View Full Version : Need a new tent: any ideas?
David@whiteblaze
10-06-2009, 16:05
I am satisfied with my bivy: for now at least... It is roomy enough to sleep wo/ any motion, but because there is no tarp, there is a large amount of condensation in the tent by morning. All that is well and good with a synthetic bag, but i am putting a lot of thought into buying a down bag and if i roll over once at night in the winter: i could wake up dead (or worse, hungry:eek:. :D no relevance or relation between wet bag and hunger that i can see...:rolleyes:) So, to follow all of your suggestions of needing more room: The North Face Solo 12 Tent. $209 @ http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=70212&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=11750&variationId=1W3
or $149 @ http://www.kimballjones.com/shop/north-face-tent-solo-12.php?zmam=90031077%20zmas=26%20zmac=109%20zmap=T NF6042
What are your thoughts. It seems large enough to sit up un. I may need to drag my gear inside if it's wet... just tell me and vote on my poll:D
Schuetzen
10-06-2009, 16:37
For that weight you could get the taptent squall 2 and have a world of room.
David@whiteblaze
10-06-2009, 17:14
I'm looking for a 4-season tent... i dont know if this will work or not... also, i am probably going to bring a hammock on my '13 nobo. any thoughts on this?
sheepdog
10-06-2009, 17:18
hammocks for me are the way to go. Set up easy and very comfortable.
David@whiteblaze
10-07-2009, 08:11
The hennesy hammocks hyperlight asym looks pretty good. I would still need the tent for bAse-camp type things where trees aren't readily availible with perfect spacing. Any more thoughts are well appreciated.
As far as tents go, the MSR Hubba is very well regarded and darn near bombproof. From what I've seen, it's very easy to set up and tear down. An excellent choice that you probably can't go wrong with.
As far as hammocks go, that's a subject I know a lot more about. IMO, especially from a comfort standpoint, you can't go wrong with a hammock. About any Hennessy is a good starter hammock, but beware the stock rain fly. It's pretty small and offers little in regard to lateral and end protection from wind driven precipitation. Most folks go with a larger, aftermarket tarp such as an OES MacCat, Speer, Warbonnet or Jacks r Better. Right now, the Cadillac of hammocks on the market is the Warbonnet Blackbird. Super-duper comfy with 4 different options for ordering, it's my current fave. But then gain, I'm the guy with 4 different hammocks. :rolleyes: If you're even remotely interested in hammocks, do your research over on Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net). It's the best place on the net for all things hammocking. :D Just bear in mind that hammocking is constantly and very rapidly evolving, so what works now may not be the best when you thru in 2013. Best advice? Keep your finger on the pulse.
David@whiteblaze
10-07-2009, 08:33
Wow... I knew this whole place was a sub-division of hammock forums... But then again, I was asking about a tent... At first. When I get s comp. I'll check it out.
Wow... I knew this whole place was a sub-division of hammock forums... But then again, I was asking about a tent... At first. When I get s comp. I'll check it out.Actually, Hammock Forums is a "subdivision" of Whiteblaze. WB as around for about 5 years before Troll created HF. There's still some hammocking info here, but it's not even a drop in the bucket compared to all the hammocking goodness over at HF. :D
Bulldawg
10-07-2009, 08:52
As far as tents go, the MSR Hubba is very well regarded and darn near bombproof. From what I've seen, it's very easy to set up and tear down. An excellent choice that you probably can't go wrong with.
As far as hammocks go, that's a subject I know a lot more about. IMO, especially from a comfort standpoint, you can't go wrong with a hammock. About any Hennessy is a good starter hammock, but beware the stock rain fly. It's pretty small and offers little in regard to lateral and end protection from wind driven precipitation. Most folks go with a larger, aftermarket tarp such as an OES MacCat, Speer, Warbonnet or Jacks r Better. Right now, the Cadillac of hammocks on the market is the Warbonnet Blackbird. Super-duper comfy with 4 different options for ordering, it's my current fave. But then gain, I'm the guy with 4 different hammocks. :rolleyes: If you're even remotely interested in hammocks, do your research over on Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net). It's the best place on the net for all things hammocking. :D Just bear in mind that hammocking is constantly and very rapidly evolving, so what works now may not be the best when you thru in 2013. Best advice? Keep your finger on the pulse.
