Just Up The Trail

The Lanshan 2 Pro is a lightweight and versatile tent that has gained popularity among wild campers backpackers and ultralight enthusiasts and one that we purchased back in 2022 for our hike on The Snowdonia Way.

We bought the tent as a lightweight second tent now the children have grown and we can no longer squeeze all 5 of us into the Coleman Cobra 3. We needed something lightweight but durable and big enough to accommodate any combination of our group. While in Wales it was primarily use by myself and my then 14 year old son while Mrs Jones slept with the smaller kids (12 and 10) in the Coleman.

It was a great choice, made after watching far too many YouTube videos about this tent and I’m glad we have it as an option for future trips, indeed we’ve used it a few times on Dartmoor since and I’m planning on making it my solo hiking tent as I head out this year.

It’s not perfect but for us it works as well as other more expensive options and the more I use it I’d expect to find ways to minimise the few issues I’ve found.

Here are some key features and details about the Lanshan 2 Pro:

1. Design and Construction:
   • The tent is a two-person, single skinned, non freestanding shelter and requires the use of walking poles to set up .
   • It consists of a footprint/groundsheet and a part mesh inner door, a bathtub style floor and the outer rainfly, providing good ventilation and protection from the elements.
   • The rainfly is made of silicone-coated nylon, which is lightweight yet durable, offering a good balance between weight and weather resistance.
2. Weight:
   • One of the standout features of the Lanshan 2 Pro is its low weight. It is designed for backpackers and adventurers who prioritise minimising their pack weight.
   • The entire tent weighs less than 1kg, making it suitable for long-distance hikes and thru-hiking. Obviously if you don’t already use waking poles these will contribute additional weight
3. Dimensions and Space:
   • The inner tent is approximately 110cm by 210cm providing enough space for two occupants and their gear. I’m 6’3 and fit comfortably and we easily slept 2 adults in the tent and on occasion 3 teenage size kids.
   • With a peak height of approximately 1.25m there is enough headroom to sit comfortably inside the tent.
4. Ventilation:
   • Ventilation is crucial for preventing condensation inside the tent, especially in cold conditions. The Lanshan 2 Pro addresses this with its mesh inner doors, promoting airflow and reducing moisture buildup.
     To increase airflow and reduce condensation you can set the walking poles a little higher to maximise airflow through the tent.
5. Packability:
   • The tent packs down into a compact size, fitting easily into a backpack or storage sack.
   • Its lightweight and compact nature make it an excellent choice for backpackers who need to optimise space in their packs. It’s also light enough to make the kids carry
6. Versatility:
   • The Lanshan 2 Pro is versatile enough to be used in various weather conditions, though it may not be as robust as some heavier, four-season tents. It’s well-suited for three-season camping and backpacking trips but may require additional precautions in harsher conditions.
     It performed very well in the rain in Snowdonia and stood up to a wet and windy trip to Dartmoor last year
   • It can be set up at different heights to offer more protection from the elements or provide more airflow when necessary
7. Affordability:
   • The Lanshan 2 Pro was a budget-friendly option, providing a good balance of features at a reasonable price point compared to other ultralight tents on the market, however since we bought ours the price appears to have increased to make the price less of a selling point. You can get it from this link although cheaper options may be avaliable

While the Lanshan 2 Pro has several positive attributes, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks or cons associated with this tent:

1. Condensation Issues:
   • Like many lightweight and single-wall tents, the Lanshan 2 Pro may experience condensation in certain weather conditions. We have experienced instances of moisture buildup, particularly in cool and humid environments.
     The tent also requires seam sealing to achieve it waterproofing so make sure thats done before you head out
2. Build Quality:
   • While the Lanshan 2 Pro is generally well-regarded for its balance of weight and durability, some users have expressed concerns about the overall build quality. Particularly, the tent’s zippers and clips/toggles may not be as robust as those found in more expensive options, potentially leading to wear and tear over time.
3. Setup Learning Curve:
   • While the Lanshan 2 Pro is generally straightforward to set up, some users, especially those new to lightweight backpacking tents, may find a slight learning curve. It’s better to pitch on the flattest possible site to help get angles right for pegs and guy ropes.Tension is important to keep the tent standing and it can take some tinkering to achieve a great pitch.
4. Noisy Rainfly:
   • The rainfly material can be noisy in windy conditions. While this might not be a significant concern for everyone, those who are sensitive to noise when camping may find it worth considering.
5. Limited Four-Season Capability:
   • The Lanshan 2 Pro is primarily designed for three-season use, and while it can handle mild weather conditions well, it may not provide the same level of protection and stability in difficult conditions. Personally I would use another option if camping in the winter or early spring
6. Availability and Quality Control:
   • The Lanshan 2 Pro, being a popular budget option, might face availability issues or occasional inconsistencies in quality control. It’s advisable to purchase from reputable sellers to ensure you receive a genuine and well-inspected product.

It’s essential to weigh these cons against the tent’s strengths and your specific camping needs. Many users find the Lanshan 2 Pro to be a reliable and cost-effective choice for lightweight backpacking, but personal preferences and priorities can influence the suitability of any tent for an individual camper.

Overall, the Lanshan 2 Pro is an attractive choice for backpackers and campers who prioritise weight savings without compromising too much on durability and functionality. It’s worth noting that the tent market can evolve, and specific details might change with newer versions or updates to the Lanshan series.