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simplysql
07-24-2008, 13:03
Hi,
we are beginning section-hikers, so far only in GA. There are 3 of us - two adults and a 9 year old daughter. I'd like to do an overnight on the AT - wondering what kind of tent would be best for 2.5 people? I know weight is a consideration - checked on the REI site, and the prices are all over the place. Thanks for any help!

Nick

Pedaling Fool
07-24-2008, 13:14
I've used this tent for 3 years and it still has many more years of life. You can get something lighter, but you'll spend more money, unless you buy something used.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___24905

Feral Bill
07-24-2008, 13:20
Without discussing specific models, I would suggest:
1. At least 50 square feet, a tent big enough for 3 adults and some gear. your 9 year old will be a teenager before you know it.
2. Expect a weight of about 7 pounds in a conventional two layer tent. If it's much heavier it's a mountaineering tent and probably very expensive too. If weight is a huge issue, consider one or more tarps.
3. You do not need a self supporting tent, although they are nice at times.
4. If you can, "try it on" in the store.
5. REI outlet, Campmor. And Sierra Trading Post often have deals on last years models. Check return policies.
6. Get a name brand tent from a real outdoor store, there is a lot of junk out there.
7. Do not underestimate the abilities of your daughter. Mine did serious trips at barely ten.
8. Have fun!

simplysql
07-24-2008, 15:37
thanks for the suggestions. I agree, my daughter is a real trooper, she is typically the one pushing us on whenever we hike. I will look on the sites you've mentioned - and will keep in mind about the 7lbs - I've seen some that are around 5lbs but incredibly expensive.

Bear Cables
07-24-2008, 15:43
You might want to check out Tarptent.com and look at the Rain shadow 2. Very light 3 person tarp tent. I have a tarptent contrail that I am pleased with.

Frolicking Dinosaurs
07-24-2008, 15:54
While these are pricy, you may want to consider a Black Diamond Maga-Lite Mid (http://www.bdel.com/gear/mega_light.php) with a Bug Mid (http://www.bdel.com/gear/mega_bug.php) or a Tarptent Rainshadow 2 (http://www.tarptent.com/productsheets/RAINSHADOW2.pdf) since there are three of you and the girl will likely be a teen before you finish.

It is wonderful that you are doing this with your daughter.

Tagless
07-24-2008, 17:08
Ditto to the Tarptent Rainshadow 2 suggestion. My wife and I are very satisfied with ours. It will comfortably accommodate two adults and a child, yet weighs in at about 2.5 pounds. Plan to seam seal this tent if you purchase one.

sbennett
07-24-2008, 17:34
Or, if you didn't want a single wall tent or wanted something a bit bigger so that you all could sit up inside and play cards maybe think about some of the myriad double wall 3 person tents on the market today. Some that come to mind are:

MSR mutha hubba
Marmot Aeros 3P
REI Quarter Dome T3
Big Agnes Emerald Mountain SL 3
Mountain Hardwear Lightwedge 3

Most double wall 3 person tents will be in the neighborhood of 5-6 pounds, which is way heavier than a Tarptent, but they might have some positives that the Tarptent does not (breathability, living space, etc.). Generally, however, the lighter the tent, the higher the price.

Kirby
07-24-2008, 18:08
MSR Hubba.

Big Agnes Seedhouse.

Henryshire Tarp Tent.

Six Moons Design Lunar solar. I used this tent on my thru hike this year and can give you feedback VIA PM if you wish.

Kirby

auburnbreeze
07-24-2008, 18:21
While these are pricy, you may want to consider a Black Diamond Maga-Lite Mid (http://www.bdel.com/gear/mega_light.php) with a Bug Mid (http://www.bdel.com/gear/mega_bug.php) or a Tarptent Rainshadow 2 (http://www.tarptent.com/productsheets/RAINSHADOW2.pdf) since there are three of you and the girl will likely be a teen before you finish.

It is wonderful that you are doing this with your daughter.


Ditto about the Mega Mid with the Mega Bug! Great for three, especially with one pre teen and its not too heavy.

Blissful
07-24-2008, 20:32
You might also consider a two person and a hammock or one person tent for the third. Just in case you ever want to venture out on your own.

Condensation will be an issue though with the tarp tent (or single wall tent) and three people inside, esp in rain.

mister krabs
07-25-2008, 08:19
You can find deals on the Sierra Designs Sirius3 around 100$. It's a hybrid single/double wall tent that's a 2+ size. It seems to be a nice compromise for weight, comfort and protection. I don't own one but have seen it set up at REI. Someone one here (maybe Summit?) has one and speaks highly of it.

bigcranky
07-25-2008, 20:30
We used the Tarptent Rainshadow (the original version) for four years of family section hiking with our daughter. The new version II is roomier. You can't beat a real 3-person shelter that weighs about 2.5 pounds.

Note that it's a tarp with bug netting and a floor, so it requires more care in site selection than a 3-season tent, in my experience. But it's a terrific shelter. Yes, it's expensive, but you're saving 5 pounds on your back, which is priceless.

SurferNerd
07-25-2008, 21:03
I personall recommend the Eureka Zues 3 (http://www.eurekatent.com/p-61-zeus-3-classic.aspx). It's lightweight 5lbs, a great design with lots of room for gear, and fits 2-3 people. And for the price under $200, its my candidate. I would defintely say the MSR Mutha Hubba, or the Sierra Designs Tengu 3, but they are pricey!

Summit
07-26-2008, 17:56
I would seriously consider the first two listed here:

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4500001_Tents+and+Shelters&cat=40003501&hist=cat%2C4500001_Tents+and+Shelters%3ATents+and+ Shelters^cat%2C40003501%3A4-Person+Backpacking+Tents (http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4500001_Tents+and+Shelters&cat=40003501&hist=cat%2C4500001_Tents+and+Shelters%3ATents+and+ Shelters%5Ecat%2C40003501%3A4-Person+Backpacking+Tents)

Prices are reasonable, quality is good, and space is great! At a little over 7 lbs, that's not bad divided up between two adults and later the 3rd member (your daughter). One person carries the poles, the fly, and the stakes. The other carries the main tent. With a 4-person tent, you have room for some gear besides nothing but three bodies. Trust the fact that you will appreciate a little more space than your bodies take up. ;)

LIhikers
07-27-2008, 23:10
My wife and I, along with our 80 pound shephard, use the Tarptent Rainshadow 2. It's got plenty of room, is light weight, and keeps us dry in bad weather.

rpenczek
07-28-2008, 10:20
I use a Tarptent and have now had it in some really intense rainstorms. If you place it right (read vent it right) condensation is minimal even in long heavy rain. Keep a quick dry camp towl inside with you and wipe away any condensation in the morning before you get moving (will be minimal if vented properly).

If you want a double wall, my vote is for a Big Agnes SL 3. Good room and light weight for a competitive price.

Monkeywrench
07-28-2008, 10:24
Six Moons Design Lunar solar. I used this tent on my thru hike this year and can give you feedback VIA PM if you wish.

Kirby

Can you give your feedback on the Lunar Solo here, Kirby? I have one and am considering using it on my thru next year. I'd love to hear what you have to say about it, and I'm sure there are others that would as well.