Posted: 12/1/2009 3:56:12 PM EDT
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I need a tent, its the last thing I need for my BoB.
Everyday I look at tents online at REI, Campmor, etc. I just cant decide on a tent... especially when I read some of the reviews. It needs to be incredibly reliable (proven), waterproof, durable and light. My back isnt the greatest, so light is key. Price isnt much of an issue. Tell me, whats proven. |
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One/Two/Three?+ person? I see you want durable and light, are you looking for creature comforts too, or just something to keep the elements out?
I recently purchased a Eureka Apex 2XT from Amazon.com. The price was better than Campmor and other online camping sites. I took it on a 3day/2 night backpacking trip to the Uintah Mts of NE Utah. Temps dropped to the 20's w/ some wind and snow. We spent the first night on snow. I stayed dry and the wind was kept out of the tent. It weighs around 5lbs +/- and sets up esay by one person in the standard dome fashion. If you BO with a second person you can easily split the poles and tent body w/ someone. |
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If price wasn't an issue (and I didn't roll my own) I would go for a Tarp Tent from www.tarptent.com
If you have abad back, you may want to consider a hammock, especially since you don't live in a snow climate. i assume it does get cold in AZ, but prolly not enough to worry about for the Hammock. Good luck |
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Sorry I forgot some details...
1 person tent. The majority of tent weights I see on REI is somewhere around 3 lbs max... so something under 3 lbs would be ideal. I've looked at hammocks, and considering them, but the only trees around my parts to hang one is up in the mountains. I'm leaning towards tent so I can set it up in almost any environment |
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Check out Mountain Hardwear. If price isn't an option then this:
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1830&prod=3413&cat=1852&viewAll=False |
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Tarps... a little more exposure, but can't beat them for small and light (and it'll keep the rain/wind off you for the most part). Seriously, can't beat tarps for easy and light shelter. If you're through-hiking, or otherwise covering a lot of ground, this is the way to go.
Tent? a 2-man ultralight tent (like the Big Agnes Seedhouse UL2) is great room for 1 man plus gear. Also a bit more cozy if the weather is crappy. UL Tent plus tarp = portable wilderness palace. If I have the room and don't mind the couple extra kilos, this is the way I roll. I like maximum comfort, especially if I'm not moving much. Hike in, set up camp, hunt/fish, relax. Throw in a paperback and experience the "fuck it, maybe I'll just stay a couple extra days" feeling. (note: I can get that feeling with a tarp too, but if the weather is crappy it's a lot easier with the portable resort) For this purpose, I have a sierra designs tent (can't remember the model at the moment ... ETA: Velox) that has taken some crap weather and stayed remarkably comfy. If you're in "4-season" country, I won't even open my mouth, because I don't know dick about winter tents. |
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+1 on the Big Agnes if price isn't an option. I was amazed at the weight once I actually felt it the first time.
One thing to remember with lightweight hiking tents. Just because they say it is rated for one person, doesn't mean they really are. More like a really small person. A two man is a really comfortable one man and a really close two person, so if it's you plus one, better know that person real well before going with a two man. Depends on how much space you are looking for in your tent. Just a sleeping area, one person is okay. Person plus gear starts to get a bit more challenging. Two people in a two person tent plus gear gets real comfy real fast. I have two, a Coleman Avior X2 and a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2. The Big Agnes has about twice the room as the Coleman at the same weight. Lots of mesh though, so cold weather might be a bit of a problem if you don't have a good sleeping bag. |
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There are only two kinds of backpacking tents. The TARPTENT. And, all the tents you buy before you get a tarptent.
PS - Don't trust the listed weight on commercial tents. I haven't seen one yet that wasn't at least a pound heavier than it said. |
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Quoted:
There are only two kinds of backpacking tents. The TARPTENT. And, all the tents you buy before you get a tarptent. PS - Don't trust the listed weight on commercial tents. I haven't seen one yet that wasn't at least a pound heavier than it said. Thanks for all the info so far guys... Tarptents dont look very durable to me... I'm assuming I'm wrong? I have a lot of Kifaru gear and I love it, so I've also been looking at the possibility of a Paratarp. Anyone have experience with these? They look solid on durability/weight. https://www.kifaru.net/paratarp2009.html |
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I remember you saying maoney wasn't an object, but if it was me, I'd look at some other sources before I dropped retail for a Kifaru. I would also say that $ for $ the TarpTent is a better product than the Kifaru gear.
