WARRIOR REVIEW: Silangan Rev20 Tent

THIS IS THE TENT THAT took the Philippine outdoors community by storm in 2014. Presenting the Rev20 by Silangan Outdoor Equipment. How did I know that? Well, every camper in that year wanted a Rev20 and it had been talked about everywhere in social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and appeared in personal blogs. It became viral. Sort of.

Why? Because it performed like a branded tent and it is affordable. Really?

Curiosity got me interested on the Silangan Rev20 too. In late 2015, I got my own set. It is in red color. Too corporate. I cannot be choosy with colors that suit me. You cannot find a Rev20 in store shelves nor a just-completed set displayed in the factory for as long as 24 hours. Once people knew of its existence, it would be gone in a puff. Trust me. I snatched it the moment I knew one existed.

 

The Rev20 is packed tight inside its compression bag. Aluminum poles, along with metal pegs, are placed together inside in separate special pouches. I would use it when I have the time but foreign guests in my survival class did the honor in January 2016. I have not seen how it is set up nor generous of time to test it myself but it went well with my guests without any supervision at all from me, who was supposed to know his equipment well.

I got the chance to set up, use, habituate and sleep in my Rev20 for three days and two nights of August 2016 when I visited Guintarcan Island, in Northern Cebu. I now know that there are two components of the Rev20: the outer shell and the inner chamber. The main articulated pole would act as the backbone of the outer shell while the six pegs would secure that to the ground so it would stand rigid.

What about the other two short poles that are lumped together inside the pole bag? Are these replacement parts? My guests were quite puzzled when they found two extras. I would find out that soon once I proceed to integrate the inner chamber with the outer shell myself.

The Rev20 is so designed for camping in unfavorable weather conditions. In higher elevations, weather is unpredictable. Most conventional tents are erected first, with rain fly attached next, before you can place yourself and bag inside. When it is raining or when rain is fast approaching, you will be stressed out. You will have to prioritize a dry tent, leaving you and your bag at the mercy of the elements.

With the Rev20, you can set up the outer shell first, which is already rainproofed material, and squeeze through the door with your bag, completely shielding you from rain and wind chill as you work on the ground sheet and then attaching the PVC hooks of inner chamber to the rings found under the roof of the outer shell. There are two sets of three anchor points that are found on the roof and six anchor points on the ground. A vestibule would keep that bag out of the way as you pick yourself inside to stabilize your sleeping area.

The Rev20 is a three-season tent. It could stand a storm and a pouring rain. The aluminum pole, sections all linked together by a flexible cord, is strong enough to hurdle strong gusts of wind. The outer shell fabric is rain fly material that functions on equal footing against any of your favorite and very popular imported tents. The inner chamber’s footprint acts like a dry bath tub. It is also waterproofed material.

I have used, tested and slept inside a Rev20 on those adverse conditions on one stormy night of October 2016. We camped on a high bank beside the Cotcot River, on the side of Mulao, Liloan. It rained hard that night. The river rose and seemed to lip over the riverbank where I erected my tent. Everyone transferred to higher ground. I stayed. I was dry, except for moisture caused by condensation, and blissfully warm. In the morning, I found a remnant of a once-wide pool beside the Rev20.

As the Rev20 is very efficient in keeping you warm and dry, it has also its downside, although very tolerable. During warmer days, when tent is exposed to sunlight, or of stale nights without breeze, it is really uncomfortable to stay in there. You could alleviate that by rolling the door wide open so cool breeze could enter your sleeping chamber. The bug net, however, would protect you from mosquitoes, flies, hornets and crawling insects.

Now, what about those extra short aluminum poles? Found inside at each end of the outer shell are two sets of two tight sleeves which most likely could have been designed to accommodate those two extra poles. When I forced the poles inside each end – voila! – the Rev20 looked much better, unlike the time when my guests used it. The poles act as a frame to keep the outer shell from touching the inner fabric where toes and head are found. It would be challenging when installing it in darkness. Use a light then.

Because I was satisfied with the performance and the better design of my first Rev20, I acquired another one in December 2016. It is in yellow color. I do not care. All I want is function and comfort. I was able to snatch this when I learned of its availability. My apologies to those who tried hard to acquire a Rev20. I am not hoarding. I am investing for my outdoor classes where I am expected to accept guests who travel light.

