View Full Version : best single wall free standing tent
1st - Merry Christmas to all!
2nd - I currently use a ems velocity 1 tent, while it is light & very packable I find myself getting tired of pitching it in crappy weather ( the whole rainfly thingy). I'm leaning towards getting a 2 person light single wall tent ( 2 person so I can keep my gear nice & dry inside).
So chime in and lemme hear your suggestions.
thx,
Jab.
I have a Black Diamond Hilite. Haven't used it on the trail yet but i will be in January. It's a snug 2 person, single wall tent. Roomy for 1 person ,Im 5'9 and there is plenty room for your gear inside. It's 2lbs 15 oz including the poles. Thats close to the same weight as your ems V1. The reviews said settup is a hassle, but after setting it up twice i found it pretty easy. I paid about $370. i think, more than i wanted to spend on a tent but i really think i am going to be happy with it.
BackcountryGear.com is advertising it on sale for $296. ....
johnnybgood
12-25-2010, 13:44
Have you looked at Tarptents before ?
The Double Rainbow has plenty of room for your gear.
www.tarptent.com (http://www.tarptent.com)
HeartFire
12-25-2010, 14:29
How about a LightHeart Solo - you can get yourself and all your gear in this double wall tent - no 'rain fly thingy' to have to deal with , it's all in one. depending on the options you get, 1 lb 11 oz, packs down really small. no condensation issues which you will get with a single wall tent.
http://www.lightheartgear.com (http://www.lightheartgear.com/)
generoll
12-25-2010, 15:06
check out the Black Diamond Megalight. it has no floor and requires a center pole, but it comes with a strap which allows you to double up your hiking poles and use them for the center pole. sturdy, well made and light. it does not breathe so that may be an issue here in the humid east. I use a piece of tyvek for a ground cloth so I suppose that should be included in its' weight. plenty of room for one person and gear. in rain you can pack up inside and then just sorta collapse your camp around you as you exit the tent and take it down.
Have you looked at Tarptents before ?
The Double Rainbow has plenty of room for your gear.
www.tarptent.com (http://www.tarptent.com)
I have the Rainbow (regular not the double) and it has plenty of room me my gear. 2 lbs. with poles and stakes and it's freestanding with your hiking poles.
Thank you Tim51, Johnnybgood, Heartfire, Generoll & Don H. for your input thus far. I'm looking at all suggestions & am now considering all new options.
thx guys/gals!
Jab.
StormBird
12-25-2010, 16:33
both tarptent and Light Heart tents are good choices for what you are looking for. :)
Is the Lightheard a freestanding tent or have a freestanding mode?
Ladytrekker
12-25-2010, 16:36
I am so with this thread I hate a rainfly but am concerned about rain getting into the tent when you enter and leave it and condensation I hear can be a real issue. I have been looking at the Moment Tarptent and am very interesed in the Lightheart with the awning. I really like the Montbell Crescent 2 because I really am shy about very small spaces, but I hear the door is tiny and rain comes in the door easily when entering or leaving the tent.
Leaning towards a pink lightheart awning. How would that look in the woods?
ChinMusic
12-25-2010, 16:42
How about a LightHeart Solo - you can get yourself and all your gear in this double wall tent - no 'rain fly thingy' to have to deal with , it's all in one. depending on the options you get, 1 lb 11 oz, packs down really small. no condensation issues which you will get with a single wall tent.
http://www.lightheartgear.com (http://www.lightheartgear.com/)
Nice tent but far from free standing as asked for in the OP.
Requires 4 - 8 tent stakes to set up.
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=137
skinewmexico
12-26-2010, 02:46
Freestanding? That would include some of the Hillebergs, wouldn't it? And they have the tent attached to the fly, so it all sets up at once. Maybe the Tarptent Scarp 2.
currently use a ems velocity 1 tent, while it is light & very packable I find myself getting tired of pitching it in crappy weather ( the whole rainfly thingy). I'm leaning towards getting a 2 person light single wall tent ( 2 person so I can keep my gear nice & dry inside).
keeping in mind that I am with Tarptent, based on your comments I would also suggest a Scarp 1.
