One-of-a-kind. The FIELD RECORD FR-shelter, a free-to-match and transform tarp shelter, tickles too much playfulness

There are many manufacturers in the world that "make good tools," but when it comes to manufacturers that produce products that are "only made or can only be made here" with original concepts, it is not easy to find even if you search around the world.

FIELD RECORD which was just launched in 2018 . Previously, this site also introduced outdoor chairs to be used in combination with trekking poles

And today I'd like to introduce some of the brand's representative gear, which I've been interested in for a long time. The FR-shelter tarp shelter tent can be described as unique, as it allows multiple tarps to be connected and can be set up in various forms depending on how they are connected

I had no idea what was amazing until I used it, but last year I was able to use it carefully and became obsessed with its unique charm. Seeing is just a shame, so let's take a look at how this shelter is usable.

Detailed Review: Here are the 4 Great Points of FR Shelter

The FR shelter is a connected deformed shelter tent that can be connected to multiple shelters using 10 waterproof zippers and 12 strong velcro locations, allowing multiple shelters to be connected to create a variety of shapes and spaces.

Also, there are many products already flooded with lightweight UL brand shelters and luxury tarps for family camping. In contrast, the model aims to achieve the most comfortable views, and is highly versatile, which can be used for both serious hiking and family-friendly, depending on how it is used. This FR shelter has been a result of trial and error to make this happen.

Materials are selected to balance durability and weight, and high-quality sewing made in Japan

A quick look at the materials and construction parts shows that these concepts are clearly reflected. The 30 denier ripstop nylon is highly durable enough to be both a shelter and a tarp. On the other hand, it is not as thick as the UL model, and due to its structure, there are more zippers and velcro than normal, so it feels a little heavy, but considering it can accommodate three people, the 1,500g number is by no means too heavy.

The fabric is coated with a water-repellent and stain-resistant coating, and all seams have been treated with seams. All tents are produced in sewing factories that boast a wealth of experience in Japan, and the accuracy of the processing, including sewing on each part, is impressive. You can see the attention to detail not only in appearance but also in the contents.

It can be used as a comfortable shelter even for full-scale hiking on its own.

I immediately tried it out on the lawns in the park. This time, we tried setting up the FR shelter body as well as an inner mesh, ground seats, guy lines, poles, and pegs (Photo 1). The pole can be replaced with a trekking pole that can be stretched over 130cm, and if you omit the mesh, you will have minimal luggage, but the full set is actually bulky.

Photo 1: From left: Ground seat, inner mesh, shelter body, pole, gailine, titanium peg

The shelter itself, which can also be used as a tarp, is spread out in a rectangular shape, except for the entrance, as shown in Photo 2, and secure the four corners with pegs. By the way, there is already a ground sheet underneath this.

Photo 2: First, lay down a ground sheet, spread the shelter itself on top of it, and secure it with pegs.

Next, place the pole on the vertex, secure it with Velcro, and then take the plunge and start it up (Photo 3).

Photo 3: The Velcro part that secures the pole is thick so there is no need to worry about it slipping. It is reinforced and durable.

By this point, the shape has almost been seen (Photo 4). All that's left is to secure the necessary parts such as the entrance with pegs or set up a gadget line.

Photo 4: Condition right after standing up. From here, we set up the entrance and use peg and gailines.

Finally, narrow down the sagging corners and the shelter is completed in no time (Photo 5). Although the Guy Lines are only at the very least, the dignified looks with no sagging or anything, personally I really like it.

Photo 5: An example of building a shelter with one pole.

In fact, at this time, at first glance, the parts of each surface that are in contact with the ground are seemingly extra sagging? There was a chance that it was built correctly, and I was a little confused. If you check later, this is not only necessary for connection and deformation, but it actually acts as a skirt to prevent wind, rain, and snow from entering by wrapping it inside or out. Of course, if you want to circulate air, or if you don't need it, you can just roll it up and open it. No matter how it is built, various considerations are taken to ensure that all parts can be used without waste.

When I went inside, I felt that it was tall and the entrance was wide open, so there was little pressure and was extremely comfortable (Photo 6).

Photo 6: Spacious interior and large entrance.

If you use it for one or two people, the front of the entrance can be widely used as a vestibule. It's easy to cook in front of the tent (Photo 7).

Photo 7: If you open half the entrance, you can cook comfortably in the front room while avoiding the wind.

By the way, it can be used without a ground seat (Photo 8).

Photo 8: Remove the ground sheet and use it.

I put on an inner mesh (Photo 9). This will prevent the invasion of insects, the enemy of summer, while maximizing breathability, which is actually extremely important when expeditions deep into mountain areas.

Photo 9: Inner mesh attached.

There is a mesh ventilation on the top of the opposite side of the entrance (Photo 10). It also has a brim to prevent rain and secure airways, so it is perfectly ventilated. There is also a zipper on the inside to seal it, so it can be adjusted.

