Best solo tent for rain,wind,and cold?

[DapperD]

I was wondering which solo tent everyone would consider to be best for really rainy, windy,cold weather on an AT thru-hike that would still be light and have a large vestibule for gear storage. I have researched the Hilleberg Akto and it seems like one of the best for the cold and wet months.

[Dirtygaiters]

I've looked at all the solo tents I could find over the years and I came to the conclusion that the MSR Hubba is the best solo tent for most conditions. It is freestanding, side entry with a generous vestibule, has very good headroom, and can be set up very quickly due to its single pole system that the inner tent clips to. It only weighs 2 lbs 12 ounces. However, the Hubba has two drawbacks: the first one is that it can be really drafty in cold weather if there's any wind and the second one is there's only room for one person plus a few clothes. Not a whole lot of gear will fit inside the tent with you (it's got lots of headroom but not a lot of floor space. The new MSR Hubba HP solves the first problem as its inner tent is mostly made of windproof breathable nylon instead of mesh. It's also something like 7 ounces lighter than the Hubba. So it would be warmer than the regular Hubba. It's about $100 more expensive than the Hubba, though.

The Hilleberg Akto seems like it would have less headroom, simply due to its shape. It would definitely be the warmest of the three, perhaps even too warm for summer use. The weight is right in the same range, but it's quite expensive. I dunno. I just don't have the experience with Hillebergs to say how well they really work.

Another lightweight solo tent I really liked was the Montbell monoframe diamond shelter (which may have been phased out for the summer in favor of the more meshy Crescent 1). Like the Akto it's, a tunnel tent that has one pole and stakes out at each end. Also like the Akto, the inner tent is windproof nylon. However, it's quite a bit lighter, at 2 lbs 8 ounces, and less expensive. The unfortunate drawback is that it does not have a large vestibule.

[Tinker]

Here's mine:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2...59664855VNwBoh
in use on the AT in Georgia in March of '06. The Akto has a decptive amount of room inside. Since the high point is in the middle of the tent, you don't have to worry so much about getting your head wet on condensation. There is plenty of shoulder room for a 5'10" 210 pounder, and the vestibule is huge (you could actually sleep another person in there). On the minus side, it does tend to get stuffy in warm, windless weather - but that's not what you want it for.
It does very well in wind with only four stakes, and is pretty much bombproof with all 12 supplied stakes as long as the ground is solid.
I suppose you could unclip the inner tent and use some bug netting over your bag in really warm weather, but that's what I have a hammock for.

[Tinker]

http://www.moontrail.com/tents/hilleberg_akto.php
This is the website which convinced me to buy the tent.

[doodah man]

I was wondering which solo tent everyone would consider to be best for really rainy, windy,cold weather on an AT thru-hike that would still be light and have a large vestibule for gear storage. I have researched the Hilleberg Akto and it seems like one of the best for the cold and wet months.

DapperD,
If I had unlimited funds and was shopping for a tent to fit your requirements, I would get the Stephenson 2C. It is a 2-man, 4-season tent with more headroom and floor space than the Akto. So, for solo use the 2C would have plenty of room for you and all your gear with space left over. The full complete rig would weigh at least 12 ounces less than the Akto. More tent for less weight, but, it will cost around $100 more than the Akto. You can visit warmlite.com for details. doodah-man

[DapperD]

Thanks to everyone for their info

[take-a-knee]

DapperD,
If I had unlimited funds and was shopping for a tent to fit your requirements, I would get the Stephenson 2C. It is a 2-man, 4-season tent with more headroom and floor space than the Akto. So, for solo use the 2C would have plenty of room for you and all your gear with space left over. The full complete rig would weigh at least 12 ounces less than the Akto. More tent for less weight, but, it will cost around $100 more than the Akto. You can visit warmlite.com for details. doodah-man

I had an Early Winters goretex tent designed just like the warmlite, it sucked. Look at the entrance and imagine what will happen as you enter and exit in a pouring rain a few times (hint, you'll be sleeping in a puddle). The Hilleberg was designed by someone who'd "been there".

That warmlite style tent is designed for high altitude alpine (read no rain) use, and for that it rocks, cause a spent a REALLY windy nite at Tuckerman's Ravine in mine one Oct. many years ago.

