View Full Version : Thinking about upgrading to lighter tent?
Here are my requirements/desires for a new tent:
- 5 lbs or less
- Free standing (vestibule does not have to be staked)
- 2-man or more (I solo but want the extra room for gear)
- Room to sit up (with gear stowed in tent)
- Not too much mesh (for warmth)
- Polls - Aluminum
- Poll clips
- Bathtub-style floor
- Price under $200
I'm not interested in hammocks or tarps.
The only thing I've found that fits my list so far is the REI Camp Dome 2 Tent. Are there any other suggestions? I've looked at all the major brands' offerings and come up empty save this one. I dislike the necessity to stake for the tent to operate properly as I've been in too many places where that severely limits where you can put your tent, due to rocky, hard ground.
Check out the MSR Fling. It may fit your criteria, except price. I think you will find that one hard to meet.
http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/fling.asp
gearfreak
11-27-2007, 09:07
Check out some of the tents in REI's clearance section (http://www.rei.com/Search.do?storeId=8001&origin=Outlet_Camp&cat=29340996&hist=origin%2COutlet_Camp%5Ecat%2C22000001%5Estart %5Ecat%2C22000022%3ATents%5Ecat%2C29340996%3ABackp acking+Tents). I favor the Big Agnes Seedhouse, but the MSR or Sierra Designs models should fit your needs and are well within your budget. :cool:
You might want to check out Henry Shires Tarp Tent -- Double Rainbow. It is a single wall, 2 person tent, with plenty of room, and around 2 pounds or so. I have one, and love it, but have recently switched to a hammock.
Check out the MSR Fling. It may fit your criteria, except price. I think you will find that one hard to meet.
http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/fling.aspIt is on sale at REI (see gearfreak's link) for $170. I like the awning type flys vs. the to-the-ground all the way around. That way you can see out when it's raining, without letting the rain in. See my gallery for my Eureka Geom tent. I like the dome style too, but also kinda like the Sierra Designs Clip or Lightning, but it looks like the fly has to be staked out to work properly. Is that the case or do these fly configurations have non-staked out alternative configurations?
Sierra Designs Lightning
2P
4#
Clip
Bathtub floor
DAC Aluminum clip on Poles
Free standing
Plenty of head room to sit up without touching the top.
Its normally priced just over $200, but you can find them on sale for around $180
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 10:12
You might want to check out Henry Shires Tarp Tent -- Double Rainbow. It is a single wall, 2 person tent, with plenty of room, and around 2 pounds or so. I have one, and love it, but have recently switched to a hammock.Shires tiny tents are over $200 - the ones that would meet this writer's criteria are closer to $300 new. They do turn up here used in the 'gear for sale' forum frequently and you might get one in your price range there.
I would second looking at REI-Outlet (http://www.rei.com/Search.do?storeId=8001&origin=Outlet_Camp&cat=22000022&hist=origin%2COutlet_Camp%5Ecat%2C22000001%5Estart %5Ecat%2C22000022%3ATents), Seirra Trading Post (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/322_Tents.html), Campmor Web Bargains (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=40000000226&storeId=226&categoryId=58982&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=24729) and Campmor Hot Deals (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=17305&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226) for good deals on last year's models or discounted colors.
Tipi Walter
11-27-2007, 10:18
Sierra Designs Lightning
2P
4#
Clip
Bathtub floor
DAC Aluminum clip on Poles
Free standing
Plenty of head room to sit up without touching the top.
Its normally priced just over $200, but you can find them on sale for around $180
I believe the SD Lightning requires 2 stakes for the vestibule. It is hard to find a tent that doesn't need at least a couple of stakes to create a vestibule, especially with the 2 pole wedges that are so popular nowadays. When you add that 3rd pole to create a true dome, well, the weight goes up significantly. Here are some stake-free tents:
Exped Orion 3 pole offset dome
Black Diamond Oneshot classic 2 pole wedge(single wall tent)
Black Diamond Lighthouse/Guiding Light(4 pole wedge with brow and butt poles)
Exped Venus II same as Orion
Integrall Designs MK1/Yukon simple single wall wedge(very $$$)
Johnny Thunder
11-27-2007, 10:24
Shires tiny tents are over $200 - the ones that would meet this writer's criteria are closer to $300 new. They do turn up here used in the 'gear for sale' forum frequently and you might get one in your price range there.
I would second looking at REI-Outlet (http://www.rei.com/Search.do?storeId=8001&origin=Outlet_Camp&cat=22000022&hist=origin%2COutlet_Camp%5Ecat%2C22000001%5Estart %5Ecat%2C22000022%3ATents), Seirra Trading Post (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/322_Tents.html), Campmor Web Bargains (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=40000000226&storeId=226&categoryId=58982&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=24729) and Campmor Hot Deals (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=17305&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226) for good deals on last year's models or discounted colors.
