, those used by us normal people (I use 125cm) are too short to generate a decent head height. HMG have included a 15cm trekking pole extension which allows them to make the height of the tent that much more which consequently increases the internal volume.

They also get a gold star for the panelling. I mentioned I had used this type of tent before and what I always did was use my other trekking pole to support the fabric in some way to reduce the sag and increase the internal volume. I tried this my first night but soon discovered that HMG had designed their panels better than this. Basically, you are better off pitching the tent as designed – the strength of the fabric means you can make the guy out points really tight. The sizing of the individual panels make it very taut across the whole of the tent.

It's also not a true pyramid. The panels are designed such that the internal mesh panel (that has the door in it) is set about two thirds of the way across the footprint of the tent, maximising the internal space. However, additional panels make the porch area more useable than a simple triangle. It’s very good.

I experienced little condensation, but I can also see that the design of the groundsheet would minimise any problems because condensation that builds up on the inside of the flysheet and runs down it can’t run onto the groundsheet. There’s a flap stopping it. Only condensation that drips off the flysheet will end up on your kit, another really good design feature.

As with all tents of similar design when you lay down there’s not much height above your head, and it makes sense to lie next to the supporting pole and store your gear further into the tent. This worked but the only storage pouch is by the pole as well, making it unsuitable for anything fragile. I wear glasses and always store glasses and headtorch in a pocket, but could not do this for fear of crushing them in the night. A pouch higher up or at one end of the tent is a definite requirement for me.

I had a few heavy downpours when using the tent, especially one night when it was very heavy indeed – there wasn’t a hint of a leak. When there was no condensation but the outside of the fabric was wet, you can press on it without any ingress of water. With many tents, pressure from a finger can cause water to wick through from the outside – not this one.

I also like the magnetic tie backs for the main doors, the easiest and least fiddly solution I’ve ever used.

Reading some of the other reviews of this tent, criticism features condensation and some people have had problems with rips and tears. As my review is overwhelmingly positive I thought it worth mentioning these. Can’t really comment on rips and tears, mine was fine and I did pitch it taut, and this was one of the things that really impressed me. With regards to condensation, this is a fact of life and a waterproof tent is going to suffer from it. I find the level of condensation varies enormously depending on conditions. The only way to solve it completely is to go for a two skin tent design.

In summary, I love this tent.

• Adding 15cm to a standard trekking pole allows more headroom and internal space
• The fabric is highly waterproof and strong so it can be pitched very taut
• The panel design maximises the inner tent area and makes the porch more useable
• Condensation is partially mitigated by the design of the groundsheet edges
• Insanely light
• Didn’t like the location of the internal storage pocket (really! Is that all I could come up with?).

Well done Hyperlite.

Mark Richardson
Mark was the founder of Ultralight Outdoor Gear back in 2006 and has completed long distance backpacking routes in some of the remotest parts of the world. His favourite hikes have been Torres del Paine (full circuit), the John Muir trail and the Markha Valley trail (Ladakh, India). Although semi-retired Mark has not lost any enthusiasm for minimalist backpacking and is tackling Scotland’s Munros choosing multi-day backpacking routes over the more usual guide book excursions. Read more from Mark Richardson