WIND TUNNEL TESTED:

Further, harder: the objectives of modern mountaineers. Arctic and Antarctic trekkers now require equipment designed to stringent parameters as the balance between success and failure becomes ever more delicately balanced. To meet these demands, Force Ten tent design is now an exact science that utilises ruthless testing by independent scientists and engineers. The result? The Spindrift, Assault and Ascent, whilst the definitive Vortex blew everyone's expectations to the wind, withstanding an unprecedented 130kph! But even in higher winds they simply bend and weave returning to their original streamlined shapes ensuring a comfortable home from home in the harshest conditions.

CONSTRUCTION & PITCHING:

GEODESIC
Through the crossover configuration of poles, a Geodesic design is recognised as an exceptionally strong and stable structure. The inner tent fabric tension is spread evenly between the pole configuration providing the strongest frame for the flysheet. With the flysheet in place, the pole configuration is further compressed, increasing its structural strength.

TUNNELS
The less poles used in a tent design, the less the tent is likely to weigh, an advantage that multiple pole tunnels have over other tent designs. As well ashaving a low weight, tunnel tents are extremely spacious (living area and storage) as well as being fast and easy to pitch.

RIDGE
The most traditional of tent designs, used within the famous F10 series for over 30 years. Still a great favourite with groups because of their ruggedness and ease of pitching.

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POLES AND POLE SYSTEMS:
Arguably the most important part of the tent - without them you will struggle to provide a shelter for the night. We have undertaken extensive research and testing to ensure that the right blend of materials are incorporated into each tent design for it's particular requirements.

DAC FEATHERLITE (T6 - 7001 ALLOY)
An innovation in aluminium pole design that improves a tent's strength-to-weight ratio. These poles are recognised as one of the lightest and strongest alloy poles available. Uniquely designed, structurally sound connecting pole sections dramatically reduce pole weight by eliminating the need for a connecting insert. Found on all new generation F10 models, DAC Featherlite poles shave up to 15% off the weight of standard alloy poles. Actual weight saving will vary depending on the length and number of poles used.

Tri-Support-System
A pole stabilising system used on our wind tunnel tested Expedition tents, which are essentially a tri-pod configuration attached to the lower corners of the tent. The Tri-Support-System is a fully removable structural element that strengthens and supports the longest poles, eliminating rotation of these poles at their tips. In practice this innovation improves tent stability in side winds by over 25%.

Flysheet-Support-System
Wind direction is as changeable as the weather, therefore a tent is only as strong as it's weakest side. All tents have a weak spot, usually along the broadest side offering the greatest fabric surface for the wind to "catch". A new development for our Expedition tents, the Flysheet-Support-System improves lateral strength by over 10%. This is achieved by changing the angle of the guy-lines to the most efficient and strongest position.

Bi-Support-System
A smaller and lighter pole stabilising system evolved from the proven Tri-Support-System. The Bi-Support-System is an integral part of the inner tent, forming a "brace" against the relevant pole.

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PEGS:
Alloy
The performance of the alloy used in our poles is such that we have incorporated it into our pegs. The pegs come in Y, U and pin shapes depending on the pegging point usage. For example Y-pegs are used on anchor straps where there will be the greatest force pulling on the pegs, U-pegs are of a superlite weight and pin pegs are relatively common in tents. However these alloy pegs are stronger, lighter and more durable than most others on the market.

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FLYSHEET FABRICS:

SPU Application (see fabric below)
The outer surface is coated with Silicon Elastomer, which acts as an initial barrier to UV degradation, water absorption and soiling. It also enhances water repellency and tear strength of the fabric. The secondary, waterproof barrier, is a flexible Polyurethane coating which is applied to the inside fabric surface. This PU coating also bonds strongly with the hot seam-tape used for sealing the stitching seams, thus making it an ideal compound for using on tent flysheets.

Protex® SPU – Xtreme:
The fabric used on our Expedition tents is a premium performance, durable fabric ideal for use in severe climates where your tent will have extended exposure to harsh conditions. Such conditions are often experienced high-altitude mountaineering expeditions and extreme adventures. Incorporating a 70D nylon yarn with a high 210T-thread count, the SPU-Xtreme fabric is exceptionally strong and durable. Nylon is the fabric of choice in preference to polyester on our Expedition range as tear-strength of nylon is significantly greater than polyester.

Protex® SPU – SL66:
The combination of ultra-light weight, strength and waterproof qualities makes the SL66 fabric one of the finest lightweight performance fabrics on the market. The use of an exceptionally fine by extremely strong 30D nylon 6.6 yarn with an very high 250T-thread count has enabled us to create a series of tents that are incredibly lightweight yet super strong. Nylon is the fabric of choice in preference to polyester on our Expedition and Mountain Lite range as tear-strength of nylon is significantly greater than polyester.

Pole Sleeves:
Continuous pole sleeves stabilise the tent by maximising contact between pole and canopy. Used on F10 tents in conjunction with Fast-Clip attachments to optimise performance.

Pole Clips:
The use of Fast-Fit Clip attachments (inner tent or flysheet to pole) in combination with pole sleeves saves weight and offers free air-flow between the flysheet and inner tent for maximum ventilation. However the greatest benefit of the Fast-Fit Clip attachments is the faster and easier set-up, which in a harsh environment, can be vital to a comfortable night under canvas.

Seam Sealing:
All seams are hot-taped during construction for maximum waterproofing. There is no need for the messy application of seam sealant to ensure flysheet is totally waterproof.

INNER FABRICS:
Utilising two forms of ripstop nylon (70D and 30D) to achieve maximum strength and appropriate weight ratio's, the inner tent fabrics are treated with a water-repellent coating to help disperse rain during set up or condensation in certain conditions.

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GROUNDSHEETS:
HD Nylon
Groundsheets come under extraordinary abrasion through contact with the ground, especially when occupants are moving about inside the tent. Because of this we only use the toughest 70D 210T nylon groundsheet fabric for all tents in the range. The waterproof PU coating is applied via a "multi-pass" application and varies in thickness depending on the desired end use of the tent (see individual specification details). This application is significantly more durable than a single, thicker pass.

Super-HD Nylon
Only used on the F10 HQ, the heavy duty Oxford nylon fabric is ideal for using in this tent to enable prolonged life.

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PACK WEIGHT/TRAIL WEIGHT:
We quote 2 weights in our workbooks and catalogues. The pack weight includes all pegs, bags and guylines. The trail weight, for those requiring to transport their product, removes unwanted pegs, bags and guylines. The tent will remain a protective, safe haven.

REPAIR KIT:
The repair kit supplied consists of fabric swatches and components suitable for each specific tent.