Tent Suggestions.

[BFI]

I'm a 6ft 250 Lb guy and I used the MSR Hubba One and loved it. Got rained on snowed on and was dry and warm. You'll have to keep your gear in the vestible outside the tent. Lots of head room and and it stayed dry on the inside.

[The Tank]

The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 has been my favorite backpacking tent so far. I'm 5'-10". It's a little tight for 2 people, but plenty of room for me and my gear if alone, at under 3 lbs. Saw some on the AT this past weekend, along with many Tarptents (Squall and Contrail).

[JoshL]

I like my Fly Creek UL2 as well, lightweight and plenty of room for 1, not so much for 2. I wouldn't trust it's long term durability without a footprint though, the floor material is very thin.

[Del Q]

Lightheart SoLong

Have not used it in the field, don't have to, reputation preceeds, saved up and bought the cuben fiber version, super roomy, got zippers on both sides on tarp and doors..........like a Four Season (hotel chain not weather) tent, like 24 or whatever ounces, with my belly at 53 years old ounces are not a big issue.

"The difference between men & boys is the price of their toys".................great gear is great gear, just getting more and more expensive.

[HeartFire]

I have a selection of LightHeart SoLong 6 tents up for sale on the website - go to the "garage Sale" page. Most of these were made up for hiker festivals this year and these are the last few that didn't sell, Priced to move, I've already sold several of them, what ever is on the page is available, they will remain on sale until I close down for the summer so I can go hike (10 more days and counting!). Read the specs and weights on each tent.

Judy/ LightHeart Gear. www.lightheartgear.com

[Del Q]

Judy.......LOVE my new tent, thanks so much.

With all of the craziness in our World, there's always the woods where life is cheap, simple & wonderful.

[RED-DOG]

I used the Mormot EOS 1 person on this years thru used it about 80% of the time, its freestanding, very sturdy sturdy, weighs little under 2 lbs, the cost is a little exspencive at 249.00 but worth every penny of it, and i would recomend it to any body.

[mmorgan]

Two thumbs up for the MSR Hubba. I am a section hiker and it has never done me wrong. I can put it up and take it down in the dark. I am thinking of hanging my next time out (I have just finished a DIY hammock) but the Hubba always feels like home.

[Maddog]

I use the Lightheart Duo and recommend the Lightheart SoLong. It comes in cuben or silnylon. I personally don't think the weight savings with the cuben is worth the extra $$$... but that's just me. www.lightheartgear.com

+1 on a Lightheart tent! Maddog

[treesloth]

Another +1 on the Lightheart tent.

Judy, I just used your SoLong Cuben for a 4 day Pa section hike. I used it on the Florida Trail 6 months ago. Both times performed flawlessly. Just a bit of condensation on a 30 deg night, but that was kind of expected. All other nights were totally fine in that area.

OP, check out Judy's site. She got the real thing.

[joedperk]

Lightheart SoLong

Have not used it in the field, don't have to, reputation preceeds, saved up and bought the cuben fiber version, super roomy, got zippers on both sides on tarp and doors..........like a Four Season (hotel chain not weather) tent, like 24 or whatever ounces, with my belly at 53 years old ounces are not a big issue.

"The difference between men & boys is the price of their toys".................great gear is great gear, just getting more and more expensive.

Tent is light and so easy to put up... put it through 15 inches of rain in 2 days and it was hi and dry... plenty of room on inside for gear... could squeeze two people in tent if need be... but plenty of room for gear .. two doors and a with the awning plenty of storage space outside... not to mention "MADE IN THE USA" and I cant say enough about Judy and her customer service...

[cabbagehead]

+1 for tarp tents. I've never used one though.



Has anyone else had a bad American Solitaire experience?

[Drybones]

I saw more, by a long shot, Tarptents on the AT this spring than any other brand. I used the Tarptent Notch and loived it. I also have the Double Rainbow which I use when hiking with my large dog. The main reson I like the Tarptent products is that they come up with new designs to make the tent lighter but not weaker and dont just use thinner walled poles. I have an REI Quarter Dome that the poles have broken twice. I'd have the same concern with BA lightweight tents as well.

[vamelungeon]

+1 for tarp tents. I've never used one though.



Has anyone else had a bad American Solitaire experience?

Rather than the Solitaire, the Eureka Spitfire might be a better choice from that manufacturer. I've got one, no problems with it at all, though I haven't thru hiked yet and cannot speak about it's durability on a thru.

[Drybones]

+1 big agnes fly creek

I'm 6'1.5" and this tent is too small for me. Thankfully I set one up at an REI store before making a purchase. Went with a TT Notch at 26oz instead and love it.

[Half Note]

Luckily I've had no problems with my Solitaire.

[BFI]

I used the Hubba 1 person and thought it was great. I'm a big guy and it had enough room for me and a few stuff sacks. My pack & boots fit under the fly vestible and if the weather was bad I'd bring my boots in. No complaints. It was also warm in the cold weather in the Smokies and with stood the weight of snow on Roan Mt.

[coheterojo]

I used the SMD Lunar Duo both times. Ya it's not free-standing and it has a big footprint but neither presented any insurmountable issues. I'm 6' 2" and 160 on a good day and I just love all the room I have. Plus any single wall issues are easily avoided because you're not making contact anywhere. Heck 4 people can play pinochle in there if they were so inclined. Plus there's two vestibules. The list goes on.

[swjohnsey]

Most popular tent on the trail is Big Agnes Flycreek UL1.

[Drybones]

Rather than the Solitaire, the Eureka Spitfire might be a better choice from that manufacturer. I've got one, no problems with it at all, though I haven't thru hiked yet and cannot speak about it's durability on a thru.

Agree...you'll be much happier with the Spitfire...not much heavier and much more tent. I managed to sleep myself and a 108 lb doberman in it...was tight though.