Mountain Hardwear™ announced today that its premier high altitude assault tent, the EV2, received Climbing’s Editor’s Choice award for single-wall tents. The four-pound, 14-ounce EV2 received an “A” rating due to its ease of set-up and take-down, wind stability, livability, ventilation and anchoring. The award is featured in the March, 2005 issue of Climbing.

The EV2 design was a collaborative effort between Mountain Hardwear athlete and high-altitude mountaineer Ed Viesturs, hence the name EV2, and the company’s longtime tent designer, Martin Zemitis. Viesturs challenged Zemitis to create a tent which would be strong enough to endure the high wind conditions common at altitudes more than 7,500 meters. In addition, Viesturs hoped the new tent could be and light enough to carry on a multi-day summit assault of Nanga Parbat, the 8,126 meter peak in the Himalayas. Viesturs also specified that the vestibule be incorporated into the tent, allowing more interior space and eliminating the possibility that high winds could rip it off.

Zemitis succeeded in all areas. “I used a unique combination of the strongest, most ultra-light fabrics available,” he said. “The fabric tresses hold the poles in a stable arch, allowing the tent to stay intact even in high altitude winds. Ed’s valuable input and constant testing allowed us to fine-tune the design.”

Viesturs was impressed with the results. “I’ve used the EV2 on all of my ascents since 2003,” he said. “Ounce-for-ounce it’s an amazing product. The EV2 is the best, lightweight tent ever made.” Viesturs will use the EV2 this spring on an ascent of Cho Oyu, followed by an alpine-style attempt of Annapurna.

The EV2 is now offered as part of Mountain Hardwear’s extensive mountaineering and backpacking tent line and is available at the company’s authorized specialty outdoor retailers. The suggested retail price is $625.