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A 3 man tunnel tent with decently sized front vestibule and side door access. Reasonable pack size, ripstop flysheet, and when partnered with Robens typical durability, clever features and attention to detail, the Voyager has definitely been made even better.
We usually always camp in pairs, and although 2 mans tents provide enough space, it’s always our personal preference to opt for a 3 man version. The Robens Voyager is available in both a 2 man (2EX) and the 3 man (3EX) we have here.
As 3 man tents are obviously larger and heavier, if we were going to be walking any distance, we usually split the tent between 2 backpacks, one with the poles and the other with the rest of the tent. We didn’t have to do that on this trip, as our car was only a short distance away from where we were pitching.
First off, pitching was very quick as there are only 3 colour coded poles that fed effortlessly (with no snagging) through the allocated sleeves. The pole sleeves on the Voyager 3EX are closed at one end meaning that you only have to attach the pole into their ‘loop ends’ on one side. This makes pitching even easier and looks to now be a feature on all Robens backpacking tents that utilise pole sleeves – Thanks guys.
A sturdy roll-top dry bag is home to the Voyager, meaning it can be stored on the outside of your rucksack. Because this is a 3 man tent, you might want to split the contents between more than one person, however it only comes in at 3.8kg which isn’t that heavy for this robust little number.
As with most new tents, when first taking it out of the bag, the inner sleeping pod needs to be fitted into position. Once the outer is pitched, just pop inside and starting from the back corners and working your way to the vestibule end of the tent, clip the sleeping pod to the fitting points.
It’s only a 2 minute job, and something we often recommend is done at home before you set off on your adventures, giving you a chance to get familiar with the tent and it can be left in place when you’re done. Robens are always generous with their tent bag sizes and everything fits easily and quickly back inside.
The front vestibule area, has generous dimensions and it provided us with enough room to stash our backpacks. You could also use this area for cooking if the weather outside is a little less than desirable (provided to are safe and sensible). It also gave enough room to easily get in and out of the tent via its more than ample side door. Head room is good, giving space to sit on the floor (or a small chair) without hitting your head. There’s also an option to purchase a groundsheet for this area should you want protection for your bags etc.
Ventilation panels front and rear, are a good size for keeping the condensation levels under control. These panels can be either held open just via their Velcro strap, or if weather requires it, they can be guyed open. They also have mesh inners so the bugs can be kept on the outside.
In the warmer months, these vents/panels should also provide you with enough cooling so as to maintain a comfortable living/sleeping environment (few things are worse that a stuffy tent).
Where we were pitched was a bit rough (shale/pebbles), but this wasn’t a problem for the Voyager 3EX as the floor of the sleeping pod with it’s 75D (thickness) and a 6000mm HH (waterproofness). There was no damage to it, or our sleeping mats
Continuing with the sleeping pod and its ample space (3 man), there are other numerous other handy design features to mention. The light colour of the pod gives ab airy feel and the Voyager has useful pockets inside for storing your gear and keeping everything tidy and close at hand. If needed, the door of the pod almost fully unzips and has it’s own storage pocket meaning that you can open the inside of the tent right up for a great airy feeling, especially nice with the side door fully open.
The inner door also incorporates an upper section that when unzipped reveals a mesh panel, perfect for increasing ventilation and improving cooling whilst also keeping the bugs on the outside of your sleeping area.
Robens Voyager 3EX revisited.
Outside, we love the revised matt green colour. As mentioned, the outer flysheet is now made from 75D polyester 190T, ripstop material. This is a big improvement, meaning that it’s reinforced, more resistant to rips/tears, and if you do suffer a small rip, the reinforced weave will stop it turning into a big rip.
Quick adjusting cordlocks/cams make it easy to re-tension the guy lines when needed.
Originally there were 2 entrances into the vestibule area but now there is only 1 (at the side). It was probably a bit gimmicky to have the front door too. The revised 3EX is probably more robust for it, and the side door is larger than the original, making it easier to get in and out.
Finally,
The Robens Voyager 3EX has been much improved, and although we loved (and still rate) the original, Robens have done a brilliant job of making this 3 man tunnel tent even better.
It's tougher, more robust, improved in all the right places, and we highly recommend it.
QUICK SPECS
Flysheet - HydroTex HD RS, 75D polyester 190T, Ripstop, Fire retardent, 100% polyester
Hydrostatic Head - 5000mm, Taped seams.
Poles - Aluminium #7001, T6, 8.5 mm, anodised
Inner tent - 68D polyester 190T, breathable, 100% polyester
Floor Inner - 75D polyester Taffeta 210T, 10,000mm HH, 100% polyester
Pack size / weight - 46 x 17cm, 3.8kg
Colour - Green
Sleeps – 3 people
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