Light-ish 3 person (or 2++) tent options?

[Macintosh]

I have a nemo kunai 2person tent. It’s sort of a 3+ season tent, just north of 4lb all-in. I like it, but it’s too small for most of my use as I’m rarely solo. The tent is too narrow for two 25” sleeping pads at the foot, and there is no room whatsoever to bring any gear inside with 2 people. Looking to get a tent with room for 2 plus some gear and space inside—either a 3p tent or a very big 2person. This would get used infrequently, really only a week or two per year. About 50/50 backpacking/canoe camping and hunting, but mostly in pretty mild weather. A real snow load is a possibility but highly unlikely (and I have the kunai if needed), so I think a regular 3-season tent that can deal with some wind would realistically be fine. Ideally I would like the tent to come in below my current weight, but not clear how realistic that is.

What are my best options to look at?

 

[Big Sky Guy]

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 has been great for us. It’s 4.3 lbs on my scale with everything including footprint and normal rainfly vestibule. When we take the dogs we use the hotel vestibule which basically adds another tent without floor an with that vestibule instead of factory it weighs 5.1lbs. I’ve also used it in the winter when bugs aren’t an issue without the tent and just the footprint with rainfly, not sure what that weighs probably close to 3 but any draft really comes under the cap so has to be really calm to be enjoyable for me.

I think the newer version shaves a few ounces by using a different fabric. I’m a fan of freestanding tents as it seems there’s almost always at least one corner that is right over a rock negating that stake. Also not a fan of trekking pole tents because I want my trekking poles with me when I’m hunting. I could see those working if I was moving everyday and carrying camp on me but that’s not usually my style.

 

[Elkangle]

Check out samaya tents

 

[Macintosh]

Check out samaya tents

I will, thanks. Im not familiar with the brand—what sets them apart for the recommendation?

 

[Elkangle]

I will, thanks. Im not familiar with the brand—what sets them apart for the recommendation?

Weight to strength ratios and build quality... super high quality materials and designs for the intended uses

 

[TheM1DoesMyTalking]

Take a look at the Tarptent Cloudburst 3. Its quick to set up, roomy, easily under 4 lbs, made in the USA. Ive only had mine for a year but I have used their 2 man Tarptent Double Rainbow for over a decade and the Cloudburst 3 is just as well made.

I'd suggest picking up the 3rd pole to avoid sagging and the liner to reduce condensation drips. The picture below is without the 3rd pole or liner for a quick night in the backyard with the kids, but for trips with weather they are an improvement. Henry, the founder/owner, recommended the DAC 9.3mm aluminum poles over the carbon ones. You could size up to the larger DAC 10.65 poles for more wind/snow load capability for only a 2.5oz weight penalty.

Cloudburst 3 – Tarptent

With end to end useable space as well as front and back entrances, the Cloudburst 3 is a perfect minimalist tent for 3 or luxury for two.

www.tarptent.com

 

[effinalders]

I use an MSR Front Range 4 Person. It weighs around 2lbs. Easily fit 2 larger guys, never tried to fit more than that. It is a tipi style that uses a pair of trekking poles as the center pole. One could optionally purchase a floor pan and bug net, etc. for it, but I have never bothered.

 

[Matt5266]

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 3. Just under 3 lbs.

 

[Macintosh]

Take a look at the Tarptent Cloudburst 3. Its quick to set up, roomy, easily under 4 lbs, made in the USA. Ive only had mine for a year but I have used their 2 man Tarptent Double Rainbow for over a decade and the Cloudburst 3 is just as well made.

I'd suggest picking up the 3rd pole to avoid sagging and the liner to reduce condensation drips. The picture below is without the 3rd pole or liner for a quick night in the backyard with the kids, but for trips with weather they are an improvement. Henry, the founder/owner, recommended the DAC 9.3mm aluminum poles over the carbon ones. You could size up to the larger DAC 10.65 poles for more wind/snow load capability for only a 2.5oz weight penalty.

This is a single wall tent, correct, hence the condensation liner suggestion? Whats the liner weigh? And does it stay attached to the tent during setup, or? Curious from a general useability standpoint how the liner is to work with?

 

[TheM1DoesMyTalking]

This is a single wall tent, correct, hence the condensation liner suggestion? Whats the liner weigh? And does it stay attached to the tent during setup, or? Curious from a general useability standpoint how the liner is to work with?

Right, the Cloudburst 3 is single wall. When it's humid or rainy there are condensation drips and touching the wall can get things wet. It's a comfort and convenience thing and may not even be necessary depending on your environment and what seasons you're out in. I'm in the rainy Pacific NW.

I can weigh the liner later but the website says it's 3.9oz one place and another says 6oz.

The liner attaches to interior clips, easy on/off. If you're using the 3rd pole, the liner covers over the interior velco strap that secures the 3rd pole to the main tent body so I just remove the liner and fold it up separately but I suppose you could leave the liner in place if not.