Photo 10: Mesh ventilation on the top of the other side of the entrance.

The interior space (Photo 11) is spacious for one person, and two people can sleep well, including their luggage, even if three people organize their luggage and try hard.

Photo 11: A 180cm mat is laid inside.

With one sheet of fabric, in addition to the shelter-like tensioning method that can be completely sealed as mentioned above, it is also possible to use three poles to create a tarp-like tensioning method (Photo 12).

Photo 12: Example of how to tie it using one photo (from the manufacturer's website)

If you connect two or more cards, it becomes a shelter that can be used by even larger groups.

This alone is a "successful" tarp shelter, but it is still only half of its appeal, and from here on I tried out how to combine them and arrange them in various shapes.

First, we will create a large, completely sealed shelter, just like when we had a single piece. The connection begins with connecting the zippers located in places on the tarp (Photo 13).

Photo 13: The two shelter bodies are arranged vertically facing each other.

From this point on, connect the center of the two tarps with a zipper. This will result in a large, bulging tarp (Photo 14).

Photo 14: Connect the fasteners attached to each other ends.

From here, just like when using only one photo, secure the pole to the Velcro part in the center and start it up well (Photo 15).

Photo 15: Secure the pole in the center and start it up. You can wrap the excess parts around as a skirt or take them out.

Fold the skirt part inward, squeeze the four corners to adjust the tension, and then a large one-pole shelter with two pieces connected together is completed (Photo 16).

Photo 16: Two connected shelters are completed. The entrance is in the center.

When you open the central entrance and look inside, you can see this (Photo 17). You can also lay a ground seat on the right half. It can also be used spaciously as a kitchen area. It can be used as much as you want if it's this large.

Photo 17: Inside the tent. Depending on how you tie it, there may be some excess parts, but there are loops in place, so if you put them in and store them, you won't be particularly bothered.

The ceiling is still high, and if you combine two, it's spacious enough for 5 to 6 people to sleep (Photo 18). The ventilation is also placed on the ceiling on the left and right, making it extremely breathable. Of course, you can also install two inner mesh inside.

Photo 18: The inside of the tent is still spacious.

Depending on how you put it, you can freely adjust the way you put it. You'll get addicted to the joy of being able to arrange it as you like

It can be used comfortably in a single pole shelter just like normal, but there are many variations available depending on how the zippers are connected and how the tarp is attached. For example, you can set up poles in two places in front and back to use them as a large shade (Photo 19).

Photo 19: Example of an arrangement of two images. I want to relax on camping on the clear seaside or on the lakeside.

Once you get used to the tensioning method, you can easily set up complex shape patterns that combine a shelter and a wide vestibule, with the entrance lifted up with a trekking pole (Photo 20). It's bright and comfortable when it's sunny, making it easier to work even when it rains, and if the wind is strong, it can be fully closed. Furthermore, the lifted up part can be left as is and only the shelter on the bedroom can be closed, allowing you to respond flexibly to suit the situation.

Photo 20: By making full use of poles and Guyline pegs, you can arrange unique shapes that combine weather resistance and livability.

Using two images allows for complex and functional tensioning methods that are not available at all times, and depending on the person's ideas, you can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere (Photo 21).

Photo 21: Example of how to tie it using two photos (from the manufacturer's website)

Summary: A unique tent that allows you to enjoy the very nature of "setting up"

I can't believe that the "work" of setting up tents and tarps, which I always do for mountain climbing and camping, was actually such a rich activity. This shelter reminds me of the simple pleasures I felt when I began to become obsessed with the outdoors, which was to create my own home with my own hands.

For those looking for a "normal good tent" such as a light tent, a sturdy tent, or an easy-to-built tent, or for beginners who are new to setting up a tent itself, there may be few people who fit in too much because of their difficulty and slurringness. On the other hand, it will definitely give new inspiration to anyone looking for a unique (and certainly quality) tent that no one has, or those who have a certain amount of room and have begun to enjoy the outdoors more deeply on their own scale. It's not particularly true if it can be used with two or more sheets. The pleasure of finding your own comfortable style while working on various ideas on how to build it will expand the endless possibilities of outdoor activities.

Of course, this shelter is not just a novelty, but also has many practical value that other tents do not have, such as the fact that you can flexibly decide how to lay it according to the weather, temperature, style and mood, and that you can even share and carry parts in small ways even for large parties. From hiking to forests, low mountains and mid-mountains to leisurely camping, each person can enjoy their own way of enjoying it. This is a rare item that will confront the insatiable desires and creativity of humans.

They will be exhibiting at Off the Grid 2019 to be held from April 6th to 7th, 2019 It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if this tent were to be exhibited. Be sure to check it out!

FR-starter set / FR shelter starter set

FIELD RECORD