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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

dit black out tent? white on outside?

I have the tent from backstage that mounts directly to my magliner cart. Sig there went through 8 different generations to build the one I have and seems like he worked through about everything. Along with 4 shot bags I've found it to work well for almost all situations, and it can collapse down to even fit through doorways while on the move. Haven't had it in a major storm but it's dual ply and has handled some moisture, though I still avoid it and always carry an extra plastic or two.
 
Lonny Danler said:
I have the tent from backstage that mounts directly to my magliner cart. Sig there went through 8 different generations to build the one I have and seems like he worked through about everything. Along with 4 shot bags I've found it to work well for almost all situations, and it can collapse down to even fit through doorways while on the move. Haven't had it in a major storm but it's dual ply and has handled some moisture, though I still avoid it and always carry an extra plastic or two.
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That's great..is it for sale ?
 
I love that tent. Definitely something on my list of things to put in my DIT kit. Just wish there was somewhere to buy it in Europe.
 
Chris Ratledge said:
I'm in the midst of developing a MUCH cheaper alternative to the 8x8 Village Blackout. Quick to set up, black interior, weather resistant.

Will be testing a prototype over the next several weeks, if anyone is interested post or PM me, but I'll make an official announcement when it's ready to go.
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Sounds great Chris. Count me among the many interested to hear when it's done.
 
RivaiC said:
That's great..is it for sale ?
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Yes, www.backstageweb.com has it for $825. Just had it out in the rain this weekend with no issues. Happy dry electronics inside! Also worked well for load in and out on the cart from the car to keep things out of the rain.
 
That Mag HD tent from Backstage is pretty darn cool. Here's a snapshot from the catalogue

maghdtent.jpg
 
Cameron Wilson said:
Has anybody looked at some of the popup icefishing huts? Might work as a cheap alternative.
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This is basically what I'm planning. I'm developing a modified version based on a 6x8' design. Attached is a photo of the hut I'm evaluating on a feature I'm working right now.
 

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Let's revive this great thread. Chris - did you ever get that tent finished?
 
+1 on the village black outs. They are expensive but 100% worth it. I am actually mad that I held out for as long as I did on it. I made do with ez-ups for years and once you go village black out it is a world of difference. I strap it to my cart and can be up and inside in a matter of minutes with out anyones help. They are water proof-ish. They give you a sealant with it, (the seams have already been done) but it is my suggestion that you do them again. That is the only "point of entry" for the water. Other than that they are solid water proof. They are very light though so bag it down in the wind. Three is usually fine.
 
J. Eric Camp said:
+1 on the village black outs. They are expensive but 100% worth it.
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The thing that amazes me about the Village Blackout tents is the price. Below is a link to what is the most commonly used tent for climbing 8000 meter peaks in the Himalaya (Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, and the 11 other mountains in the world over 26000' in height above sea level).

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/EV™-3/OU9443,default,pd.html

This tent is meant to withstand the absolute worst storms a human being could be expected to survive, at an altitude close to what jet planes fly at. It's designed and approved by Ed Viesturs, the first and only American to scale all 14 8000 meter peaks. The materials and craftsmanship involved are subject to the fact that if it fails in a storm, the people inside it will probably not survive. To compare it to a Village Blackout tent would be like comparing a concrete bunker to a cardboard box. Yet the EV3 goes for $750 retail, the Village Blackout, between $1200 and $1600. I take one look at the price of those things and the first thing that goes through my mind is "you have got to be kidding me."
 
I've been looking into similar construction-tents and they are considerably (+25%) more expensive than the Village Blackout. Now - it's still rather expensive for what it is, but I will definitely be buying one soon. Just need to be really careful with spending money these days.
 
joe hedge said:
The thing that amazes me about the Village Blackout tents is the price. snip... I take one look at the price of those things and the first thing that goes through my mind is "you have got to be kidding me."
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I do not disagree with you. In fact I waited years before buying the VB tent because I could not swallow the price for what it was. A Pelsue tent of almost identical design is roughly 1/3 - 1/2 the price.

However this is how our industry and many specialized industries work. A bolt at the hardware store costs maybe $1.00 (more likely pennys on the dollar.) But a bolt of specific threading, length and with a captured shaft from (many) camera manufacturers will cost you $15 - $60. Our industry runs on the concept of "you want something that does this exact task this exact way.... then pay for it."

I wanted a tent that collapsed into a form factor that didn't mitigate another cart, person or trip, that I could put up and take down my self and in a matter of seconds no less, that allowed for no light leakage when necessary and that was "weather proof". This tent does exactly what I want my tent to do and it does it fast with little effort on my part. Since I may have to set it up and break it down 5 times a day this all becomes important. In the end I am resolved with my purchase.

Limited runs raise the costs of things as well. I will say that the VB tent is two layers of fabric, so that material cost is in there somewhere. It surely doesn't make the whole offset but is a portion.

Find any solution you like. Someone making a decision that is different than mine doesn't bother me.
 
Has anyone seen this rig to make a tent.... It's basically a 4x4 floppy that has four flaps. The 4x4 goes over your head (white on the outside). You use 2 C stand arms with a gobo to attach to you cart. Not waterproof, but if it were raining I wouldnt trust any tent, still would go under a popup.
 
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