Looking for a 2 person tent...REI? Tarptent?

[MEHikerFamily]

Too many. I can't decide. Decision paralysis has set in.

That is exactly​ my issue.

Good stuff above, but one thing not considered yet is type of use. I'm a huge fan of Tarptent, but my style is to hike all day and then sleep. If I were going to hike a few miles, set up base camp, and stay there in possibly adverse weather with a nine year-old, I'd want a palace and would carry ten more pounds.

We tend to hike 10 -14 miles, depending on how difficult the hike was. But having something with some room is a desire.



So with that being said, I believe I am leaning towards a largish double walled tent. I am not overly concerned on whether it weighs 2.5 pounds or 4.5 pounds, but rather, having a small packed size would be nice (especially since I end up carrying some of their stuff). Having a tent that would comfortably fit an adult and a growing child would be nice too.

My first thought last week was the Quarter Dome 2. According to the website this weighs 3 pounds, has an area of about 29 square feet (peak height of 40 inches) and has a packed volume of about 825 cubic inches (assuming I am doing my math correctly).

So I suppose I am kind of using that as my base of comparison. As a note we currently have a QD3 and this gives us an area of 39 square feet which averages to 13 square feet per person when I am with both my boys.

So now I am looking at all the options Tarptent offers. I've watched videos and read the specs. It is my understanding that for the tents that require a trekking pole I could simply purchase a pole directly from TT. It seems that I could choose from the Double Moment, Scarp 2 and the StratoSpire 2.

This is the part where I am going to try to interpret the numbers and pictures and I may need some help.

The Double Moment can be set up without trekking poles. It's floor area is 26.8 sq ft which seems to be a bit on the smaller side (of the tents I'm considering). It has two entry ways on each side and it packs down to 353 cubic inches, which is considerably smaller than the Quarter Dome 2.

The Scarp 2 is another double walled tent that will fit two or more and does not require trekking poles. It's a bit heavier than the DM but also roomier with 31 square feet. It packs down more so than the DM (but really both pack down much more than the QD2). This tent also has dual entry on the sides.

Finally the StratoSpire 2 is the last double wall tent. This is a dual entry tent on each side. It looks like I would have to purchase an 8 oz alternate pole set in order to set this tent up. But it is even lighter than the Scarp 2 (which may not be the case if I need to purchase poles in order to set it up), has the same floor area as the Scarp 2 (higher peak height though) which can widen at the expense of the bathtub floor and packs down more than the Scarp 2.

The QD2 that I am also contemplating weighs roughly similar to the three TTs that I just wrote about, maybe even a bit less. It's area is 29 square feet which is a bit less than the Scarp2 and the SS2. It's peak height is less (which is an indicator of roomyness?) but rather importantly it packs down to 825 cubic inches, which is roughly four times the amount of the Scarp 2 and the SS2.

Do I have it about right?


Again, thank you so much for the collective wisdom of the board.

[MEHikerFamily]

So in trying to figure out why one would want to purchase each of those three tents I would say the DM is a lighter smaller option compared to the Scarp 2. The SS2 seems just as big or bigger than the previously mentioned two tents and is lighter. So would the SS2 be the no-brainer choice?

[Venchka]

So in trying to figure out why one would want to purchase each of those three tents I would say the DM is a lighter smaller option compared to the Scarp 2. The SS2 seems just as big or bigger than the previously mentioned two tents and is lighter. So would the SS2 be the no-brainer choice?

Probably. Don't overlook vertical walls and a rectangular floor. I'm coming from two tents that slope and taper in all directions from a central high point and have a single front entry. My priorities for a new tent:
1. Two side entry doors + vestibules
2. A rectangular floor
3. Solid walls
4. Vertical walls on at least 2 sides
5. Double wall
6. Consider weight after 1-4 are satisfied

