Backpacking Tent

[jp0212]

I live in Arizona and have been using a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 for quite a few years. I recently sold it and plan to pick up something new. I am currently torn between the Stone Glacier Skyscraper 2 at 4lbs 4oz, or the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 mtnGLO (much lighter than my old tent). I plan to branch out here soon into Utah, Colorado and New Mexico for hunts, and I was curious what everyone thinks. I like the thought of the Skyscraper 2 being a solid CYA type tent for any situation, but I also like saving over a pound in weight. Additionally, I think the ventilation of the Skyscraper 2 is a little concerning for Arizona. I'm starting to think I should shell out money for both tents, but was curious what everyone is using? Thoughts?

 

[Elkfitness]

The big agnes copper spur is a great tent. Side doors and double vestibule.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jp0212]

Yup. I was running the Copper Spur UL2 for a long time. Recently sold it so I could upgrade to either a better tent or a lighter tent. I feel like the Copper Spur would cover me 98% of the time since I am pretty unlikely to face heavy snowfall on a hunt in AZ.

 

[ND_muley]

I'll be watching this closely. I'm looking for my first tent and the mtnglo and sg tent are 2 on my short list. I like the idea of having built in lighting right in the tent and it is still only 2 lbs 15oz.

 

[ks.snow]

I like my msr hubby hubba nx, but if I was to upgrade I'd likely get the big sky chinook 2P as it is a 4 season tent and exoskeleton design so you won't get the tent wet if setting it up in the rain.

 

[TBHasler]

Lurking on this one as well - interested to hear from peoples experiences. My biggest concern on this investment is the potential trade off between weight vs. durability. The 2P tents that are sub 3lbs are generally 15-20-30D materials. The tents I've researched with 50-75D materials are closer to 4lbs and up. For backcountry use, is there a significant difference in the durability of the heavier gauge synthetics? Again, watching to hear from those that know.

 

[jp0212]

I like my msr hubby hubba nx, but if I was to upgrade I'd likely get the big sky chinook 2P as it is a 4 season tent and exoskeleton design so you won't get the tent wet if setting it up in the rain.

I'm glad you posted. I had never heard of Big Sky tents until I looked them up after you mentioned it. Now I have another option in the running. Really like what I see!

- - - Updated - - -

Damn, in searching for Big Sky reviews I also found Tarptent. Really struggling now that I narrowed it down to four tents. The Stone Glacier Skyscraper, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 mtnGLO, Big Sky Chinook 2 or a Tarptent (not sure on which version). This is gonna be a tough one!

 

[Scrappy]

I bought the tarptent stratospire 1 last year after a ton of research. Its classified as a three season tent but everyone that has one agrees it is closer to a four season. As long as you have trekking poles it is a solid lightweight tent. I have no complaints after about 14 nights in it in Montana during September.

 

[Eric4]

If you use trekking poles, the new massdrop x-mid tent looks worthy. Massdrop: Community-Driven Commerce

 

[FishfinderAK]

We’ve been running the Nemo Dagger 2P for 4 years.
Couldn’t be happier!
Same design as hubba hubba but lighter and cheaper (st least it was)

 

[JeffRaines]

Lurking on this one as well - interested to hear from peoples experiences. My biggest concern on this investment is the potential trade off between weight vs. durability. The 2P tents that are sub 3lbs are generally 15-20-30D materials. The tents I've researched with 50-75D materials are closer to 4lbs and up. For backcountry use, is there a significant difference in the durability of the heavier gauge synthetics? Again, watching to hear from those that know.

Only you can really know what your intended use is... in my experience, I haven't had any issue with this lighter weight tent fabrics. However, I don't go to Alaska or backpack in in the winter time(although that could change soon). If/when I do start, I won't have an issue dropping the money on something burlier like a Hillie.

With that said, theres no reason to carry a tent that burly in the summer/early season lower 48.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm glad you posted. I had never heard of Big Sky tents until I looked them up after you mentioned it. Now I have another option in the running. Really like what I see!

