Moss Triton 4 Season Tent
By Steve Mann

Moss made this all-new tent for 1997 to feel just as comfortable in mid-summer as in 4-season conditions. The Triton's huge forward mesh panels and rear window may make it the best ventilated four-season tent on the market. The panels also produce panoramic views on those warm and starry late nights. The well-designed rainfly's side-opening door zips open all the way to the ground, leaving no fabric across the doorway to trip you or accumulate mud from your boots -- a feature Moss calls "non-trip doors."

The vestibule itself is also note worthy -- a healthy 10 square feet of storage space for boots and gear. The side-entrance door makes the most of the vestibules space. The Triton is freestanding with 3 poles inserted into continuous sleeves. Another new feature for 1997 is the reflective fabric zipper pulls which make locating the zippers easy in the dark.

Moss introduces a new fabric called Dimension Polyant in the Triton and Helix, a second new tent for '97. Used on the fly and tent floor, this fabric is 400% more resistant to UV degradation, 400% more waterproof, 33% more tear resistant when new, and offers greater dimensional stabilty whether wet or dry according to Moss. The fabric is also 30% lighter than Moss' traditional fabric.

At 8 lbs 12 ozs, the Triton is not for the ultra weight-conscious backpacker, but fits well into the mid-weight tents and is comparible with other 4-season tents of its size. For more information on the Triton and other Moss Tents, see the Moss Web site.

In our editors' view, the Triton's ventilation, mesh view panels, door design, and new fabrics make the Triton one of the Best of Show products for the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show. Watch for our upcoming field test and review of the Triton!

The Specs