Wamderlust vs. MSR tent?

[Bloodroot]

Now I know many of you who read this are die hard tarp fans....but I know that I am going to want the full experience on my NOBO by trying to stay "shelterless" at least most of the way. Having said that, I have been debating on a new tent purchase (of course keeping strict guidelines on weight...not so much cost). I have narrowed it down to the MSR's (Zoid 1, Hubba) and Wanderlust Nomad Lite. Anyone had extensive use with any of these? If so did any use the groundcloth? Personally I am leaning towards the Nomad Lite right now....

[tlbj6142]

Before you set your heart on the Wanderlust make sure you can contact the owner. There have been numerous stories about folks have had to wait 6-8 months for a tent.

With that in mind, I'd seriously consider something like the Europa II (or the soon to be released Lunar Solo) from www.sixmoonsdesign.com (http://www.sixmoonsdesign.com/). Or the smallest model from www.tarptent.com (http://www.tarptent.com/). Maybe even the Bibler Lightsabre Bivy (its really a very, very small tent).

And if you want something cheap, check out the Eureka Solitaire. It can be found (with the fiberglass poles) for $60 at a few places online. A co-worker has one and it quite a nice setup. As it provides multiple ways to vent on dry evenings.

[Doctari]

I love going with a tarp, so at least try it on a few over night trips near home. My "Practice" tarp was an 8' X 10' blue tarp from Big Lots, Very heavy but I was testing the practice of using it as a shelter so wasn't worried about weight. I then upgraded to a lightweight nylon tarp about 9' x 9'.

My current shelter is a Nomad. I hope to never need another tent, it is by far my favorite. Perhaps some day I will return to the tarp, but for now, , , ,
As Bloodroot stated, the maker of the Nomad has at times been hard to contact & time between ordering & getting the Nomad can be months, but it is a great shelter.

I have seen a Eureka Solitaire, nice tent, seems a bit heavy, but well made.

The Bibler Lightsabre Bivy makes me closetphobic just looking at it.

When you buy a tent, ask to have it set up so you can get in it, then go throught the motions of: sitting up, getting un-dressed/dresssed, Taking off then putting on your shoes without getting gunk in the tent. Also check to see if your sleeping bag can fit inside without touching the walls (condensation) and if you need it, does all your gear fit inside. Also, imagine spending HOURS "Trapped" inside during a severe storm.

Doctari.

[poison_ivy]

No disrespect for Doctari's comments, but run from the Eureka Solitaire. It is a condensation nightmare... (I'm talking water just dropping from the ceiling) and kind of like sleeping in a coffin.

I'd also suggest taking a look at www.tarptent.com. Henry Shires has been fantastic to deal with and has a great reputation for customer service. I have the Squall, which I usually use solo so there's tons of room. I was considering going with Wanderlust but the customer service concerns turned me toward the Shires tarptent instead and I've been incredibly happy with it.

- Ivy

[slamajama]

wat about a soaking rain? Do all these light weights keep u somewat dry?

[tlbj6142]

wat about a soaking rain? Do all these light weights keep u somewat dry?Yep. Why wouldn't they?

Now hard blowin' sidewase wind might be an issue, but that can be resolved with correct site selection and proper tent setup (most are built to have a particular side face into the wind).

[tlbj6142]

but run from the Eureka Solitaire. It is a condensation nightmare... (I'm talking water just dropping from the ceiling)That wouldn't surprise me as the outer material isn't breathable. But when it isn't raining you can open the entire roof.

Now the Bibler Lightsabre Bivy is made form a somewhat breathable material (Epic), so I suspect condensation would be less of an issue.


and kind of like sleeping in a coffin.That's one of the choices you have to make on your own. You need to weigh shelter weight vs. function vs. cost. I typically give weight a bigger influence. No point lugging a 2# tarptent around if you all you do is sleep in it. If the weather is so bad you need to stay in your tarp/tent/hammock for more than a night's sleep, its probably eaiser to run to the next shelter (at least on the AT).

IMO, for 3-season use, if the total weight of your shelter (fly, bug netting, stakes, ground cloth, guylines) is more than 1# (16oz), you are carrying too much. Any weight over 1# is due to compromises in cost or luxary.