The Silangan Rev20 weighs at 1.4 kilos, to include the poles and pegs. One person could sleep comfortably inside. It is 78” in length (72” inside), 40” at its widest and 33” ceiling space. A couple could sleep in there but it would be cramped. Currently, the maker is upgrading the Rev20 into the Rev20 + II. Aside from the Rev20 and Rev20 + II, Silangan Outdoor Equipment has other tent models like the Eis8, Amiel5, Dawn26 and the Santi13.

Should I rate the Rev20 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 as Poor and 5 as Excellent, I probably would have rated it, like some people would on most tents, by its different characteristics like Comfort, Space, Function, Weight, Design, Material, Cost and Camper Friendly, before I could give the final satisfaction rating average. Here is how I do it and please follow me down:

•         The Rev20 is a one-person tent. When you sleep in it through by what it was designed for, you get all the space you need and the comfort. Comfort is maximum at 5.

•         For a small tent, it still has a vestibule, which is kind of an extra. Even without that, you still got space for your things but the vestibule made the Rev20 a winner. Space is rated maximum at 5.

•         Minimum requirements of a shelter is that it should keep you dry in stormy weather and should protect you from the elements. The Rev20 have complied with that and this result to comfort. Space is an extra and made Rev20 very desirable. Function is max at 5.

•         Weight is the most obtrusive feature why people think twice of bringing a tent. Tents are heavy hardware and weight could make or unmake a major climb. For a one-person tent, the 1.4 kilos that Rev20 packed are tolerable. Weight caused it a notch down though at 4.

•         This is not an original design but the manufacturer tweaked and added their own for copyright considerations, much like the Israelis tweaking an American warbird to a better clone. The design made the Rev20 viral in 2014. Design is good at 5.

•         Choice of material for the Rev20 is very important. Silangan Outdoor Equipment source only the best for their tents and, where available, they sell as much as they make. Material is first class and are the same with what you saw on expensive brands. Material is fine at 5.

•         At P3,600, do I need to explain the price? Cost is best at 5.

•         This is where the Rev20 is not at its best moment. The single pole setup means that it could not stand on its own. You need metal pegs to keep it erect. That would have been fine but stand alone tents are much desired by most people. The tunnel pockets for the two extra poles found at each end are just too tight. In darkness, on all your fours, that would be taxing. Camper Friendly is 3.

Overall, the Silangan Rev20 Single-Person Tent has a Satisfaction Rating Average of 4.65, which is surprisingly high, considering that it is a local product. Personally, this is an excellent tent to acquire and camp with, notwithstanding its two extra poles. Or you could do without it and you could increase your satisfaction by a tenth.

 

Silangan Outdoor Equipment is an independent manufacturer built around 100 percent Filipino capital with office address at Green Meadows Subdivision, Tabunok, City of Talisay, Cebu, Philippines. Their products are all made in Cebu using local labor. You may call or send an SMS to Mr. Jay Servano at 977-216-6606 for orders and inquiries. You may also contact them on their page in Facebook.

All their products are tested in different locations, environments and activities. They accept suggestions and improvements and also accepts product customization according to the needs of the customer. They are also into production of outdoor apparels, sleeping bags, hammocks, fly sheets, dry bags, backpacks, purses, pouches, digital printing, embroideries and corporate giveaways.

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CAMINO CEBU JOURNAL: Day Seven

DAY SEVEN :::: I HAD TROUBLE SLEEPING after being awakened by my right forearm touching the cold floor at 23:00 last night. I did not notice icy fingers of wind slipping through opened spaces between glass blades of the jalousie windows while I was asleep. The curtains quivered a bit as the breeze work their way inside, bringing with it mists which now occupy my special sleeping space underneath the long table. Suddenly, the dining room looked so small in the dark but, fortunately, for me I have no fear of closed spaces.

In my half-conscious state, I tried to relax my mind so I could sleep but, it seemed, the more I tried, the more elusive it became. Then I heard the crowing of the cocks heralding the arrival of dawn and it sounds like I have just been cheated of sleep. Then the curtains showed faint light from outside. This time I was able to catch Lady Starlight when the temperature was just about right but the brush of slippers on floor awakened me. Too late for me to dream of sleep.

