Polish Army 2 Man Shelter (pic heavy)

[nolightweight]

As promised; a ‘review’ of the Polish Army 2 man shelter.

This bit of new shiny was ordered for me by Twodogs (many thanks Cliff) from German eBay.

Grand total of £24 and arrived in a couple of days.

It arrived with Andy2112 on Friday at Swift Valley. No shots of the kit whist being opened out because of my habit of getting things up quickly (but once it’s up, it’s up)

Condition

Both halves were in unissued condition and complete. One half even retained a paper label referring to the manufacturer and I guess the Polish equivalent of a NSN.

The real surprise was the date on both halves; one was made in 1978 the other in 1976!

Proper, old school gear and in a tough, but quite light, cotton canvas. Colour of; GREEN.



Erection

Everything went together very easily; and if you know how to do up buttons and erect a tent properly you will have no problems.



Space

There’s loads of it. I’m 6’ and a big chunk of ration eater. I use the MSS (reviewed elsewhere here)
And there was no problems fitting me, my doss kit, rucksack and ammo inside.



Comfort

I like it. Slept very well and draft free on the 3 nights that I used it. The weather at SV was fine; but as always a bit of a breeze/wind that was quite chilly at night and early morning. I didn’t feel any of that and was only in a patrol bag, bivvy bag and on a multimat type base.

Entry/Exit

No dramas here for the late night/early morning entry and exit. I didn’t fasten the shelter up fully; I just looped the loose flap over a tent peg. It is something I will work on though to make it a bit easier. It did however provide sufficient seal for the night.

Behind closed doors

There’s plenty of headroom when closed down, and the whole thing lights up very easily with a basic light source.



What next?


Do I like it? Oh yes! Very happy as it is, and it will be my kit of choice for autumn and winter meets.


The only things I will do are:
·Add loops of elastic in the peg holes to provide some tension.
·I will fully button the two halves together and pack and haul the kit as one unit on the radio shelf of my Alice pack frame.
·Waterproof the shelter with a suitable agent.
·Get a bit funky with a made to measure groundsheet.



Any questions folks; fire away.

Thanks for reading.

[Barn Owl]

Like it Neil.

I've got one,and seems there's plenty space.

Thinking of using velcro to close the door flaps.

Do you think it needs guy lines?

Tom.

[nolightweight]

Originally Posted by Barn Owl

Do you think it needs guy lines?

Hi Tom

To be honest mate; I shouldn't think so. It seems strong enough as is to me. It was quite good not having guylines about for myself and others to trip over anyway

If it's well pegged out, and there's good tension all round I don't see any problems.

[Davey569]

Nice one Neil.

That looks the biz!

[Andy2112]

Nice review mate, quality shelter at a quality price. Mini Lauuvu, it's the future. lol. Can i have one ?

[Reddy]

Great review!

I really like the look of this tent

Does it come in two pieces and is then clipped together? (like 2 ponchos?)

How small does it pack up? (ie not including the pole)

How heavy is it?

Is there just one pole used or any we can't see?


Can a groundsheet be easily attatched do you reckon?

What are they like to move around inside compared to standard tents? Does the inner pole get in the way?

What do you think they'd be like in the rain? I've never slept under cotton, so I've no idea !

Sorry for all the questions - it's just that I backpack when camping (don't drive) and I'm always on the lookout for different lightweight set-ups as a standard tent isn't that ideal for me .

[nolightweight]

Originally Posted by Andy2112

Nice review mate, quality shelter at a quality price. Mini Lauuvu, it's the future. lol. Can i have one ?

Phonetic alphabet pop quiz... What does Foxtrot Oscar mean to you?

[Spamel]

With slight modofication, you could do away with the pole. The Hex 3 has a loop at the top and you can run a cord between two trees and hang the tent from it leaving you a completely unobstructed floor space. Worth doing IMO.

[Andy2112]

Originally Posted by nolightweight

Phonetic alphabet pop quiz... What does Foxtrot Oscar mean to you?

[nolightweight]

Originally Posted by Reddy

Great review!

I really like the look of this tent

Does it come in two pieces and is then clipped together? (like 2 ponchos?)

Yep. If you find Twodogs original thread you'll see the bits that make it up.

How small does it pack up? (ie not including the pole)

Not tried that yet. It was folded and boxed when it arrived. Will update though in a day or so.

How heavy is it?

It's stated as 3.5 kg. Didn't feel it to me though.

Is there just one pole used or any we can't see?

One pole in 4 sections.

Can a groundsheet be easily attatched do you reckon?

I'll be adapting one to fit, but I'm not planning to attach it.

What are they like to move around inside compared to standard tents? Does the inner pole get in the way?

It's a small shelter, but it's what I expected. Depends on what you're used to. As the pics show, I managed to get myself and my gear inside.

What do you think they'd be like in the rain? I've never slept under cotton, so I've no idea !

No idea on that one yet. It was definately snug in the wind.

Sorry for all the questions - it's just that I backpack when camping (don't drive) and I'm always on the lookout for different lightweight set-ups as a standard tent isn't that ideal for me .

Not sure I'd call this 'lightweight' but car, short tab, pitch I'd be happy with it. No worries on the questions