lightweight tent

[hiddenmongoose]

Iv finally got permission to shoot a hilly area that will mean pretty much unlimited distances to shoot out to.Its a fair drive from my house so when I go I plan on staying 1 to 2 nights on the hills.when I get there I will be on foot for the 2 days so im trying to pack light.Im looking for a quality lightweight 2 man size tent that is quick and easy to set up.I want room for me(The wife sometimes!) and my backpack and not be too cramped.Bearing in mind il be carrying this sucker all day so lighter the better.Being in the Army i know all too easy how ounces make pounds and pounds equals pain.Any tents that you guys may have used and would recommend?

 

[SRSDriver]

Re: lightweight tent

Do you just need weather protection, or do you want a more 'fully featured' tent to keep critters out?

going bare minimum, I like to golite and kifaru 'tarp style'.

 

[hiddenmongoose]

Re: lightweight tent

more of a fully featured tent as opposed to a tarp or poncho is what im looking for,i know this will up the weight though

 

[HellsCanyonArmory]

Re: lightweight tent

Tarp Tents by Henry Shires are awesome and lightweight... google "tarptents" and it should take you to the site. The Stratospire 2 is on my wishlist for next fall.

Kifaru has some awesome options as well especially if you go with their lightweight stoves.

Other lightweight shelter companies that I would recommend are GoLite, TIgoat, and Hilleberg depending on if you are comfortable going floorless or not. I really like the fact of that Stratospire2 that you can go floorless or not.

Mike

 

[mjh30]

Re: lightweight tent

Take a look at Big Agnes tents for lightweight quality

 

[chaser_2332]

Re: lightweight tent

Big anges fly creek ul2 is worth a look I'm gettin ready to pick one up

 

[ckirkc]

Re: lightweight tent

if there are any trees in the area, my favorite set up is a tarp and and hammock (i have an Eno double with mosquito net) I have a plain 12' x 16' tarp that is surprisingly easy to pack. (i usually roll it up and strap it to the top of my ruck) it comfortably sleeps 3, with plenty of room for gear. I recently spent a couple weeks under it. I got pissed on pretty much the entire time but i slept well and stayed dry.
just run a length of 550 cord between two trees tightly and as high as you can, drape the tarp over that and secure the corners with bungees. done.

 

[geometro]

Re: lightweight tent

+1 on the Big Agnes, they seem to be making some nice tents: especially the Cooper Spur series.

On a budget, it's hard to beat a REI Half Dome tents. I'm just not a huge fan of their doors. Oddly enough, the footprint seems to be less durable than the floor of the tent itself. The Quarter Domes are also good, but I didn't like the pole structure as much.

Otherwise, I'd also recommend checking out the offerings from MSR, Black Diamond/Bibler, and Marmot.

 

[B3dlam]

Re: lightweight tent

http://www.rei.com/product/794296/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent

I have an REI Half dome HC and love it. The one I linked to is a 3 season tent weighing in at 5.5 lbs. I have used mine on some rainy weekends here in AK with no issues.

 

[Nukes]

Re: lightweight tent

Mountain Hardwear tents

 

[Boomholzer]

Re: lightweight tent

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hiddenmongoose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Iv finally got permission to shoot a hilly area that will mean pretty much unlimited distances to shoot out to.Its a fair drive from my house so when I go I plan on staying 1 to 2 nights on the hills.when I get there I will be on foot for the 2 days so im trying to pack light.Im looking for a quality lightweight 2 man size tent that is quick and easy to set up.I want room for me(The wife sometimes!) and my backpack and not be too cramped.Bearing in mind il be carrying this sucker all day so lighter the better.Being in the Army i know all too easy how ounces make pounds and pounds equals pain.Any tents that you guys may have used and would recommend? </div></div>

What is your budget, weight, environmental, and life expectancy? 2-person, 7lbs pack weight and self-supporting without only internal ballast only needing ground spikes can be had for relatively cheap. Like most things the performance/price is quite segmented.

 

[JC Steel]

Re: lightweight tent

the north face salamander 2 is pretty awesome!!

 

[Guy Montag]

Re: lightweight tent

Quick and easy = A Frame

I've used Eureka Tents for nearly 30yrs and their A-Frames are bulletproof.

http://store.eurekatent.com/timberline-sq-2xt-tent

 

[redhooker]

Re: lightweight tent

+1 for Eureka. I have also used their tents for decades, no others hold up as well IMO. Tough as nails, dry floor pans up to 8" deep, and in high winds some of the most sturdy designs. This model is under 7 pounds and I have seen for under $200 at a couple stores:

http://store.eurekatent.com/timberline-sq-2xt-tent

Bass Pro used to carry them as well and had some good prices.

