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View Full Version : What tent to buy??



DeeHiker
08-27-2007, 14:13
I don't know what kind of tent to buy! I've reading and looking..too much to look at. I want a 3-season - 2 person for backpacking. Will start the AT April 08, section hiking.

Please HELP!

Jack Tarlin
08-27-2007, 14:41
I'm a really big Mountain Hardwear fan, and have used one of their 2-person tents very happily for over 10 years.

You can check out their most recent offerings at www.mountainhardwear.com

Heater
08-27-2007, 14:42
I don't know what kind of tent to buy! I've reading and looking..too much to look at. I want a 3-season - 2 person for backpacking. Will start the AT April 08, section hiking.

Please HELP!

What's your price range? I guess you are hiking with someone and sharing the tent. Do you want to stow gear inside? Floor? Floorless? The Tarptent Virga2 and Double Rainbow seem to be very popular.

Tarptents. (http://www.tarptent.com/products.html)

taildragger
08-27-2007, 14:44
How tall are you and you're partner (I assume that you have two legged or 4 legged partner of some sorts if your getting a 2 person). A lot of people like the Big Agnes seedhouse SL2 for 2 people, as well as the MSR Hubba Hubba. There are probably some tarptents out there that will enevitably be chimed in about shortly.

Personally, I think something like a mountain hardwear PCT2 (or is it the lightwedge now) would be a good bang for the buck, quality, size, and weight

Ender
08-27-2007, 14:47
I agree, Mountain Hardware makes quality gear. A little heavier than some, but lighter than most, and pretty bombproof. Sierra Designs (www.sierradesigns.com) is another great maker. I have a Clip Flashlight that I've been using for over ten years, and it's still in excellent shape.

If you're looking to save a lot of weight at the expense of some convenience, check out this tarp-tent, the Squall Classic (www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/Squall_Classic.html). It's well under 2 pounds, but requires having hiking poles to use as support, and is a little more difficult to set up. Nothing you can't learn after a few pitches though.

Anyway, best of luck! Enjoy the planning... it's almost as fun as the actual hiking :sun

Sly
08-27-2007, 14:48
Rather than carrying 4lb tents or heavier tents, many are moving on to lighter tarps or single-walled silnylon tents from such cottage industry types as Ron Moak's Six Moon Designs and Henry Shire's Tarptent.

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/default.asp

http://www.tarptent.com/index.html

Sly
08-27-2007, 14:50
Geez, you guys are quick. I need my bookmarks updated for quick access and quicker posting.

Jim Adams
08-27-2007, 19:01
HubbaHubba-- very nice and light for a 2 person and alot of room.
most of the tarp/tents that I saw on the PCT this year just required to much work for me. A tarp was easier.

geek