The reason is that for about the same packed size and weight of your EMS shelter (you are happy with that...) you get a much larger double wall tent with 2 covered vestibules and an integral (inner and fly together) , Now for those occasions when you do not need/want the freestanding set up, then you don't use the extra crossing poles and you still have a shelter that stands up with 6 pegs .
(it stands up happily with 4 actually...)
I took this shot sometime ago to show what it looks like inside.
I am 5'7", the black mat is 6' long , the pillow is another 10" or so.
(you can get either the fabric (solid) inner or the mesh, or both.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Scarp%201/Scarp-1-HB-1.jpg
Pictures and specs here :
http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1.html
Having said that, the Rainbow is also larger inside than the EMS and can be freestanding with trekking poles.
getting the liner with this one makes it more of a hybrid (between single and double wall) than it already is having a full mesh vertical door.
Franco
[email protected] (
[email protected])
Im really liking the tarptents but can't decide on which one would best suit me.
Jab.
the tarptents are nice but the only one that is freestanding is the moment if you buy the extra crossing bar.
Actually, both the Rainbow and the Double Rainbow are freestanding as well when you use your trekking poles...
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Tarptent%20Rainbow/ttrainbowfreefloat.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Scarp%201/scarp1_1.jpg
oh.. i stand corrected, i didn't realize they had the trekking pole option too. Thanks for the info.
Single wall? Freestanding? Sounds like mountaineering to me.
Seriously, though, well designed freestanding tents aren't necessarily superior to non freestanding tents, unless you pitch them in the wrong place and need to move them in the middle of the night. All tents need to be staked in high winds. More poles = more weight. Of course more stakes = more weight, too.
When I was a tent user I shopped for tents with aerodynamic designs, good ventilation (especially when "closed up" for rain), a useable vestibule, sitting space, and a modest footprint. Quality, of course was extremely important. For cooler weather I bought a Hilleberg Akto. For hot weather I used a floored screen "bug hut" (REI now markets the model I bought, as the Bug Hut 2). With a silnylon tarp over it it makes a pretty nice summer tent).
Oh, here's a link to single walled mountaineering tents (with a new 2 person three season tent):
http://www.integraldesigns.com/product.cfm?id=7&CFID=131446&CFTOKEN=75630624&mainproducttypeid=5
I've loved my Black Diamond Firstlight over the last five years... heavy wind, snow and rain above timberline. It's handled it all well. Perfect solo tent if not a wee bit tight for two. I believe BD has upgraded the fabric this year.
You can see a picture of it in "View My Gallery"...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/brad300wsm/P1020075.jpg
BradMT how quick does your BD tent set up?
Relatively fast...no slower than any other tent for sure.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/brad300wsm/IM000093.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/brad300wsm/IM000597.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/brad300wsm/IM000552.jpg
Ha...I didn't even think of the Scarp...
Wow...a little behind there...I was still on page one of this thread...carry on...
well, after all the reading & researching (including the "moment vs. rainbow" thread) I think i will go with the rainbow....hoping it has enough room for my pack inside.
Jab.
ChinMusic
12-29-2010, 22:45
well, after all the reading & researching (including the "moment vs. rainbow" thread) I think i will go with the rainbow....hoping it has enough room for my pack inside.
Jab.
Let us know how you liked it. I do not have a free-standing tent at this point and the Rainbow is at the top of my list.
I just got a Rainbow and took it out for the first time Christmas weekend.
I spent the night in a howling snowstorm with very high winds. I'm 6'2" and had me, my pack, boots, and everything else in the tent with me and had a bit of room to spare. Cooked in the vestibule too.
More usable room than my Lunar Solo certainly and within an oz or 2 of the same weight.
ChinMusic
12-29-2010, 23:01
I spent the night in a howling snowstorm with very high winds. I'm 6'2" and had me, my pack, boots, and everything else in the tent with me and had a bit of room to spare. Cooked in the vestibule too.
More usable room than my Lunar Solo certainly and within an oz or 2 of the same weight.
I have a Lunar Solo so this review mean a lot to me.
I have a Lunar Solo so this review mean a lot to me.
I can get all my gear inside my Solo too but the only place I can put it is to push it against the back of the tent which messes up the pitch and causes the tent to sag if I move my pack very much.