I don't even look at square footage. You can have all the square footage in the world at ground level, but if the walls slope inward you can loose a great % of the area before you get to useful space. Usable area is what counts.
When I saw the first photos of the Double Moment I thought it was my dream tent. When the floor plan was finally released, I was disappointed.
Both models of the StratoSpire have always ticked off most of my wish list items. Huge sheltered volume. 2 large doors/2 large vestibules. Rectangular, adjustable floor & vertical walls. Tolerable weight. What's not to like?
For some reason I had always overlooked the Scarp models. Lately I have paid more attention to them. The Scarp 2 had a decent floor plan. More importantly, the 4 corner struts on both models provided at least 15" of vertical perimeter wall space. No inner tent roof or walls in your face. Likewise, there is ample perimeter low level venting to induce a chimney effect to transport wet air out of the top vents. Then Henry modified the Scarp 1 to add some extra useful floor space. Full on winter capability is nice as well. Heaviest, but extreme weather capable. Sturdy always comes with a slight increase in weight.
Packed size for all of these TarpTents is virtually the same. 16" or 18" long x 4" or 5" diameter. Not enough difference to worry about.
The Double Rainbow and Cloudburst 3 are on the fringe if I decide that a single wall tent will suit my needs.
Now I am really confused.

Bottom line: The StratosSpire 2 & Scarp 2 are toss ups on my short list. However, for my needs, the single person versions of each would be a better choice.

Wayne

[Lnj]

That is exactly​ my issue.



We tend to hike 10 -14 miles, depending on how difficult the hike was. But having something with some room is a desire.



So with that being said, I believe I am leaning towards a largish double walled tent. I am not overly concerned on whether it weighs 2.5 pounds or 4.5 pounds, but rather, having a small packed size would be nice (especially since I end up carrying some of their stuff). Having a tent that would comfortably fit an adult and a growing child would be nice too.

My first thought last week was the Quarter Dome 2. According to the website this weighs 3 pounds, has an area of about 29 square feet (peak height of 40 inches) and has a packed volume of about 825 cubic inches (assuming I am doing my math correctly).

So I suppose I am kind of using that as my base of comparison. As a note we currently have a QD3 and this gives us an area of 39 square feet which averages to 13 square feet per person when I am with both my boys.

So now I am looking at all the options Tarptent offers. I've watched videos and read the specs. It is my understanding that for the tents that require a trekking pole I could simply purchase a pole directly from TT. It seems that I could choose from the Double Moment, Scarp 2 and the StratoSpire 2.

This is the part where I am going to try to interpret the numbers and pictures and I may need some help.

The Double Moment can be set up without trekking poles. It's floor area is 26.8 sq ft which seems to be a bit on the smaller side (of the tents I'm considering). It has two entry ways on each side and it packs down to 353 cubic inches, which is considerably smaller than the Quarter Dome 2.

The Scarp 2 is another double walled tent that will fit two or more and does not require trekking poles. It's a bit heavier than the DM but also roomier with 31 square feet. It packs down more so than the DM (but really both pack down much more than the QD2). This tent also has dual entry on the sides.

Finally the StratoSpire 2 is the last double wall tent. This is a dual entry tent on each side. It looks like I would have to purchase an 8 oz alternate pole set in order to set this tent up. But it is even lighter than the Scarp 2 (which may not be the case if I need to purchase poles in order to set it up), has the same floor area as the Scarp 2 (higher peak height though) which can widen at the expense of the bathtub floor and packs down more than the Scarp 2.

The QD2 that I am also contemplating weighs roughly similar to the three TTs that I just wrote about, maybe even a bit less. It's area is 29 square feet which is a bit less than the Scarp2 and the SS2. It's peak height is less (which is an indicator of roomyness?) but rather importantly it packs down to 825 cubic inches, which is roughly four times the amount of the Scarp 2 and the SS2.

Do I have it about right?


Again, thank you so much for the collective wisdom of the board.

I have a TT Double Moment DW. It is wonderful! Both me and my husband are very large people and we slept like rocks inside with room for our packs at each end as well. Plenty of room to sit up inside and not hit your head and the double wall keeps 90+% of the condensation away from the walls anyway, so touching them is not a problem either. 2 big vestibules for boots and poles or whatever. Can be set up in the rain without getting the inside wet at all. Very easy and very fast. Just great tent all around and it can take some serious wind and rain as well, without a drop of leakage. Also, Henry at TT is wonderful to work with.