Let Me Pick the Brains of Some Experts! Tents??

[turtle fast]

Remember $175 budget... The Camel back is ok as long as you remember to clean it/disinfect it once in a while which is a pain. Easier to have two Gatoraid bottles and when gets to need a cleaning is a good excuse to buy two more Gatoraids. Yes I understand that drinking styles differ with these (Gerbil watering vs gulps) while walking.

[MuddyWaters]

Shop used, shop for light weight. OR get a SMD skyscape scout , 34oz, $125 , if you use hiking poles.

[restlesss]

I love my Six moons designs tent solo along with my ULA CIRCUIT BACKPACK

[Abner]

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-....html?forum=19 this link takes you to the gear swap for backpackinglight.com website. When you figure out the lightweight tent you want, go to this site daily, several times daily, and before you know it, the very tent, or one very similar to it will come up at used prices. But you must know what you are looking for. Also, you must act quickly.

[KnotHere]

Hammock info here:
I just switched to the Hennessy Ultra-light backpacker Zip and am very happy. My total setup weighs in at just over 2.5 lbs (hammock, tarp, pad, straps) so lets put to rest the notion of weighing more than a tent. Of course that will change by season and temps outside. If your nighttime lows are above 45* you do not need much for extra stuff to carry. You can pick one up from them for $150 without RainFly and either use one you have or like I did, make your own for dirt cheap.

What I am really liking about the hammock is how versatile it is, not just with setup locations but with seasonal weather differences as well.

[MuddyWaters]

Hammock info here:
I just switched to the Hennessy Ultra-light backpacker Zip and am very happy. My total setup weighs in at just over 2.5 lbs (hammock, tarp, pad, straps) so lets put to rest the notion of weighing more than a tent. Of course that will change by season and temps outside. If your nighttime lows are above 45* you do not need much for extra stuff to carry. You can pick one up from them for $150 without RainFly and either use one you have or like I did, make your own for dirt cheap.

What I am really liking about the hammock is how versatile it is, not just with setup locations but with seasonal weather differences as well.

Well it does weigh more that a tent because 1) you can get a tent like the hexamid that weighs 11 oz with netting, not 2.5 lbs. and 2) in cool weather you need an underquilt to keep warm from the bottom side, and that is another lb or so of weight.

Hammocks are great, mostly for pitch anywhere capability. But they are no where near being the lightest option, and useless above treeline. Tents can be very light, but need flat spots, sometimes hard to come by, sometimes have to walk for miles to find a suitable spot.

[Zipper]

I absolutely adore my Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo. It's just a little over your price range, but if you average it out over your whole hike, less than a dollar a day over. It's not free standing, but that wasn't a problem for me on the AT and I was able to set it up on a tent platform once when I needed to in the Whites by tying it off to the little screw eyes on the platform. If you're really tall it might not be as good, but it had so much room it felt like a palace to me, and I loved that I could sit up in it and keep the flaps open even in a light rain, so I could see out instead of being in a "pod" like you are with the Hubbas and Big Agnes tents. I often set it up with incredible views. I'll never forget laying in my tent at Abol Springs Campground with a starlit view of Katahdin and shooting stars falling over the mountain. Or waking up in my tent in NJ and seeing two deer and a wild turkey walk by. It's about 27 oz when you include the stakes and if you get the stronger floor. Good luck with your decision!

Zipper
VA-ME VA-GA '09

[KnotHere]

MuddyWaters:
Sorry for the lack of clarity, I'm not saying that ALL hammocks are lighter than ALL tents, I was referring to my particular set up vs my tent setup. I am in the same budget as the OP and that is my situation. I just don't think he should be scared off by the weight issue.

In addition I really love being able to lay with my feet elevated after a long days hike and I find a hammock FAR for comfortable than the ground.


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[MuddyWaters]

MuddyWaters:
Sorry for the lack of clarity, I'm not saying that ALL hammocks are lighter than ALL tents, I was referring to my particular set up vs my tent setup. I am in the same budget as the OP and that is my situation. I just don't think he should be scared off by the weight issue.

In addition I really love being able to lay with my feet elevated after a long days hike and I find a hammock FAR for comfortable than the ground.


