Macpac Minaret - Problems ?

[Moondog55]

I'll bring mine to the Glamping W/E; you can try it out there if you want to That will still give you plenty of time to purchase before winter

[stry]

Thank you. I'm still on the fence with the glamping weekend, although definitely keen to make it.

I'll know more when the poll closes and Sim announces the dates. Love the organization Sim - too good

[tryangus]

I have hankered to try one of these as a spacious for one person, bombproof, well ventilated, albeit a tad heavy, home for some time. If I had scratched the itch some years ago, I probably wouldn't be asking the question, but I didn't, so:

Does anyone have any first hand, reliable info on problems with the currently manufactured Minaret ? I have searched here and read, and all I can find is anecdotal he said, she said, accounts of porous floors. My doubting nature is such that I cannot understand how any appropriately coated and chosen synthetic fabric can be porous.

I bought an Olympus a little while back and when doing my homework came across a certain review that appeared across a number of forums and at the time, was even on Macpac's own website for Minaret reviews. I'd say if you've been googling reviews also, you're likely to have run into the same one.

If memory serves, he'd had it sometime and complained that it had leaked quite severely compared to his other Minaret that was a good 10 years older etc.

It had me a little concerned but since I'd seen the same review in a few places, figured it was likely to be someone venting and a whole lot of people propagating said information. I bought the Olympus anyways and that floor has since proven its worth being pitched in puddles on more than one occasion.
It's worth noting that it certainly doesn't feel as physically thick as past Macpac tents (comparing to my old old Apollo) but they share the same hydrostatic head which is worth something I guess.

Inconsistencies in the application of the PU leading to "thin patches", alternatively some sort of unbonding that lead to water being absorbed/trapped between the floor fabric and the PU itself are likely causes for old mate's issues. Both should be covered under some sort of warranty I'd assume.

In either case, probably worth returning to Macpac for an explanation. You're buying a product 'locally' for a reason; make full use of after sales support!

[DarrenM]

It had me a little concerned but since I'd seen the same review in a few places, figured it was likely to be someone venting and a whole lot of people propagating said infornation.

Pretty common amongst the forum here unfortunately, and thankfully the usual suspects havent added their 2 cents in this thread. No credibility. At least in this Macpac thread, the only problems have been explained away as misuse etc. People have absolutely every right to do honest reviews when products fail, but its the incorrect hearsay that does the most damage.

[stry]

They say fortune favours the brave, so I have been swayed by the current 4 day, 40% off sale to buy a Minaret without availing myself of MDs generous offer.

The 4 day 40% has happened before, as I recall talking to a budget constrained friend about it a while ago when they were getting some gear for a trip to Nepal. I thought $450 shipped was worth acting on now, even though it won't get put to work for at least another couple of months. Time to play and perhaps add or change some pegs.

Many thanks to all for your input.

[Moondog55]

Well we will expect a very detailed report and critique in a somewhat timely fashion

[stry]

Initial report, as requested

Received from New Zealand (?) today. 2422 grams including all bags and standard pegs. Initial impressions are pretty favourable.

Without getting out the magnifying glass, the stitching appears to well done. I'm a slow tent pitcher and take a lot of care putting poles in sleeves, but this one seems to go up without hiccups or problems.

The FLOOR appears to be about the same weight as Hille red label, although unsurprisingly, different material. All the seams and corners are sealed with tape on the inside of the bathtub.

A little uncertain about the tension of the under floor cross straps where they are stitched to the inner, but the stitching has some sort of sealing tape inside, so fingers crossed nothing pulls.

Looks like entry should be possible without getting much water on the inner, none if the vestibule was unclipped at the long side and pushed back a few inches. Interior size, proportions and height are going to suit me well. It will be very roomy for me, which is what I wanted, and to my surprise, I think it would be roomy enough for two of 62 kg me, which is an unexpected bonus.

Optimistic about ventilation with the four top vents, although they aren't huge, and the gap between the fly and the ground.

The pegs are four of what look like Easton copies, and eight of something else. Not heavy and look adequate, but I may well have something floating around that is a bit better. Either no pegs supplied for where the poles meet the ground, or the intent is to secure two guys to one peg so that they can move and equalize the pressure. A bit more playing will sort that. I think pegs at he bottom of the poles would be advantageous in a cross wind, so maybe I end up carrying a few more, maybe not.

Seam sealing to be done when I get a good day - mongrel job - not hard, but I hate doing it !!!!

In summary - pretty pleased so far, but will be a couple of months before actual usage confirms my optimism.

[Moondog55]