Author Topic: Tents  (Read 20392 times)

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Offline Seel

Tents
« on: July 28, 2006, 06:34:08 am »
I'm sure this topic has been discussed many times in the past however; I haven't seen any of it.

What tent are you using on your extended trips (10+ days)? I'm looking for a lightweight, double wall, free-standing, 1+ person tent to pack on a BOB Trailer.

There are many choices out there; just interested in what your experiences have been.

Thanks everyone for your input!Text


Offline TwoWheeledExplorer

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Tents
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2006, 10:56:20 am »
I've been using the same LL Bean/Eureka Timberline 2 person tent for the past 23 years and all I have ever had to do is replace 1 zipper. It's served me well in ME, VT, NH, my native New York, PA, plus hard service in Wisconsin, and here in Minnesota, backpacking, canoeing as well as bike-packing. I suppose the main reason I have not replaced it was it also served as my home during a month of mountain bike touring in NW Russia 9 years ago, and may do it again in '07. Maybe it is finally time to retire the oldie but goodie....then again, maybe not. It's still weather resistant, solid and has metal clips where the newer ones are plastic. I think it was one of the best 100 bucks I ever spent.

Ride safe,
Hans

Minnesota Backcountry Trails
www.wintersnowtrails.org

This message was edited by Trailpatrol on 7-30-06 @ 6:59 AM
2WX: The Two-Wheeled Explorer
www.twowheeledexplorer.org
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Offline wanderingwheel

Tents
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2006, 12:57:31 pm »
I think you're looking in the right direction, but I would consider going with a slighlty larger tent.  2-man tents don't weigh that much more than a 1-man tent and offer much more room for both you and you're gear.  I am especially fond of the extra headroom in 2-man tents.  For me, 1-man tents don't offer any advantage over bivy sacks.

My other requirement when I was shopping for a tent was continuous pole sleeves.  Yes, it takes a little longer to set-up, but the tent is stronger and there is more interior room.

My tent is a now old and battered North Face, I believe the model was called the Cirrus.  You can have it when you pry it out of my cold, dead hands. :eg:

Sean


Offline driftlessregion

Tents
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2006, 06:05:18 pm »
If you're tall, be sure to lie down in it before you buy. You can then take the dimensions to compare without actually seeing it. I love having a large vestibule to store things out of the dew but outside the tent. Check out the REI-Outlet site. Always bargains there. The Timberline is sort of like Reynolds 531 framesets: venerable, but lighter (if not stronger) tents are available.


Offline Peaks

Tents
« Reply #4 on: July 30, 2006, 07:33:31 pm »
1 person, double wall, free standing?  That's asking quite  bit.

Most lightweight tents require some staking.  Popular tents among thru-hikers include the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight and MSR Zoid.  

I suggest that you go to an outfitter and try on some different models to find out what works best for you.


Offline erniegrillo

Tents
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2006, 09:09:11 pm »
I've been using an REI half dome for numerous week plus bike tours and for a 12 day backpacking trip around Mt Rainier. 5 pounds, packs small, roomy enough for 2, double doors and double vestibules and it has stayed dry inside when it's dumping outside.
I'm happy with it and would buy another.


Offline Seel

Tents
« Reply #6 on: August 01, 2006, 06:37:15 am »
 :) Thanks everyone for your input; it is very much appreciated. I've been looking at the REI half dome and the MSR Hubba Hubba.

The MSR Velo would be great (garage for bike and trailer) if it was lighter.

Thanks again!

SEEL
(Slow and Easy Enjoying Life)

Offline JayH

Tents
« Reply #7 on: August 01, 2006, 04:01:15 pm »
Those are both some nice tents, Happy Hunting!  Whatever tent you buy, practice setting it up at home, seam seal the seams if you need to and enjoy!

jay


Offline scottm

Tents
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2006, 03:00:21 am »
Seel,
You may want to consider one of the new hybrid style tents. The Big Agnes Sarvis SL-1 is single walled in the foot end, mesh with rainfly in the head end. It is only 2-3 square feet smaller than many of the light two person tents, its walls are relatively vertical (so the floor space is usable/real) and it weighs in at only 2 lbs 12 ozs.

