GoLite is the famed outdoor equipment and clothing manufacturer based in Boulder, Colorado. Founded in 1998, the company is well known among outdoor adventurists for its high end light and ultra-light footwear, clothing, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, hydration packs and accessories.
The company’s Shangri-la collection is a performance line of high performance, lightweight tents and tent flooring for the discerning outdoor adventurer.
The Shangri-la 1 Shelter from GoLite is a versatile all-weather, solo tarp. When properly packed, the Shangri-la 1 measures just 10 inches by 4.5 inches and weighs a little over 1 pound and 3 ounces. This make the tent remarkably handy and easy to carry around. Setting up the Shangri-la 1 is fast and simple thanks to the clear instruction manual. It also comes with 6 Y-stakes for securing the tent.
Fully set up, the shelter measures a comfortable 7 feet long and 4 feet wide. While the Shangri-la 1 is designed for one person, it is rather spacious. Made from ripstop nylon, the shelter has fully-taped seams to keep out the wet and two peak vents for air circulation. The floorless system may be used alone, or with the matching GoLite Nest or GoLite Floor. High internal gear loops are also ready for clothes lines and hanging items.
The Shangri-la 1 shines during damp and wet weather conditions. Since the material is treated, it does not soak up water and gain weight. It is also less likely to wear down in UV light than conventional tents.
During bug season, it may be wise to purchase the GoLite Shangri-la 1 Nest to complement the Shangri-la 1 Shelter. Although the Nest can be used alone, the mesh canopy can be fitted inside the Shelter and keeps mosquitoes and other insects out while still providing excellent ventilation.
It must be noted that as with most tents, canopies and screen houses, the Shangri-la 1 Shelter is designed for occasional use only as continuous use will result in damage due to UV light.
The Shelter is available from a number of retailers for about $180. Buyers may choose between bamboo and evergreen colorways with the bamboo being on the yellowish side and the latter having a dark green hue.
The market is saturated with similar products and for the same price, one can get a larger tent or something that already comes with a mesh canopy to keep the bugs out. While the Shangri-la 1 is not large and buyers have to pay extra for the internal canopy, it does seem well made. For the recreational user who may just need a tent every now and then, cheaper may actually be better as there are lower priced tents which perform quite well. For serious outdoor enthusiasts, the Shangri-la 1 Shelter from GoLite may be the best pick. Having a number of excellent features, paying more would be justified especially if the tent is intended to be used frequently. For a this quality tent from GoLite, I rate this a solid four out of five.