I think my (single) Rainbow came it at just over 200 and is plenty of room for one and (lots of) gear or two very friendly people. Probably weighs about two pounds. No need for the double Rainbow.
Tipi Walter
11-27-2007, 10:32
I hate to burst the Tarptent bubble, but the Rainbow requires 2 stakes for setup and the Double Rainbow requires between 2 to 4 stakes(if you want the vestibule to work).
Johnny Thunder
11-27-2007, 10:58
Haha...didn't see that. Yes, I have used my tent before, i just didn't see that aspect of his needs.
Anyone know of a tent where the "vestibule doesnt have to be staked"? Anti-matter...yep, my next tent'll be be made of anti-matter.
taildragger
11-27-2007, 11:07
Haha...didn't see that. Yes, I have used my tent before, i just didn't see that aspect of his needs.
Anyone know of a tent where the "vestibule doesnt have to be staked"? Anti-matter...yep, my next tent'll be be made of anti-matter.
Just don't let it touch any matter, thats gonna be bad for everyone...
Tipi Walter
11-27-2007, 11:18
Haha...didn't see that. Yes, I have used my tent before, i just didn't see that aspect of his needs.
Anyone know of a tent where the "vestibule doesnt have to be staked"? Anti-matter...yep, my next tent'll be be made of anti-matter.
Anti-matter? Just in this context: Does the vestibule have to be staked? No, it just DOESN'T MATTER.
Johnny Thunder
11-27-2007, 11:20
"Matter? Soon enough you won't even be matter."
Here is the one that does meet my criteria:
http://www.rei.com/product/731378
It's on the edge weight-wise at 4 lb 15 oz. It's a lot like my current Eureka Geom, just much lighter and much less expensive. Since you usually get what you pay for, that concerns me a little. Would be willing to pay up to another $100 for better quality/state-of-the-art! ;)
It is made and sold by REI. You could feed it through a wood chipper and they'd accept it as a return if you still had your receipt.
With a review like this how could you go wrong:
"just fantabulous!!!" (http://www.rei.com/product/731378)
bigcranky
11-27-2007, 11:34
That 4lb 15oz weight is for the tent, fly, and poles only. If you add the stakes and the stuff sack you're at 5lbs 6 oz (as per the specs on the REI page -- if you believe them). The Camp Dome is a nice little tent, and meets your criteria, but it's not state of the art.
Honestly, over 5 pounds for a solo tent is kinda heavy these days. But most (all?) of the lighter tents require at least a couple of stakes for the vestibule, and the lightest require more than that. In my experience, this has yet to be a problem, but I understand that under some circumstances it might be.
So if this tent makes you happy, and saves weight over your current setup, enjoy. It's not that much to spend in the long run.
That 4lb 15oz weight is for the tent, fly, and poles only. If you add the stakes and the stuff sack you're at 5lbs 6 oz (as per the specs on the REI page -- if you believe them).I'd probably leave the stakes at home, so the stuff sack would put it a couple of ounces over 5 lbs. My Eureka Geom (4-season expedition) weighs in at a hefty 11 lbs, so I'd definately "feel" the difference going down to 5! So this REI Dome makes the final cut list, but I'm looking for competion to it, preferably a pound or so less in weight! ;)
Not trying to be funny here, but have you ever seen an unstaked freestanding tent take off in the wind? Can cause damage to the tent, lost gear, and a great laugh for anyone who sees it.
Unless you plan to be in your tent constantly, I would not leave the stakes at home.
Yes, and it is only funny if it is not yours.
Only once. If windy, one stake b4 poles.
Not trying to be funny here, but have you ever seen an unstaked freestanding tent take off in the wind? Can cause damage to the tent, lost gear, and a great laugh for anyone who sees it.
Unless you plan to be in your tent constantly, I would not leave the stakes at home.In my many years of tenting, I've only had to stake a tent once. If very windy, immediately after setup I put everything else in the tent, positioning things at the corners. That's almost always been enough to keep the tent from being transported by the wind. One time I did have to run a few yards and tackle my tent full of my stuff, which I then staked down. Of course, I haven't stayed near the top of Mt. Washington on a windy day! ;) :)
There is your once! I bet some fun stories are out there, if the truth was told.
http://www.eurekatent.com/ Happy tent hunting!!!! and if you don`t find it just write a letter to Santa ;)
It takes minimum 2 stakes, on opposite sides. If you only use one stake, the tent can still pivot/flip on that one point... gotta use 2.
LastHonestFool
11-27-2007, 17:41
I gotta ask....
why all the hubbub about not staking the vestibule?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-27-2007, 18:21
I gotta ask.... why all the hubbub about not staking the vestibule?
