Tent/September Georgia AT trip

[TickPicker]

Here goes my first post. This place is great !! I am new to backpacking (never done it), myself and a friend are going to trek the Georgia section of the AT this September. I have been looking at the Marmot Eclipse (reviews say it doesn't take wind well??) and the Zoid 2 (just for me, my partner will have his own). I'm looking at them because of the room they have and the price. I'm not looking at investing a fortune yet.

Any suggestions

Steve (no trail name yet)

[Kerosene]

Both of these 2-man double-wall tents weigh just over 4 pounds and list for $200 (although backcountrygear.com has a 25% sale on the Marmot Eclipse (http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tentdetail.cfm/MA8900)). You're looking to balance capacity with cost, but you should also be looking to reduce weight. Six Moon Designs has a close-out sale of their Europa II (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=25) 2-man, single-wall, 2-pound tent for $175. I'd go this route if you have a sleeping bag with a DWR (durable water repellent) treated shell. The airflow is quite good, so you should only get significant condensation on a cool humid night. If that's a concern, their new Europa 05 (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=40) model uses a newer design to address such condensation but runs for $290.

[TickPicker]

I knew I didn't put enough info in :-) I have found the eclipse on sale for around 129 and the zoid 2 on ebay (don't know how long it will last. I'm in the 150 or less search.

PS thanks for the welcome letter Kerosene.

steve

[Lilred]

Here goes my first post. This place is great !! I am new to backpacking (never done it), myself and a friend are going to trek the Georgia section of the AT this September. I have been looking at the Marmot Eclipse (reviews say it doesn't take wind well??) and the Zoid 2 (just for me, my partner will have his own). I'm looking at them because of the room they have and the price. I'm not looking at investing a fortune yet.

Any suggestions

Steve (no trail name yet)

http://domsoutdoor.com/product.asp?pn=1-014205&bhcd2=1111773609

Check out this URL. It has the Clip Flashlight on sale for $90. Another good tent with lots of room.

[TickPicker]

Thanks Lilredmg.......it was the SD Clip Flashlight on sale for 89 but that still seems to be a tent with a good reputation and it fits in my budget for sure. Thanks again'


Steve
(from the land of the dimpled chad)

[Lilred]

Thanks Lilredmg.......it was the SD Clip Flashlight on sale for 89 but that still seems to be a tent with a good reputation and it fits in my budget for sure. Thanks again'


Steve
(from the land of the dimpled chad)


Ya I just figured out my mistake and edited my post. This tent was a huge favorite when it first came out. I'm thinking of getting one myself as a second tent, in case I can talk a son or husband into hiking with me.

[hikerjohnd]

Steve -

A tent can be a big investment (I know - I have invested in 3 in the last year) Each has its own function and I wouldn't trade them in. I think good research and planning is an excelent idea (an if yoru trio is in September, you've got time.) If you increase your budget slightly you can broaden your choices and lighten your load. Having said that - Have you looked into Tarptent (http://www.tarptent.com/products.html) products? Henry Shires puts out a quality tent and stands behind his work. Give them a look!

Welcome to WB ! :welcome