 

[96C]

Re: lightweight tent

I have an MSR Hubba Hubba two man tent, it's unreal. Light weight and very tidy.

 

[rrflyer]

Re: lightweight tent

I dig my REI half dome

Plenty of room for 2 and packs.


It's not the taj-ma-tent by any means but works great for backcountry/couple day hike camping.


Has some ultralight setup options as well.

 

[canman]

Re: lightweight tent

I have a Marmot Limelight 2. Same basic tent as an REI Half Dome just a little lighter and better weather sealed. I had to replace mine and was going to get another Half dome but got the Marmot on sale. Both good tents.

 

[45.308]

Re: lightweight tent

Light weight and easy to set up with comfort? What you want is to be able to erect the tent from inside the tent, close to vertical walls for more room, and single wall. The door should not be attached to the bottom only but on one side, its a stronger tent and the door is not in the way. Vestibules are nice but add weight, a good add-on when the wife is with you for more room and cooking.

I spent my time, more than anybody here in a bivy / tarp, my fav and recommendation is the ID Silshelter, mine weighs in 12.5oz. Good for lightweight but not so good in comfort. Try reading, cooking and changing clothes in a bivy or tarp. Nothing like a good rain and wind sitting in a bivy sack.

Here is my recommendation and it is avail in Ireland. Light and easy to set up. I have been known to leave the poles at home and use it as a bivy sack too. Poles go in the inside so, when its dark and raining, just slide the tent over you, stick the poles in the corners, push and up it is. From pack to erect in less than a min. Walls are near vert for extra room inside, rain and snow also sluff off the vert walls.

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-eur/shop/mountain/shelters/firstlight-tent#techspec


If you want more room and open panel for star gazing. Especially nice for the wife with the room and view.

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-eur/shop/mountain/shelters/skylight-tent

The lightest tent on the planet is from Warmlite. I have a few nights in one of these. Super lightweight but a little more difficult to erect Vs the BD Firstlight; the poles are different lengths and go in either the foot or head end and have to be threaded in a sleeve. And they are not cheap!

http://warmlite.com/warmlite-two-person-tent

 

[hydewildman]

Re: lightweight tent

Check out the Nemo tents. I have a Obi 2P and the weight is only three lbs. Super easy to set up and so far pretty durable.

 

[tofst4u2no]

Re: lightweight tent

I'm really happy with my Kelty Gunnison 2.1

http://www.kelty.com/p-352-gunnison-21.aspx

It's not the lightest backpacking tent but at it's price point it's hard to beat. It's listed as a two person tent but it could be cramped if you tried to get two big people in it. The rain fly is awesome I've had it out in several very hard downpours and stayed nice and dry. If the weather is nice you can remove the fly and it has awesome ventilation.

 

[Dollman]

Re: lightweight tent

Been using the REI Quarter Dome T3 tent for a few years now and it works well for me. It weighs 4 lbs. 11 oz. minimum weight and is easy to set up for me. Some better tents out there but the price was right for me. It's actually is on sale now on REI website.

http://www.rei.com/product/827799/rei-quarter-dome-t3-tent

 

[Arbiter]

Re: lightweight tent

Friend of mine did the entirety of the AT using an MSR Hubba, and spoke very highly of it.

I went with a Sierra Designs 2-person lightweight tent that's really more the size for 1 person with lots of gear. It's nice and light, relatively easy to pitch, and comfortable...just not as good at keeping out moisture as I'd desire.

If you're bringing the wife and gear along, I'd be tempted to recommend going larger...look at 3-person tents rather than 2-person.

 

[George63]

Re: lightweight tent

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rrflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dig my REI half dome

Plenty of room for 2 and packs.


It's not the taj-ma-tent by any means but works great for backcountry/couple day hike camping.


Has some ultralight setup options as well. </div></div>

funny, I have a tent called the Taj

I gave up tents for 98% - use mostly all bivy sacks now

remember REI has lifetime warrantee

 

[Boss334OP]

Re: lightweight tent

+1 For the MSR Hubba-Hubba.

 

[Mayday]

Re: lightweight tent

I have a Tarptent Scarp 1 and am very happy with it. Easy set up and very lite weight/compact. Mine is a one man design, but they make many different two man designs.

