First backpacking tent

[Where's Bruce?]

OK, my definition of a tarp tent is just a little different. I don't think that all tarptents have floors or nests. In fact, in my mind a tarptent is literally a floorless tent, but is not a tarp because the shape is more complex than a simple square or rectangle. Carry on...

I am referring strictly to the company (www.tarptent.com). Henry makes great products!

 

[BCBowtech]

Currently Im running with a Nemo Morpho 2p tent.. Pretty cool tent since it use's air beams instead of tent poles.. Packs up nice and is very strong and durable. Im looking at going a little lighter this year so probably going to buy a Hennessy hammock...

 

[DWinVA]

I ended up going with a Sierra Designs Lighting 2 UL for my first real backpacking tent.

God Bless.

 

[Rucker61]

You could go with a Go Light SL5 used.... and have Bear Paw Wilderness Designs add a stove jack sleeve to the nest/floor insert and take the floor when you want.....just a thought.

Definitely check out Bearpaw. I've got a Luna 5 with net doors and perimeter netting with a stove jack. Plenty of room for two or three; it's a palace for solo trips, and weighs around 3.25 lbs with modifications.

 

[Justin Crossley]

So im in the hunt for my first tent for backpack hunting. There are so many options and I dont know really of anybody locally that can give me any advice. So im looking for atleast a 2 person maybe 3 person since my girlfriend will be going with me from time to time and I want to have room for both of us plus our gear. Also am not quite sure if I want to go with and enclosed tent or a floorless tarp setup either. I know I will eventually want to have room in there for a stove as well. So like I said Im kinda lost because all of the options. Anyone have any sort of advice for me? Im hoping buy a setup and have it last me while hopefully.

thanks,
Trent

I think the SL5 would be everything you're looking for. You can use it with the nest. (floor and netting) You can go floorless by just taking the tipi shell and stakes. And you can also save weight by using hiking sticks for your center pole. Like someone else already said, you can have a stove jack installed when you're ready to add the wood stove. They are one of the most versatile tents I have used.

The only problem is that you'll have to find a used one for sale somewhere.

A couple pics of it setup.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I couldn't agree more with Justin. I had Bear Paw put perimeter netting, and I don't use the nest even with the kids anymore.

 

[1hoda]

Look at the Hilleberg line. Quality, bombproof and attention to detail. Like most things in life you get what you pay for.

Doublewall tents are nice for a lot of reasons but most important when you have to set up with the wet stuff coming down, the advantages of keeping your gear dry is a potential lifesaver if not just a huge convenience.

 

[AXEL]

Totally agree, if you can possibly afford it, buy a Hille. now, look after it properly and it WILL save you $$$$ over many seasons to come. For one person, hunting use in any conditions you will go out in, I would choose the "Jannu" first, or, for a lighter tent, a "Soulo" or an "Unna". I have a "Saivo" and had two "Soulos", still have one but have never used it as I use a tarp/bivy or the "Saivo".

No tent I have owned/used, Early Winters, North Face, Bibler, Blacks of Greenock, or several other of the big name mountain tents over 50+ years impresses me to the extent my Hilles. have. I also have two original single wall, Canadian-made Integral Designs tents and, IF, you can find one of these, used, in good shape, they are an awesome backpacking tent for one person.

I have had three Kifaru tipis, and a Chouinard Pyramid, may get a Seek Outside BT2 this year with a small Ti stove as in some situations, that is an excellent option.