I've spent more than 60 nights in my Solo and I like it ok but having spent just one night in the Rainbow I can tell I like it better. There's room to sit up straight from a lying down position and my pack has enough room to go beside me and still leave plenty of room for me to sleep without being cramped. The vestibule isn't quite as large as the Solo but it's big enough to cook under with it closed.
It's a really great design - I pitched it a few times before I left just so I'd know what I was doing and found it very easy to put up correctly without a lot of tweaking. I've been using my Solo for almost 2 years and I'm still learning tricks on how to get a better pitch.
Neither of them are as nice as the Lunar Duo though... That's my all time favorite. :)
ChinMusic
12-29-2010, 23:34
I've spent more than 60 nights in my Solo and I like it ok but having spent just one night in the Rainbow I can tell I like it better. There's room to sit up straight from a lying down position and my pack has enough room to go beside me and still leave plenty of room for me to sleep without being cramped. The vestibule isn't quite as large as the Solo but it's big enough to cook under with it closed.
It's a really great design - I pitched it a few times before I left just so I'd know what I was doing and found it very easy to put up correctly without a lot of tweaking. I've been using my Solo for almost 2 years and I'm still learning tricks on how to get a better pitch.
Neither of them are as nice as the Lunar Duo though... That's my all time favorite. :)
I'm a seasoned-vet with the Solo and agree that it can be hard to set up, especially when that last tent stake hits a big rock. You almost have to start over. I found a lot of rocky campsites out west. That is why I'm looking at the Rainbow. I like your report of headroom in sitting up. When there is condensation (esp frozen condensation) it's hard to avoid when getting up in the morning with the Solo.
I bring everything inside so the Solo's large vestibule is overkill for me. The Duo is a freaking castle.
I'm a seasoned-vet with the Solo and agree that it can be hard to set up, especially when that last tent stake hits a big rock. You almost have to start over. I found a lot of rocky campsites out west. That is why I'm looking at the Rainbow. I like your report of headroom in sitting up. When there is condensation (esp frozen condensation) it's hard to avoid when getting up in the morning with the Solo.
I bring everything inside so the Solo's large vestibule is overkill for me. The Duo is a freaking castle.
Chin - if you like the Solo enough to make it your go to single person tent I can pretty much guarantee that you'd like the Rainbow better. Everything I don't like about the Solo is not a problem with the Rainbow.
I feel blasphemous talking about my trusty Solo like this but definitely the Rainbow is a better single person tent for someone my size who carries the same amount of stuff as I do. I can't imagine you wouldn't like it.
It's also pretty easy to setup as a freestanding tent. I didn't spend a lot of time playing with FS mode but the time I tried it the only way I was able to get a tight pitch was to extend my hiking poles so much they bent in the middle from the stress - I would't want to warp my poles just to have a freestanding tent. The reason I bought it was because it has freestanding capabilities BTW....
Why do you prefer the Lunar Duo?
If you were offered a brand new Duo and a brand new Rainbow, free, which would you walk away with.
The Rainbow is a roomy single person tent - that's pretty hard to find for someone my size.
The Lunar Duo is a very large 2 person tent at just a tad over 3 lbs. If you needed to, you could get 3 people in it, with gear and still have more room than 2 people in most 2 person tents. It's *huge*, and only weighs in a just over 3 lbs.
If I could only ever carry 1 tent I guess I'd have to go with the Duo but I'll probably carry the Rainbow more. (I sound like a politician... :) )
Also, I haven't needed to deal with anyone at Tarptent but I've contacted Ron at SMD several times for fixes and custom modifications on gear and it's also a real bonus to get the level of support that's available for the Solo, Duo and SMD packs.
Point Man Chef
12-30-2010, 09:56
Hey 10-K,
Do you have the single or the double rainbow?
Hey 10-K,
Do you have the single or the double rainbow?
Single... ...
Point Man Chef
12-30-2010, 13:29
After much research I am about ready to pull the trigger on a Rainbow. I wonder if there are others out there that like that little bit of "extra" room that the Double has? I hike alone but my son comes with at times. I don't use trek poles and I carry an external frame pack. Like 10-K I am 6'2" and I like having ALL my gear in the tent with me or at least have the ability to have it there with plenty of room. It's just a "few" ounces more...so...with that said, would you get the Double? Is 2.5 pounds still a decent weight for a solo hiker tent? Thoughts? Help! I need to make the decision!!!