[NICKTHEGREEK]

http://www.moontrail.com/tents/hilleberg_akto.php
This is the website which convinced me to buy the tent.

These guys go the extra mile with the pictures. They aren't as good as they were a few years back though. I've bought several tents from them and have no complaints.

[Lyle]

One very compelling reason to not even consider a Stephenson product is the complete and absolute lack of customer service. Unless, of course, your idea of customer service is listening to a lecture about how incompetent you are. Just a heads up.

[doodah man]

I had an Early Winters goretex tent designed just like the warmlite, it sucked. Look at the entrance and imagine what will happen as you enter and exit in a pouring rain a few times (hint, you'll be sleeping in a puddle). The Hilleberg was designed by someone who'd "been there".

That warmlite style tent is designed for high altitude alpine (read no rain) use, and for that it rocks, cause a spent a REALLY windy nite at Tuckerman's Ravine in mine one Oct. many years ago.

take-a-knee,
I have been using my Stephenson 2R (longer version of the 2C) for 25 years without a problem. It did just fine in some real hellatious storms. A little sponge or micro fiber towel to soak up any water that gets in while entering/exiting the tent when raining, no big deal. The area on the entrance end of the tent is supposed to be the 'vestibule' area so a little dampness there has never been a problem for me. I hiked on the AT for a month last April/May with lots of wind and rain. Never saw any weather that was too much for either of those Stephenson model 2 tents. Anyone out there hiking a southern section on last April 15th knows it was pretty nasty. Like I mentioned, lots more floor space, more head room, and ¾ lb lighter is worth consideration. It may not be the best in every aspect, but that is what I would get. Additionally, Lyle is correct, the customer support has, at times, been trying (or worse), especially before John retired. It seems to be better now that his son is running the show. Most of the customer service issues I have heard about were with respect to their vapor barrier sleeping bags. I don’t recall ever hearing of an issue with tent products customer service. doodah-man.

[Dirtygaiters]

One very compelling reason to not even consider a Stephenson product is the complete and absolute lack of customer service. Unless, of course, your idea of customer service is listening to a lecture about how incompetent you are. Just a heads up.

At least you know that the person on the other end of the phone is likely in the nude while he/she is talking to you. Seriously, take a look at that catalogue of theirs. Pretty weird stuff.

[Lyle]

Also, take a look at their warranty information on their website. You have 30 days to return an item, if you get their permission first, as long as you haven't used it at all. A 30 day return policy is required by federal law for mail order business, otherwise I'm sure they wouldn't even allow this. If you use the item and it falls apart, too bad, no warranty.Their position is that they simply do not make any defective equipment, a friend of mine was actually told this by them regarding a tent. Only recourse they offered was that they would repair the tent and charge him for it.

This is probably the worst warranty and return policy I have ever heard of. They seem to take pride in it.

[Dirtygaiters]

Western Mountaineering has no warranty that I'm aware of. They don't even have adequate contact information on their website, just a mailing address. Then again, that's a company that doesn't make any defective products as far as I'm aware.

[Lyle]

Try here, standard quality outdoor manufacturer warranty:

http://www.westernmountaineering.com...=2&ContentId=3

[Dirtygaiters]

Oops I guess I missed that. Seems like Stephensons company really is an outlier in terms of customer service and guarantees.

[doodah man]

Also, take a look at their warranty information on their website. You have 30 days to return an item, if you get their permission first, as long as you haven't used it at all. A 30 day return policy is required by federal law for mail order business, otherwise I'm sure they wouldn't even allow this. If you use the item and it falls apart, too bad, no warranty.Their position is that they simply do not make any defective equipment, a friend of mine was actually told this by them regarding a tent. Only recourse they offered was that they would repair the tent and charge him for it.

This is probably the worst warranty and return policy I have ever heard of. They seem to take pride in it.

