Asymmetric shape

Crux X2 tents use a configuration of four poles to create a modified/stretched geodesic structure. This configuration not only provides the strongest framework but is also freestanding, and is found in the majority of double-skin mountaineering tents.

What distinguishes the crux X2 tents from the competition is the asymmetric nature of their design. Nearly all standard mountaineering geodesic tents are symmetrical, having two small entrances - one at each end. As the diagram shows, the X2 tents have a single large front entrance – much more useful for access and cooking – and a smaller “tail-end” which is lower, stronger and more aerodynamic. Accessed only from inside the tent, it is ideal for storage.

The strength of the asymmetric design of the crux X2 tents was proven when the X2 Storm came out top in wind tests by the German Outdoor magazine, only finally failing at 130 km/h (click here to read the German article).

ARCHitektur pole geometry

We developed our ARCHitekture pole geometry to create greater lateral stiffness and at the same time reduce stress in the transverse poles, which bend through a large curvature in a short distance. The result is an even stiffer geodesic structure and greater pole reliability.

Vents

There is a common belief that the bigger the vent, the better the ventilation. In fact, having large vents creates two major problems. Firstly, the bigger the opening, the more the weather is likely to get in. Unfortunately, solving the first problem – by covering the vent with a hood – creates the second: the warm, moist air exiting the tent now has to travel the additional distance along the hood before it can escape outside. This may not sound like much – but ensuring the shortest possible distance between inside and outside is the key to ensuring good tent ventilation.

The vents on the crux X2 tents are aligned with this key criterion in mind. They are situated at the very top of the flysheet, where the warm moist air is most concentrated. The vents can therefore exploit as fully as possible the mechanisms which move the air, namely the temperature and partial pressure differentials between inside and outside.

Minimalist features

Crux X2 tents are exceptionally light mountaineering tents. This has been achieved above all through intelligent design and rigorous questioning of the necessity of many features, and through a rigorous selection of materials (click here for more information on fabrics).

The X2’s asymmetric single-door design offers significant weight advantages: not only does it use less fabric, but it eliminates the duplication of the door zips of standard double-porch geodesics.

The mesh panels on the inner tent are kept to a judicious minimum, allowing for ventilation but without adversely affecting the internal temperature of the tent. We do not consider it necessary to cover them with secondary fabric panels, complete with zips.

The X2 does not feature the plethora of buckles and webbing that add extra weight to many contemporary tent designs. To us, this is over-engineering: we prefer to simply move the peg if re-tensioning is required.

Reticulated foam spacers

Circular, measuring about 12 cm in diameter and 7 cm thick, and weighing just a few grams, reticulated foam spacers are fastened by a press-stud system to the two largest side panels of the inner tent. Their purpose is to prevent the flysheet and inner tent from touching and so to stop the inner tent walls from getting wet. The gap created by the spacers also improves the air circulation between the outer and inner tent, which itself helps reduce condensation, and increases insulation by trapping a layer of air.