i-Explore 3
WE02535This fully-free-standing alternative to our popular, acclaimed i-Shadow model accommodates three adults and features double-sided access, two useful sized vestibules, a hybrid mesh inner with excellent multi-season ventilation and easy set-up. The three poles are identical (and the same as the i-Shadow's) and all zips are heavy-duty. The mesh-walled inner is ideal for use alone on tropical dry-season trips. Our choice of superior fabric coatings and the incorporation of original WE detailed design features minimise maintenance costs and maximise possible service life. If you are thinking the i-Explore 3 would also be a great family backpacking or lightweight general camping tent, there is no question about it!
The i-Explore design concept is a unique implementation of a common tent configuration. It is tough, spacious, remarkably light-weight, simple to erect and incredibly versatile. Although this tent has been developed as our free-standing model in the Outdoor Ed products category (read "tough and easy maintenance"), it will have wide appeal for general use, including by families and backpacker travellers.
The rectangular-base inner tent suspends from two cross-over poles. Once the tips of these poles are fitted into their sockets at the floor corners the inner tent canopy is simply clipped up to the poles. The feeding of poles through fabric sleeves, an acquired skill, is not required. The inner tent, described in detail below, can be used on its own. To fit the outer tent a third pole, identical to the other two, is first placed across the transverse axis of the tent. The outer skin can then be thrown over and fastened down around its perimeter. We have chosen to use a full-length transverse pole rather than the commonly seen cantilevered short ridge pole. As a result, the i-Explore 3 is truly free-standing (although pegs are of course supplied) and its stability is far superior to the cantilever ridge pole designs. By the way, the poles used for this 3-person tent are also identical to the one used for the i-Shadow. This has obvious advantages for schools and institutions using combinations of these tent models.
We have adopted a unique approach to the inner tent canopy. The upper halves of all the canopy side walls, up to the fabric crown panel, are made from mesh. The lower half of the walls, where feet and equipment could contact and possibly damage insect screening, is fabric only. The two, opposing door panels, straight-zipped in an "L" configuration for low-stress operation, are single-layer only. The zips are heavier-than-usual #8 gauge. These are fitted with gates at all back ends so slider replacement, if needed, is simple and inexpensive. The inner tent is spacious. There is room for three adults. With its truly excellent ventilation the inner works well on its own in hot dry conditions. This tent is suited to a wide range of climates.
The i-Explore 3 outer tent has two opposing doors to match the inner entrances. The flap-free, straight openings use absurdly heavy-duty #10 PU laminated zippers with slider gates at their tops. There are two large ventilation openings and, like all WE tent models these vents use our over-lap opening construction to prevent wind-driven rain being blown in when the vents are closed. The outer tent is easily matched to the inner, so that doors align. Just match the coloured tape points on each. Touchtape straps are provided under the outer tent, immediately next to the door zips. These capture the poles at these points and add stability to the outer skin when the doors are opened. Six guys are provided on the tent (and six pegs to set them). The guys are only really needed when the wind rates above a light breeze. Otherwise, as a pre-caution, just set four pegs, two at each end of the tent. Loops are provided.