Sarcasm the elf
03-14-2012, 23:39
Hey kids! It's another "which tent should I buy" thread!:banana
I've been section hiking for several years and have been happily using a two man Eureka tent since I almost always go with a friend. I've wanted to buy a solo tent for a while, since the 5lb 9oz tent is no fun to carry when I'm by myself. I had had originally wanted to buy from a cottage gear manufacturer but I don't have the money.
Realizing what today is, I just checked REI's website and thanks to my REI credit card and the 20% discount coupon that should be coming out in the next couple of days I've suddenly got a decent chunk of money to invest in a shelter as long as I'm willing to buy one of the models that they sell.
My basic preferences (I'm flexible):
I section hike, mostly on the A.T. and am lucky if I see 25-30 bag nights a year including lots of weekends and a two or three week trip once a year.
My setup is lightweight, but not UL.
I really prefer double wall and free standing shelters, but since this seems to be all REI sells, this isn't much of a consideration.
Tent will be used 4 season, regardless of manufacturer's recommendation.
I usually hike with my 55lb dog who also curls up inside the tent. Would be cool if I can find a lightweight one man tent that can accommodate, otherwise I'll put her pad in the vestibule
Preferably durable enough for use without a ground cloth (with careful site selection)
I didn't post my dividend amount because I don't want advice based strictly on my budget, but cheaper is better if all other things are equal.
Based on internet only "research" the tents below look like they might work for my preferences, but I haven't gotten to play around with any of them yet. I guess my actual question is: For those of you who have experience with the tents below, or other solo tents they sell, which ones would you recommend I look over when I get to the store?
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 (http://www.rei.com/product/830977/big-agnes-seedhouse-sl1-tent) - This one looks great, does anyone have a review on how durable it is?
REI Quarter Dome T1 Tent (http://www.rei.com/product/827783/rei-quarter-dome-t1-tent)
Marmot EOS 1P (http://www.rei.com/product/762560/marmot-eos-1p-tent)
MSR Hubba (http://www.rei.com/product/810036/msr-hubba-1p-tent) - Though the floor dimensions might be small for my purposes.
Thanks for reading my rambling post.
I'm not looking to switch over to a hammock setup at this point, but I've been around WB long enough to know that someone will suggest it within the first 5 responses ;)
I've been section hiking for several years and have been happily using a two man Eureka tent since I almost always go with a friend. I've wanted to buy a solo tent for a while, since the 5lb 9oz tent is no fun to carry when I'm by myself. I had had originally wanted to buy from a cottage gear manufacturer but I don't have the money.
Realizing what today is, I just checked REI's website and thanks to my REI credit card and the 20% discount coupon that should be coming out in the next couple of days I've suddenly got a decent chunk of money to invest in a shelter as long as I'm willing to buy one of the models that they sell.
My basic preferences (I'm flexible):
I section hike, mostly on the A.T. and am lucky if I see 25-30 bag nights a year including lots of weekends and a two or three week trip once a year.
My setup is lightweight, but not UL.
I really prefer double wall and free standing shelters, but since this seems to be all REI sells, this isn't much of a consideration.
Tent will be used 4 season, regardless of manufacturer's recommendation.
I usually hike with my 55lb dog who also curls up inside the tent. Would be cool if I can find a lightweight one man tent that can accommodate, otherwise I'll put her pad in the vestibule
Preferably durable enough for use without a ground cloth (with careful site selection)
I didn't post my dividend amount because I don't want advice based strictly on my budget, but cheaper is better if all other things are equal.
Based on internet only "research" the tents below look like they might work for my preferences, but I haven't gotten to play around with any of them yet. I guess my actual question is: For those of you who have experience with the tents below, or other solo tents they sell, which ones would you recommend I look over when I get to the store?
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 (http://www.rei.com/product/830977/big-agnes-seedhouse-sl1-tent) - This one looks great, does anyone have a review on how durable it is?
REI Quarter Dome T1 Tent (http://www.rei.com/product/827783/rei-quarter-dome-t1-tent)
Marmot EOS 1P (http://www.rei.com/product/762560/marmot-eos-1p-tent)
MSR Hubba (http://www.rei.com/product/810036/msr-hubba-1p-tent) - Though the floor dimensions might be small for my purposes.
Thanks for reading my rambling post.
I'm not looking to switch over to a hammock setup at this point, but I've been around WB long enough to know that someone will suggest it within the first 5 responses ;)