View Full Version : Which tent?
Earl Grey
08-11-2006, 23:56
Im looking for a 1-2 person tent for 3 seasons. Something thats very lightweight and easy to assemble even in the dark. I was looking around a Dick's sporting goods earlier and theres alot of tents. As with anything it looks like you pay for what you get so I stopped looking at the Colemans and focused on the Eurekas and Keltys they had. Of course this is just two brands of a large number of brands.
Pacific Tortuga
08-12-2006, 00:04
:welcome go on search and be prepared to be overwhelmed :welcome
Earl Grey
08-12-2006, 00:24
:welcome go on search and be prepared to be overwhelmed :welcome
Haha alright thanks for the welcome.
SGT Rock
08-12-2006, 04:25
http://www.tarptent.com/rainbow.html
If I were looking at a tent this woul be a cool option, and so would this:
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=40
Ron makes good gear.
As to "set up in the dark": Set up which ever shelter you choose at home (back yard, park, friends yard, etc) untill you can set up without thinking about it. For me that's usually about 5 set ups past me being SICK of setting the thing up. Then try to set it up: blindfolded, with your friend(s) hosing you with the garden hose (NOT on gentle spray BTW), Blindfolded with friends hosing you. This may seem extreme, but if you hike any distance on the AT, you will set up camp in the dark, during a T-storm, and both. SO, if you can figure out how to generate a strong wind, practice in that.
With practice, you can probably set up any tent at night. Naturally the fewer loose bits your shelter has the better.
Also, Murphy's law states: "if anything can go wrong, it will, at the worst possible moment" When (not "IF") your light fails, and it will, you will think Ole Murph was an optimist, and you will be happy you set your tent up all those times while blindfolded.
In answer to your question: yes, I can set up my tarp & hammock blindfolded during a (simulated) T-storm. My sons had fun with that :rolleyes:
Doctari.
Big Dawg
08-12-2006, 08:00
I second SGT Rock on the Tarptent. I LOVE my new Double Rainbow!! Light and roomy, & tons of features!!! Bravo Henry Shires. Awesome customer service too.
bigcranky
08-12-2006, 09:16
The major manufacturers (Kelty, Eureka, etc) make a LOT of tents. The vast majority of them are designed for car camping, and the few "backpacking" tents are generally heavy traditional tents. There are a couple of exceptions, but I've never seen those at Dick's or other traditonal sporting goods stores.
The more specialized tentmakers (Mtn Hardwear, Sierra Designs) make mostly backpacking tents. You find these in backpacking outfitters, but again, most of them are heavier traditional tents. But there is a better selection overall, and you are more likely to find something that will work for backpacking.
The small cottage-gear makers are people who are (sometimes literally) making stuff in their garage. These folks make very specialized tents for backpackers, and they are lighter and more functional, while often being less expensive than backpacking tents from the outfitter store. Tarptent and Six Moons Designs are two good examples. You find these tents on-line, not in any stores. A fully functional, two-person tent can be had for about 25 ounces (SpinnSquall from Gossamer Gear), whie many of the offerings are in the 2-pound range. Tarptent even makes a true 3-person model that weighs 2.5 pounds (Rainshadow). These tents do require more care in use, since they don't have the heavy bulletproof construction of traditional (8-pound) backpacking tents. But you can see the appeal, I expect.
Good luck.
Footslogger
08-12-2006, 09:16
I second SGT Rock on the Tarptent. I LOVE my new Double Rainbow!! Light and roomy, & tons of features!!! Bravo Henry Shires. Awesome customer service too.
===========================================
Just about to spring for one of those Double Rainbows too. Was waiting to get a little more feedback from hikers.
'Slogger
StarLyte
08-12-2006, 09:23
Sgt. Rock you're ON IT.
http://www.tarptent.com/rainbow.html
That is most definitely my next tent.
It's very frustrating to choose a tent, but you won't find what you really want at Dick's. I've been thru this so many times. I've slept in everything (don't touch that).
I can't sleep in a hammock. Many reasons. Think I've already posted him somewhere.
If you can't make up your mind, sample tents at Trail Days. It usually rains at Trail Days, which is a good thing.....after the rain, rush over to the tents and sample each one to see which have water in them :)) A friend taught me that. It will make your choices easier. :D
Good luck.
