Need some help on tent recommendations

drake7

drake7

FNG
Joined
Dec 30, 2013
Messages
60
Location
Bellevue, WA
In the market for a new 2 person tent. Been on so many websites reading specs and reviews and still not sure which direction to go. The brands I have spent a lot of time researching are Easton, Big Agnes, Marmot and Hilleburg. There are probably great brands I am overlooking but these seem to get the most press. Based on 1) quality, 2) weight and 3) price I am looking for some direction. I will be taking this with me on backcountry hunts. A 3 season tent is fine as I hunt primarily in September in Central Washington. Any help is much appreciated!
 
Do you care if it requires stakes or do you want true free standing?
Reason I ask is some of the UL tent's need stakes on the corners and those can't be used on rocky ground or sand bars. Personally for a "tent" I like you std rectangle X-frame. I know they aren't the lightest but they don't need corner stakes. When on rafting trips (sand bars) I just put a big rock in each corner to prevent wind gusts from blowing it away. I like dual side doors as well and it's nice to have a vestibule for gear storage under the fly. Something like the Mountain Hardware Drifter 2, North Face Rock 22, or Stoic Templum 2.1 are all good choices. But like I said, not the lightest.
Hunt'nFish
 
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Thank you for the response. Good questions and I should have been a bit clearer. Freestanding is my preference and a vestibule is a must. I looked into the tents you mentioned and they are all a little on the heavy side (as you pointed out). I am hoping to have the tent not exceed 4 lbs total (tent, poles, fly, footprint) Even less would be great as long as the tent is of good quality and functional.
 
I don't have as much experience as most here, but I picked up a GoLite SL3 a couple of years ago, and I really like it for 2 people. I leave the nest at home (unless I expect it to be really buggy), so the weight isn't bad at all. If you stake down the bottom edge, and guy it out, it stands up to weather real well.
 
I am a fan of the Big Agnus Copper Spur UL2. I personally own the UL1 but for a 3 season it is hard to beat all the way around
 
Question for the Copper Spur users......... can you pitch the poles & fly w/o the tent?
You know, like a floorless shelter. I see where some, like the Mountain Hardware Drifter, say you can. And I can see where that adds versatility for summer use where the weather is expected to be just fine but yet you want to be prepared for a evening shower. Tossing in the poles & fly, while leaving the tent at home, cuts the packed weight in half. During the summer, I frequently use just a bivy, but it's nice to know if your gonna buy a tent it can be used in different modes depending on weather needs. Looking at weights, the Copper Spur 3person looks like a good weight to size (going from 2p to 3p adds very little weight, while adding a lot of extra room). And it looks like poles & fly would come in around 2lbs if I left the tent behind.
Anyway, I'm just thinking out loud.
Hunt'nFish
 
I don't have one but from what I understand you can but I think you need the footprint (which is extra). They call it "Fast Fly" which is basically the fly poles and footprint and they list the weight of the "Fast Fly" at 2lbs 14oz. Look at their website for photos and more info.
 
"Fast Fly" is basically what I used a lot with my BA tent, much easier and lighter.

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On the second page of the classifieds there is a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 that hiflier has for sale at a very good price. I have no affilitation other than I have dealt with him and he is great. I have the same tent and highly recommend it as a light weight, three season tent. Great for one person but would be way tight with two but doable. I'd get the footprint so you can do the fast fly pitch.
 
Don't forget to check out the Super tarp from Kifaru. Perfect setup for what you're talking about. Plus it comes with exceptional customer service.

The Zpacks.com tents are really nice too and you won't find anything lighter.

One of the Tarptents.com tents would also be a great option.
 
Justin Crossley said:
Don't forget to check out the Super tarp from Kifaru. Perfect setup for what you're talking about. Plus it comes with exceptional customer service.

The Zpacks.com tents are really nice too and you won't find anything lighter.

One of the Tarptents.com tents would also be a great option.
Click to expand...

In a shameful sales pitch. the tent I have for sale would work great.
 
Thank you so far for the recommendations. Tarptents and Kifaru Supertarp look like great options and very light. Hflier I looked at your tent in the classifieds and it could possibly work for me as well. I will let you know after I get a chance to review any more suggestions. Thanks again. I am new to the site and it's great how helpful everyone is.
 
Think I saw the Big Agnus copper spur 3 man on steep and cheap this morning for $250 this morning. Keep an eye on upcoming deals on there, sometimes they put stuff on a couple days in a row.
 
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