Backpackable tents

Gossman Knives

Gossman Knives

Edged Toolmaker
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Apr 9, 2004
Messages
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I've been wanting to get a lightweight portable tent to go along with my minimal gear set up. I have one picked out from Cabelas but was curious to what any of you use?
Scott
 
for dry weather, i carry a military style poncho to keep the dew off and for any unexpected showers. i have a golite bug netting shelter that i'm going to try out underneath it this summer...

i intend to get a 10x10 siltarp for wet weather, to allow me much more internal dry space to relax in and do projects in.

that doesn't really help you in selecting a tent though...:o

mapper recently got a new tent that looks almost as versatile as a tarp, but provides simpler pitching and probably more coverage compared to several tarp setups.
 
I think that dollar for dollar Kelty is a good value. If there is a Sportsman's Warehouse or REI nearby they may some on sale. I just replaced an older one this year with new one that cost me around $100.
 
All of my tents are older models (Mtn Hardwear, Moss) so they don't relate much to anything made today.

I would like to have a lighter tent and the Six Moons Lunar Duo is at the top my list, though I've also considered a Tarptent. In a more mainstream brand I'd look at Big Anges.
 
I really like my Sierra Designs Lightning 2 for a lightweight two person backpacking tent. I got mine a couple of years ago, but you can still find several sites that offer them at a BIG discount. I believe it was a Backpacker Magazine "best choice" award winner.

Jeff
 
I've got a three season North Face Bull Frog (or is is a Big Frog, can't remember), it looks similar to this one here:

TNF_Tadpole_23.jpg


I bought it 1991 and it's still going strong. The North Face replaced this model with the "Bull Frog 23" which was replaced by the "Tadpole 23" (shown above). This new model has a lot of mesh panels on the roof, the original Bull Frog did not, which made it more of a true 3-4 season tent.

TNF_Tent_VE25.jpg


I also have a four season Expedition-25, which is a great tent, but a bit heavy for hiking, I generally use it for late fall camping or winter camping when there is not enough snow to build a snow shelter.

I don't think you can go wrong with a North Face tent, they are a bit pricey, but very well made and they have a great warranty.
 
I have a Golite Hex 3 and REI Gimme Shelter both pack up small and are light.

I have a North Face Tadpole 23 that is slightly larger and heavier but amazing in rainy weather.
 
Well... for my light weight tent... I got some left over Tyvek from a guy working on a house near where I live and made a bivy out of it. Works well as long as it doesn't pour buckets. Very light.

For winter thou I always carry one of my two four season tents. Both are EMS.
 
Talfuchre said:
http://www.rei.com/product/761893

Wait for a sale or a sidewalk sale. It got Backpacker's Editor's choice this year.

If you don't care about weight check out their 1/2 dome.

TF
Click to expand...

+1

I've got the T2 and I love it so far. Can be set up with just Fly & footprint for less than 2 lbs, not ultra-light, but a solid 'house on the back' for just about any situation you are bound to encounter outside of winter camping. What's innovative about it is the poles. It has a hubbed pole set up with 1 full length pole and 2 poles at 3/4 length. What this allows is for the side poles to stop at the top of the tent and not go all the way back to the ground. This provides vertical sides to the tent! and plenty of headroom and of course cuts down on weight. I am a big guy and the 1 person is just too small, i rub the side when just laying down. The 2 person provides enough room for me to stretch out without having to worry about touching the sides and drawing in moisture.

I don't think you could beat a tarp for it's featheryness, but I have no experience with them yet. But if you want an actual tent, this is worth a look.
 
sorry for the repetition...but

campmor's Wenzel 3.5 lb, A frame...$29. Seal the seams...held up to 40mph winds.
 
When I use a tent, I use a Bibler I-Tent.

Most of the time, I either sleep out in the open, or use a bivy sack, with or without a tarp.
 
The wife bought me a Eureka Backcountry 1 :thumbup:

The Backcountry 1 is a freestanding solo tent that is roomy and well ventilated. The large side entry Race Track door makes it easy to get in and out while the offset door window is right where your head goes for excellent ventilation. Either end of the tent is mesh so you get ventilation and stargazing. Other features include a short pack size (15.5 in. x 6 in.), aluminum poles and factory sealed main fly and floor seams. Finally as an added bonus the Backcountry 1's muted green colors allow the tent to blend into any wooded campsite.

Main fly and floor seams are factory taped for extreme weather protection.
Race track door is big and makes it easy to get in and out of the tent. Freestanding Bathtub floor keeps seams taut and high off the ground for superior protection. Very small 15.5 in. x 6 in. pack size. DAC Pressfit Aluminum poles are light without compromising strength. Offset door window puts your head where the air is and lets you see what's out there. Combination clips and short sleeves mean fast sturdy set up. 2 mesh gear pockets for internal storage. Poles attach to tent body via locking pole tips and grommets for fast and easy set up. Large mesh panels for superior ventilation and stargazing. Side release buckles attach fly to body for fast easy set up. Flashlight loop, Tent, pole and stake bags included. Fire retardant. Import.

CAPACITY 1
Min Wt 3 lbs. 14 oz.
Pkg Wt 4 lbs. 4 oz.
Dimensions 8 ft. 3 in. x 3 ft.
Area (Sq. Ft.) 24
Int Height 3 ft. 2 in.
Pack Size 15.5 in. x 6 in.
No. of Poles 2 + 1 fly
Pole Size 9mm
Pole Material DAC PressFit 7000 Aluminum
No. of Doors 1
Hooded Fly Yes
No. of Windows 1
Gear Loft Optional
Floor Material 1.9 oz. 70D nylon taffeta 1200mm coating
Fly Material 1.9 oz. 75D Stormshield Polyester 1200mm coating
Wall Material 1.9 oz. Nylon taffeta 1200mm coating
Roof Material 40D Nylon no-see-um mesh
Netting 40D Nylon no-see-um mesh
Color Fly: Cactus Green, Body: Cactus Green, Floor: Loden
Style Rectangular Dome
Activities Backpacking, Canoeing, Bike Touring
Use 3.5 Season
Special Features Aluminum poles, taped seams, racetrack door.





23890_l.jpg
 
Has anyone used the Coughlan's Tube Tent?

J. Wayne Fears recommends them in his Outdoor Survival book, but no stores around here carry them.
 
I use an MSR Zoid 1.0. Too many insects and other wildlife around for me to use just a tarp.
 
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