I personally like kelty products they hold up,but to each to their own.ky
StarLyte
08-12-2006, 10:22
I personally like kelty products they hold up,but to each to their own.ky
Kelty products are good. They ARE durable. But durable means HEAVIER.
I may preach ultra-lightweight but I also think sensibility.
I've owned 2 Kelty tents, last one the Eureka. I couldn't get my pack inside plus I felt like I was in a coffin. The backpacks are too darn heavy.
When I think Kelty now, I think of camping gear - not backpacking gear.
Sometimes inexperienced backpackers/hikers are misled. If I could have a week in each outfitter....I'd change the world ;)
Kelty products are good. They ARE durable. But durable means HEAVIER.
I may preach ultra-lightweight but I also think sensibility.
I've owned 2 Kelty tents, last one the Eureka. I couldn't get my pack inside plus I felt like I was in a coffin. The backpacks are too darn heavy.
When I think Kelty now, I think of camping gear - not backpacking gear.
Sometimes inexperienced backpackers/hikers are misled. If I could have a week in each outfitter....I'd change the world ;) well I had a kelty clark for yrs and slept with a super tioga in it just fine but like i says to each their own.
you should get the coleman peak 1 "cobra" if they still have it. its roomy, packs small wieghs nothing at all and it looks cool, like a cobra...............its pretty much a pct 2 but 120.00 bucks cheaper;)
Im looking for a 1-2 person tent for 3 seasons. Something thats very lightweight and easy to assemble even in the dark. I was looking around a Dick's sporting goods earlier and theres alot of tents. As with anything it looks like you pay for what you get so I stopped looking at the Colemans and focused on the Eurekas and Keltys they had. Of course this is just two brands of a large number of brands.The Black Diamond Mid-Pole Megalite is an all around good tent for what your looking for.............
Earl Grey
08-12-2006, 17:39
This is all great information. Thank you all. Id love to get an independent tent from tarptent or sixmoon but im on a tight budget. Im trying to shoot for between $100-150 because I still have to get a sleeping bag among other things. Decisions...
bigcranky
08-12-2006, 20:32
Can you sew? You could make your own Tarptent for less than $100....
Earl Grey
08-13-2006, 00:03
Can you sew? You could make your own Tarptent for less than $100....
Unfortunately I dont know how to sew or have access to a sewing machine. Im still in school and when I graduate is when I plan on hiking some of the AT.
fiddlehead
08-13-2006, 00:34
Here is what i've used for over 8,000 miles now. http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm/IN1800
Never have gotten wet in it
Have set it up in the dark many times. (although i always have my photon II microlite handy)
It's bombproof when set up properly.
Has flexibility as you can set it up many different ways.
Only weighs 14 oz.!
Packs small about the size of 3 cigarette packs
I don't use hiking poles so i simply start looking for a stick the right heighth about 15 minutes or so before i look for camp. (or if you are in the trees, you could tie it up but a stick works better)
You can pee out of it without getting out of your bag.
My friend added about 10 inches of no see-um bug netting around the perimeter and also on the back triangle. (I carry a bug net for my head)
Anyway, i haven't seen anything better since i bought this in 2000.
(it really only sleeps one)
don't touch the sides or top when sleeping and you'll stay dry. it's big enough
I know at least 4 triple crowners who use this tent.
Its a good idea to put about 6 feet of line on each corner and the front flaps. (i use string that is made for union brick layers and have never broken one) (adds another ounce) you can tie a few loops into each string so you easily have flexibility in how tight to the ground you want to set it up. (not using the strings would put it tight to the ground, obviously)
I know at least 4 triple crowners who use this tent.
have fun.
fiddlehead
08-13-2006, 00:35
Damn, why can't edit my posts anymore. sorry about the repeated line.
fiddlehead
08-13-2006, 00:53
Ok, i went through my files and found a picture of me with my sil shelter.
You can't see the front very well but keep in mind, you can overlap the 2 flaps in front and it doesn't leak, even in big windstorms/rainstorms.
This was taken from somewhere near Wolf Creek pass i believe. (CDT)
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=12425&c=511
Earl Grey
08-13-2006, 20:20
Here is what i've used for over 8,000 miles now. http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm/IN1800
Never have gotten wet in it
Have set it up in the dark many times. (although i always have my photon II microlite handy)
It's bombproof when set up properly.