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No argument, different strokes for different folks. There are some very affordable hammock setups too.

Im a stomach sleeper so I prefer terra firma. I also like open shelters, to be able to watch a sunrise from my bag, smell the dirt, and feel the breezes and the different smells they bring. It amazes me that so many people want to go out in nature, and then seal themselves off from it, because that is what they do everyday at home.

[KnotHere]

Man I would love to say I could cowboy it up because I agree with all those points but I hate critters and crawlers so I find myself at easy enclosed or off the ground.

Either way there are so many options and trial and error will get you everywhere.


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[MuddyWaters]

Man I would love to say I could cowboy it up because I agree with all those points but I hate critters and crawlers so I find myself at easy enclosed or off the ground.

Either way there are so many options and trial and error will get you everywhere.


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I believe the reason most people prefer fully enclosed tents is some kind of fear of the nighttime creepy crawlies. Tarptent type shelters that are very open on at least one side, etc allow you to have the open experience while still maintaining your refuge. They are actually a stepping stone to just a tarp. I use a full net inner when bugs are out, because me and mosquitos just dont get along, but its really great just sleeping with nothing but maybe a roof over you for rain/dew. Its great waking up and watching it raining and your dry and snug . I dont ever recall hearing of anyone who died or was even tortured by a night time creepy-crawlie. Although a few stories abound about skunks and snakes sleeping with people. Did read of a woman who woke up with a bear licking her face once, she ate pb&J sandwich before going to bed.

[Papa D]

Man - I would say a MSR Hubba or Carbon Reflex, but the $150 budget has got me - if you could stay in the shelter vs a hostel 2-3 nights, you'd pay for a Hubba but here is a link to an acceptable product:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eureka-Solo-...e#ht_796wt_907

[ScottP]

my personal opinion is to get a 6x10 flat tarp.

[Transient Being]

Lightheart Solo. Just got one and looks to be a great solo tent, two could fit. 27 ounces, but you need to get the tent stakes too, so it's a little more, and then add 5 oz. for the ground cloth. Still right at 2 lbs. and it's got more head room than most solo tents.

[Live_for_hiking]

REI Outlet: http://www.rei.com/product/812807/al...nt-special-buy . $104.00. <4lbs.

It reminds me of my old Clip Flashlight (still have that tent).

Edit: I think an even better option would be the Eureka Spitfire (about 2lbs). http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Spitfir.../dp/B000EQ8VIS . 100.00 to 130.00.

[MidlifeHiker]

I purchased the Hubba Hubba two-man tent by MSR at LLBean. There is also a one man Hubba tent. The two man tent is $329 and the Hubba a bit less. I am 6'-4" tall and it has plenty of length, an opening in each side and two vestibules. 3lbs, 14 oz. Certainly does everything I need it to and setting it up couldn't be easier with only one double-y shaped collapsible tension pole. Check it out.

[canman]

Hi everyone first post. I used a tarp for years and got use to it. I'm done with the bugs they won. I got a great deal on a Marmot Limelight 2P. A little heavy at 5 pounds but had it out once and I like it. Now for a pack that it will fit in. I hate having stuff lashed on the outside.

[Khike]

Hey Chuppa! Check out Henry Shires Tarptents! The Contrail, more room than any of them other tents. Lighter, mine weighs in at an honest 29 oz-with a plastic ground sheet!!!! 200 bucks. Can't be be beat. All those hubbas and bubbas are nice tents but they weigh a ton. Those Lunar Solos are nice and light but I never used one. Looks like along the same lines as Tarptents. This is my second tarptent from Henry Shires. First was a double rainbow. Real nice and roomy. Plenty of room in the Contrail. I can set it up in a minute. If you don't check it out-then one day you will be sorry! Sincerely, Kevin

[Khike]

Oh yeah, I'm 6' 5" and 220 lbs.

[lemon b]

I own and have carried several. Backcounty 1, Nirth Face Mira, regular old poncho with after market clips, piece of plastic with after market clips, they all work. The later two with practice. The first two get heavy on longer hikes. Next purchase for me is going to be a Six Moons Design since the old knees now require poles.

Have fun and hike your own hike.