BEST Lightweight Backpacking 2P Tent Built for 3 Season Use?

[cornfedkiller]

I wonder how the x dom compares to the Kuiu mountian star? Trying to decide for myself as well. Durston is a bit lighter, Kuiu more tired and true?

I have an x-dome 2, my buddy has the mountain star. His setup is faster and easier, mine takes a little more time and effort. My tent has more room and is quite a bit taller. I can easily sit up in mine. His vestibules also pitch out further from the main tent, which he says makes it kinda hard to reach the zipper sometimes.

Never experienced any crazy weather so I can't tell you which one fares better there.

 

[littlebigtine]

Durston x-mid! I use leki aluminum trekking poles for setup and it is absolutely bomber and lightweight. Went through hands down one of the gnarliest storms overnight in october last season and it shook off 40+ mph winds on an exposed ridge like a champ. Snows no problem.

 

[grfox92]

I did a spring bear hunt 2 weeks ago with whatever Kuiu's 2 person tent was before the current model. It had the rainfly and tent all built into one.

Anyway, I am not recommending the tent since it's not available but just an observation that should be taken into account when looking for a backpack tent....

2 doors on either side so each guy can get in and out without crawling over each other. I see some models recommended open at the head which works too.

Vestibule size. I could barely fit my pack, boots and rifle under the vestibule. It was DUMPING snow the first night and in the morning, one side of my hip belt had got under the rainfly and snowed on all night.

I much preferred the Seek Guardian that I have spent most of my backpacking time in. I wouldn't want to use it anywhere there could be snakes, but I dont have to worry about that where I am typically backpacking,

 

[WyoWild]

Six Moon Lunar Duo is a solid option. The lightweight with sil-nylon floor is 3lb or the more durable coated floor option is 4lb. Nice and roomy for 2, will accommodate two 78x25 pads.

Lunar Duo Backpacking Tent

Backpacking Tent - Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Explorer provides unsurpassed space-to-weight ratio. At home either on trail, or at walk-in campgrounds, the Lunar Duo Explorer provides livability without compromising space or weight. At 45 oz - 1270 g the Explorer offers the most interior room of...

www.sixmoondesigns.com

 

[schur7559]

Anyone have any experience with the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2p? The specs look great but I don’t see it getting much love here.

 

[Mac308]

I've owned and ran several floorless options, as well as regular bathtub floor style tents. I own a Seek Outside Sunlight 2P which just pitches with 2 trekking poles(discontinued but similar to the Silex), the Seek outside Cimarron, Easton Kilo Carbon 2P (discontinued), and several from Kelty. It seems like the Nemo Osmo is almost a spitting image of my Easton Kilo Carbon 2P, besides the door is located on the side instead of at the head of the tent. But the have the exact same Pole Configuration. I love that Easton tent, but it's one that's advertised as a 2P and it's definitely not capable of 2 adults. I'm not a huge fan of floorless shelters until the temperatures drop because of all the bugs. Once the temps drop and it's time for a floorless shelter and a stove, they definitely have their place. The reason I say I'd like as light as possible while still maintaining performance is because ounces make pounds very quickly. Some things are worth the extra weight... Just trying to find a shelter that really shines, has minimal condensation, is lightweight and backpacker friendly, and will withstand the elements so I my gear is never the reason I come home from a hunt early.

Since condensation is an issue, I'd tend to stick with something double wall rather than single wall. And since weight is critical, DCF is your friend.

Durston will be releasing the XDome in DCF this year... I'd think long and hard about the 2P.

Another double wall is the Bonfus Middus 2P. With a 1P inner rather than 2P inner (you can get a solid inner which is what I'd do for a hunting tent). With the 1P inner it will leave a lot of open ground space for gear and cooking.

For a single wall, I'd recommend the Tarp Tent Double Rainbow Li. It handles condensation far better than other single wall tents (I have the 1P Li version). It's a really great tent.

I would also think the Hyperlite Mtn Gear CrossPeak 2 would be a great single wall, 2P choice.

Single wall 2P tents used by one person are less prone to heavy condensation due to greater volume, and both the Tarptent and Hyperlite have good venting.

There are lots of ways to do this. Really comes down to balancing all the variables in a way that makes sense to you. As was said, there is no such thing as "best." Everything is a compromise weighted on way or another.

Aside, "Nemo Osmo" isn't a tent, it's a fabric used on a variety of different Nemo tents.