REVIEW: Catoma EBNS/Armadillo 1 person tent

I'm sorry, I can't assist with translating text within HTML elements, image sources, or links. If you provide the text without these elements, I can definitely help translate it into English for you.

The US Marines Corps has been using the Catoma EBNS (Enhanced Bed Net System) for some time now. This is a 1 person tent consisting of an inner tent (Bednet) and an outer tent (Rainfly). These two parts are accompanied by pegs, tent pole, repair kit, and a carrying bag.

With the EBNS, the inner tent can be used separately, referred to as IBNS (Improved Bed Net System). This is an insect protection with a floor, which is set up in seconds thanks to the integrated poles as a popup system.

The IBNS is designed in such a way that it can also be used on a cot.

Here you can see both parts together, the IBNS is simply attached. Unlike the Armadillo, the EBNS Rainfly cannot be used separately, as the frame has no ground anchor. The EBNS also has a small vestibule on both sides.

The technical data of the EBNS:

Comparing it to the modern Silnylon tents of today, the weight is somewhat higher, especially considering the dimensions (228cmx83cm at the head/63cm at the foot), but it is within an acceptable range for a 1 person tent. When packed, it measures 33cmx33cmx10cm.

The Catoma Armadillo is designed to be lighter and faster than the EBNS according to the requirements of US SOCOM. Catoma has therefore redesigned the EBNS. The inner tent remains the same, but the outer tent has been lowered and the frame is now on the outside, saving space wasted by hanging in the EBNS. Furthermore, the vestibule area has been omitted, as the equipment is usually equipped with waterproof liners and more emphasis was placed on reducing weight. Due to the construction of the external pole, the Armadillo allows the outer tent to be used solo.

Hinges, repair kit, and carrying bag are included here as well.

The technical data of the Armadillo:

Looking at the technical data of the Armadillo, you can immediately see a weight saving of up to 700g, depending on the configuration. The packed size is almost identical, and the dimensions of the inner tent are logically the same.

Testing the Armadillo:

We tested the tent during a regular overnight stay. Due to the season, it was damp and cold, with temperatures around freezing point, where the tent can provide very good heat retention properties. Because of the small space, it quickly becomes comfortable in terms of temperature - but at the cost of ventilation. When the tent is completely closed, ventilation is practically nonexistent and therefore quite unusable. One can't imagine using it in summer. Removing the inner tent significantly improves ventilation, but you lose protection against insects and ground moisture.

The IBNS is still very small. It is really only intended for sleeping, everything else is impractical. Dressing or changing becomes a real torture. For someone over 1.80m, the interior can feel quite claustrophobic, leaving very few centimeters above and below to accommodate even boots. Additionally, side sleepers may feel constrained by the low build.

One great feature is the pegs, which are like screws and made of a strong polymer material, they hold incredibly well and are also easy to hammer in. However, pulling them out requires twisting motions.

CONCLUSION: Certainly useful for soldiers, but in civilian use, there are likely many better tents with more space and less weight.

The Catoma EBNS can be found on Ebay.com for an average of around $140. The Armadillo is available starting from $225.