The Happy Camper: Exped Lyra 2 Tent Review
I have a full schedule of backcountry canoe trips this summer, so I made sure to treat myself to some new gear.
Here’s a tent that I’ve tested a couple of times so far: the Exped Lyra 2.
This is one unique three-season tent—which is why I like it. To start, the pole system is like no other. At both ends there is a Y arrangement and a cross centre bar. All three hold out the edges of the tent and give you a lot of head room (110 centimetres).
It’s also extremely light weight, weighing in at around two kilograms. That’s awesome for a canoe tripping tent but it’s also light enough to be used as a backpacking tent.
I can guarantee it holds up in the worst of storms. I’ve used it on two trips so far where severe weather has hit. I kept dry throughout.
The Lyra 2 comes with two doors, one on each side—nice and wide for easy in and out. The pole clips allow for quick and simple attachment of the canopy. There are two storage pockets at the head, one very small pocket up top with enough room for a flashlight, but no pockets on the opposite sides (not that you need them) and no large pocket overhead. This might be a negative for some, but there are enough holders to accommodate one. There is no footprint provided, so you’ll have to order one separately.
Exped promotes four separate modes for the Lyra tent:
Mode 1: Optimist Mode
No rain fly attached, just a freestanding tent with lots of no-see-um mesh along the top to give you full ventilation on a humid summer night.
Mode 2: Stargazer Mode
One side rolls up and is held by set attachments, which gives you a nice view of the evening sky—that is, if the weather is nice. Half the vestibule stays intact for storage.
Mode 3: Breeze-Way Mode
Roll back both sides of the vestibule, which is held back with toggles. This provides exceptional ventilation.
Mode 4: Privacy Mode
All the sides down, vestibule stacked down, providing excellent weather protection.
The pegs are different than what usually comes with most tents. They look cheap and ineffective at first, but they actually excel once you get used to them.
Be warned, however. This is a small tent for two people. The first time I used it was on a spring canoe trip with my buddy and my dog. My next trip was a solo trip with my dog. It was perfect for the second trip, but maybe a little too cozy for the first.
The price is affordable. It’s around $500 Canadian, but you can find it on sale for less than $300. That’s pretty good for what you get.
Honestly, how is the ventilation in this tent? I am having an absolute horror of a time with my MSR Elixr 2. I think the fact that the MSR has a rectangular footprint and not a lot of mesh and very small fly vents is causing me to have an incredible amount of condensation under the fly! This Exped tent has caught my eye though!!! What was the condensation like for you?
Where can someone buy it at $300? Thank you
@brianLauzon: Ventilation is a mixed bag. ‘Stargazer’ mode is really just the ability to roll the fly back half way. The next ‘mode’ lets you toggle-down one or both sides of the fly entry so there is plenty of ventilation, but neither mode are practical in rain. When the fly is fully zipped up, there is an option to prop open the fly zip at the top with a built-in spacer however, it is vertically oriented so rain can easily enter. I love this tent but scratch my head as to why Exped thinks this is a legit ventilation solution – all they need to do is add a horizontal vent like everyone else on the market and problem solved. That said, with all the mesh inside it is not the sweatiest tent I’ve owned but guessing similar to your MSR.