Southern Cross 2

The Varde 1 is new for this year and seems to have been gifted/lent to a lot of youtubers/reviewers, so impressive as it seems I think it is still a bit unproved compared to the Southern Cross 2. Overall the Varde 1 should be slightly better for your winter mountain top use cases (e.g. has thicker poles and no pole 'hubs' in the design) but this comes at the cost of it being less well suited to year round camping. Southern Cross is lighter and has the advantage of doors on both sides (e.g. one open for sunset and one for sunrise). It's a bit like saying you want to buy one sleeping bag for the coldest winter nights but also use it year round. To survive the worst 5% conditions you end up with something that is overkill 80% of the time. Background: I own a Southern Cross 2 but get way more use out of my much lighter 3 season tents. Admittedly I don't really camp on summits.

I'm comfortable using my Southern Cross in conditions forecast up to 40mph winds (on the basis it would also cope with something a bit stronger if needed). Above this I would just camp somewhere else/ delay. It can be pretty miserable camping in strong winds anyway. I think the failures have been people camping in all weathers in exposed locations. One other thought... If you try the Southern Cross 2 and don't like it, it should be relatively easy to re-sell it at the same price (unlike buying a new tent). There are also loads of other options out there, although the choice can be bewildering.

I've got a Southern Cross 2 which is great for anything other than really extreme conditions (in which case I wouldn't go out). V easy to pitch, good space for 1 person, not too heavy and quiet in windy conditions. As it is I get way more use out of 3 season tents, so can't justify a Soulo or equivalent for the extra cost and weight. You can also find some cheaper tents that are surprisingly good in windy conditions but heavier. I know someone else mentioned the Banshee. I've got a Vaude Terra Trio 3 person tent (don't think its made any more) that I reckon would stand up to 4 season conditions.

I’m surprised about the SC2 is unstable in wind comments. Granted I have a SC1 but that thing is a limpet.

Consider this brand from Britain. I own the Southern Cross 2 and I quite love it. There are lighter options. [https://www.terra-nova.co.uk/](https://www.terra-nova.co.uk/)

Hi, I’ve used the southern cross, suolo, Nortent vern 1 and a couple 3 season+ The hili is the definite winner and the reason why it’s the only 4 season tent I own now as nothing compares but unless you’re planning on going out in absolute snowstorms with mega high winds I think going for a 3+ season is fine. Before I had my hili I literally only had the terra nova voyager for about 3 years and was my year round tent and served me exceptionally well in bad conditions so it’s not always necessary to get the most expensive thing going if you’re not going to use it for that. If you are however then I would recommend the hili nortent vern 1 was super solid too and a good contender for half the price! Hope this helps! Happy camping 🏕️