1-2 Man Tent

[Airw4ves]

Hello all, I am looking at picking up a new 1-2 man tent for both solo/group backpacking, and possibly hunting later on (never been but wish to learn).
First off, I live in Alberta, and have easy access to the rockies in the Jasper area. The tent would likely see a good amount of use in the winter months, and will likely be used both above and below the tree line. I had initially started down the Bivy route, thinking this would be great for ease of pitching no matter where, and small pack size/weight, but after some research found that a majority of folks seem to find them restrictive and horrendous for condensation. Then my searching turned to a single man tent. This offers both the small size, but also allows for more liveable space should you be stuck spending time not sleeping inside of one. Through searching I found the Hilleberg Akto, which I like the size, design, durability, and colour options of but have seen many say they are great but have a dated design and sag horribly in the winter (which is basically 8 months of the year up here in Alberta). Then came the Tenttarp Scarp 1. Similar design to the Akto, but incorporates some great features to fix some of the downfalls of the Akto design. My only concern is the 30D Ripstop Silicone Coated Nylon material, and its potential lack of durability. This has prompted me to seek some opinions and insight from members here. Has anyone used these tents, or even have recommendations on other items I should take a look at. Any and all info will be greatly appreciated! I have also been eyeing the Kifaru Sawtooth, I like the design, and being 6'5" it seems like it would be a welcome change, but 1) not sure about the floors design and would like to see one in person before committing, and 2) the price for the tarp and a small box stove would run me over $1600 up here due to our shotty exchange rate (finding it hard to justify that much $ for a tarp and thin metal stove).

Thanks again, any help would be appreciated! I'm always willing to learn


Chris,

 

[jm1607]

You'll probably get alot of different answers but if you're looking for a true 4-season tent I think Hillberg is unbeatable.

If you're looking for a tarp there are many good designs for 1-2 people. Seek Outside LBO, Kifaru Mega Tarp, and Golite SL5 are good choices in that size. Sawtooth is pretty damn big and heavy for solo use.

Tarp tents are good tents but they are definitely 3 season.

 

[Airw4ves]

Thanks for the info jm1607!
Anyone have experience with the Paratipi? Would it be a better option for solo/potential 2 man use?
Looking back on it, I will agree that the Sawtooth does look quite large for a solo shelter. As for the tarps or paratipi, will they be able to withstand high winds, as I don't see any points for guy line attachment on the sides, like the Sawtooth.
Also was looking at the Supertarp as an option.

 

[LionHead]

The supertarp does have side guyouts. Punching them out makes a noticeable difference in the side-to-side room. It will drop the ridgeline a few inches in the back half but its not the area you'd sit upright in anyway.

the ST has worked well as a low-profile light-weight solo shelter with gear, I wasn't a fan of having to crawl in and out of It in the A frame pitch but for fair weather it has options to he pitched higher up. If you roll with 2 people its best If you're comfortable with that person it can get snug, gear outside is best with 2.

i just acquired a BCS2 and am on my way to post mine up on the classifieds PM me if your interested.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I would jump on this deal. http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2618322&p=1076165993&highlight=tent#post1076165993

$600. for an Exped Polaris 4 season tent.

 

[jm1607]

Thanks for the info jm1607!
Anyone have experience with the Paratipi? Would it be a better option for solo/potential 2 man use?
Looking back on it, I will agree that the Sawtooth does look quite large for a solo shelter. As for the tarps or paratipi, will they be able to withstand high winds, as I don't see any points for guy line attachment on the sides, like the Sawtooth.
Also was looking at the Supertarp as an option.

I can't help with the Paratipi, but the Supertarp is plenty big for 1 person, a little tight for 2 but doable.. Just depends how close of friends you are

Just to throw out another option, checkout the Bear Paw Wilderness La Garita 3. Very cheap compared to the others, but good quality. I have a Canopy 2 and love it, but I wouldn't want anyone sleeping in there with me..

If you wanted something very modular you could do the SO LBO base + vestibule for solo trips and base + base for dual trips..

 

[Tuscor]

Cant get better than Hilleberg for bomb proof in my opinion.

One man - Unna, Suolo, Akto
Two man - Janna, Allek etc

The only downside is they can be a bit heavy, but they'll keep you safe in anything.

