Tentipi Safir 9 CP

[DaveS]

Shock horror I haven't reviewed my new Tipi yet!

The Tentipi Safir 9 CP (formally Varrie) is a single pole tipi that uses a poly cotton fabric.

Here's the technical blurb first and then my review......

Safir cp is Tentipi's well-reputed flagship, the ultimate multi-functional tent easily carried in a rucksack. Compared with ordinary portable tents, Safir cp is simply superb when it comes to comfort, space for indoor activities and togetherness. Using an open fire creates a great atmosphere and brings many other advantages. Safir cp is made of the very best materials available and is designed for all seasons, all kinds of weather and any climate. Safir cp is made from breathable Cotpol T4 fabric with edging of Superpolyamide Pine Green.
Ventilation is achieved through three large, net-fitted air intakes in the bottom edge of the tent and a sophisticated smoke hole opening at the top of the tent. The smoke hole is controlled using cords inside the tent, allowing you to adjust the tent's ventilation without leaving your sleeping bag.
Those who like the natural feel of the fabric, want the improved indoor climate that ensues, and do not mind the extra few kilos should consider the Safir cp.


The Stunning Tents Company

So right what do I need to cover?

Setting up and packing away.
Very very quick. No nonsense. Up in minutes. No messing with inner first or anything like that. If it's raining, be dry in about 10 mins, probably less when you're used to it. Taking it down is also very simple and it packs down really small for the size of it.

Space.
The one we have is the 9 CP I would say that this is ideal for a family of 4, 5 is a bit more of a squeeze and any more you need to start being a bit more organised with the space. 2 would be pure luxury. :-)
The 7 for me would be fine for 2 but a bit too much of a squeeze for any more. I'm sure some could manage though.

Features.
We have the poly cotton material (CP) which whilst being heavier than the light is a great material. It stays cool in the summer and warm during the winter. It shrugs of the rain really well.
The door has a mozzy net so that you can have the door open in warm weather without the bugs getting in. However I think the holes are too big to keep out the midges which could be a pain!
The door can be pegged back as can the net door as well if you want.
There are loads of vents on this model. There are two top hats, one small one with a mozzy net built in and a larger one underneath to get more air out. They work incredibly quickly with the Tipi design. The controls for these top vents are inside in the Safir so no need to go outside to change the vent as on other models. There are also 3 other vents on the Safir round the bottom to improve air flow. We had all vents open at night with the Eldfell stove chucking out huge quantities of heat. We needed it otherwise I would have died of heat stroke!
Err what else features.... the skirts round the edge can be tucked under the groundsheet for that zipped in groundsheet feel or they can be extended outwards. When tucking under, each corner has a toggle and ring so that it sort of clips together to form a nice neat corner.

Living with it.
It's great to live with and in. It's such a different experience. I love the togetherness of it. We've had a few admiring glances!
We added a floor made out of matting which protects the expensive Tentipi comfort floor! I would certainly recommend spreading some rugs out over the floor either way.

Pictures

[Boris]

Great review Dave.

If I were to add anything it's the ability to stand up to gale force winds. Mine has stood up to 40mph winds with only a few bent pegs to show for it. A really great bit of kit and should last for many years.

The tension looks a bit slack on some of the photos. When I was buying mine the lad at Nordic outdoor demonstrated how to pitch it and he really pulled the tensioning straps tight. Certainly enough to pull any wrinkles and creases out.

No top box on the car either. I'm impressed.

[Coert]

I Whole-heartedly agree with Dave S.... The best tent I've ever had/spent time/slept in. We had a cold, windy weekend in Holland. Dry long enough for a walk in the morning arriving back at camp in the driving drizzle. As we had improvised a drying rack on the center-pole outerwear was dry in no time at all. Had some issues with condensation the first night. Decided that there is a time for warmth in the tent and a time for sleep in the fresh air. Increasing the ventilation at bed-time made quite the difference. I actually enjoyed crawling out of my warm nest to stoke the fire and getting back into the bag whilst the tent warmed up a bit. This tent is definatly a keeper. I'm already looking forward to a couple of long weekends with my son before the big 3 week holiday this summer.