Actually, Hammock Forums is a "subdivision" of Whiteblaze. WB as around for about 5 years before Troll created HF. There's still some hammocking info here, but it's not even a drop in the bucket compared to all the hammocking goodness over at HF. :D
I've checked out Hooch's Warbonnet and it is off the chain (I heard some teens saying this so I think its a cool saying, hell if I know). But the comfort level in the warbonnet IMO is second to none. I may be picking one up as soon as I am able to clear my closet of some other gear.
Not intending to knock hammocks. I have a Speer and love it when I carry it. It is easy to set up, and I agree it's the most comfortable sleep I've had in the outdoors. My problem is finding a solution for bottom insulation that doesn't kick the total weight of the hammock, tarp, bottom insulation (a blue pad works, but is less comfortable than a underquilt and a bit of a hassle to sleep on), and sleeping bag quite a bit above the weight for a similar temp set-up on the ground. Not to mention the extra bulk. Especially since you mentioned it for 4 season. Some folks claim to have found solutions they are happy with, but they all seem to cost substantially more than I'm willing to spend, hence my hammock is reserved for relatively short, warm-weather outings. I do enjoy it then!!!!
I currently am trying a GoLite Shangri-La 2 for winter. The jury is still out, but it seems to be a reasonable performer thus far.
I have no experience with the tent you specifically asked about.
Bulldawg
10-07-2009, 08:57
Not intending to knock hammocks. I have a Speer and love it when I carry it. It is easy to set up, and I agree it's the most comfortable sleep I've had in the outdoors. My problem is finding a solution for bottom insulation that doesn't kick the total weight of the hammock, tarp, bottom insulation (a blue pad works, but is less comfortable than a underquilt and a bit of a hassle to sleep on), and sleeping bag quite a bit above the weight for a similar temp set-up on the ground. Not to mention the extra bulk. Some folks claim to have found solutions they are happy with, but they all seem to cost substantially more than I'm willing to spend, hence my hammock is reserved for relatively short, warm-weather outings. I do enjoy it then!!!!
I currently am trying a GoLite Shangri-La 2 for winter. The jury is still out, but it seems to be a reasonable performer thus far.
I have no experience with the tent you specifically asked about.
Lyle, I have the same issue. I have a homemade synthetic underquilt. The weight is livable, but the bulk does become somewhat of an issue. But when I think of sleeping on the ground all night, waking up sore, and spending one or two miles of hiking getting rid of that soreness; I prefer to work around the bulk. I wake up each morning ready to hike after a night in my hammock. I have a tent, but I use it mainly for car camping trips now.
The Warbonnet (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net) Blackbird is made by a one man operation in Colorado. I have quite a love for good, well made cottage gear and the Warbonnet is cottage gear at its finest. His hammocks are all made by him and there's usually a 2-3 week waiting list for his hammocks, tarps and underquilts, but the wait is well worth it. Nothing is outsourced or made in China. (Like some other hammock manufacturers who shall remain nameless. But his initials are Tom Hennessy.) Big thumbs up to Warbonnet! Like I said in a previous post, it's pretty much the Cadillac of Hammocks. :D
bigmac_in
10-07-2009, 09:14
As far as tents go, the MSR Hubba is very well regarded and darn near bombproof. From what I've seen, it's very easy to set up and tear down. An excellent choice that you probably can't go wrong with.
As far as hammocks go, that's a subject I know a lot more about. IMO, especially from a comfort standpoint, you can't go wrong with a hammock. About any Hennessy is a good starter hammock, but beware the stock rain fly. It's pretty small and offers little in regard to lateral and end protection from wind driven precipitation. Most folks go with a larger, aftermarket tarp such as an OES MacCat, Speer, Warbonnet or Jacks r Better. Right now, the Cadillac of hammocks on the market is the Warbonnet Blackbird. Super-duper comfy with 4 different options for ordering, it's my current fave. But then gain, I'm the guy with 4 different hammocks. :rolleyes: If you're even remotely interested in hammocks, do your research over on Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net). It's the best place on the net for all things hammocking. :D Just bear in mind that hammocking is constantly and very rapidly evolving, so what works now may not be the best when you thru in 2013. Best advice? Keep your finger on the pulse.
blah, blah, blah . . .