YMMV ETA: The thing I like about a Hammock/Taro Combo is that you can always string it up between a couple hiking poles on the ground if there are no trees, but if there are, you'll get a better nights sleep than on the ground. Spoon |
| Tarp/ hammocks are great I use them in the summer... below 40 unless you pack some under pads, or stuffing you will get cold on the backside... byt the time you add in the weight and space of the extras, a tent bay be better... there is no "one perfect" product. Some people can not sleep in a hammock. Some cant sleep on the ground. Some like floorless tents, some like freestanding tents. Its good to have a selection to meet the requirements of the area at the given time... however I have really fallen for hte golite hex (now a shagrila 3 or something) light weight packs small, roomy, but if its wet where you are going, better have some tyvek or a bivy sack for the bag). For christmas this year I wanted a 6man and med stove from Kifaru but the more I think about it the more I want to get a 8 man in large stove for long stays/ bigger party AND a paratipi with small stove for solo use. If only I had more cash.... Oh well. There is always a "list of stuff I want" which I added them to, but till probally get the 8man and wait ti Feb/ Mar for it to come in then get the paratipi and have it by Mayish. |
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Ok so this is the breakdown...
- 1 Person - 3 or 4 Season - Weighs roughly 3lbs or less - Room for gear Here's what I've narrowed my choices down to... assuming no other good ones are thrown at me. GoGo LE- Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 Kifaru Paratarp Tarptent Moment Tarptent Scarp1 Helleberg Akto Montbell Crescent 1- Hyperlight Hennessy Hammock If anyone has any of the above listed could you drop me some good/bad points about them? Or if you have any better lightweight options could you link them? Thanks |
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http://www.amazon.com/GoLite-Shangri-La-3-Shelter-Tent/dp/B001MS7KN4
How about the golite... Get the bug net deal if bugs can be a problem... packs down small weighs just a little. Roomie.. like mine. Edit to add, here is the bug net http://www.amazon.com/GoLite-Shangri-La-3-Nest/dp/B002LMPV04/ref=pd_sim_sg_1 |
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Quoted:
http://www.amazon.com/GoLite-Shangri-La-3-Shelter-Tent/dp/B001MS7KN4 How about the golite... Get the bug net deal if bugs can be a problem... packs down small weighs just a little. Roomie.. like mine. Edit to add, here is the bug net http://www.amazon.com/GoLite-Shangri-La-3-Nest/dp/B002LMPV04/ref=pd_sim_sg_1 GoLite is nice stuff but I'm not big on the "shoot me" orange/yellow colors... which is why I havent bought an MSR yet. |
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What size are you looking for? I have a Staika by Hilleberg and love it.
Tunnel tent? 4 season? 1 man? 2-3 man 4 season? Maybe the Rajd is what you are seeking? http://estore.websitepros.com/1764795/Categories.bok?category=Tents |
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What size are you looking for? I have a Staika by Hilleberg and love it. Tunnel tent? 4 season? 1 man? 2-3 man 4 season? Maybe the Rajd is what you are seeking? http://estore.websitepros.com/1764795/Categories.bok?category=Tents The Akto is what I'm looking at. |
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Quoted: You are wrong. Quoted: There are only two kinds of backpacking tents. The TARPTENT. And, all the tents you buy before you get a tarptent. PS - Don't trust the listed weight on commercial tents. I haven't seen one yet that wasn't at least a pound heavier than it said. Thanks for all the info so far guys... Tarptents dont look very durable to me... I'm assuming I'm wrong? I have a lot of Kifaru gear and I love it, so I've also been looking at the possibility of a Paratarp. Anyone have experience with these? They look solid on durability/weight. https://www.kifaru.net/paratarp2009.html Waldo(sf mod) the guy who recommended them to me has been using his with his Labrador as a compainion for numerous yrs and it's held up fine....... While mine hasn't seen as much use as his it's definetly seen use in pouring rain a few times it's also been used in the low teens to single digits a couple times numerous nice weather trips it's still just like new. They are easily just as durable as any tent short of maybe canvas or some 4 season Everest style tent........ Tarptent is the only tent i've ever bought that weighed what they say it does..... most big names like eureka etc you can count on them being a minumum of 1lb and sometimes 2 or more over what they say it weighs. Halffast Waldo TJ Ops Wsix etc etc anyone that has actually met me will tell you i'm a cheap bastard if i didn't think Tarptents were worth every nickle i wouldn't recomend them.......... |
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I have had North Face,and Bibler/Black Diamond,as well as Moutainsmiths.
Back packed all over,since 12 yrs old. What I like about Hilleberg is their unique way they work. All are very stable. Read through them. They use an outer tent,usually called a fly,or cover. It can also be used without the inner. I think of them as tanks. Hey look at their bivanorak too, under shelters and tarps at top. You also have to decide your environment. Desert? Cold 8000' and above? Rain? Snow? Wind? Need a freestanding? |
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You can get the optional front poles....http://www.tarptent.com/cgi-bin/surfshop/shop.cgi?ud=AgcNDA8KDgEFCRQUHRwTFw8CDg0FBAkJBgISEQAA&t=main.htm&storeid=1&sortby=categories,itemid&cols=3&c=detail.htm&itemid=89&bcount=1 I have them for my squall2 so i'm not dependent on hiking poles. I believe waldo has gotten one of the newer freestanding 4 season mdls and is happy with it you might IM him he is a wealth of knowledge on hiking gear. 
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I have the Tarptent Moment and have been extremely pleased with it.
