View Full Version : Need a 4 season tent/what to buy???
I'm getting out of my hammock and going back to the ground. My oldest son is getting that age where I want to take him camping. I only have a hammock tent so its gotta go. I do mostly cold weather camping so I'm leaning toward a 4 season tent. Probably gonna spend $400 range for the tent. I will also need to buy a good pad for under my sleeping bag.
What do you guys recomend for shelter based on my needs. Thanks.
bigcranky
11-27-2010, 23:12
Based on my experience with his other products, the first 4-season tent I would look at is the Tarptent Scarp 2 (http://www.tarptent.com/productsheets/SCARP2.pdf). I've also looked at the Hilleburg tents, my local outfitter sells them -- very nice but somewhat more expensive.
What about a pyramid with a stove? It might make camping with the kid a nicer experience.
4eyedbuzzard
11-28-2010, 00:30
In Maine? You could need a more serious tent than most depending upon exactly where and when you're planning on going. Like one that can handle 60 mph winds and heavy snowfall. I used to winter hike and camp in NH and had great service from my old Moss tent. Unfortunately they're not made anymore (MSR bought them out), and used ones are hard to come by and as or more expensive than new tents. The MSR Fury (based on an old Moss Stardome design) comes to mind as as close as you can get these days. Pretty much any good quality 4 season tent of proven design (there's a reason they're all mostly domes or hoops) is going to be okay, but I'd be somewhat leery of anything that calls itself "3 or 4 season" or "light 4 season". Not knocking the Tarptents per se, but there just isn't enough info out there on how well they do in the kinds of winter conditions we get here in northern New England.
burntoutphilosopher
11-28-2010, 00:42
i don't know if it's a true 4 season tent,
but i use the marmot aeolos 2P for heavy weather, it'll take ten inches of snow overnight and the double wall design allows condensation to find it's way outside your living quarters.
has withstood horrifying winds too, it's a 4 pole design and very aerodynamic. 34 sq foot with two 9.5 sq foot vestibules. weighs nearly 6 pounds though with bag, footprint and stakes.
I am just starting to research what I want out of my next tent. Most, if not all, of my camping is done here in Maine and NH. I often camp out on the summits of Mnts. so wind and hard rain will be expected. I dont mind sacrificing a little weight for a tent I know will keep me dry and well ventalated too. The MSR fury looks like a really good choice for me. I will be using it in the summer months as well, but it can get chilly up here in the summer evenings too!
Anyone have anything bad to say about the fury? What are some other recomendations for shelter. Also if I were to spend the night in a leanto in late March(really cold) what sleeping pads would you recommend?
burntoutphilosopher
11-28-2010, 00:46
sleep mats?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV51oFZfTWY
i use a lot of different ones, for my experiences in canada's winter camping i have to say the Exped downmat 7 is plenty light and warm for anything i've come accross, used it on hecla island in manitoba in the cold. R value of 6. it's been good to 27 bellow actual temp (windchill doesn't matter since obviously you're in a tent at that temp.
4eyedbuzzard
11-28-2010, 00:57
Do note that the Fury and many other "2 man" tents are a pretty tight fit for two people. I would prefer a "2+" or 3 man tent for 2 people even if it weighs a bit more. Plus, if you are hiking / camping up here Nov through Feb you know how few hours of daylight we have. Sometimes you can wind up spending a lot of time in the tent. It's really nice to have that little extra room.
I agree with burntout. If you are looking for a 4 season pad definitely go for the exped downmat. That thing is comfy, warm and durable. I highly reccomend it.
swjohnsey
11-28-2010, 09:21
The Eureka Alpenlite XT ain't bad. You can sometimes find 'em pretty cheap on eBay or from their outlet.
4eyedbuzzard
11-28-2010, 09:27
You should PM Tipi Walter as well and have a chat on winter hiking / camping and tents. FWIW, I think he uses a Hilleberg, but I'm sure he'd have a few suggestions.
Check through this 4 season tent gear review (http://www.gearreview.com/4tentrev99.asp)
You might find something in your $ range.
You might be able to look at some MTN Hardwear tents at Aardvaark outfitter in town too. Pricey but tough. :)
4eyedbuzzard
11-28-2010, 12:20
Check through this 4 season tent gear review (http://www.gearreview.com/4tentrev99.asp)
You might find something in your $ range.
You might be able to look at some MTN Hardwear tents at Aardvaark outfitter in town too. Pricey but tough. :)
That's a pretty old review (circa 1999?) - Moss was bought out by MSR in 2000 or so and the Moss name was discontinued. But if you can find one of those used, you might be able to get a good deal. Mountaineering tents don't change much.
Yeah, the review was old so maybe they have changed some.