Bulldawg
10-07-2009, 09:17
blah, blah, blah . . .
Are you dry yet rainman?
bigmac_in
10-07-2009, 09:20
High and dry. That was the most rain I've ever been out in. Kind of fun to hike in it, actually.
blah, blah, blah . . .
BigMac if you don't shut the **** up, I'm gonna ****in' sic Kanga on your ass and you'll be in a big ass world of hurt then.*
*Not. BigMac is cool in my book. :D
Bulldawg
10-07-2009, 09:49
BigMac if you don't shut the **** up, I'm gonna ****in' sic Kanga on your ass and you'll be in a big ass world of hurt then.*
*Not. BigMac is cool in my book. :D
Yeah, and Kanga laid down the cigs this week.:banana:banana:D I bet she is ready to beat the $hit out of anyone who might be willing to try right about now!!:eek::eek:
If you want a double wall winter tent go for a stephensons warmlite.
If you want a 3 season tent I would do one of the following depending on what your objectives are...
One person
Gatewood cape and a bug tent
GG the one
Tarptent subsil
Tarptent Moment
Two person
Tarptent double rainbow.
If you will be packing a hammock, and want a ground shelter you will already have a tarp, so just buy or build a SUL bug tent at about 6-7oz. If you dont want to use a tarp for a fly, then I would go for a gatewood cape and use that as raingear too.
Or let me be devils advocate.
Find a moderately price 2 or three man tent. You have time, and will enjoy having a compadre with you.
skinewmexico
10-07-2009, 10:36
Hammocks don't work where I live, and that Solo 12 weighs a full pound and a half more than my Sublite. Twice as much as my Lunar Solo.
Tipi Walter
10-07-2009, 11:17
I am satisfied with my bivy: for now at least... It is roomy enough to sleep wo/ any motion, but because there is no tarp, there is a large amount of condensation in the tent by morning. All that is well and good with a synthetic bag, but i am putting a lot of thought into buying a down bag and if i roll over once at night in the winter: i could wake up dead (or worse, hungry:eek:. :D no relevance or relation between wet bag and hunger that i can see...:rolleyes:) So, to follow all of your suggestions of needing more room: The North Face Solo 12 Tent. $209 @ http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=70212&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=11750&variationId=1W3
or $149 @ http://www.kimballjones.com/shop/north-face-tent-solo-12.php?zmam=90031077%20zmas=26%20zmac=109%20zmap=T NF6042
What are your thoughts. It seems large enough to sit up un. I may need to drag my gear inside if it's wet... just tell me and vote on my poll:D
Wow... I knew this whole place was a sub-division of hammock forums... But then again, I was asking about a tent... At first. When I get s comp. I'll check it out.
Dangit, not once did David mention hammocks and yet he got swamped with the HungWell crowd. I suppose the reason is that very people addressing this thread actually have any real knowledge of the North Face Solo.
FamilyGuy
10-07-2009, 11:34
I have never used a Solo 12, but did climb into one recently at a local outfitter. A couple of things:
-I am 6'1" and both head and foot were touching the ends. Not good in a single walled shelter. In fact, both ends were pushing on the tent walls. I think if you are 5'6" or so you would fit okay.
-the older model has very little means of ventilation. The new one, I believe, now has an additional mesh door. Hence the cheap cost on the older model.
Having said that, I think it would have better stability in high wind than say, a TT Contrail. Pegged down, the Solo 12 was remarkably rock solid.
.......also, i am probably going to bring a hammock on my '13 nobo. any thoughts on this?
Dangit, not once did David mention hammocks and yet he got swamped with the HungWell crowd.......
Self righteous fail. :p
Why are you always hating on the hangers Tipi? :rolleyes:
ShelterLeopard
10-07-2009, 11:43
I'm looking for a 4-season tent... i dont know if this will work or not... also, i am probably going to bring a hammock on my '13 nobo. any thoughts on this?
The UL hikers always frown at me, because I bring my solo tent AND my parachute hammock. But hey, that's just me. I like to hang out and rest on my hammock, but sleep in a dry, stable tent. I hate getting out of a hammock at night to go to the "bathroom". I'm not going to bring the hammock on my thru though.
