Buy once cry once 2p tent?

[AH_703]

First elk hunt this year and I’m thinking I want to run a 2p self supported system over a bivy or something like a sky ULT. Seems like I will be able to have more uses for it all season or is it worth something super light and minimal cover for a September elk hunt?

 

[mountainman406]

Probably need more info to give a good recommendation….depending on state/elevation/use case you could be fine or it could be snowing already.

I’m a big fan of using a SO Cimarron throughout the year, I use it solo and with another person frequently. Having an inner nest is great for me and I have the option to use a stove if gear needs to dry out or weather is unpredictable (almost always is). Although it’s bigger than your desired 2P, they have smaller options that would fit the same nest and might fit your hunt.

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[CMF]

I've had great luck with Durston X-mid 2. If money were no option, I'd upgrade now to the DCF version(pro).
The only downside for the 2 person version is the flat spot it takes to pitch. But I've still pitched it in some crappy places, it just wasn't pretty. The vestibule space for gear is big enough that I can fit 2p and gear under the fly.

If I only hunted solo, I'd go for the 1p. It would be easier to find places to pitch. But I'm usually with the wife or kids. The minimal weight savings going from 2p to 1p isn't worth it for me to own another tent.

I did try a DCF tarp(Hammock gear) and Bora bivy on a sheep hunt last year. It saves more weight over the tent, but it takes longer to pitch and felt less secure if the weather were to get bad. It was worth the weight savings doing 5-8 miles and 4k elevation, but for 2-3 mile elk hunts, I'll usually just do the x mid.

What kind of terrain, miles are you hiking?
If you can only choose one, I'd probably go with a tent. If you're doing crazy mileage and elevation, I'd lean towards tarp/bivy/sky ult for maximum weight savings.

You said "self-supporting," and the x-mid is a trekking pole tent, but I've tied the ridge to trees or cut sticks for tent poles many times when I didn't want to leave my trek poles. And Fizan trek poles are only ~5oz. each.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Buy once cry once for me would be the Nemo Dagger 2p. It a true rectangle footprint and allows a little more room than other 2p tents without much if any of a weight penalty. I’ve been a huge fan of mine.

 

[LCguy]

I second the Seek Outside Cimarron or any of their tents

 

[DB29]

I have a Tarptent double rainbow that I like a lot for the purpose you described. Smaller footprint, double doors and vestibules, sets up fast and easy. Even with the liner added it is light and packs small.

 

[CMF]

Buy once cry once for me would be the Nemo Dagger 2p. It a true rectangle footprint and allows a little more room than other 2p tents without much if any of a weight penalty. I’ve been a huge fan of mine.

There's definitely a weight penalty. The DD xmid 2 saves 23oz over the dagger, and still has more room. You could add 2 Fizan trekking poles(11oz) for $70, still save 12 oz. and have $50 in your pocket over the dagger.
Since we're talking buy once. You could go for the DCF version xmid pro 2+, have more room, and save a full 2 pounds over the dagger, or 21oz if you include trek poles.

 

[Hussar]

I really liked the Argali Lemhi that I got to test this past September. If I was looking for a solo tent with the possibility of an occasional second person, I'd get the Lemhi with an insert.

If I was strictly going to be solo, I'd probably cough up the money for the DCF Rincon and insert.

 

[mtnbound]

First elk hunt this year and I’m thinking I want to run a 2p self supported system over a bivy or something like a sky ULT. Seems like I will be able to have more uses for it all season or is it worth something super light and minimal cover for a September elk hunt?

I have used a bivy and tarp for years, even into October, but after being in a few storms, I have opted to stay with a tent. I say a Durston X-Dome 2 or an Argali Absaroka or Rincon.

 

[Clarktar]

First elk hunt this year and I’m thinking I want to run a 2p self supported system over a bivy or something like a sky ULT. Seems like I will be able to have more uses for it all season or is it worth something super light and minimal cover for a September elk hunt?

Cimmarron for floorless or check out Slingfin 2p models.