Description
M16 Loue 2-Person Cotton-Polyester Open-Fire Shelter FinnRover
M16 Loue 2-person FinnRover is a traditional Finnish open-fire shelter from the FinnRover Wilderness Collection. The M16 is also known as the Retkinikkari model, and its distinctive feature is the white ripstop cotton-polyester fabric with a background linked to Finnish military clothing.
The M16 Loue weighs approximately 2 kg and has a height of approximately 285 cm. It uses the same basic 2-person dimensions as the FinnRover M34 and M64 Loue shelters.
M16 Loue 2-person FinnRover – traditional Finnish open-fire shelter
A Loue is a traditional Finnish open-front shelter recognised by its wedge-shaped front and curved rear section. The upper part can be suspended from a tree or supported with a pole, while the rear section is secured to the ground with stakes.
The open front is an essential part of the Loue design. Traditionally, the shelter is used with an open fire positioned in front of it, while the rear section provides protection from the wind.
Several Loue shelters can also be pitched around the same campfire, facing each other so that one fire can serve several shelters.
White ripstop cotton-polyester fabric
The FinnRover M16 is made from white ripstop cotton-polyester fabric. The ripstop construction helps limit the spread of a tear if the fabric is damaged.
The material also has a historical connection to Finnish military equipment. According to FinnRover, the same type of fabric was used on the white snow side of old Finnish military guerrilla winter jackets.
M16 Retkinikkari – a modern version of a traditional Loue
The M16 is also known in the FinnRover range as the Retkinikkari model. It follows the traditional Finnish Loue construction while using a cotton-polyester ripstop fabric.
Same 2-person dimensions as the M34 and M64 Loue shelters
M16 Loue 2-person FinnRover uses the same basic 2-person dimensions as the FinnRover M34 and M64.
- Height: approx. 285 cm
- Front width when pitched: approx. 375 cm ±25 cm
- Depth: approx. 210 cm
The final usable dimensions depend on the pitching angle. The position and shape of the Loue can be adjusted using the attachment points according to weather conditions and the campsite.
Weight approx. 2 kg
The complete FinnRover M16 Loue weighs approximately 2 kg. In terms of weight, it sits between the lightweight Nylon Taffeta M64 and the heavier cotton M34.
Easy to pitch without a fixed frame
The upper part of the Loue can be suspended from a suitable tree or branch or supported with a separate pole. The rear section is secured to the ground with stakes.
In traditional use, a suitable long pole found at the campsite can also be used as the main support, reducing the need to carry a separate pole.
Stakes and a support pole are not included unless otherwise stated in the package contents.
Pitch the Loue with the back towards the wind
The position of the Loue should be chosen according to wind direction. Whenever possible, the rear section should face the wind, helping to protect the occupants while the open front can be directed towards the campfire.
Wind direction should also be considered to help prevent campfire smoke from collecting inside the shelter.
The history of the Finnish Loue dates back to the 1930s
The history of the modern Loue dates back to an open-fire shelter developed by Finnish author and outdoorsman A.E. Järvinen in the 1930s. In the 1960s, Kullervo Kemppinen made his own Lapland Loue based on Järvinen’s design.
The basic form of today’s FinnRover Loue shelters continues this Finnish outdoor tradition. Different models retain the same general Loue concept while using different materials, weights and dimensions.
Using an open fire with the M16 Loue
The Loue is designed for use in combination with an open fire, but fire should always be used with care. Consider the distance from the fire, wind direction, wind strength and sparks when pitching and using the shelter.
Always follow current wildfire warnings, local regulations and landowner permissions when lighting an open fire.
Finnish manufacturing
The FinnRover Loue range is part of the Finnish Wilderness Collection. The shelters are manufactured by Laatuteltta Ky Vilkman.
Features
- Traditional Finnish 2-person Loue open-fire shelter
- FinnRover Wilderness Collection
- M16 / Retkinikkari model
- White ripstop cotton-polyester fabric
- Fabric type linked to the white snow side of old Finnish military guerrilla winter jackets
- Weight approx. 2 kg
- Same basic 2-person dimensions as the M34 and M64 Loue shelters
- Traditional open-front Loue construction
- Can be suspended from a tree or pitched with a support pole
- Sleeping space for two people
Technical specifications
- Model: FinnRover M16 / Retkinikkari
- Type: Loue / open-fire shelter
- Capacity: 2 people
- Material: ripstop cotton-polyester
- Colour: white
- Weight: approx. 2 kg
- Height: approx. 285 cm
- Front width: approx. 375 cm ±25 cm
- Depth: approx. 210 cm
- Dimensions: same basic 2-person dimensions as the FinnRover M34 and M64 models
- Commissioned by: Lähimetsän Livingstone Oy
- Manufacturer: Laatuteltta Ky Vilkman
- Collection: FinnRover Wilderness Collection
Reviews
There are no reviews yet