Has flexibility as you can set it up many different ways.
Only weighs 14 oz.!
Packs small about the size of 3 cigarette packs
I don't use hiking poles so i simply start looking for a stick the right heighth about 15 minutes or so before i look for camp. (or if you are in the trees, you could tie it up but a stick works better)
You can pee out of it without getting out of your bag.
My friend added about 10 inches of no see-um bug netting around the perimeter and also on the back triangle. (I carry a bug net for my head)
Anyway, i haven't seen anything better since i bought this in 2000.
(it really only sleeps one)
don't touch the sides or top when sleeping and you'll stay dry. it's big enough
I know at least 4 triple crowners who use this tent.
Its a good idea to put about 6 feet of line on each corner and the front flaps. (i use string that is made for union brick layers and have never broken one) (adds another ounce) you can tie a few loops into each string so you easily have flexibility in how tight to the ground you want to set it up. (not using the strings would put it tight to the ground, obviously)
I know at least 4 triple crowners who use this tent.
have fun.
How does that keep water from the ground?
StarLyte
08-13-2006, 20:31
Ok, i went through my files and found a picture of me with my sil shelter.
You can't see the front very well but keep in mind, you can overlap the 2 flaps in front and it doesn't leak, even in big windstorms/rainstorms.
This was taken from somewhere near Wolf Creek pass i believe. (CDT)
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=12425&c=511
Good for you Fiddlehead. I envy hikers that can sleep under a shelter like this. I go ultra lightweight and this would be ideal.
I must have an enclosed area to sleep in when I'm on the ground. I even put my tent up in a shelter once because it was so heavily infested with mice and the rain was pouring outside. That was one hellified night.
When I met Squeaky at Blackburn this year, he displayed his silnylon shelter, it was very nice--click here (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=11316&catid=searchresults&searchid=4502) to view.
Earl Grey
08-13-2006, 20:42
Ok, well I think ive narrowed down the choices. I stopped looking at the solitaire or spitfire. Now its the
1.MSR Zoid 1 http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/zoid1.asp
2.MSR Hubba http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/hubba.asp
3.Sierra Designs Baku 1
http://www.sierradesigns.com/tents.display.php?id=486
4. Marmot EOS 1p http://marmot.com/products/product.php?cat=tents&subcat=48&style_id=I2711
Thoughts?
when I was buying my tent it was between the Hubba and the EOS. After reading all the reviews and laying in both at an outfitters I went with the Hubba. It is easy to setup. It has held up against high winds,snow,sleet,rain and hail. I can't say anything bad about the Hubba
ardeaitch
08-14-2006, 14:31
I borrowed a Zoid a couple of years ago for a backpacking trip. I'm not exactly young anymore and I found it to be too small, my feet were usually wet in the morning because they were touching the roof. Try before you buy would be my advice. My personal preference would be against the Zoid...
Cedar Tree
08-14-2006, 14:41
you should get the coleman peak 1 "cobra" if they still have it. its roomy, packs small wieghs nothing at all and it looks cool, like a cobra...............its pretty much a pct 2 but 120.00 bucks cheaper;)
I carried a Cobra on my thruhike, and I would also recommend it. I now carry the Inya solo by Coleman. It is very similar to the Cobra, but a little smaller with only 1 vestibule/exit. Take a look at the Coleman tents, they are inexpensive, yet very good quality. Cedar Tree
RockyTrail
08-14-2006, 16:26
This is all great information. Thank you all. Id love to get an independent tent from tarptent or sixmoon but im on a tight budget. Im trying to shoot for between $100-150 because I still have to get a sleeping bag among other things. Decisions...
I use one of these http://www.sierradesigns.com/tents.display.php?id=45 (called the SD Lightyear) for heavy weather and a tarptent for all else.
The Lightyear is a little different from the Baku but about the same weight.
You can find these at places like Dick's in the price range you seek.
The SD stuff is very well made in my opinion...as is Henry Shires Tarptents.
Earl Grey
08-14-2006, 17:38
Well Ive narrowed it down to 3.
