Review: Outdoor Vitals Fortius Tent

When the scale of your backcountry expeditions is limited by the gear you carry on your back, it is imperative to keep the weight of your pack low without skimping on the quality of your gear. One of the most essential items is a tent, and the Outdoor Vitals Fortius 2P Trekking Pole Tent strikes the fine balance of weight and function. Designed for two people, this ultra-lightweight and durable tent has quickly become my go-to choice for adventures requiring reliable shelter in the backcountry.

Thanks to the use of trekking poles as support rather than tent poles, the most impressive feature of the Fortius is its weight-to-space ratio. Weighing in at just under 2.5 pounds, it has got ample room for two people, minimizing the weight and size in your backpack. This tent is a no-brainer if you often hike with trekking poles, like I do. If not, Outdoor Vitals offers carbon poles to take their place.

Setting up the Fortius is a breeze, even for those with limited experience pitching tents. The intuitive design ensures you can have it up and ready in minutes, making it great to have when getting into camp late at night. The vestibules on both sides are also a nice touch, and offer extra storage space for gear. They also make for an easy exit if you don’t want to disturb your sleeping partner when taking a leak in the middle of the night.

The Fortius delivers on all fronts, but especially durability. Its rainfly is made from a 20D ripstop nylon material with a silicone coating, providing exceptional waterproofing and tear resistance. To top it off, two large mesh windows reduce condensation and allow for excellent airflow, ensuring a comfortable interior regardless of the conditions outside.

In the interior, an internal peak height of 42 inches allows an average-sized guy (or gal) to comfortably sit up and move around. Despite the small pack-down size, the ample headroom and steep walls make the tent feel roomy.

At the end of the day, the Fortius is a top-tier choice for backpackers and campers seeking a lightweight, durable, and user-friendly shelter for their outdoor endeavors. The tent’s thoughtful design makes it a reliable companion for adventurers in various summer and fall conditions. It was built by outdoor enthusiasts, for outdoor enthusiasts. Rain or shine, this shelter has you covered.

$340; outdoorvitals.com.