Whether on a multi-day hike or just camping in different places, conditions can change drastically for erecting a shelter. The Flying Tent can be set up as a hammock, a tree tent, a bivy, or even turned into a poncho, making it useful in every situation.
The Flying Tent is made from a silicone coated ripstop nylon and mesh canopy with pop-up fiberglass poles. The tunnel shape operates as a simple throw tent so you can set it up in a matter of seconds (on the ground at least). On the bottom of the upper tent, fresh air gets in trough an inlet and escapes at the large, crescent–shaped vent windows on the head and the foot end in order to cut down on condensation.
If you don’t find trees at your desired camp spot, the tent works on the ground as a full bivy. And by removing the upper tent section using the head-to-toe zipper on the side, you can easily turn the Flying Tent into a traditional hammock. Better yet, as you hike, the hammock doubles as a rain poncho meaning you can leave the rain gear at home. The hammock/rain poncho is made from PU coated nylon so it’s waterproof and wind resistant but not exactly breathable.
All in, the Flying Tent weighs less than 3 pounds. Not too bad for a versatile shelter. And it packs down into a small, portable package measuring 15.7 x 13.4 x 1.6 in (40 x 34 x 4 cm) that can be clipped on to the front of your pack or even strapped to the side of your bike.
The Flying Tent comes in three colors–orange, green, blue–and will cost you around $170 over on Kickstarter. Expected delivery is in July.