Rocket Jones
12-30-2010, 14:12
I have the double rainbow and I love it. Like you, I occasionally need the extra room and to my mind the minimal weight penalty is acceptable even when alone.
Point Man Chef
12-30-2010, 15:04
Thanks Rocket! Both the Rainbow and the Double can be pitched traditionally without trek poles right? Just stakes and line? I have been all over the TT website with my never ending "reaearch" but it is nice to hear from those here on WB that actually have the tent! I may go to poles if the kness yell too loud down the trail but hopefully, probably, by then I will be looking at another shelter. Thanks for the info!
Yes the Rainbows are designed to be pitched using pegs (5 for the solo , 6 for the DR) the trekking pole bit is something that can be done not that needs to be done,
BTW, I have made a mod to the freestanding bits for the DR , will post some pics soon.
Franco
[email protected] (
[email protected])
corialice81
12-30-2010, 17:40
Thanks Rocket! Both the Rainbow and the Double can be pitched traditionally without trek poles right? Just stakes and line? I have been all over the TT website with my never ending "reaearch" but it is nice to hear from those here on WB that actually have the tent! I may go to poles if the kness yell too loud down the trail but hopefully, probably, by then I will be looking at another shelter. Thanks for the info!
I have both the single and double Rainbows. My profile pic is the single pitched at Abol Campground in 08. Both excellent tents! The single is very roomie for me and my dog but the double is plenty big for me plus one.
http://cholladay.smugmug.com/AppalachianTrail2008/Appalachian-Trail-2008/DSC05044/1139690129_xJ2aY-S.jpg (http://cholladay.smugmug.com/AppalachianTrail2008/Appalachian-Trail-2008/15232561_Fz88w#1139690129_xJ2aY-A-LB)
http://cholladay.smugmug.com/AppalachianTrail2008/Appalachian-Trail-2008/DSC05171/1139703757_iZgH4-S.jpg (http://cholladay.smugmug.com/AppalachianTrail2008/Appalachian-Trail-2008/15232561_Fz88w#1139703757_iZgH4-A-LB)
http://cholladay.smugmug.com/AppalachianTrail2008/Appalachian-Trail-2008/DSC05280/1139722010_H9vBB-S.jpg (http://cholladay.smugmug.com/AppalachianTrail2008/Appalachian-Trail-2008/15232561_Fz88w#1139722010_H9vBB-A-LB)
Point Man Chef
12-30-2010, 21:04
Thanks for the pics corialic81! It's nice to see the tent set up in the "elements." It looks different for some reason with the beautiful backdrops!
Point Man Chef
12-30-2010, 21:08
Yes the Rainbows are designed to be pitched using pegs (5 for the solo , 6 for the DR) the trekking pole bit is something that can be done not that needs to be done,
BTW, I have made a mod to the freestanding bits for the DR , will post some pics soon.
Franco
[email protected] (
[email protected])
Hi Franco!
I emailed a week ago or so and didn't get a reply using the "contact us/me" button on the TT website. I guess I maybe got blocked with my domain name?? I was asking essentially about all the tents available that can be pitched without trek poles. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. But I think now I am going to order up the Double!! Thanks!
corialice81
12-30-2010, 21:09
Thanks for the pics corialic81! It's nice to see the tent set up in the "elements." It looks different for some reason with the beautiful backdrops!
You're welcome. :D LOVE this tent! Excellent investment. Only had a problem once when I lost the pole through the 100 mile wilderness...oops. Shelters all the way to Monson. :eek:
Point Man Chef
12-30-2010, 21:24
You're welcome. :D LOVE this tent! Excellent investment. Only had a problem once when I lost the pole through the 100 mile wilderness...oops. Shelters all the way to Monson. :eek:
I'm scared to even ask!
corialice81
12-30-2010, 21:38
I'm scared to even ask!
