New Tent Options, any suggestions?

[scanbarker]

I'm looking for a new tent, and would prefer a lighter weight design with a floor. I currently have a Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2.1, which I've used for 5 years or so. It's a great lightweight tent, but it's a little short for me. I'm 6'4", and my feet and head touch the edges. Never been a huge issue, but I'm thinking there are better options out there. I've tried out the Kifaru Megatarp, and ended up selling it. It's a great lightweight, huge shelter, but I think I prefer a more conventional floored tent. I'm seriously considering the Sierra Designs Flashlight UL2. My only concerns are how well it will hold up under a consistent, stronger wind.

I want to stay away from the 1 man shelters, I've found them to be to small (especially if you have a dog or enough gear for a 4+ night stay). Any suggestions would be a great help. I'm pretty sure my current MH Skyledge is sub 4 lbs, so I'm looking for something in that ballpark, or lighter.

 

[RosinBag]

MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Person....lightweight, reliable and has stood up to several different weather conditions.

 

[Curtis C]

Tarptent has some good options.

 

[scanbarker]

Rosin - nice setup, a little more then I want to spend (from the quick google search). What I like about the MH skyledge is it's listed as a 2 man, but it's really a 1+, or 2 really small folks. I'm also looking for an integrated rain-fly. Something simple, holds up to wind and rain, won't break the bank.

 

[scanbarker]

Curtis - tarptent looks interesting. Looking at the Rainbow and the Stratosphere 1. Anybody have any experience with those? Looks like you can have a totally enclosed shelter, with some add ons. Is it a bit of a chore to clip everything together, or can you stuff 1 complete piece into your stuff sack, take it out, and set it up. How's the breath-ability, condensation?

 

[ChadS]

I have a tarptent stratospire 2 that at home sitting on my porch. UPS just sent me an email saying they dropped ot off. You kinda get both worlds with them

 

[RosinBag]

If you look around you may be able to track a used one down if you decide you want to try one out.

 

[Curtis C]

The rainbow is a 1 man shelter, if you like that shelter style and want a little room go with the double rainbow. I'd say the DR is a 1+ shelter, that will work fine if your taking the pooch and few extra pieces of gear to keep inside.

 

[pyroducksx3]

I like the tarp tent I have but with that said I'm ready to try freestanding tents. I have a copper spur 1 for solo trips, a 2 might work well fir what you want. Ill also be ordering a copper spur ul3 for when I go with a partner.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I have a tarptent stratospire 2 that at home sitting on my porch. UPS just sent me an email saying they dropped ot off. You kinda get both worlds with them

I have this tent too, perfect!

 

[Mmcan]

MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Person....lightweight, reliable and has stood up to several different weather conditions.

I have this as well and have really enjoyed it. But I have had no experience with it in bad weather. I've read a few reviews detailing how the tent failed to withstand big storms. Did you have any issues at all? Fully anchored and guy'd out?? Any more info??

 

[whitingja]

Another vote on stratospire 2. For the weight and room, can't beat it as a shelter with a floor

 

[castandblast]

Check the specs on the BA Copper Spur Ul1 or UL2 and watch for a used one in good shape.

 

[RosinBag]

I fully anchor, but only guy it out all the way if I expect weather and I haven't had any problems.

 

[Solitude]

BA CS UL1 has served me well

 

[5MilesBack]

Curtis - tarptent looks interesting. Looking at the Rainbow and the Stratosphere 1

I'm 6'6", tried the Copper Spur UL2 and it was too short. They list it at 90", but it's really only 84" inside. So now I have the Tarptent Rainshadow 3. Will be giving it a go this summer to try out. If it doesn't work out I'll be on the search again.

 

[MuleyFever]

The Tarptent Double Rainbow is an awesome tent. I love mine. It can be used free standing with 2 poles too.

 

[mtmiller]

I have a Copper Spur 1 and I am able to fit me the pup and plenty of hunting gear. It is tight, but works for me. That being said, I am 4" the other direction of 6'.


Last year I picked up a Black Diamond HiLight. More room and it has been my go to tent the last few trips out. If I could only have one of the two, it would probably be this one. Both have served me well.

 

[RustyHazen]

The Tarptent Double Rainbow may be just the thing for you, but don't overlook the Rainbow. At 23 sq. ft., that's huge as 1 man tent specs go. Many are 15-16 sq. ft. My hunting partner is 6'3'' and 225, and he has plenty of room for himself and gear. Both are great tents. Time-tested design. The Stratospire's have been very popular, but be aware they require trekking poles to pitch, or separate poles that up the weight from the specs.

 

[strictlyRUM]

I have the BA CS ul2 it is as good as it gets for one guy extended stay.

Check this out though http://www.theclymb.com/men/9594/men-s-big-agnes/show-product/108292?f=mi

Id like the extra room if it was crappy weather.