Wecshel Exogen 2
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $750.00
Our Overall Rating | 85 out of 100
Pros - Sturdy, weather-resistant, spacious for a two-person tent, freestanding design
Cons - Poor ventilation in hot weather, slightly heavy for ultralight backpackers, inner-first pitching can be tricky in rain
Overall - Worth the price if it fits your needs.
Technical Specifications
Packed Size - 18x7in
Weight - 4.25lbs
Sleeping Size - N/A
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Wechsel Exogen 2 is a freestanding, geodesic tent designed for backpackers who need a sturdy, weather-resistant tent. It’s built to handle wind, rain and even light snow, making it a solid 3+ season tent, though it may struggle in hot, humid conditions. With a double-door design, two vestibules and durable materials, it’s a reliable choice for hikers in cooler climates. Its limited ventilation and heavier weight (around 4.25lbs) might make it less ideal for warmer summers or ultra-light backpackers, though.
Comfort - The vertical walls of the Exogen 2 create a roomy interior, allowing campers to sit up comfortably. The two-door design means no climbing over a partner or waiting for them to move for you to get in, and the mosquito mesh keeps bugs out while maintaining airflow, though not as much as some might prefer. We found that condensation can be an issue, especially in humid conditions, due to the low-cut rainfly and minimal mesh panels. If you’re camping in cooler or breezy weather, this tent performs well, but in hot and sticky climates, the lack of airflow may be frustrating.
Construction - The Exogen 2 is built to last, with high-quality materials that show little wear even after extensive use. The silicone-coated flysheet provides excellent water resistance and UV protection, though the seams can’t be taped (Wechsel includes a seam sealant for extra waterproofing). The aluminum pole hubs add stability in high winds and the freestanding design means you can pitch it without pegs, which are handy on rocky terrain. The mesh threads aren’t of the best quality though, as they quickly started to come loose, though Wechsel says this can be easily fixed.
Features - The Exogen 2 includes two spacious vestibules, perfect for storing gear outside the sleeping area. The inner-first pitching system allows for a mesh-only setup in good weather, though this makes it trickier to pitch in the rain. A clever roll-up feature on the flysheet lets you increase ventilation when needed, too. The tent also has inner pockets for small items, adding to its practicality. One gripe is that while the low-cut flysheet helps in bad weather, it restricts airflow, which can be a downside in warmer climates.
Size/Weight - At around 4.25lbs, the Exogen 2 definitely isn’t the lightest tent in its class, but the extra durability may be seen to justify the weight. The two-person version offers decent space, though taller campers might find it a little snug. If you’re after a lighter or more ventilated option, the Wechsel Bella (marketed as a ‘female’ tent, though suitable for anyone) might be a better fit, especially in hotter regions.
Versatility - This tent works great in windy, wet and cool conditions, cooler climate hiking. Its freestanding design and sturdy build mean it can handle rough terrain and unpredictable weather. Due to the limited ventilation, though, the Exogen 2 is less suitable for hot, humid climates. So, if you mostly camp in mild to cold weather, it’s a fantastic all-rounder, but those in warmer regions may want something with more mesh and airflow.
Overall - The Wechsel Exogen 2 is a well-built, durable tent that performs brilliantly in wind, rain and cooler temperatures. Its freestanding design, two vestibules and sturdy poles make it a reliable choice for backpackers who want something weather-resistant rather than ultra-lightweight. Just know that it comes with condensation issues and its lack of airflow can be frustrating in hot, humid climates.
