View Full Version : Tarptent or other
I want to buy a lightweight tent that I could take solo on the AT. But I also want it to be durable enough for short trips in Minnesota (3-season, wind, rain, cold, etc.), and just large enough to stuff in another person if needed. Is a tarptent Virga 2 a good idea? Any other options for such specifications? Thanks!
-Mammoth
bearbag hanger
02-06-2006, 12:48
You should look at the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo:
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=36
Most of the time I use a hammock, but when tenting, I've been using this. It would be tight for two people but could be done in a pinch. Helps if you like each other a lot.
Footslogger
02-06-2006, 13:01
[quote=bearbag hanger]You should look at the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo:
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I own and like the Lunar Solo-e but I think it might be a tad tight for 2 hikers and gear.
'Slogger
I have the Squall. I love it. Plenty of room for two and very spacious for one. weighs around 30 oz. Held up quite well in heavy rains.
eric_plano
02-06-2006, 18:12
I'll second the Squall. The weight is very nice for a 2-man, easy to set up and have had no problems in rain/light snow. :)
The tarptents are a great lightweight option for 3 season use, and I stayed warm and dry on the AT in '05 through a wide range of conditions.
The Virga was just big enough for me and my gear. The Squall is like a palace for one person and comfortable for two. The downside to the Squall (and any 2 person tent) is that it has a much larger footprint, so you may need to hunt a bit more for a good campsite. This is all relative though and really didn't seem to be a problem on the AT (especially if you're going shelter to shelter and not stealth camping)
MoBeach42
02-08-2006, 08:27
I'll second the Squall. The weight is very nice for a 2-man, easy to set up and have had no problems in rain/light snow. :)
AMEN! - i spent about 1/3 of my nights in my Squall.
have you ever considered a hammock,sleeping on the ground sucks:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7889&catid=member&imageuser=3462
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7105&catid=member&imageuser=3462
Thanks for all of the advice! The Squall sounds perfect for my needs.
I considered getting a hammock once when I saw one at an outfitters, but I am such a disaster getting into it that it's probably not for me. It looks so darned cozy though... maybe I'll look into them again. Thanks all!
MileMonster
02-08-2006, 11:10
I dig my Squall. It's worked well for me in various situations. Fit 2 on my thru. Only problem I've had is that if it's pitched on a wooden tent platform and it rains, rain falling on the wood can spray into the tent through the side mesh.
Nagal Logute Iyapa
02-13-2006, 03:24
Have you considered a hammock. I would suggest a look at Hennessey Hammocks. Their website is : http://www.hammocks.com
Level Real Estate that is dry in bad weather is a rare thing in the Appalachians. I would recommend an oversized rainfly / tarp due to the blowing rains. Since I got off the ground, you couldn't pry me away from my hammock. It's like sleeping in a squirrel's nest and the water just runs right under you. No problem unless the water gets over 3 feet deep.
Nagal Logute Iyapa
02-13-2006, 03:27
Oops! Need to change the website on the Hennessey Hammock recommendation. Go to: http://www.hennessyhammock.com/
this is the way to go:cool: neo
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7889&catid=member&imageuser=3462
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=4050&catid=577
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7105&c=577
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=9965&catid=member&imageuser=3462
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=9723&catid=member&imageuser=3462