 

[Cmonroe]

Re: lightweight tent

Black Diamond First light is a two man tent under three pounds that keeps the bugs out at 2 LBS 14 OZ's. But I do like a crazy lightweight poncho tarp at 7 oz's performing double duty.

 

[hendrixfan]

Re: lightweight tent

I have both a Go Lite Shangri-La and REI Halfdome. Been content with both. Always heard good things about big agnes and black diamond.

 

[Bunnypunter]

Re: lightweight tent

Own a Mountain Hardware Hammerhead 3. Freakin love it. Had it out in minter weather that hit in Fall and stayed completley dry and warm in it. It is also packable and lightweight. highly reccommend it.

 

[KM375]

Re: lightweight tent

check out the kifaru tarps, if I were hiking or walking a lot I would run with a tarp style tent, If I did not mind the weight I would go with a three season tent if its for summer, spring and fall.
I use a Sierra Designs MeteorLIght with the Rain Fly I have taken it hunting/camping for a week long trips for elk in Colorado and it did fine under 6-10 inches of snow in the winter and severe summer storms.

 

[-Nick-]

Re: lightweight tent

If only you didn't live in Ireland, lol. REI is great and their lifetime warranty is well worth it. Most of their tents can also be has with a footprint designed specifically for that tent. REI also has a lifetime membership program that pays you back dividends on all your purchase. I have an REI about 30 minutes from me, so if the OP see's something online and wants a more detailed look I might be able to swing by there and send a video of their tents...

 

[WillAdams]

Re: lightweight tent

Screw a tent !! Go with a Hennessy Hammock !!keeps your @$$ off the ground and dry & Warm !
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

 

[DoctorBen]

Re: lightweight tent

Mountain Hardware Viperine 2; cheap, quite waterproof, and I've used it quite a bit from bluebird starry nights to near monsoons, to rather unexpected october snows in the catskills. I can set it up in about 5 minutes by myself, it rolls well, has plenty of room inside for me and my pack, and if cozy, fits me and the wife with out packs in the vestibule; I don't know the exact weight, bit I remember when I made a table a few years ago that it was the cheapest, and near-lightest when you looked at actual trail weight; plus, you can bag the tent entirely, and use the rain fly and back-up ground tarp and stake that out just the same, making it about 2.4 lbs.

I can't set the tent up proper from the inside; tarp and fly, yes. But, I haven't needed to. If I was hauling along a large pack, rifle, gear, wife, her gear, I might look at the Hammerhead 3, but that's also just brand loyalty from good experience.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Re: lightweight tent

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HellsCanyonArmory</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tarp Tents by Henry Shires are awesome and lightweight... google "tarptents" and it should take you to the site. </div></div>

+1 on Tarp Tents. I own one and its the best "full featured" light weight tent I know of. It is a 3 season tent though, and keeps zero heat in. If your looking for a tent that keeps any heat (not really what a tent is for) then you need a double walled design, which is going to be much heavier.

 

[Infidel]

Re: lightweight tent

You're in Ireland? Have you looked at Hilleberg and/or Helsport, made in Sweden and Norway, respectively?

 

[WillAdams]

Re: lightweight tent

Did I mention DRY ?? Go w/ a Hennessy and never go wrong !!
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

 

[HellsCanyonArmory]

Re: lightweight tent

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Will</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did I mention DRY ?? Go w/ a Hennessy and never go wrong !!
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/ </div></div>

From the pictures I've seen of Ireland, trees may not be very abundant...

I've spent some nights in a hammock and they have their uses. But you still need to pack a sleeping pad with a good R-value to keep your underside warm. And not everybody is a fan of the wrapped burrito sensation that can be common in a hammock.

Mike

 

[George63]

Re: lightweight tent

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Will</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Screw a tent !! Go with a Hennessy Hammock !!keeps your @$$ off the ground and dry & Warm !
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/ </div></div>

always an Ewok or 2 around

 

[10generation]

Re: lightweight tent

+1 on the REI tents - great tents and good value. Unless you are doing serious backcountry time, and need to really cut ounces, I would recommend one. They also back them up forever. Unbelievable return policy.

 

[sr15match]

Re: lightweight tent

What about an offering from Karrimor?

http://store.karrimor.com/camping/tents

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Re: lightweight tent

I have the Tarptent Moment. 1.8lbs packed and takes up almost no space! With a Montbell down sleeping bag, it adds up to a sub-3lb shelter/sleep system. They make larger and more featured tents so perhaps give them a handed. Of course, the less it weighs, the less durable it is so you'll have to figure out how hard you are on gear and compromise on durability/weight.