I have to surrender to the reality of the coming day’s business. The kitchen is now lighted and the staff of Rev. Fr. Bernardo Oyao woke up early for this occasion to cook breakfast for us pilgrims. They had been instructed to keep us comfortable and well-fed in his absence. The familiar smell of camphor still float around the rectory in the early hours of the day. It went with us since Day Two when it was generously smeared on sore muscles and aching joints and is an accepted presence.

 

I went to the bathroom and, fortunately, it was open and empty. Just as I sat on the seat, someone from outside tried to push the door open. I locked it from the inside, of course. Who could that “unlucky” soul be? Yesterday’s dining became history and is flushed down the drain and now I am ready to accept another set of menu. Preferably warm. The few minutes inside the bath let me enjoy warmth but as soon as I opened the door, the cool atmosphere slapped my face and my wet hand.

I went outside of the rectory to inhale the cold air. The mountain air is clear while the hills are verdant. Sunrise had not yet hurdled past the crests of the Babag Mountain Range but its golden fingers of light are now beginning to reclaim its space and should be intense in an hour. The St. John the Baptist Quasi-Parish sits on a high plateau beside the bald peak of Mount Tabla, in the village of Sudlon I, Cebu City. Fr. Bernard would arrive today but not early.

Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Scipio “Jojo” Deligero of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Señor Santiago de Apostol, our chaplain for this first-ever pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago in Cebu, is all set to resume the journey today, July 12, 2017, for the next parish but we need to freshen ourselves first. The other pilgrims are busy with themselves, most of them braving the morning cold, taking a bath. I just wiped myself with my wet face towel and I am set to face the rest of the day.

When all were done, breakfast is served. Joining Fr. Jojo and me on the table is Mayor Joel Quiño of the Municipality of Compostela, the couple Jemmelyn and Roderick Montesclaros, Mizar Bacalla, Roger Montecino, Alvie Rey Ramirez and Jonathaniel Apurado. Omelet, hotdogs, fried rice and a leftover soup from last night’s dinner is our food. All had the same appetite as yesterday’s and are extremely motivated by the knowledge of being nearer to Compostela than ever before in this pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago.

We left at exactly 08:00 after thanking the staff of the St. John the Baptist Quasi-Parish. We retrace our route towards a street corner where we found the directional signage for the church. It is a long walk among highland farms and small valleys, going up and down, twisting among lonely hills. Mizar led again the prayer of the Holy Rosary while the rest answered with the usual Hail Marys. Jonathan took the rear, camera in hand, as I walked hearing distance forward of them.

Profusely sweating and extremely excited caused by the walk on rolling terrain on an early morning, the pilgrims paused for a while to eat rice pudding (Local name: bibingka) cooked and sold on that street corner. While still warm, it is a meal good enough to give energy to farmers working on their fields. I brought three palm-sized ones with me, intending to eat it further up ahead. I eat all three when I reached a crossroad where there is a police detachment. I was minutes ahead and I was alone under a shed waiting for the pilgrims.

One road goes all the way to the next village of Sudlon II while another one goes down the Bonbon River Valley. It is all downhill and it is beautiful to walk where it is most moderate but rather painful for the soles and the knees where it is most steep. It is a long downhill walk and it would be harder if you do a reverse here. I have not done it here yet but the mere thought of that gave me a frown. I hope I do not but locals used this road to go places whether uphill or down the valley.

I am worried about Fr. Jojo. I looked back many times to observe his gait. The walking aid we picked up in the forests of Sohoton, Badian is still with him and it is most useful here. That stick, if ever it is not laid or thrown aside or if ever Fr. Jojo survives this Camino with it, will become an object of reverence. Without it, Fr. Jojo’s misery would have been intense and grave but, with that, he looked like Zato Ichi – the blind swordsman.

We reached the village of Bonbon at 12:00 and grabbed lunch inside a food store. The day is very warm made more warm by the concrete road bouncing off heat to us. I choose the farthest recesses of the wooden structure and ate in silence amid the exchange of tales between pilgrims. Oh God, do they ever tire? Cold soda drinks washed away the dust down my throat and kept my sanity checked. I opt for another cold glass and it settled my body’s state of affairs.

