EXPED’s first tent, the award-winning Orion, is yet another signature firstovation. When introduced in 1997, its now often-copied ridge-tunnel pole design was a completely new tent architecture. It combines a tunnel tent’s strength and maximum usable space with a dome tent’s freestanding capability; strong and comfortable in any weather. In the ensuing 20+ years, Orion has been relied upon across the globe, on countless adventures, and has won praise for its bombproof security in the worst conditions imaginable.
As an exostructure-style tent (poles attached to fly), Orion’s guylines originate directly from the flat, low-profile pole sleeves for strength against the gale. And because the ridge pole extends to the ground on both sides of the tent, Orion is a true freestanding shelter, vestibules included. A pole-supported vestibule is important when the wind is at its most savage, essentially splitting the vestibule panels into two smaller, less vulnerable walls. Exostructure poles also allow Orion to be converted to Party Mode™, essentially converting the fly into a freestanding, pole-supported tarp that accommodates multiple team members under one roof. This is especially useful on storm-days, when sitting around eating, reading and chatting are the primary activities.
Orion is a winter-capable expedition tent of the highest order. Anchor points, 21 of them arrayed around the fly, allow a highly varied combination of guyline configurations, depending on the particular demands of the tent site. Each door is built with a mosquito netting panel, for when conditions allow a ventilated door. But when heat must be retained and spindrift blocked (it can easily penetrate netting), a panel of solid fabric can be zipped into place. Fabric choices are focused on durability and ensuring weatherproof integrity. For example, the floor’s 70-denier, polyurethane-coated taffeta nylon is factory seam-taped and holds a 10,000mm water column rating.
Orion goes anywhere and is a proven, reliable, tough and comfortable shelter when conditions get ugly. Take it to exposed icefields, extreme alpine terrain, remote islands; wherever adventure is sought.
- In Party Mode™, temporarily disconnect and push the tent aside beneath the fly, so you can invite the neighbors for a tea party, regardless of the weather
- In Breeze-Way Mode™, open both doors for cooling, flow-through ventilation in warm weather
- In Storm Mode™, close both doors and guyout or stake up to 21 anchor points for maximum strength and stability against wind
- 3 poles support the tent: 2 identical tunnel poles define the length of the sleeping area and a ridge pole crosses at right angles, creating 2 truly freestanding vestibules
- The ridge/tunnel pole architecture combines a tunnel tent's strength and maximum usable space with a dome tent's freestanding capability
- Tent can remain attached to fly when stowed, shortening teardown time; fly can be set up on its own or combined with a footprint (not included) for lightweight trips
- Guyline anchor points are provided along each pole sleeve to increase wind- and snow-loading stability
- Tent is suspended from the fly with fly-mounted rings and shockcorded toggles for rapid removal of the tent when in Party mode; fly is separated into 6 panels
- An adjustable tension cord connects the end of each vestibule pole to a corner pole, maintaining structural tension when the vestibule doors are open
- Closed-end pole sleeves allow rapid pole-threading and one-person setup, without the need to move from one side of the tent to the other
- 2 U-shaped, horizontally oriented doors allow smooth, one-handed operation; doors can be secured to the side and out of the way when fully opened
- Each of the 2 vestibules is equipped with an eyelid over the door, which can be closed in severe conditions or held open for covered venting, even in the rain
- Each door is equipped with a mosquito netting window, which is backed up by a solid fabric panel to retain heat in cold conditions and keep snow out
- Steep tent walls maximize headroom and volume; rectangular floor plan fits 2 sleeping mats and ensures efficient use of space
- Multiple interior loops are provided for adding overhead clotheslines
- 4 pockets, 2 at each end of the tent, provide storage for small items
- Floor is 70-denier polyurethane-coated nylon taffeta and is factory seam-taped, with a 10,000mm water column rating for waterproofing
- 18 ultralight V-peg aluminum stakes are included for securing guylines and pole-end stakeout loops
- Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls on inner tent and vestibule doors light up long into the night, allowing zippers to be quickly located in the dark
- Tent repair kit included
- Rainfly, canopy and floor are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning the product has been tested for harmful substances and shown to meet rigorous human ecology criteria
ORION II SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity: 2-Person
Dimensions: 84.6 × 51.2 × 49.2 in
Canopy area: 29.1 ft²
Vestibule area: 22.6 ft²
Min. weight: 6.5 lb
Max. weight: 7.5 lb
Packed size: 16.5 × 6.3 in
Season: 4-season
Construction: Exoskeleton
Warranty: 5 years
ORION III SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity: 2- to 3-person
Dimensions: 90.6 × 63 × 51.2 in
Canopy area: 37.7 ft²
Vestibule area: 23.7 ft²
Min. weight: 7.1 lb
Max. weight: 7.9 lb
Packed size: 18.9 × 7.1 in
Season: 4-season
Construction: Exoskeleton
Warranty: 5 years
MATERIALS
Rainfly: 40 D ripstop nylon, PU coated, factory seam taped; 1,500 mm water column; Oeko-Tex 100 certified
Canopy: 30 D ripstop nylon; 15 D No-See-Um mosquito mesh nylon, 1500 mesh/square inch; Oeko-Tex 100 certified
Floor: 70 D taffeta nylon, PU coated, factory seam taped; 10,000 mm water column; Oeko-Tex 100 certified
Poles: TRX Airlite 9.1 mm 7001-T6 Aluminum; acid-free anodizing