Anywho, heres a link to whats out there with prices for 4 season tents. (http://www.backcountrygear.com/tent/FourSeasonTents.cfm)
May be easier to narrow it down by price.
srestrepo
11-28-2010, 12:35
what does anyone think about the rei mountain 2?
http://www.rei.com/product/739354
or the REI arete asl 2
http://www.rei.com/product/794283
i've been taking a firm look at these tents for a while. i've gone to the store and set them up. they are at the outer limits of my price range, but then again i wont be doing any camping in serious snow like you guys get up in maine and NH.
i like the way that they look, they felt pretty bombproof at the store but we all know mother nature and a store are two totally different scenarios.
any input??
4eyedbuzzard
11-28-2010, 13:53
what does anyone think about the rei mountain 2?
http://www.rei.com/product/739354
or the REI arete asl 2
http://www.rei.com/product/794283
i've been taking a firm look at these tents for a while. i've gone to the store and set them up. they are at the outer limits of my price range, but then again i wont be doing any camping in serious snow like you guys get up in maine and NH.
i like the way that they look, they felt pretty bombproof at the store but we all know mother nature and a store are two totally different scenarios.
any input??
I solved that problem by not going off into the woods when a storm is coming or it's going to snow ;) :o
Biggest issue I have with many 2 man tents is that they are barely big enough for two "friendly" people and at exactly 6' tall even I have length issues with some. When I'm not just going solo with a tarp, I have a 3 season 3 man tent that for the extra 1/2 to 1 lb over the 2 man model actually has enough room for two + gear.
srestrepo
11-28-2010, 13:59
sorry, maybe i should clarify. the two tents mentioned above are for me only. so this i feel would be the ideal tent for that situation and maybe even for another person in a bind or something.
4eyedbuzzard
11-28-2010, 14:02
sorry, maybe i should clarify. the two tents mentioned above are for me only. so this i feel would be the ideal tent for that situation and maybe even for another person in a bind or something.
Yeah, "two man tents" are usually perfect for one person. No sarcasm intended.
skinewmexico
11-28-2010, 14:56
I think the Scarp 2 would be cool, just because you can get a mesh liner for summer. And I'd look at Exped Downmats for winter.
Do note that the Fury and many other "2 man" tents are a pretty tight fit for two people. I would prefer a "2+" or 3 man tent for 2 people even if it weighs a bit more. Plus, if you are hiking / camping up here Nov through Feb you know how few hours of daylight we have. Sometimes you can wind up spending a lot of time in the tent. It's really nice to have that little extra room.
I am considering buying the 3 person tent now for the added room. I would hate to be stuffed in my tent due to weather conditions and feel like I have no room to do anything. With my hammock tent, I could just roll it up into the snakeskins and just hang out under the tarp. Plenty of room and protection fromthe elements.
4eyedbuzzard
11-28-2010, 16:20
I am considering buying the 3 person tent now for the added room. I would hate to be stuffed in my tent due to weather conditions and feel like I have no room to do anything. With my hammock tent, I could just roll it up into the snakeskins and just hang out under the tarp. Plenty of room and protection fromthe elements.
FWIW, I had enough room in my 2 man when hiking alone - didn't need any more for solo use. Either way, 2 or 3 man, you're likely looking at 6 to 8 pounds packed weight though unless you go the tarp tent or tunnel tent route which are lighter. The 3 man tents are usually about 8" to 10" wider and 6" longer than the 2 man versions, and 3/4 to 1 lb heavier, but check all the manufacturers specs before buying.
Always best to check them out in person and crawl in and out, sit up to check height, check the vestibule, doors, etc to see if you like them before buying. And always go through the pitching process before buying. Some tents are a real PIA to set up, like actually using the thing was an afterthought by the designers.
canoehead
11-28-2010, 16:26
I am selling a bomber 4 season Eureka tent good deal for $300.00..Check it out..
http://www.tekoamountainoutdoors.com/gear_for_sale
Where can I buy one of those down mats? Also what are the tunnel tents like? Who makes those?
burntoutphilosopher
11-28-2010, 17:33
http://www.rei.com/product/780362
i have one never used outside full length you can have for 100$
i used the original a lot, when the new model came out Bo at exped offered to upgrade mine for free, but i'm just not out in the extreme cold anymore. so it's been blown up at my house but never camped on or taken outside.
Try this site,
Great tents IMHO.
http://warmlite.com/products-page/tents
what are the tunnel tents like? Who makes those?
Tunnel tents have two to four poles that don't intersect each other. Pretty much like the Longhouses the Iroquois used to make .
Most European brands have them (Exped/Terra Nova/ Hilleberg /Vango to name some)
Often used in Alpine or Arctic regions.
The MSR Skinny is a minimalistic version of one.
They offer more usable space for weight than most if not all other designs , however you need to set them up with the correct tension to get the most out of them.
Generally you set them up with an integral pitch (inner and fly together)
Franco
The Warmlites are a type of tunnel tent. Jack Stephenson was in fact inspired by some native Indian designs to come up with the still current versions in the late 50's , well before a certain European brand.
Franco