July in Maine + No tent = Eaten ALIVE by skeeters! :mad:
http://cholladay.smugmug.com/AppalachianTrail2008/Appalachian-Trail-2008/DSC05396/1139739344_5aeNi-M.jpg (http://cholladay.smugmug.com/AppalachianTrail2008/Appalachian-Trail-2008/15232561_Fz88w#1139739344_5aeNi-A-LB)
maybe clem
12-30-2010, 21:39
I have both the single and double Rainbows. My profile pic is the single pitched at Abol Campground in 08. Both excellent tents! The single is very roomie for me and my dog but the double is plenty big for me plus one.
Does the rainfly go all the way down to the ground? If not, have you had any problems with splashup?
I emailed a week ago or so and didn't get a reply using the "contact us/me" button on the TT website
Hi
I only see the E Mails addressed to me. Henry has been very busy of late (the office/warehouse is doubling in size and in the middle of doing that a storm hit the place causing power outing and some damage to the garage)
Franco
franco @tarptent .com
Point Man Chef
12-30-2010, 21:54
I emailed a week ago or so and didn't get a reply using the "contact us/me" button on the TT website
Hi
I only see the E Mails addressed to me. Henry has been very busy of late (the office/warehouse is doubling in size and in the middle of doing that a storm hit the place causing power outing and some damage to the garage)
Franco
franco @tarptent .com
Not a problem! Success is a good thing right? The storm, oh well, snow is pretty!!! I appreciate your response.
corialice81
12-30-2010, 21:57
Does the rainfly go all the way down to the ground? If not, have you had any problems with splashup?
No problems with splash up. The inside of the tent floor has hook attachments to the wall that creates a wash tub effect keeping water and debris out. Doubt that made for a good visual but I don't think I have a picture off hand.
Try to imagine the tent floor but it's not one dimensional. You have the option on the floor to have it fold up and clip in to the walls 2 inches or so off the ground on the sides. This prevents splashup. And on days it's not raining unclip and no you have more added room.
Hope this helps.
I Bit the bullet today & ordered my Rainbow, After reading that 6' 2" hikers fit fine (I'm 6'1") I felt a lot better. I'm probably gonna pitch it in the yard the day it gets here & play in it like a child. I'm gonna do a week on the A.T. in late April & I really want to get use to setting it up.
The whole reason I wanted another tent was that my current shelter (EMS V1) uses a seperate rain fly & I can't set it up with it already attached. So setting it up in rainy weather the inside of the tent gets soaked (making Jabber sad) before I get the fly over it.
Anywho, I think I made a good choice & i'll let you guys know what I think after testing it out... thx for all the help & input guys/gals!
:)
Jab.
BigGulps?SeeYaLater!
09-16-2014, 12:38
I just got a Rainbow and took it out for the first time Christmas weekend.
I spent the night in a howling snowstorm with very high winds. I'm 6'2" and had me, my pack, boots, and everything else in the tent with me and had a bit of room to spare. Cooked in the vestibule too.
More usable room than my Lunar Solo certainly and within an oz or 2 of the same weight.
16Sep2014
10-k, I'm debating returning my Rainbow 1p. Just got it and used it one night. On a high windy ridge, and even though I was bundled up like the kid in Christmas Story, I got very cold, due to wind coming in. Have you found your Rainbow to be drafty cold? Thanks.
BigGulps?SeeYaLater!
09-16-2014, 12:40
16Sep2014
Jabber, I'm debating returning my Rainbow 1p. Just got it and used it one night. On a high windy ridge, and even though I was bundled up like the kid in Christmas Story, I got very cold, due to wind coming in. Have you found your Rainbow to be drafty cold? Thanks.
Hi BigGulps?
The commonest problem with tents is condensation.
As you discovered the TT shelters, in particular the single wall ones, are optimised for 360 degree ventilation, that being the weapon against condensation (short of putting a stove inside the tent...)
You can minimise air flow into a Rainbow by pitching it low as illustrated at the start of this video clip :
http://youtu.be/Gv8Mxbpc1ac?list=UU0PuLUKvG7Fxxex5BMVK4vw
So you put the corner stakes close to the corner as well as doing that with the one on the vestibule and if you can , dig a hole under the pole ends so that they sink into the ground dropping the tent down.
Of course you could also take advantage of bushes or natural barriers around you if at all possible.
Inside the shelter, given that there is room for it, you could put your pack and spare clothing on the windward side to deflect some air flow that way too.