View Full Version : Tents...
mnof1000v
11-11-2005, 00:37
I'm looking to get the best overall combination of weight, functionality, and price for a tent to last me through the AT. My current tent, while useful for base camping is FAR too heavy for trail use.
So, I have a friend offering me a Eureka Backcountry I on the cheap, like this one:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39166586&memberId=12500226
It's kinda heavy, but functional. And it's roomy.
However, another friend keeps raving about a tent he got from L.L. Bean, another cheapy. As far as I can tell, his is like this one:
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=microlight-tent&categoryId=36548&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3885&cat4=1096&shop_method=pp&feat=ssdpa1096
Lighter than the Eureka, but I'm not so sure of its quality.
I've browsed campmor, ebay, and REI but nothing really stands out. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but most people seem to go for broke on a tent.
Suggestions? :-?
hikerjohnd
11-11-2005, 00:45
First, if you have the chace to rent or borrow tents and test drive, do it so you can find what works for you. Having said that, look into tarptents if you want to stay on the ground. Henry Shires (http://www.tarptent.com/) makes a quality product and anyone here will attest to his excellent service. I have been using Six Moon Designs Europa 05 (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=40) and absolutely love it! It is a two man tent and plenty roomy for me and my gear. Ron, the owner, also has excellent service!
There are plenty of options out there - look at and try out as much as you can before you buy! Happy shopping! :sun
mnof1000v
11-11-2005, 01:03
But I have exactly ZERO experience with them and unlike the tents I just mentioned, I don't have the luxury of trying before buying.
However, you make a point that is always being brought to my attention. The tarptents, like HH's I've looked into, are lightweight, and people rave about them, but.... It's the whole lack of experience thing.
Am I nuts?:bse
hikerjohnd
11-11-2005, 01:19
Well, people would not rave if the tents were no good... I was skeptical at first, but they are really no different from a regular tent. If you use hiking poles (and I assume you will) they can serve double duty with your shelter. For the price, I'd go with Shires Virga (http://www.tarptent.com/virga2.html) or Squall (http://www.tarptent.com/squall2.html)(depending on what size you need). If you decide you don't like it, you can easily unload it in the Sell Gear section here on WB and make most of your money back...
justusryans
11-11-2005, 03:20
First, if you have the chace to rent or borrow tents and test drive, do it so you can find what works for you. Having said that, look into tarptents if you want to stay on the ground. Henry Shires (http://www.tarptent.com/) makes a quality product and anyone here will attest to his excellent service. I have been using Six Moon Designs Europa 05 (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=40) and absolutely love it! It is a two man tent and plenty roomy for me and my gear. Ron, the owner, also has excellent service!
There are plenty of options out there - look at and try out as much as you can before you buy! Happy shopping! :sun
I 100% agree, Either of these choices would be a fine option. i use a Henry Shire's Cloudburst 2 and highly recommend his products.:D
There's not much of a learning curve on the tarptents.They are even easier to put up than any freestanding tent I've used. One thing to consider is that they are not as warm as a conventional tent, so your sleeping clothing and bedding has to be adjusted accordingly. Henry Shires has his annual fall sale going on right now. There are some other makers out there, too, who have interesting tarptents, but I don't have any personal experience with them.
If you're planning a six-month hike, I wouldn't worry too much about the learning curve. You'll have time.
Stale Cracker
11-11-2005, 09:34
I have a slightly used Europa for sale. Used it perhaps a half dozen times and like it very much. Only issue is that I do alot of camping out west where the ground can be VERY hard and rocky. In situations like this a free standing tent offers, I belive, an advantage. Otherwise this tent is good as new, complete with stakes, ground cloth and optional pole for the front. (You can substitute a treking pole to lighten the weight a little.) I paid about $260 for this then. It weighs less than 3 pounds. If you are interested private email me at
[email protected]
Almost There
11-11-2005, 09:53
MSR Hubba for a solo tent. Goes up in no time, and very sturdy in rain and wind. Weighs about 3.5lbs. I highly recommend it.
During my thru I used a Eureka Solitaire for half of my hike. It's small but did the job. Weight is less than three pounds and they cost only $70 from Campmor.
If I was to do another thru this would be my tent of choice.:sun
gravityman
11-11-2005, 11:32
But I have exactly ZERO experience with them and unlike the tents I just mentioned, I don't have the luxury of trying before buying.
However, you make a point that is always being brought to my attention. The tarptents, like HH's I've looked into, are lightweight, and people rave about them, but.... It's the whole lack of experience thing.
Am I nuts?:bse
Yes you are. They are totally worth it. And if you don't like it, you can probably sell it on the internet for a reasonable price. In fact, I have a Squall 1 that I am looking to get rid of...
Gravity
Homecoming Queen
11-11-2005, 14:54
Thanks for mentioning the Henry Shires tarptent sale, Marta. I immediately went to his site and ordered a Virga 2 in anticipation of my 2007 thru hike. We already have a Cloudburst, but since I'm going by myself, I wanted to lighten the load -- which I did at a reduced cost thanks to you!
Homecoming Queen -- AT 2007
mnof1000v
11-11-2005, 15:00
Somehow, I kind of expected this sort of response. And I appreciate all the input. I'll have to check out the Henry Shires sale.
Thanks all! :D
this here is what i use:cool: neo
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7105&c=577
Thanks for mentioning the Henry Shires tarptent sale, Marta. I immediately went to his site and ordered a Virga 2 in anticipation of my 2007 thru hike. We already have a Cloudburst, but since I'm going by myself, I wanted to lighten the load -- which I did at a reduced cost thanks to you!
Homecoming Queen -- AT 2007
You are very welcome. That's the same selection we have: a Cloudburst for couple camping and a Virga for solo. I love them. I'm trying to convert to hammocking, but I backslide and use the tarptents fairly often. (Shhh! Don't tell the hammock campers.)
You are very welcome. That's the same selection we have: a Cloudburst for couple camping and a Virga for solo. I love them. I'm trying to convert to hammocking, but I backslide and use the tarptents fairly often. (Shhh! Don't tell the hammock campers.)
try it you will love it:cool: neo
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7105&c=577
the goat
11-11-2005, 16:39
bivy. cheap, you can sleep anywhere, it's light as a fart, and you don't have to hang it.
Footslogger
11-11-2005, 16:41
[quote=the goat]... it's light as a fart...
==========================
Now there's an interesting analogy!
'Slogger
Coolabah
11-11-2005, 18:46
this here is what i use:cool: neo
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7105&c=577
Now then Neo, if you keep telling people about HH there won't be any good trees left for the rest of us (LOL) :)
:D :D