Exped Orion II UL Tent

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The Orion II UL is back with us again with a few updates for added strength and more liveable space internally.

Exped says:

The Orion II UL expands our range with a strong freestanding tent made for adventures in which minimal weight and maximum shelter from the elements is key. The ideal tent for overnight stays in exposed terrain.

The full length ridge pole reaches the ground for enhanced wind stability and also creates a high canopy with comfortable living space. While the rainfly is freestanding, the canopy can be used as a bug tent on its own.

Two large vestibules hold loads of gear and two wide doors make entry and exit quick and simple. Small personal items can be stored in the included Gear Loft. The doors of the rainfly are variable and can be conveniently operated from within the canopy. Black mosquito mesh keeps bugs out and allow good views.

Our Verdict

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.

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.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

In-depth Reviews:

• Exped Orion II UL Review – “Strong and spacious it became the tent we would look to carry if expecting mixed weather”

Features

• Sturdy freestanding construction 
• Excellent wind and weather protection 
• Canopy dimensions suits large sleepers 
• 6 fixed guy out points 
• Ideal for alpine use where weight is critical
• UPDATE – Tonal color update of fly and canopy
• UPDATE – Updated dimensions
• UPDATE – New DAC pole diameters for added strength
• UPDATE – Steeper side walls
• UPDATE – Variable doors of rainfly
• UPDATE – Larger canopy doors
• UPDATE – Durable black mosquito mesh doors
• UPDATE – Re-designed gear loft

Specifications

Our weights

• Flysheet and Inner weighs: 1905g
• Poles weigh: 577g
• Total weight:  2482g (excludes pegs & bags)
• Pegs x 18 weigh: 193g

Exped Specs

• Minimum weight: 2.50kg
• Packed weight: 2.90kg
• Persons: 2
• Floor size: 220 x 130cm
• Inner height: 130cm
• Canopy area: 2.85 m²
• Vestibule area: 2.20 m²
• Packed size: 48 x 14cm
• Canopy fits to 2 M or 2 LW mats

Material

• Rainfly: 15 D ripstop nylon, silicone/PU coated, factory seam taped, Oeko Tex® 100 certified, PFC-free, flame-retardant free
• Canopy: 15 D ripstop nylon, 20 D No-See-Um mosquito mesh, Oeko Tex® 100 certified, DWR C6, flame-retardant free
• Floor: 40 D ripstop nylon laminated, 10 000 mm water column, Oeko Tex® 100 certified, PFC-free, flame-retardant free
• Poles: DAC Featherlite NFL 9.3 mm TH72M, green anodizing

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Tents
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Tent
• When pegs go bad – Everything you need to know about tent pegs
• Are Tent Footprints Worth It?
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• Why is ‘PFC Free’ Important?
• About Exped