Like all of the products that Vaude manufactures, the Taurus SUL tent is completely PVC-free. PVC – polyvinyl chloride – is one of the most environmentally hazardous commercial materials in the outdoor industry. Unfortunately, it is also a very effective method of making things both waterproof and durable, which is why it is so widely used.

Vaude has worked hard to come up with eco-friendly alternatives that have comparable properties, ensuring their products are just as robust and hard-wearing, whilst being more environmentally friendly. For example, their waterproof tent fabrics include a unique triple silicone coated nylon which is siliconized on both sides. This gives it high UV reflection and increased tear resistance, ensuring sustainability through longevity without resorting to more harmful treatments.

Fabrics are also completely free from PFCs – perfluorinated compounds, the harmful chemicals that are often used to add water repellence to the surface of fabrics.

Vaude also calculates and offsets its carbon emissions from manufacturing and production to ensure that this tent is effectively climate neutral.

Lastly, this tent also uses DAC NFL featherlite aluminium alloy poles. DAC is widely considered to be the most responsible manufacturer of aluminium in the world, having perfected a proprietary green anodising process that has significantly fewer environmental impacts compared to standard anodisation production.

Construction and Performance

The Taurus SUL 1P is quick and easy to pitch, with a pre-attached inner that means the tent can be pitched all-in-one. The pole sleeves are also open at one end only, which further aids fast and efficient set-up.

It has a classic ‘tripod’ construction designed for stability without sacrificing too much interior height. This means there’s ample space inside for you and your gear. Side mesh pockets keep small items handy and easy to find in the dark. There’s only a single doorway and porch, but that’s fine for solo use. It is roomy enough to accommodate plenty of gear, including muddy boots and a pack.

The flysheet incorporates rainproof vents, which are fully adjustable and ensure optimal air circulation for a good microclimate while you sleep. This works with a mesh and fabric inner to reduce condensation build-up inside the tent, whilst keeping bugs and beasties out.

For such a lightweight design, it feels remarkably protective. That’s down to Vaude’s tent fabrics, which are some of the best out there. Their double-sided, triple-coated sil-nylon is unique to the brand, and results in a flysheet with a hydrostatic head rating of 3,000mm. The bathtub floor is made from PU-coated ripstop nylon for extra durability, again with a HH of 3,000 mm. There’s no need to worry that this tent will leak.

Verdict

All in all, the Taurus SUL 1P is a practical and protective tent with a compact packed size, low weight and excellent eco credentials. It will be a great choice for extended solo backpacking or bikepacking trips when you’re looking for good interior space and overall liveability, but don’t want to sacrifice overall weather performance. With that in mind we think it’s a better choice for such scenarios than a single-skinned design, which could save you a little weight and give you more internal space, but also typically comes with attendant problems of condensation control and moisture management.