Single Man Trekking Pole Tipi

[Benjblt]

Was so close to picking up the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 1 in combo with the bora bivy. I just couldn't bring myself to spend over $400 for a on-the-go/just-in-case shelter. The Borah Bivy is certainly affordable but I feel like there has got to be something more affordable than the HMG. i Know there a couple options for silpoly but they are 16 oz compared to the just over 8 oz of the HMG Ultamid 1. Anyone know of something that is closer to the HMG that is cheaper and closer to the 10 oz mark. I like the single trekking pole setup and I'd like to stay away from silnylon and anything more complicated than the single-pole tipi set up. This is exactly why I sent back the SG Sky Air ULT.

 

[Dave0317]

Man that’s a tall order.

I guess I can’t fully answer your question, but I will ask you one or two more that may help.

You mention this is a on the go/just in case kind of thing? Can’t say I’d be looking at a $400 tent for that at all. Since you mention using a bivy in conjunction, have you considered just adding something like the Borah flat tarp? You mention maybe wanting their bivy. A bivy combined with the tarp is pretty good option depemding on your terrain and conditions. I’ve almost picked up their 7x9 a couple times as a on the go/not horrible weather/glass tarp/ultralight shelter option. They say weight is 9.8 ounces.
Some will say a tarp can be complicated, my answer is to learn just one or two really good pitches and always use just that. Like a A frame or half pyramid for decent weather and a low diamond or “storm mode” pitch for windy rainy nights.

Any DCF product, even a simple tarp, seems to be in the $350+ range. I do not use DCF so I can’t say if that is really worth it or not. I have been happy with sil poly tarps in the past.

What tent or shelter set up do you use now or what kinds have you used in the past?

 

[Benjblt]

Man that’s a tall order.

I guess I can’t fully answer your question, but I will ask you one or two more that may help.

You mention this is a on the go/just in case kind of thing? Can’t say I’d be looking at a $400 tent for that at all. Since you mention using a bivy in conjunction, have you considered just adding something like the Borah flat tarp? You mention maybe wanting their bivy. A bivy combined with the tarp is pretty good option depemding on your terrain and conditions. I’ve almost picked up their 7x9 a couple times as a on the go/not horrible weather/glass tarp/ultralight shelter option. They say weight is 9.8 ounces.
Some will say a tarp can be complicated, my answer is to learn just one or two really good pitches and always use just that. Like a A frame or half pyramid for decent weather and a low diamond or “storm mode” pitch for windy rainy nights.

Any DCF product, even a simple tarp, seems to be in the $350+ range. I do not use DCF so I can’t say if that is really worth it or not. I have been happy with sil poly tarps in the past.

What tent or shelter set up do you use now or what kinds have you used in the past?

I've considered it. The single pole tipi seems easier and I like the fully enclosed aspect. My light set up is the double rainbow Li. It only weighs 2lbs. I'd like to beat that by a pound with a tarp/bivy combo, save space, and have the versatility of using just the bivy while still having the ability to set up quickly and anywhere. I know I can't improve a ton on the double rainbow but I'm partially doing this for fun. . but as you said $350 plus is a lot. I may look at a simple tarp a little closer though.

 

[Benjblt]

Man that’s a tall order.

I guess I can’t fully answer your question, but I will ask you one or two more that may help.

You mention this is a on the go/just in case kind of thing? Can’t say I’d be looking at a $400 tent for that at all. Since you mention using a bivy in conjunction, have you considered just adding something like the Borah flat tarp? You mention maybe wanting their bivy. A bivy combined with the tarp is pretty good option depemding on your terrain and conditions. I’ve almost picked up their 7x9 a couple times as a on the go/not horrible weather/glass tarp/ultralight shelter option. They say weight is 9.8 ounces.
Some will say a tarp can be complicated, my answer is to learn just one or two really good pitches and always use just that. Like a A frame or half pyramid for decent weather and a low diamond or “storm mode” pitch for windy rainy nights.

Any DCF product, even a simple tarp, seems to be in the $350+ range. I do not use DCF so I can’t say if that is really worth it or not. I have been happy with sil poly tarps in the past.

What tent or shelter set up do you use now or what kinds have you used in the past?

Do you think the 5.9'x9' is big enough? ( https://borahgear.com/tarps.html )

 

[Antares]

Sounds like your looking for DCF weight at silpoly/silnylon prices. That's not gonna happen.

Are you looking for an actual shelter for bad weather or just a tarp setup for nice weather/emergencies?

For reference, have the Borah tarp, several DCF tents/mids, and several silpoly/silnylon tents/mids.

An MLD Duomid in DCF is a lot of tent for the weight. I saw a used one recently for $400.

 

[Dave0317]

Do you think the 5.9'x9' is big enough? ( https://borahgear.com/tarps.html )

I think I could make that work. I would personally still pick the 7x9, just to be sure I have plenty of room for my pack and rifle or bow and that kind of thing next to me. A smaller guy with a dialed in minimalist kit could be very happy under the 5.5x9. I’ve spent many nights under a military poncho tarp which is roughly 5.5 by about 7.5. It’s a little tight but survivable.

The 7x9 would be my choice to not be too cramped and have room for rifle and pack. I have a 10x10 which is cool, but more room than one person needs and lots of material. Some people like a 10x10, but my next tarp will be that Borah 7x9.

 

[Bubblehide]

I have a old model Zpacks 1 man 2 pole enclosed tent, it's 19 ounces, bug, snake, scorpions. ..proof. They make lighter ones now. I can sit up in it, there is enough room to cook in it... I also have a Bora bivy and tarp, the Zpacks beats the Bora bivy in every aspect, including weight, volume, weather protection... for packing in, on the go hunting, I very much prefer an ultralight tent over a bivy, especially when weather (including wind) is involved. A bivy and tarp works, I know, I've done it. But that Zpacks 1 man is simply better. But I can now get a 50 inch wide 2 man and be 10oz lighter.

One consideration, is how many poles. On single pole tents, the opossing wall hits your head and possibly shoulder when you sit up in it. That is not a big deal in good weather, but condensation will get on you. In bad weather, it's a serious consideration.

 

[WstrnCP]

Seems like I am always playing this game as well. I’m 6’5 and a lot of the single pole options seem to be right on the edge for length. I’ve used several different tarps, both flat and shaped. You lose some pitch options with the shaped, but they are easy to get a tight a frame pitch with. I’ve been looking at bivys for a couple seasons but when I start looking at weight I just wonder if I should get a bigger tarp for better coverage. Silpoly seems to be the best in terms of cost, but I am really starting to look at these. Supposed to perform close to dyneema at a better price point.
https://backpackingadventuregear.com/shop/ols/products/ultra-tnt-tarp