Again, on the AT you'll probably end up staying in shelters no mater what you are thinking right now. They are just too damn convienent. But you'll need to bring a tent/tarp/hammock of some sort for those few times when shelters are full or not available.

[Jersey Bob]

at least 10 characters

[Happy]

I Have used the NomadLite for the past two seasons with GREAT RESULTS!
Condensation can be a minior problem as with all single wall tents and you will not receive full wind protection during the cold months due to necessary needs to open the tent to prevent condensation, however the overall results are GREAT!

At 2lbs MAX including a 3.2 oz groundcover this is a GREAT Option! As stated beforehand the customer service issue can be a problem as it took me 7 months to receive mine with numerous phone calls!

[The Hog]

I have used the Zoid tent on both the CDT and the AT. While on the CDT along the MT/ID border, my hiking partner struggled to adjust the bug net hanging under his tarp. Mosquitoes were able to get in and ruin his sleep while I slept comfortably in the Zoid. I cut out a piece of Typar for a ground sheet and have been pleased with how quickly and easily the tent sets up and packs up. It seems to handle rain fine, but I've only experienced light rainfall it in so far. At a bug-free time of year, I use a (lighter) tarp. If you can afford it, I would switch gear items as time of year, weather, and bugs dictate (sleeping bags, tent/tarp, etc).

[Peaks]

I used the Walrus Zoid 1.0 for my AT thru-hike. Although I stayed in shelters most of the time, I used a tent about 30% of the time. This year I biked coast to coast, and used the tent about 80% of the time. And there were some very wet nights! It still keeps me dry. I do use a footprint under it. I like the side opening because I can reach everywhere inside without crawling inside the tent. The vestible is too small for my pack, so it stays outside, under its own rain cover.

I don't have exprience with tarps. And tents like the Hubba were not on the market in 2001.

[tlbj6142]

If you can afford it, I would switch gear items as time of year, weather, and bugs dictate (sleeping bags, tent/tarp, etc).This is a good idea.

Assuming NOBO....

Go with a tarp/ground cloth to begin with. When/if the bugs come out get some sort of bug netting (the A16, or a "big head net" like the Mantis or an "insert" like the ones from www.mountainlaureldesigns.com (http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com)). The stand alone nettings can easily be used in shelters (you can easily find some place to tie off the top) and yet still be used under the tarp.

It makes for a lightweight flexible (ground and shelter, bugs or no bugs) solution for the entire year.

[grrickar]

The Hubba is a good choice. Light and easy to setup. I own one, and would never sell it. I am looking for a lightweight 2 man tent now such as a Zoid2 or Sierra Designs Lightning. The Hubba does not offer much room between the sides of the tent and your shoulders, but there is plenty of room to sit up in it. The vestibule is decent sized also. My Hubba will be put to the real test during my section hike in less than two weeks! :jump :banana

[Bloodroot]

Thanks for all the input everyone. After I had wrote this I gave it further attention and actually did decide to go with a Hubba for my up-coming NOBO. I think this will be an excellent tent and will stand up very well for the 3 seasons. It also had excellent ratings on the condensation factor which is a big plus for me because every tent I have had in the past was FAR from having even a commendable rating

[Footslogger]

I own both. I carried the Wanderlust Nomad Lite on my thru last year. Not a bad shelter for the weight but not very robust in a wind. The Zoid, on the other hand, which I had before my thru is a much sturdier design (and thus the extra weight). I'm 5'10" and the Zoid is just right for me. I'm thinking that if you're much taller than that it might be a tad on the tight side.

What I like most about the Nomad is its weight and ease of set-up. What I like most about the Zoid is it's shape, sturdiness and the fact that the rain fly goes damn near all the way to the ground. That little sucker will really keep you dry in some driving rain (as long as you don't set it up on a hill).

Both the Nomad and the Zoid were roomy enough to allow pulling my pack inside on bad weather nights ...but I carry a pretty small pack (Vapor Trail).

Anyhew ...if you have any specific questions shoot me a PM and I'll do my best to answer.

'Slogger
AT 2003