Long Two-Person Trip Tent

[EnduroDoug]

For short trips we use my 14 year old Siera Designs Clip Flashlight -- cheap and relatively stout for 3 seasons (though the old model I have isn't quite vented as well as I'd like).

We're going the Hilleberg Nallo GT route for our extended touring. It's pricey as hell, but very light for the space, and the extended vestibule will allow cooking out of the elements, not to mention plenty of "front porch" space for our panniers.

MSR used to make a great looking bike touring tent that had a massive vestibule big enough to park the bikes. Alas, it's been discontinued and even seems impossible to track down online.

[dombrosk]

Based on MrBent's suggestion my wife and I went out to our locally owned outdoor store yesterday and set up the Big Agnes Copper Dome 3.

http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/CopperSpurUL3


Our immediate reaction was "wow" ---- what a nice tent.  Easy to set up, freaky light weight, two doors, easy sit up height.

We're in the market for a bigger tent because after about 10 years of solo touring my wife is ready to join in for a self-contained tour, and my little MSR Zoid 2 is really a one-person tent.  The amazing thing to me was that the Copper Spur weighs the same as my oversize bivvy Zoid.

Now for the price: $499 list.  Amazon has it at 20% off, and our local store had a 20% off Presidents Day sale coupon, so I'd look for paying about $400.  You'll have to look at your finances and how long you plan to use it--- but for us it was definitely worth it.

Thanks for the tip, MrBent!

[Tourista829]

Have you looked at the Big Agnes Big House Four Tent. Certainly not a lightweight at 12 pounds, if you share the load not too bad. Amazon has it at between $270-$300 new and free shipping. (not sure if you pay sales tax) I like the height at 68" and that for about $109 more you can add a huge vestibule that you can store your bikes in or have some privacy if kids come along. You can also get a matching foot print. I sometimes like to have lots of room and at 65 sq feet huge!  http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Accessory/TentVestibules/option/46

[James]

Looks like some great advice from others.  Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth.  I can tell you this for sure, if you find yourself ( and you will if you are out for long) on a day when you are tired, and its raining, and getting dark, you will appreciate a tent that is 1 easy to set up, and 2 has enough room for you and some of your stuff. 

Look for a roomy tent, that has a simple easy to set up design.  You won't care about a few extra ounces when you are cold and tired.

[staehpj1]

Look for a roomy tent, that has a simple easy to set up design.  You won't care about a few extra ounces when you are cold and tired.

Every one has different preferences in this regard.  Personally I find light weight to be much more important than sprawling space or space to bring in much gear.  When I carried a larger heavier tent I regretted the extra weight every day.  When I am in the tent I am either reading or sleeping and neither require much space.  I just don't find a roomy tent to be a big plus.  When I am cold and tired I just want to climb into my sleeping bag and go to sleep.  Not much space is required for that.

As far as gear goes I only bring in what I need to sleep, clothes for the morning, and my handlebar bag.  The rest stays in the bags on the bike.

[DebKirk]

REI Halfdome 2 Plus is the BOMB. This tent is a 2 person rig, but it has added length and girth, hence the Plus. The tent has a screen roof and two screen entry points on either side of the tent, so nocturnal potty trips do not disturb your partner. I think the tent was about $225.00 or so. We have slept in ours 3X and love it.