(On my shakedown this summer I brought both, then decided to send back the tent and keep the hammock, and I made a tarp out of my foil emergency blanket and ducktape. Which kept me dry, by in the rain or wind sounds like you're sleeping inside a snare drum.)
I still dont know why somebody has not developed a hammock that can be used as a tent. Its not exactly rocket science.
IE a tent shaped tarp/fly for a hammocking that could be opened up for fair weather hammocking, closed for cold.
Same tarp used as a fly. Add some carbon fiber poles at 5 oz or use your hiking poles.
Hammock has a zip on or velcro on bug net. Unfasten it from the hammock and fasten it on a silnylon tub that weighs 3-4 oz. Cuben would be even less.
That said a SMD bug tent weighs only 7 oz.
saimyoji
10-07-2009, 13:46
The Warbonnet (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net) Blackbird is made by a one man operation in Colorado. I have quite a love for good, well made cottage gear and the Warbonnet is cottage gear at its finest. His hammocks are all made by him and there's usually a 2-3 week waiting list for his hammocks, tarps and underquilts, but the wait is well worth it. Nothing is outsourced or made in China. (Like some other hammock manufacturers who shall remain nameless. But his initials are Tom Hennessy.) Big thumbs up to Warbonnet! Like I said in a previous post, it's pretty much the Cadillac of Hammocks. :D
Hooch: Can you easily use a down sleeping bag with a hammock like this?
Hooch: Can you easily use a down sleeping bag with a hammock like this?You can use one that's up or down. :p:D
Ramble~On
10-07-2009, 14:49
I'm finishing up my thru hike and have been using a Lightheart tent.
It's huge and weighs 26 ounces. Full mesh and full fly. It kept me dry and the bugs off. Fly rolls up over top and that's nice when it's nice. Plenty of room to sit up and more than enough room for me and all of my gear inside.:sun
bigmac_in
10-07-2009, 15:04
BigMac if you don't shut the **** up, I'm gonna ****in' sic Kanga on your ass and you'll be in a big ass world of hurt then.*
*Not. BigMac is cool in my book. :D
Yeah, and Kanga laid down the cigs this week.:banana:banana:D I bet she is ready to beat the $hit out of anyone who might be willing to try right about now!!:eek::eek:
I am not afraid of this Kanga person you speak of . . . :D
I am not afraid of this Kanga person you speak of . . . :DLiar. :rolleyes:
bigmac_in
10-07-2009, 15:07
I am not afraid of this Kanga person you speak of . . . :D
Liar. :rolleyes:
Plus, maybe she won't read this thread. It's kind of boring anyway. ;)
saimyoji
10-07-2009, 15:22
Plus she can't read. She's really kind of dumb anyway. ;)
now you're in for it.
bigmac_in
10-07-2009, 15:26
now you're in for it.
Kanga knows I wouldn't say that. Uh, right Kanga? :confused:
The Weasel
10-07-2009, 16:05
This may be the time for you to consider going to a tarp. they have the advantage of being usable almost anywhere (hiking poles + pegs or sleepers) and properly pitched they can be 4side closed in serious weather. I use a 12x12 much of the time, including in snowy conditions.
TW
From Tammons
"I still dont know why somebody has not developed a hammock that can be used as a tent. Its not exactly rocket science. "
like this one ?
http://www.lawsonhammock.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=4387 (http://www.lawsonhammock.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=4387)
or this one ?
http://www.crazycreek.com/product/7/33/ (http://www.crazycreek.com/product/7/33/)
or this one
http://www.siamhammock.com/ (http://www.siamhammock.com/)
There was a Tammock as well from Switzerland but it has disappeared (?)
(no, I am not suggesting any of the above....)
Franco
Yikes, those things are heavy.
I was thinking a bridge hammock with a net a frame on top might work. Thats heavy too though.
I like the Tammock name. Its got part of my name in it.
I voted yes because it's a 4-season tent like you're looking for, it should give you more room than your bivy with more ventilation, weight (under 3 lbs) and pack size are comparable to the Tarptent Scarp 1, and the price is very reasonable. The one thing you might need to watch out for is water coming in the tent on entry/exit because of the front entry.