Lyle,
Warmlite, (the Stephenson family owned company) has been selling high-tech backpacking gear for over 50 years and has outlasted every single contemporary. They must be doing something right. Granted, they have, at times, been gruff on customer service issues, but they make very good tents. That was what DapperD asked at the start of this thread. I personally know two people who have been extensively using 2R tents purchased direct from the Stephenson garage well over 30 years ago when he was located in Woodland Hills CA. That really says something about a quality product. My opinion on their warranty is that nearly everything they sell is custom... you pick the colors and various options. A limited or even a no return policy on made-to-order items is not at all uncommon. All things measured, I think the 2C is worth including in the mix for consideration as a solo tent for the reasons I already stated. doodah-man

[scope]

At least you know that the person on the other end of the phone is likely in the nude while he/she is talking to you. Seriously, take a look at that catalogue of theirs. Pretty weird stuff.

Absolutely hysterical! How could any one reasonably be expected to order from that catalog? Looks like it hasn't been updated since 1968.

[DapperD]

Lyle,
Warmlite, (the Stephenson family owned company) has been selling high-tech backpacking gear for over 50 years and has outlasted every single contemporary. They must be doing something right. Granted, they have, at times, been gruff on customer service issues, but they make very good tents. That was what DapperD asked at the start of this thread. I personally know two people who have been extensively using 2R tents purchased direct from the Stephenson garage well over 30 years ago when he was located in Woodland Hills CA. That really says something about a quality product. My opinion on their warranty is that nearly everything they sell is custom... you pick the colors and various options. A limited or even a no return policy on made-to-order items is not at all uncommon. All things measured, I think the 2C is worth including in the mix for consideration as a solo tent for the reasons I already stated. doodah-man

After going to the Stephenson site, I believe they do make high quality products. Their tents appear to be specifically designed for the most adverse weather conditions one could expect in the field, be it high up in the mountains in howling cold wind, or in a valley in a wicked thunderstorm. Their online site was a little hard to navigate, and I think their warranty is spartan. However this does not mean that they don't deliver a high quality product, it may be these tents are, for one, special ordered with multiple colors, and two a lot of these tents probably are used in mountains where they receive batterings from high winds and rough use. I like the new 2C model, I just am not sure wether or not I would do better with the 2R which is longer as I would need sufficient storage for my pack and gear without being cramped.

[doodah man]

After going to the Stephenson site, I believe they do make high quality products. Their tents appear to be specifically designed for the most adverse weather conditions one could expect in the field, be it high up in the mountains in howling cold wind, or in a valley in a wicked thunderstorm. Their online site was a little hard to navigate, and I think their warranty is spartan. However this does not mean that they don't deliver a high quality product, it may be these tents are, for one, special ordered with multiple colors, and two a lot of these tents probably are used in mountains where they receive batterings from high winds and rough use. I like the new 2C model, I just am not sure wether or not I would do better with the 2R which is longer as I would need sufficient storage for my pack and gear without being cramped.

DrapperD,
I think the 2C would be extremely roomy for one person and gear. During the summer, when harsh weather is not expected, we only bring one 2R tent for every three people. It is tight for three and gear, but can be done. We set up the tents but typically sleep outside unless conditions (precipitation, wind, bugs) drive us inside. When sleeping three, the middle person has to have their head at the rear of the tent. With only two people, there is tons of room. I have not seen a 2C yet, but can visualize a two foot shorter version of my 2R and could not imagine that would be cramped for a single hiker and gear. It would be a palace. Those extra two feet on the 2R make it possible to sleep three, so I would suspect that the 2C would not be able to accommodate a third occupant with any level of comfort. The Stephenson family is a wacky group, and customer service a little surly, but a bonus is they are an American company and their stuff is made in the USA. That is a major consideration when making my gear purchases. Note: For specifically AT use, I would also consider saving weight buy getting it without the wind stablizers. My 2R does not have them and it survived a horrible storm that literally ripped two different (non-Stephenson) tents set up near us to shreds. (We inherited one of the displaced hikers and others were likewise doubled up in other tents during the night.) By morning, the only tents still standing were three Stephenson tents (two 2Rs and a 3R). None of the Stephenson tents that night had the wind stablizers. If the storm was any worse, I would probably die from fright anyhow, so it would not matter if the tent gave up! doodah-man

[Sly]

I was wondering which solo tent everyone would consider to be best for really rainy, windy,cold weather on an AT thru-hike that would still be light and have a large vestibule for gear storage. I have researched the Hilleberg Akto and it seems like one of the best for the cold and wet months.

IMO, any lightweight tarp or tent is adequate for an AT thru-hike. Check out Tarptent or Six Moon Designs