Lightweight, compact, incredibly fast and easy to set-up (uses only two tent stakes and one center hoop pole). Can be free-standing with optional ridgeline pole. I honestly cannot find a fault with it, other than the fact it isn't a four season tent. Haven't used it in high winds, so we will see how that goes. |
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Quoted:
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http://www.amazon.com/GoLite-Shangri-La-3-Shelter-Tent/dp/B001MS7KN4 How about the golite... Get the bug net deal if bugs can be a problem... packs down small weighs just a little. Roomie.. like mine. Edit to add, here is the bug net http://www.amazon.com/GoLite-Shangri-La-3-Nest/dp/B002LMPV04/ref=pd_sim_sg_1 GoLite is nice stuff but I'm not big on the "shoot me" orange/yellow colors... which is why I havent bought an MSR yet. Me neither, but they do make a Green one... check the link... Its called evergreen. I own 2 in that color... blends nicely with the pines when I camp. the picture on Amazon makes it look lime green which mine are not... http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/2123370/small_wood_stove_tipi http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=20288&hilit=golite |
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Quoted:
Ok so this is the breakdown... - 1 Person - 3 or 4 Season - Weighs roughly 3lbs or less - Room for gear Here's what I've narrowed my choices down to... assuming no other good ones are thrown at me. GoGo LE- Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 Kifaru Paratarp Tarptent Moment Tarptent Scarp1 Helleberg Akto Montbell Crescent 1- Hyperlight Hennessy Hammock If anyone has any of the above listed could you drop me some good/bad points about them? Or if you have any better lightweight options could you link them? Thanks From my list... I'm not into the low profile of the Nemo GoGo, and Montbell Crescent. Would like a little more room. The Seedhouse is nice except for the entry... I'd prefer a side door. Can anyone give me more info on hammocks vs tents? Pros and Cons |
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I have the Tarptent Moment and have been extremely pleased with it. Lightweight, compact, incredibly fast and easy to set-up (uses only two tent stakes and one center hoop pole). Can be free-standing with optional ridgeline pole. I honestly cannot find a fault with it, other than the fact it isn't a four season tent. Haven't used it in high winds, so we will see how that goes. What kind of weather and use has yours seen? This is the one I'd be most interested in. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I have the Tarptent Moment and have been extremely pleased with it. Lightweight, compact, incredibly fast and easy to set-up (uses only two tent stakes and one center hoop pole). Can be free-standing with optional ridgeline pole. I honestly cannot find a fault with it, other than the fact it isn't a four season tent. Haven't used it in high winds, so we will see how that goes. What kind of weather and use has yours seen? This is the one I'd be most interested in. It's been used generally in fair weather, spent one night in it during a pretty good downpour....stayed nice and dry. I haven't yet bothered with seam sealing, which is never a bad idea. I've had it out in 20 deg. weather with no issues, plenty of ventilation so condensation was kept to a minimum. Like I said before, I haven't had any experience with this tent in high winds. These minimalist tents are by no means designed to be alpine type shelters, but I'm a flat lander, so this isn't an issue for me. |
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Quoted:
I need a tent, its the last thing I need for my BoB. Everyday I look at tents online at REI, Campmor, etc. I just cant decide on a tent... especially when I read some of the reviews. It needs to be incredibly reliable (proven), waterproof, durable and light. My back isnt the greatest, so light is key. Price isnt much of an issue. Tell me, whats proven. Kelty Crestone1 100 bucks, light, use Krylon fusion paint on the fly to darken it up. End of thread. |
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Be sure to check the stuff at integral designs. I have one of their tarps and their poncho.
Good stuff. I am looking at buying a Hennesy Hammock myself. You get a free Scout if you buy one right now, which would be perfect for my son. The thing that sets kifaru apart is their stuff is designed around a stove. If you are getting the stove, it is worth it. If not, their are cheaper alternatives. |
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I've had a North American for some time and love it. Also once had a Hennesey,,hated it,feet kept falling through the entrance. 
IMHO you need to define your usage.Could you be more then 1 person? Dog? I really use my Hilleberg Staika more then anything. It's freestanding,sturdy,room for 2. Without the "inner" tent can actually get 3 in. Without the "inner" it is quite light. Has 2 entrances. Winter I leave the "inner" home,dig a little into the snow and build a cook shelf. If you plan on an extended stay,is there room ? You can get antsy when cupped up for a 2-3 day storm. Oh and I prefer a free standing tent,it still has the ability to be staked if needed. I like the Soulo and the Unna for those reasons,they are < 4lbs. and free standing. You never know where you might pitch your tent. I've gone through a lot of gear in 30yrs of backcountry. Started when I was 15 with a Sears backpack and tent. |
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Not sure if I can justify getting a hammock in AZ... and there is only protected cactus around here so im screwed. Fixed I was in Peoria??? over Halloween. It was nice, my daughter was able to wear her halloween costume and people could tell what she was, since back home you need to suit up for some COLD temps, everyone who knocks on the door looks like a kid wearing a snow parka.... |