 

[hiddenmongoose]

Re: lightweight tent

Thanks to all who replied and especially to 96c.I was actually issued a MSR tent(looks like a 1 man hubba) when i was in Liberia and Chad and it took savage abuse and held up really well.I hadnt even thought to consider them.I think Im going to get the Hubba Hubba and get the vestibule for when the wife comes along .I was up around the area today i plan hunting heres a few pics, terrible rain so it was hard get good pics

 

[DocBach]

Re: lightweight tent

http://litefighter.com/?page_id=6

we got issued these before going to NTC. The fly was an absolute necessary for us to create shade. Kind of a hassle setting up just to pull down since we had to move AAs every morning, most of us didn't really bother with them but as a personal light tent for backpacking it could be handy. Here's hoping its not on my hand receipt!

 

[mjh30]

Re: lightweight tent

Hiddenmongoose, that a nice part of the country, what county is that in?

 

[JohnnyC]

Re: lightweight tent

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HellsCanyonArmory</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Will</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did I mention DRY ?? Go w/ a Hennessy and never go wrong !!
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/ </div></div>

From the pictures I've seen of Ireland, trees may not be very abundant...

I've spent some nights in a hammock and they have their uses. But you still need to pack a sleeping pad with a good R-value to keep your underside warm. And not everybody is a fan of the wrapped burrito sensation that can be common in a hammock.

Mike</div></div>

A good underquilt will work better and pack smaller than a sleeping pad. Not cheap though. http://www.jacksrbetter.com/quilts/

 

[hiddenmongoose]

Re: lightweight tent

Thats Co.Wicklow, fantastic area

 

[KP '14]

Re: lightweight tent

Hilleberg makes the best in lightweight tents from experience. My father guides in Alaska and weight is most important on a sheep hunt. For brown bear the winds get crazy and these tents withstand the abuse. They're pretty expensive but we wouldn't go with anything else after using these.

 

[45.308]

Re: lightweight tent

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hiddenmongoose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks to all who replied and especially to 96c.I was actually issued a MSR tent(looks like a 1 man hubba) when i was in Liberia and Chad and it took savage abuse and held up really well.I hadnt even thought to consider them.I think Im going to get the Hubba Hubba and get the vestibule for when the wife comes along .I was up around the area today i plan hunting heres a few pics, terrible rain so it was hard get good pics

</div></div>

Nice pix, never been to Ireland but my mom and sister visited some.

Since you have used MSR tents and like it, good choice, but something to consider, I sold and used both in windy drizzly Alaska. The Skylight packs smaller with more room for about the same price and weight. In addition, about the time the MSR is laid out with the poles, the Skylight is erect. About the time the MSR is erect, I am in my BD tent, sparked some hot with my hanging stove and already comfy burning less effort and calories.

Good luck

 

[garey]

Re: lightweight tent

I also recommend Hennessy Hammocks. Best sleep you can get in the woods. Gotta find trees or big rocks though

 

[oinco]

Re: lightweight tent

If you want to "buy once/cry once" no question, Bibler (now Black Diamond) Awahnee. Will serve you well on K2 or the in the rainforest- Outfitted with the double vestibules it is more than suitable for an extended luxo basecamp imho.
The 2 full doors and single wall construction make it incredibly versatile. There are lots of very good mid-range tents out there too- MSR, Marmot, Mtn Hardware etc.

And what a beautiful place to shoot! congratulations.

 

[45.308]

Re: lightweight tent

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OinCO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want to "buy once/cry once" no question, Bibler (now Black Diamond) Awahnee. Will serve you well on K2 or the in the rainforest- Outfitted with the double vestibules it is more than suitable for an extended luxo basecamp imho.
The 2 full doors and single wall construction make it incredibly versatile. There are lots of very good mid-range tents out there too- MSR, Marmot, Mtn Hardware etc.

And what a beautiful place to shoot! congratulations. </div></div>

I think its now the HiLight Tent. I have used actual Bibler I, Eldorado, Bombshelter tents that are now Black Diamond and been updated to new high performance materials with new names. For many who have never been in a blow, had to carry a tent up 1000s of feet, had to erect tents in the cold, wind, rain, snow after a long day, for days to weeks, just do not understand or appreciate these tents. But, once used, they will understand.