From original post
I dislike the necessity to stake for the tent to operate properly as I've been in too many places where that severely limits where you can put your tent, due to rocky, hard ground.I don't think I ever camped where I could not stake or tie-off to a tree, rock or other large stable object in place of staking. I prefer tying off to trees as stakes can pull out. If a tree pulls out of the ground I've got way bigger problems than my vestibule has gone flat......
Summit
Tough request.
The Exped Orion Extreme is one of three tents I know of that have a freestanding vestibule and are close enough to your weight requirement . The Venus version needs stakes, to deploy the vestibule.
However the Orion is still over your weight (7 lb) and budget.
The other two are the new Hilleberg. The single Soulo has enough room inside for your pack and does have a supported vestibule but it will cost more than twice what you want to spend.
Your choice I think will have to be 1) no vestibule (as with the REI Camp Dome)
or 2) a peg down vestibule
The Hubba Hubba (now on clearance) could be a good choice for the latter.
Franco
Having said that, I happen to have the Bibler Pinon, freestanding inc the vestibules (discontinued) and the BD Lighthouse, freestanding, no vestibule, but never used either without pegging them down
Thanks to all for your input, experience, and wisdom. I may have to entertain the idea of driving stakes again . . . just haven't had to for years, being on my second free-standing dome in succession. But, comes the time to shed some weight and, as they say, fish or cut bait! :)
saimyoji
11-27-2007, 19:38
The Eureka Timberlite (not the Timberline) fits your needs:
less than 200.00
4.5 lbs
awnings at each end
free standing and super tough in the wind.
Only problem is it ain't available anymore. I've got one whose floor leaks a little and am trying to deal with that. I agree, very nice to open the windows and watch a rain storm.
Since my next backpacking trip will likely not be until April, I'll likely wait and see what comes out in the new '08 lines. Anyone know when they come out? I hope they're not like automobiles. The '08s came out last June! :eek:
Franco, what's the latest word and release dates on the new Hilleberg tents?
As far as I know they are due out early 08, possibly in January. There is a picture here http://www.hilleberg.se/default-e.HTM (http://www.hilleberg.se/default-e.HTM), but the much maligned Reality at Practical Backpacking has one and has already posted several very nice pictures of it.
It will sell for $525
Franco
$525, ouch. That's getting up in MK XL1, Eldorado and Ahwahnee territory, but at least it already has a vestibule and should be a bit lighter. I'll have to see one first hand.
As far as I know they are due out early 08, possibly in January. There is a picture here http://www.hilleberg.se/default-e.HTM (http://www.hilleberg.se/default-e.HTM), but the much maligned Reality at Practical Backpacking has one and has already posted several very nice pictures of it.
It will sell for $525
FrancoMaybe I'll just buy 5 REI Domes with that much cash! :D
Tipi Walter
11-28-2007, 10:16
As far as I know they are due out early 08, possibly in January. There is a picture here http://www.hilleberg.se/default-e.HTM (http://www.hilleberg.se/default-e.HTM), but the much maligned Reality at Practical Backpacking has one and has already posted several very nice pictures of it.
It will sell for $525
Franco
Let me join this conversation. I have the Hilleberg Staika which is the daddy of the Allak and the grandaddy of the Soulo. The Soulo is a tiny 21 sq ft version of the Staika, and the Allak is a near replica of the Staika but made using lighter materials and 9mm poles instead of the 10mm. Here's a fotog of my Staika:
Walter, have you been in the Soulo? Would there be enough room for someone 6'4"?
I just don't need a solid two person shelter these days.
Tipi Walter
11-28-2007, 10:37
Walter, have you been in the Soulo? Would there be enough room for someone 6'4"?
I just don't need a solid two person shelter these days.
The Staika is about 91 inches long inside and I find it just a bit short for my 5'10" frame. The Soulo is 230 centimeters, 10 cm shorter than the Staika, I guess this would put it around 87 inches long. Hit the following link, hit products, hit tents, scroll down to Soulo and hit. Good info from their Europe catalog.
www.hilleberg.se/default-e.HTM (http://www.hilleberg.se/default-e.HTM)
Thanks, I just assumed that the websites/catalogues were the same.
Too bad they designed the tent for jockeys, that won't work.
Tipi Walter
11-28-2007, 11:04
Thanks, I just assumed that the websites/catalogues were the same.
Too bad they designed the tent for jockeys, that won't work.
Don't get me wrong, the Staika is roomy and long enough for me, but let's face it, when I'm up on my pad in my down bag, there is some contact with the canopy here and there. Most tents have some contact. The Hilleberg tunnels, on the other hand(Nallo/Nammatj), seem even shorter with the steep foot area and there is more of a problem with bag moisture and tent contact, etc.
Finding a tent with more vertical walls(the Staika is more vertical than the tunnels)might be the answer for bag contact and possibly for you. I haven't really done a study of LONG tents, say 100 inches long, especially long solo tents, but get back with me after I do some checking.
Thinking about heading over to REI this evening for some "hands on" tent browsing! ;)