- - - Updated - - -

Damn, in searching for Big Sky reviews I also found Tarptent. Really struggling now that I narrowed it down to four tents. The Stone Glacier Skyscraper, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 mtnGLO, Big Sky Chinook 2 or a Tarptent (not sure on which version). This is gonna be a tough one!

If it were me I'd go with more than one tent.

Theres no reason to carry the weight penalty of something super burly unless its actually needed.

Take what you need, leave what you don't.

If you need a floored shelter, I've had great luck with TarpTent(Stratospire 2) and a LHG Solo. If you use trekking poles, I'd pick them over anything using traditional poles.

 

[Westside]

Been looking at same thing, big Agnes has a newer even lighter tent tiger wall UL 2/3 that I keep looking at.

 

[camelcluch]

I’d look at zpack too. They have some good options.

 

[oldhorse]

I ran a Big Agnes Seedhouse 2 for several years. Worked just fine. Weight is 4+ lbs. After some research and time to get over the 'sticker shock', I bought a Zpacks duplex with the carbon fiber poles. Tent, poles and MSR groundhog stakes weigh 3lbs. If I'm on a backpack trip I can leave the carbon poles at home and just use trekking poles. If I'm on a hunt I like to use the carbon poles so the tent is free standing and I can still use my trekking poles. This is definitely a three season tent. I intend to go with a flourless shelter and stove for winter.

- - - Updated - - -

Floorless, that is. Damn autocorrect!

 

[tttoadman]

When ounce counting, it never made sense to me to have perm lighting in a tent. You have a light, and your phone is your backup. I would never justify a built in light. People do take portables like Luci lights. I can possibly see a value here because I could at least take it with me to work an animal in the dark or something not hooked to my tent. I put built in lighting in the GIF category.

Don’t discount the tarp tent double rainbow. That was always on the top of my list.

One option would be a nice 3 season like a CS2 and a Eureka down range solo. They are heavy duty with a 3rd crosspole for bad weather. These can be bought for about $120 if you watch for it.

 

[MtnOyster]

The Northface storm break 2 may be a little heavier than what your looking for weighing in a little over 5 lbs but for under $200 it has kept me dry when I though it was gonna be impossible now for 3 years, it’s been through storms I thought I would be electrocuted in for sure, no regrets at all and will buy another when it’s done.

 

[KitShickers]

If you run trekking poles, you might want to look into a tent that forgoes regular poles and uses your trekking poles instead. That way they pull double duty and save a few ounces. I run the Skyscape Trekker from Six Moon Designs. Weighs only 28oz and is a hybrid single/double wall. Pretty roomy for a 1 man. Haven't seen many mention it on this forum however. Zpacks makes something similar that is lighter but it costs more than double.

 

[tttoadman]

If you run trekking poles, you might want to look into a tent that forgoes regular poles and uses your trekking poles instead. That way they pull double duty and save a few ounces. I run the Skyscape Trekker from Six Moon Designs. Weighs only 28oz and is a hybrid single/double wall. Pretty roomy for a 1 man. Haven't seen many mention it on this forum however. Zpacks makes something similar that is lighter but it costs more than double.

My brother runs the Trekker. He likes it ok except he likes my Lunar Solo better. The trekker is totally awesome in early season weather. It is not great if you get hit with a snow storm. The lunar solo has a bigger vestibule space and only requires one pole. I can leave one pole at my tent, and I still have my other pole to pitch my spike tarp if needed on a hunt.

 

[KitShickers]

My brother runs the Trekker. He likes it ok except he likes my Lunar Solo better. The trekker is totally awesome in early season weather. It is not great if you get hit with a snow storm. The lunar solo has a bigger vestibule space and only requires one pole. I can leave one pole at my tent, and I still have my other pole to pitch my spike tarp if needed on a hunt.

Why so? Less condensation?

 

[tttoadman]

The trekker is symmetrical so you are splitting vestibule space instead of having it all on one side. It also has the long shallow slope on the nose that will lay down in a decent wind. The solo has a steeper wall pitch to shed snow and wind. These are our observations, and we have had them side by side in the Frank in November.