After an hour, we proceed and walked the paved road going to the Trans-Central Highway. While doing so, Fr. Bernard arrived alone with his pickup and stopped for a while for a short conversation with Fr. Jojo. He was shopping for grocery and for other needs of his parish. His back seat were full of these goods and a few were placed on the cargo space. We thanked him for his kindness and bade goodbye to him as he sped away to fulfill his sacred office. May God bless him!

By 14:00, we arrived at the St. John Marie Vianney Quasi-Parish. I always passed by this place and sometimes stopped to perform genuflection. Today, I stayed a little longer. We looked around but it was closed. We rest for five minutes here and, after that short inactivity, we returned to the hard concrete road once again that goes up from the valley. We were relieved to reach the Trans-Central Highway after an hour or so and doused our thirst with cold soda drinks.

It is now less than two hours of daylight before dusk will overcome us and Fr. Jojo does not know where to stop. Neither am I but I remembered a monastery along the way near where there is a chapel on a hill. We walk towards there and I find it strange that it is fenced off. The place seemed abandoned and I hollered towards a closed door 25 meters away. A resident living across the place came to investigate our presence and I explained it to him in explicit detail.

 

Fortunately for us, the local personally knew Mayor Joel and he helped us find a place for the night’s rest stop. We found it inside a covered court that had been converted into a chapel. It sits on the border of the villages of Malubog and Pung-ol Sibugay. The two villages have been at odds with each other as to the location of the basketball court and the proceeds of its use and so have agreed to use it into a chapel instead. There are wooden benches, monobloc chairs and thick plyboards to make impromptu beds. It is 17:30.

The caretaker of the government building happened to be our guide’s uncle and welcomed us to use the temporary chapel. For water, we only have to go out of the back entrance into his house to fetch it. The same with using a washroom, only you would have to adapt how mountain folks answer the call of nature. For the first time of our journey, we cooked our supply of food. That means the weight of a kilo of rice and four pieces of Korean spicy noodles, along with 250 milliliters of denatured alcohol, will be permanently removed from the spaces of my High Sierra Titan and that of Jonathan’s.

The spartan comforts of our night’s stopover are good enough to give us a place to consolidate our ebbing strength that we expended during the whole of the day and the rest is sufficient to prepare us for tomorrow’s journey. Fr. Jojo gave his wooden staff to Roger for safekeeping as he lay prone to accommodate once more a generous amount of efficascent oil on his calves and thighs, on his upper body and torso, and on his biceps and forearms. I removed my shoes and socks and the blisters on my toes seemed to be healing faster than I have expected it to be.

We have covered seven days of hiking into some of the most rugged places of Cebu and it is now history. That leaves us three days more to complete the first, and real, Camino de Santiago of Cebu, probably, in the Philippines, before we could lay claim that we really were the first. As I have said before, the Camino could be everywhere and in everybody’s heart, but a Camino which we now have walked more than a hundred kilometers in length; in an island which host rugged mountain ranges and clime that is harsh already before the advent of global warming is legit. And bittersweet. 

What would be the kind of reception the townsfolk of Compostela be upon us? This is a strange undertaking understood only by a few Roman Catholics. Mostly, the upper class of society and the clergy have the capacity and the means to undertake this in Spain. The Camino is not exclusive to them and this same Camino which has its origin from there does not discriminate the poor from engaging their own Camino de Santiago. The far provinces of the Roman Catholic faith should not be deprived of such privileges.

One by one, the bright lights of the covered court are switched off. In the late evening hours, few motorcycles would speed by on the Trans-Central Highway and brought with it  annoyance and cursing but, once the road is silent, crickets claimed the night air and it is most sweet to the ears. Under a lone light, I sat studying my maps. Tomorrow’s route would be my first time there. My skill in navigation would be tested once more and I accept any challenge.

Walking the rugged spines of Cebu has never been a problem with me. Local acceptance is. Ignorance, for most of the time, make interactions complicated. Sometimes, political partisanship during an election period. Armed rebellion is now absent in most of the places I know in Cebu. What is left are just residues of distrust and a bad memory. I see people smiling again. Watch when they get used to the Camino of Cebu, their places will brighten and they, themselves, engage their own spiritual journey. Would you not be happy with that?

Total Distance Walked: 14.93 kilometers.

  Highest Elevation Gained: 2,449 feet. 

 

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