1. Hubba http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/hubba.asp
2. MH PCT 1 http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=3∏=1351&cat=49&viewAll=False (http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=3&prod=1351&cat=49&viewAll=False)
3. SD Lightyear http://www.sierradesigns.com/tents.display.php?id=45
I decided to go with a double wall tent for heat and ventilation properties. The Hubba is the most expensive of the three but does have more headroom. Every review I read it seems people like what they got with only a few negative things to say. Theyre all roughly the same weight too. The Hubba has less poles (1) which would make it easier to set up in the dark but if something were to fail it could bring down the entire tent. The PCT 1 and Lightyear have the same "cornucopia" design but you can sit up if need you needed to.
Im glad for competition though.
RockyTrail
08-14-2006, 17:59
Blackmath, how tall are you?
I'm 6-3 and the lightyear gives me comfortable length at 113" long. The MH tent has 22 inches less length if I read it correctly, for me 91" length is short. I also have a SD Clip Flashlight that is barely long enough (head touches wall) but you can look up its length. Remember you can't use all the posted length because the walls come down at an angle. If you can set them up in the store, try it on before buying.
RockyTrail
08-14-2006, 18:02
For reference, the clip flashlight is 89" long; for a 6-3 person that is getting tight unless you sleep diagonally
Earl Grey
08-14-2006, 18:15
Blackmath, how tall are you?
I'm 6-3 and the lightyear gives me comfortable length at 113" long. The MH tent has 22 inches less length if I read it correctly, for me 91" length is short. I also have a SD Clip Flashlight that is barely long enough (head touches wall) but you can look up its length. Remember you can't use all the posted length because the walls come down at an angle. If you can set them up in the store, try it on before buying.
Im 5-11 6-0. I was able to look at the Hubba in store and I liked it. The others I have not been able to see because they dont have them. "We can order it for you" is a common phrase I hear when I inquire about the PCT1 or actually any other (except Black Diamond for some reason). So as it stands now the Hubba is in first place because ive been able to see it in person.
hubba,hubba,hubba,hubba,hubba,hubba,hubba,hubba:ba nana
EarlyBird2007
08-15-2006, 08:16
Im looking for a 1-2 person tent for 3 seasons. Something thats very lightweight and easy to assemble even in the dark. I was looking around a Dick's sporting goods earlier and theres alot of tents. As with anything it looks like you pay for what you get so I stopped looking at the Colemans and focused on the Eurekas and Keltys they had. Of course this is just two brands of a large number of brands.
I love my Tarptent Squall 2.
starryliza
08-15-2006, 09:07
Can you sew? You could make your own Tarptent for less than $100....
I sew! How can I make my own tarptent? And how long will this sewing project last? I have short attention span.
I sew! How can I make my own tarptent? And how long will this sewing project last? I have short attention span.
http://www.tarptent.com/projects/tarpdesign.html
maiathebee
08-15-2006, 18:17
I have a Kelty Crestone 2. It's plenty roomy for 2 people, plus has room at the head and foot for gear inside the tent. It has 2 doors, 2 big vestibules, and enough headroom to sit up under the high part of the tent. It pitches easily and is sturdy under high wind and rain. Ventilation is good as it has high-level vents.
It's a standard double-wall tent weighing in at 4 lbs 2 oz for everything (minus stuff sacks). Split that between 2 people, and you've got bombproof bugproof shelter for 2 lbs 1 oz per person.
Not bad if you ask me.
The only improvements I can think of would be the option of a fly-footprint pitch for nonbuggy times. Kelty doesn't advertise this as possible, and I haven't tried it. It may be possible, but I haven't had the need to test it yet. Probably wouldn't be as stable pitched this way, even if it works.
The Hubba is a very popular tent with solo hikers. REI sells tons of them and very few ever get returned. I would own a Hubba but I am spoiled and own a Squall Classic :)
Earl Grey
08-16-2006, 23:29
Well I ended up going with the Hubba. It was on sale at dicks for 164 with free shipping so I couldnt pass it up. I plan on writing a review once ive had it for a while.
Earl Grey
08-19-2006, 20:44
The tent came in and I set it up. Check out the pics here. http://www.mooncube.org/v/New+Tent/
It was really easy to set up. Im gonna try doing it in the dark now and then sleep in it tonight. :banana
Big Dawg
08-19-2006, 22:35
The tent came in and I set it up. Check out the pics here. http://www.mooncube.org/v/New+Tent/
It was really easy to set up. Im gonna try doing it in the dark now and then sleep in it tonight. :banana
Have fun!!! Nice tent!! Glad your happy, that's what counts.:D