Review: Heritage Crossover Dome f A new optimal solution for minimalists
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
The more experience you gain in the mountains, the more you will understand what equipment you really need
As a beginner, you'll start out packing everything you need, but gradually you'll be able to distinguish between essential and non-essential gear, and before you know it, you'll achieve smarter, more efficient packing and become more conscious of traveling as lightly as possible. Once you're no longer a beginner, you'll likely move away from gear packed with thoughtful features and instead turn your attention to simple, lightweight gear with the bare essentials. In the pursuit of lighter and more compact gear, a highly effective approach is to reevaluate large, heavy gear like tents rather than small gadgets weighing a few grams
A long-standing method for reducing the weight of tents has been to sleep in a tent instead of a tent, but due to the technical hurdles involved in setting it up and the lack of livability, it was not something that could be easily recommended to everyone
It's not easy to find a tent that is as lightweight and compact as a bivouac, yet as easy to set up and livable as a conventional tent, no matter how much you search the world. Now, a Japanese-made shelter has emerged that meets all of these criteria. This time, we'll introduce the Heritage Crossover Dome f,
table of contents
General features
This highly refined, lightweight, freestanding shelter is produced by Heritage, a Japanese manufacturer that pioneered the development and production of dome-shaped tents and tents made with waterproof and breathable materials. Heritage is a pioneer in Japanese mountaineering tents and continues to produce the high-quality Espace series. Originally, a modified version of the Emergency Dome, a lightweight, freestanding tent, was adopted and highly praised by many Japanese climbers and mountaineers on overseas expeditions. Building on this experience and proven track record, the Crossover series was developed for the general public by carefully revising the materials and construction. Full seam sealing ensures high waterproofing, while lightweight poles allow for lightness and quick setup. Two types are available: the F type, which features a short-side entrance, and the standard type, which features a long-side entrance
Recommended points
- Simple setup method that helps the tent stand up quickly
- Lightweight and compact
- Just secure the minimum amount of space needed
- Fully seam sealed for waterproof protection
Points that interest me
- Be careful as air tends to get trapped in the air more easily than in a tent
Item appearance
front entrance
beside
Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| Number of people to sleep | Maximum 2 people |
| Minimum weight (measured) | 600g (including body, pole and stuff sack, when dry) |
| Main body material | 15D nylon ripstop with breathable polyurethane coating (water resistance 1,000mm/cm², breathability 8,000g/m²/24hr) |
| Height, width, and height | 105cm, 210cm, 100cm when stored (height 9cm, width 20cm, pole 38cm) |
| Included and optional | Storage case, aluminum alloy hollow pole (7.5mm diameter shock cord built-in), mosquito net for ventilator, guy lines (sold separately) |
| Living comfort | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of setup and removal | ★★★★★ |
| Weather Resistant | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Portability | ★★★★★ |
| Overall score | ★★★★☆ |
*The marks with ★ are impressions up until the comparison test are conducted, so please use this as a reference only.
Detailed review
Refined construction allows for quick setup
The slope system used in the Solo and Duo series allows for quick and easy setup by one person. The tension can be adjusted by fastening the straps. This system is the same as that used in the latest tent models. Even in windy, rainy, or snowy weather, it was quick to set up and I was able to run inside, so it's quite impressive in terms of setup speed
It is set up in the same way as a dome tent
This is very efficient as it also controls the tension on the main body
Fully seam sealed for excellent waterproofing
All Espers tents come with carefully sealed seams by default. This model also has the same careful seam sealing as the tents. It can withstand fairly heavy rain without any problems. This type of tent has the same problem of condensation and freezing in winter as a regular tent, so as long as you keep that in mind, it can be used without any problems in winter. However, it is not very cold-resistant, so use in winter is for advanced users only
As you approach the seam
The shiny parts are proof that the seams are sealed. It also has high waterproof performance
Parts of concern
Air tends to get stale
As this is an unprecedented shelter that falls somewhere between a bivouac and a tent, it tends not to offer the same level of comfort as a tent. Two ventilators with special cores built in that are resistant to collapse are installed on both sides, making it more breathable than a regular bivouac, but it still feels a little more stuffy than a tent. This is not a problem for those accustomed to bivouacs, but those who are not will likely need some time to get used to it. As it is a unique shelter (bivouac) that is not to be thought of as the same as a tent, it is important to emphasize that it should not be chosen by people buying a tent for the first time
In addition to the two ventilation holes on the left and right, the entrance also opens wide with a zipper, making it just as easy to use as a regular tent
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
If you already have a tent, it's recommended to use this as a second option
This tent can be used in the same way as a tent, and is an excellent choice for experienced people who are looking for something lightweight. It is an ideal choice for long-distance trail running, long-term climbing, and any long-term mountain outing where weight is an important consideration. It is also highly versatile, depending on the season and environment, and can be used with ease
On the other hand, as a first-time tent, it's not recommended because it lacks the comfort of mesh ventilation and weather protection of a fly. While lightness is certainly appealing, it's important to remember that the tradeoff is the risk of sacrificing comfort and safety features, requiring experience and skill to compensate. If you compare what you want to do with your past experience and still feel confident that this is the one for you, then you're already a true expert. The Crossover Dome f is the perfect solution for any serious challenge.
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