 

[luke moffat]

I think you are on the right track with the sawtooth. Its bomber no doubt about it. If I had to choose between my Hilleberg and the Sawtooth the Sawtooth would be the easy answer. Yes the Sawtooth with a stove is a pretty penny, but you don't have to purchase the stove right away. A decent sized Hilleberg (like a Nallo 3GT or similar) is roughly the same price as the Sawtooth, but you will never have the option to purchase a stove for a Hilleberg down the road. Whereas after the initial sting of the Sawtooth investment wears off you can start saving up for a stove to put in it.

Atleast thats what I would do if I could only have one bomber 4 season tent.

 

[Airw4ves]

Thank you all for the great ideas and answers! I went and checked out the SO LBO and have only made this more difficult for myself. I seriously like the ability to have the mesh nest inside and the dual entry system looks great for those extra buggy times of year. My only concern is either of their storm worthiness in the ever changing weather of the rockies.
So far, I have come down to either the Kifaru Paratipi or the SO LBO. Price is pretty close too which is nice, and I have the ability to buy another brand of stove after I do some research into all the types and features (have zero knowledge of camp stoves).

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Another vote for the Sawtooth. Pic gives you an idea of size

 

[BroodBuster]

I've got a paratarp, an akto and a nallo3. I use and love all three of them.

I'll soon add a sawtooth to the family and like Luke suggests I'm pretty sure I'll wish I had purchased it first

 

[Lawnboi]

Thanks for the info jm1607!
Anyone have experience with the Paratipi? Would it be a better option for solo/potential 2 man use?
Looking back on it, I will agree that the Sawtooth does look quite large for a solo shelter. As for the tarps or paratipi, will they be able to withstand high winds, as I don't see any points for guy line attachment on the sides, like the Sawtooth.
Also was looking at the Supertarp as an option.

You will not be happy in e paratipi with more than yourself.

 

[Airw4ves]

Anyone know if the LBO can use the Cimarron pole? Also, what is the height of the LBO when pitched?
Also, is there a difference in material between the LBO and the Kifaru line of tipi's/tarps?

 

[camelcluch]

I have been looking at the 6 Moons stuff and very interested in those. Just adding to the dilemma, maybe...

 

[mtswampfox]

I have been looking at the 6 Moons stuff and very interested in those. Just adding to the dilemma, maybe...

Checked their site and looks like its stuck in 2012? With out calling now, sat pm, are they still in business? Looks nice

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

For comfortable 4 season camping I like the BCS, Cimarron or Sawtooth style of shelters. They're not ultra light and they're a little pricey but definitely worth the weight penalty and cost imho. Plenty of room for two with gear and wood stove and as long as you don't seal them to the ground condensation is manageable. Not to mention you can stand up to get dressed.

 

[camelcluch]

I think they are. They have 2015 reviews and the website was update this year.

 

[Wrongside]

My only concern is either of their storm worthiness in the ever changing weather of the rockies.

Airw4ves,

I'm also in Alberta and have be using the SO LBO since the day it was introduced... It's seen pretty much everything the Alberta Rockies and Foothills can throw at it in terms of weather. Storm worthiness is NOT a concern.

I also run a old style SO BCS, which is sort off a SawTooth style of shelter, and like it a lot. But it is heavier and has a larger footprint, so doesn't see as much mountain use since I got the LBO. The hybrid type shelters like the BCS and Sawtooth may need to be cleared of snow occasionally in a major storm, if you're not running a stove, but are otherwise very storm and wind resistant as well...

I've pretty much gone away from freestanding tents like the Hillebergs, much preferring the weight and flexibility of the LBO... but one thing I will mention- pitching the floor less shelters above the treeline, in our mountains, can be challenging and require some thinking outside the box...

Best of luck in your search for a shelter!

 

[LaGriz]

They have a used BCS in the classifieds. Slightly less room than a Sawtooth, a few oz. lighter at nearly half the price (used). Maybe enough to cover the cost of a stove? The BCS-2 has the stove jack in the middle of the panel with a door on each side of the stove. Similar to the LOB + vestibule design. Tent and even a lite stove would be as heavy as a four season tent. One shelter can be heated (versatile) one is not, hard to compare to Hilleberg but the weight and bulk of both should factor in to the desition. Sometimes a enclosed tent (with a floor) would be preferred. LaGriz