Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 waterproofness

Hi

I'm currently looking for a mountaineering tent. Main requirements are very low weight, small footprint and adequate weather protection. Usage will be mostly on weekends (1 - 2 nights) in the alps with some trips abroad.

MH Direkt 2 seems to fit the bill quite well (I'm aware of the small size and minimal ventilation). Wind shouldn't be an issue with this type of tents, the only thing holding me back is the waterproofness.

Many reviews and owners say it's bomber. But there are also people saying the tent is leaking quickly. Canopy has 1'200 mm, Floor and fly 4'000 mm.

I hope to hear from your experiences with this tent - how much water can it handle?

If there are offerings with significantly better water resistance I'd be willing to sacrifice some weight savings (should be well below 2 kg).

Is there any point in using tent waterproofing sprays?

Thanks

It would survive a nuclear holocaust...I love mine...bullet and water proof...

ventilation is an issue, but if its nuking out...who cares...

-Z

Never used the direct 2 but used a few other single wall tents. The direct 2 is tactically waterproof and should keep you dry even in a heavier rain shower however I have never found a single wall tent that will keep u totally dry in prolonged (all night) rain. Think of a goretex coat.

If you want to try and experiment take a double wall tent out in the rain. Basically The direct 2 would perform similar to the outer wall of a double wall tent. Should be dry at first but after a few hours you will get wet.

No doubts on the Direkt 2's waterproofness. All the seams are taped too. The bigger concern here is durability. The floor of the Direkt 2 feels really fragile. Since it's such a specialized tent for ultralight alpine climbs, I understand forgoing a footprint to save weight. But I think there are serious concerns for its long term durability without using a footprint due to its thin floor. If you do use one, I would suggest getting a footprint. Otherwise, you might have to tape up the floor by your 5th outing. Though the MH Direkt 2 footprint weighs EIGHT OUNCES. Ouch. That really brings up the ultralight weight of the Direkt 2. Using polycryo or something similar would be better to save weight. Otherwise, use the Direkt 2 for your most special climbs and something heavier for everything else.

In terms of other tents, the Integral Designs MK2 or now Rab Latok Mountain 2 and the Black Diamond Eldorado/I-tent have been the single wall standard for quite awhile now. They're essentially built with the same design philosophies as the Direkt 2, but are waay more durable. I don't really think a footprint with these tents are necessary, and they'll last you forever.