View Full Version : Tent Choice?
ibigler5
11-25-2008, 21:17
I need a tent for two people. I am going sometime this April. I was poking around and found the Marmot Limelight 3P and i kinda like it. Is it to much tent for the job at hand? Is it to heavy for a backpacking trip?
The Marmot looks like a nice tent. You could save over three pounds and save some money, however, going with one of Henry Shire's Tarptents, most of which are on sale now. My wife and I are very pleased with the Rainshadow 2 (http://www.tarptent.com/rainshadow2.html) and will use this on our 09 thru hike. It offers plenty of room for two people and gear.
Tipi Walter
11-25-2008, 22:36
My solo backpacking tent weighs 8 pounds, so I wouldn't worry about carrying even a 10 pound tent if it's for two. It can be divvied up, you take the poles and fly, the other takes the body and stakes, etc. As has been discussed before, you'll want the sq footage of a bigger tent, somewhere around 50 sq feet sounds good. Or go with two separate small tents. Keep your sanity a little longer with some solitude.
FamilyGuy
11-25-2008, 23:05
8 Pounds! That is my winter bag, tent, sleeping pad, and pack!
Must be a Staika?
I need a tent for two people. I am going sometime this April. I was poking around and found the Marmot Limelight 3P and i kinda like it. Is it to much tent for the job at hand? Is it to heavy for a backpacking trip?
You ask if it is too heavy for a backpacking trip. 6lbs-5oz is not too bad for two persons to carry. $229 doesn't break the bank. A 3 person shelter with 2 doors & vestibules makes sense for 2 persons.
However, it's not the tent I'd carry unless the 2nd is my wife. I use a 4lb-8oz BA Seedhouse SL3 for just such a purpose. http://www.rei.com/product/734067
skinewmexico
11-25-2008, 23:29
You can get the REI Quarterdome T3 for the same money, and it weighs almost 2-1/2# less. Lighter has always been more enjoyable for me.
You can get the REI Quarterdome T3 for the same money, and it weighs almost 2-1/2# less. Lighter has always been more enjoyable for me.
The T3 is on sale now too. However, it is 8 oz heavier than the BA SL3
http://www.rei.com/product/761895
skinewmexico
11-26-2008, 00:05
The T3 is on sale now too. However, it is 8 oz heavier than the BA SL3
http://www.rei.com/product/761895
My T3 weighs 4# 10 oz without the bags, so it's just 3 oz heavier, and $80 cheaper. The walls are more vertical too. I almost bought the Seedhouse SL3 a while back, when I found one that was used once, for $125.
Serial 07
11-26-2008, 00:07
i'm looking at getting a black diamond mega light...imagine 50 square feet of space...weight is only two pounds five ounces...can buy a footprint/bug netting for it if you need...
BitBucket
11-26-2008, 00:24
Got a very lightly used Sierra Designs Hyperlight 3 AST 2 or 3 Person Tent
44 sq ft., Avg Packed Wt - 6# 3 oz.
Excellent condition / Like New - literaly used 2 nights...all original, no tears/rips.
Comes with stakes, guylines and tighteners, and stuff sacks
Asking $135 delivered in CONUS
Send a PM if interested...
karoberts
11-26-2008, 00:50
My vote = Hubba Hubba
I'm in agreement on the hubba hubba.
Here are the specs:
Capacity: 2 people + gear Floor + Vestibule Area: 29 + 17.5 sq. ft./2.8 + 1.6 sq. m Interior Peak Height: 40 in./100 cm Minimum Weight: 3 lbs. 11 oz./1.7 kg Packaged Weight: 4 lbs. 4 oz./1.93 kg Fly w/ FootPrint Weight: 2 lbs. 12 oz./1.2 kg
http://www.msrgear.com/tents/hubbahubbahp.asp
check out Henry Shires stuff, or Bozeman Mountain Works web site. both have great tents.
April?
You have some time up your sleeves, so I can't see why you should make your mind up now. Traditionally there are a lot of shelters released in the Jan-March period (after the Winter Outdoor shows) , that doesn't mean you will see the one you like ( but I have one in mind...) but often it also means that the previous season shelters are on sale .
BTW, you need to make a list of the features you like and then find one that covers the "must have" and as many "would be nice" as possible. No point in choosing a light shelter that requires trekking poles if you don't use them, in a similar way a 30oz shelter that requires an inner for bug protection is not a 30 oz shelter if you do require bug protection....
My strongest and nicest shelter is the one I never use. Why ? It's too heavy, can't be bothered carrying the extra pounds for the comfort. But some do.
Franco
skinewmexico
11-26-2008, 11:07
Hubba Hubba is a great one man tent.
As others have noted... the Limelight is not the lightest tent option other there. I am also a big fan of tarptents like those made by tarptent.com, gossamergear.com and sixmoondesigns.com, and shaped tarps made by mountainlaureldesigns.com, owareusa.com and golite. It's possible to get good weather protection for 2 people that weights between 1-2lbs which is just slightly larger than a nalgene bottle. You can get full bug protection in 2-3lbs (1lb if you are willing to spend $$$).
You need to answer the question do you want room for people people to sleep and nothing else, or do you want room to have gear in your shelter, move around a bit, etc. Many "2 person" tents are only big enough to sleep, so some people purchase 3 person shelters so there is room for two people sleeping + room to move and have space for backpacks inside the tent.
If you have your heart set on a free standing double walled tent then I would suggest looking at the REI Quarterdome line and the Hubba Hubba. You might also want to consider a non free standing shelter because you can often save weight and maybe cost... and most places you won't have a problem staking out a tent.
More idea on my recommended shelters (http://www.verber.com/outdoors/gear/shelter.html) page.
Opps... wrong URL. Should have been recommended shelters (http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/shelter.html). How does one edit their own post? I thought I remembered being able to do that
skinewmexico
11-26-2008, 12:38
I don't think you can.
brooklynkayak
11-26-2008, 12:45
Yes, consider the various tarptents for backpacking.
Or for a little more weight, the Montbell Crescent 2. It is a great bad weather tent, has lots of floor space, but not much head space. Only 3 lbs and doesn't require any extras like poles.
It is amazing in gail force winds. Most tents are noisy and sag too much in strong winds. Some let water in when the rain gets horizontal. The Crescent acts like a calm day in the worst conditions. I've heard the same about some tarptents.