Shelters

ECHO II Ultralight Shelter System

At less than half the weight of traditional tents, the Echo II Ultralight Shelter System is perfect for two person adventuring, distance hiking, backpacking, climbing, camping, cycling, kayaking or canoeing. This versatile shelter system may also be suitable for solo hikers who prefer a larger sleeping space.

The Echo II consists of three modular components including a durable and ultralight cuben fiber tarp, a detachable mesh tent insert for 100% protection against ground water and insects, and a detachable vestibule for severe weather protection. Using all components together, the Echo II works just like a traditional fully enclosed tent and it sets up in minutes.

"...You won't find a lighter option with this much protection," - Backpacker, 2011 Gear Guide

1.68 lbs (26.9 oz)
1.84 lbs (29.5 oz) with guy lines

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Review by Outdoor Gear Lab: Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Echo II Shelter is the lightest double wall tent we’ve ever tested. For its meager 34.7 ounces the Echo II packs a spacious and well-designed punch that will kickstart your next trip into the mountains, and likely chop your shelter. For the full review please follow the link below.
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Shelter-Reviews/Hyperlite-Mountain-Gear-Echo-II-Shelter (Posted on 12/9/11)
Review by Bob//AT Section Hiker: I have been using the Echo II shelter & Echo I insert. Pitched once, you are the expert. It has multiple alternative set ups/uses, styles of pitch, configurations, etc., but it is in your hands (and you should be comfortable being that guy!). This is an especially liberating aspect of hiking with the shelter.
The shelter, insert, and beak are well designed, appear sturdily crafted to what appear to be fairly strict standards and are made in the USA!
The material is characterized by HMG as "hydrophobic." I don't know if that's a technical term but I slept in the rain several nights in this shelter and can tell you that in the morning, though the material was clearly wet, it didn't appear to have absorbed water and seemed to me to weigh about what it had weighed dry. The material, including guy lines, didn't appear to absorb water. That is, it didn't "wet out", and this alone makes a solid case for this shelter. This material is definitely different than what is prevalent on the market at the moment. I can recall many hikes when after a solid rain the night before some of my gear became wetted out and significantly added to my pack weight the next day.
I also did not notice water condensation inside the shelter, but the excellent air flow is going to limit that anyway to some extent. The shelter also worked especially well on a couple scorching nights which I found quite pleasant in the circumstances.
HMG will tell you the Windrider, made of the same material, doesn't require a pack cover, which is a further weight savings and usually an enormous convenience, especially if you have done much hiking with a pack cover. I have recently changed out packs, so I'll still be evaluating the Windrider, but initial impressions are great, another super piece of gear.
(Posted on 9/13/11)
Review by Alex: I've had several basic shelter systems in my outdoors-man career, and this is by far the best product I've seen. Light, yet sturdy and enough room for both myself and my wife! Can't wait to buy my next product from them! (Posted on 9/12/11)
Review by Pace: I have owned several brands/types of tents/shelters and by far this is the best. The weight of the Echo II Utralight Shelter System was instrumental on my 2011 Appalachian Trail Thru hike. In fact this shelter system is lighter than my retired bivy sack I used for years. At first I thought this shelter system was going to be difficult and timely to set up but it becomes effortless with a little practice. Several fellow thru hikers where surprised that I was able to set up this shelter with ease on tent platforms as well as windy days. This shelter system is ideally for setting up in the rain due to the large tarp that covers the Echo II insert. This is the only shelter that keeps the inside of your tent dry when setting up in a down pour. I was shocked that this shelter system did not produce any water condensation on the inside. The Cuben fiber material is not only super strong and light but does not leak when touched from the inside. Often while hiking the AT I would have to set up camp in the dark not always finding ideal locations to pitch my shelter. One night I set up in the middle of the trail and woke up in two inches of water and everything inside was completely dry. As a New York state licensed guide I would whole heartily with out reservation recommend this shelter system to any of my clientele.

Michael "Pace" Stratton
2011 AT Thru Hike (Posted on 9/6/11)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

ECHO II Ultralight Shelter System