I bought one, but have not used it yet. My goal was weight savings and I plan to use it similar to your goals = biking with a BoB.

It is sold as being freestanding and appeared so in my living room. But that status is often questionable and it varies with the conditions.

In addition to the weight savings of the tent itself - be forewarned that your wallet too will be much lighter.

Last thing - I read reviews by other owners and they were highly favorable. I do not remember where the reviews were published, but lets hope they are authentic.

I won't have a chance to use mine extensively for several months, so I won't be able to get back to you with more feedback.

Good luck!!


Offline toetheline

Tents
« Reply #9 on: August 17, 2006, 12:19:34 am »
I bought the Big Agnes Seedhouse 2 person.  It has performed great for me and I can set it up in only a few minutes.  My two person tent weighs in at 3 pounds with stakes, fly and ground cloth.  It pack smal and fits into a light weight dry bag.
I prefer the two person, because there are times you want to bring gear inside.  I brought all 4 of my panniers inside every night.
The main body of the tent is all mesh.  I love this because the tent stays cool.
Good Luck


Offline Seel

Tents
« Reply #10 on: August 19, 2006, 08:52:49 pm »
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on tents! Reading entries on the other forums I gathered that weight of a tent and pad are not as critical as bulk. Someone said why save a pound or two and have to be holed up in a bivey for two days when you can have a two man tent and be able to sit up!

I think I've narrowed it down to the REI half dome or, if I get a bonus, one of the Big Agnes tents.

Thanks again!


Offline Peaks

Tents
« Reply #11 on: August 29, 2006, 06:12:20 pm »
For me, bivies are too small anyway.  But hold up for a few days?  I don't think so.  If the weather is that nasty, I'll bike on to the nearest motel.  


Offline adventurepete

Tents
« Reply #12 on: September 23, 2006, 09:03:59 pm »
I have used the REI Half Dome for both backpacking and touring and I have found it to be an excellent tent. I like the double vestibules! I can stow gear out of the rain in one and use the other as an entrance. It's a tad heavy but I like to have the room. When I backpack one of the vestibules makes a good dog tent...  

Hilleberg is a world-class tentmaker with very strong and light tents. They are double walled but the inner tent is attached to the outer tent, with the poles in exterior sleeves, so that when you pitch the tent the inner tent is never exposed to the elements. I have seen these tents all over the world. I have used them from time to time and they are bombproof. They are pricey but then they last forever.

Here is the link if you want to check it out.
http://www.hilleberg.com/Home.htm

Travel Safe.  Peter Campbell
Travel Safe.  Peter Campbell

Offline xcbiker

Tents
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2006, 01:21:41 pm »
The tent I've used on many tours is The Eureka Backcountry 2. Freestanding and with a fly that is ownly an awning on the 2 longer sides which I prefer while bicycle touring. I like to be able to see out of my tent at all times. A full fly prevents seeing out when tenting in town parks or church yards, etc. I've backpacked over 3000 miles on the AT & found full fly coverage overkill 99.9% of the time. A freestanding tent is a must for bike touring in my opinion. The basic REI tent is very similar to the Eureka Backcountry 2.


Offline litespeed

Tents
« Reply #14 on: October 11, 2006, 11:58:26 am »
I have always used the smallest tent that North Face made. I had a Canyonlands until it simply wore out. Now I have a Particle 13. I'm 6'2" and both were plenty long enough for me but neither let me sit really upright. But I don't consider this a problem as I've never been trapped in a tent by rain for an appreciable length of time. North Face tents are light, plenty waterproof, well made and easy to put up.
In Utah I met a Dutch cyclist with a Hilleberg tent. Very impressive - roomy and surprisingly light. But they are expensive - $500-$850. Still, I will probably buy one if anything happens to my Particle 13.