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Right on queue, like we had requested it, the Chinook Ursa was faced with strong 40mph winds, and it stood it’s ground amazingly thanks to it’s tipi shape.
Being inside the tent and experiencing the high winds overnight, we were confident the tent would stand up just fine, and we were right. The only criticism what that we would have preferred to have been in the heavier polycotton version as the PRS material was a little noisy/flappy.
PITCHING
Everyone needs to pitch this type of tent (tipi) at least once, so they can experience just how easy the are to put up.
All you need to do with the Ursa is lay it out on your pitch and peg it out around its circumference. Then take the main pole, enter the tent and position it in the centre, pushing the tents point (witches hat) upwards. The pole length easily adjusts longer, to make the tent taught. The tent is reinforced where the main pole contacts the tent top and floor.
Then there’s an ‘A-Frame’ that is connected together and fitted into place about the front door. There are little pockets at the floor level that hold each end of the frame in place.
With the centre pole and A-Frame in place, it’s now just a matter of going around the outside and pegging out all the guys.
Pitching was a little fiddly the first time, as with all maiden voyages. The next time it’s pitched it will be a lot quicker, we recon between 10-15 minutes. We feel it could be pitched by one person, however that front A-Frame may require a little patience until you’ve the knack nailed down.
BEDOUIN STYLE
There are some more poles remaining unused, and this is where the fun and uniqueness of the Robens Chinook Ursa PRS comes to the fore.
The whole front of this tent opens up to what can best be described as a porch area, and this is where the rest of the campsites looks and says “ooh, that’s really nice”.
Unzip the gussets at each side of the main door to open up the front of the tent. Then with the remaining 3 poles in place and pegging out the guylines, you’ve quickly extended your camping area and created an additional seating/cooking area – So versatile.
Making this tent change was relatively straight forward, not taking too long, and closing the Chinook Ursa back up was just as simple.
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We spent a few days camping in this tent and as you can see from the photos, it swallowed up our double sleep mat and other furniture, leaving us plenty of room to move around inside. Granted, the highest part of the tent was at the centre, but that the same with all tipi style tents.
There’s 3 big vents around the lower of the tent to help you manage ventilation and condensation within the tent. Eash is mesh on the inside to keep the creepy crawlies on the outside. The vents are closed tight with Velcro and when they’re needed, hold them open with the ‘vent arms’ and also their own guylines if needed.
We love the Dark Green colour of the flysheet, even without the front open it’s a bit of a head turner. The colour looks great against the contrasting red guy lines.
All the lower pegging points are adjustable, making it easy to tighten things up if necessary during your stay, and the guy lines are also as easy to adjust too.
IMAGES
HOT HOT
As with the polycotton version the Ursa PRS can be used with a ‘tent stove’ such as the Robens Denali or Kobuk.
Look up to the highest part of the tent and you will see the stove pipe sleeve and the vent. The red lines open and close the vents.
One of the things we would really like to do in the Chinook Ursa PRS is use it in the colder months along with a tent stove. Having the front fully open and being warmed by the stove whilst having a brew or glass of wine sounds like heaven.
The Ursa PRS is the polyester version of the Chinook Ursa which is made from polycotton. There have been may polycotton tents that have had the PRS treatment and they have proven very popular, particularly because of their power price and reduced pack weight/size.
EXTRA
Whichever version of the Chinook Ursa you choose, both can be treated to an inner bedroom upgrade. It’s a useful addition that provides separate sleeping and living areas. It also provides privacy and a warmer, draught-free sleep space.
For added comfort, there is also a fitted tent carpet that can be purchased, just to finish off that cosy and warmth feel.
FINALLY
we really enjoyed the time that we spent in this tent and we do highly recommend it. Not only does it look different, it’s pretty weather resistant and very versatile.
For a tent of this size, the pack size and weight are great. The built quality as with all the Robens gear we’ve tested, is very good and a worthwhile investment that is going to give you many happy camping trips.
SPECIFICATION
Pack size – 108x29cm
Pack weight – 14kg
Flysheet Fabric - Robens HydroTex® HD RS
Fly Hydrostatic Head - 5000mm
Tent Height - 300cm
Tent Width - 455cm
Tent Length - 475
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