School me on UL tent options

Joined
Aug 11, 2017
Messages
3,072
Location
Florida
I’m looking to possibly pick up an ultralight (32oz and under) tent for high country Aug/Sept hunts, lower 48.
I’m interested tarptent, zpacks, and HMG right now. 2 person or maybe a roomy 1. Those with experience, help me pick one out. I’m not too worried about ability to hold snow load or anything but needs to be able to handle winds, rain and not get shredded in a hail storm.

I’m not interested in floorless/floorless with an insert, tarp set ups, or tipis. I’ve used and have them all, floorless early season isn’t for me and tarps aren’t either (for extended trips). I’m currently using a Niak which I love but wouldn’t hate shedding 2+lbs for some select hunts.

Can pay for advice with memes
IMG_0486.webp
 
I really like my HMG Ultamid 2 with a half nest, its my go-to now, but that's not what you want. I also really liked the TT Double Rainbow and I am considering picking up the LI version for a floored option.

Also, TT has been exceptional with customer service.
 
I really like my HMG Ultamid 2 with a half nest, its my go-to now, but that's not what you want. I also really liked the TT Double Rainbow and I am considering picking up the LI version for a floored option.

Also, TT has been exceptional with customer service.
The double rainbow li was the one I initially went to look at and still the front runner but then I saw how many models TT makes, way more than I thought. That's why I made this thread, realized there is a lot more options now across the board.
You know the weight on your HMG set up with insert? I really like the looks of their new free standing tent, cross peak 2
 
The double rainbow li was the one I initially went to look at and still the front runner but then I saw how many models TT makes, way more than I thought. That's why I made this thread, realized there is a lot more options now across the board.
You know the weight on your HMG set up with insert? I really like the looks of their new free standing tent, cross peak 2
I think it comes down to if you want a trekking pole set up or not.

My HMG with the stakes is about 25oz and the nest I have is about 10oz.
 
I own two Tarptents; Henry makes a high-quality product. That said, I also have a Durston XMid Pro2 and like it as well. For me...for one guy hunting in the high country, I would take either a TT Double Rainbow Li or a Durston Xmid Pro2. I still believe that tent sizing is n+1.
 
I own two Tarptents; Henry makes a high-quality product. That said, I also have a Durston XMid Pro2 and like it as well. For me...for one guy hunting in the high country, I would take either a TT Double Rainbow Li or a Durston Xmid Pro2. I still believe that tent sizing is n+1.
I wasn't really looking at Durston because I had seen several negative threads as of late but looking further, it seems it's only with their freestanding options. Double Rainbow is at the top of the list.
 
I wasn't really looking at Durston because I had seen several negative threads as of late but looking further, it seems it's only with their freestanding options. Double Rainbow is at the top of the list.

One thing I looked at carefully was the time factor: length of time to set up and to break down. For me it's about the same for the DR & Xmid, and it's hard to imagine a lightweight tent being faster.
 
Kind of on the borderline of your criteria but I love Nemo tents. The Nemo Hornet (1 or 2 person) is pretty light and mostly freestanding, easy to set up and pretty good quality materials and build
 
Tents are hard because there are just so many options and then so many set up and weather scenarios you'll just never have the perfect one. I've gone through 4 or 5 TT models and now have a MLD and HMG and still always thinking I need something else. I still think the Double Rainbow was almost perfect and now with the LI version the weight is low enough it's calling my name. Ultimately, with some research that gets you to a handful of options you can pick any of them and be mostly satisfied.
 
Tents are hard because there are just so many options and then so many set up and weather scenarios you'll just never have the perfect one. I've gone through 4 or 5 TT models and now have a MLD and HMG and still always thinking I need something else. I still think the Double Rainbow was almost perfect and now with the LI version the weight is low enough it's calling my name. Ultimately, with some research that gets you to a handful of options you can pick any of them and be mostly satisfied.
Agreed, you get below 2lbs and you are making compromises somewhere, likely several. Figured I’d ask and see what people have tried and what set ups had compromises they could live with vs not.
There are more options than ever which is good but at an average of $800-$1000 I don’t want to try too many 😂
 
I had a Notch Li last fall, great for weight but not for livability even in nice weather. It's basically a high quality trekking pole coffin and that didn't work for me at all.
 
I had a Notch Li last fall, great for weight but not for livability even in nice weather. It's basically a high quality trekking pole coffin and that didn't work for me at all.
And I’m the opposite. I’ve owned a Notch Li for about 5 years and love it. I use the fly as a tarp early season. To each his own :)
 
Back
Top