Suggest a roomier 1 man or ultralight 2 man tent

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Mar 13, 2012
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I've got a big Agnes fly creek UL-1 that I like, but it's a tight fit. I've had some back problems lately and would love something large enough to let me do some stretches (laying down of course) before getting out of the tent.

Can anyone make a suggestion or recommendation of an ultralight 1 or 2 man tent that has enough room to stretch?
 

bbrown

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The copper spur 2 is hard to beat and I much prefer the side entrances. The oware 8x8 or 9x9 provide a ton of room for less weight but floorless.
 
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I beat the tar out of an REI Quarter Dome 2 for three seasons before we got a third dog and moved up to the Halfdome+2. They are very similar in design and weight to the BA but usually considerably (read 100$) cheaper. I have yet to have one leak and the DAC poles are bombproof. Just an alternative.
 
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Rei will be having there Labor Day sale starting soon and there is always a tent or two on sale. I'd put my vote in for the copper spur as well. One hunt with a lot of rain and you'll fall in love with (if you have it ) or wish you had a side entrance.
 
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Speak of the devil... Just got my Rei sales flyer in the mail. The fly creek 1,2 and 3 are all on sale. 90$ off. That's legitimate.
 
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I have both the REI Half Dome 2+ and Alps Mystique 1.5. The Alps is significantly lighter (4lbs vs 5.5lbs) and a very roomy 1 person. The REI 2+ is a comfortable 2 person, but not exactly roomy if you both use 25" pads. For reference I use wide-long pads and am 6'5" 230.

If you are willing to spend the money I'd agree with the others that the Copper Spur UL2 should be your choice as the room for the price is pretty unbeatable. Just realize that it will be very tight if you want to use it as a 2 person tent.
 

SHTF

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The Henry Shire Tarp Tents are also very nice. id also recommend if you can find a good condition Golite Shangra la they are really nice for the money. Im using a Hex 3 Golites older version of the Shangra La 3. Has the 70d material instead of the lighter Shangra la. My entire tent poles steaks around 3 lbs without the inner nest. With the inner nest its just under 5 lbs total but its hard to beat with the headroom you get with them. And Tipi's are just flat out cool in my book. You also get the versatility of adding a stove jack to them. I had John at bearpaw sew me in a Stove jack now I have a fantastic ultralight shelter for 2 if needed and can throw my stove in it when the cold starts in.

Backyard Photos











These where taken before I cut the pipe hole out.

Here is one on Ebay or 250$ This is just for the fly and pole only.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GoLite-three-man-hex-tipi-/171906817031?hash=item280671dc07

I scored mine for 225$ Good luck with your search.
 

TNHunter

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REI half dome 2+ for me. It's longer than most 2 man tents (96" I think). I tested the kelty gunnison 2.3 and it wasn't as long or tall as the half dome 2+. Sent back the gunnison and kept half dome 2+. Been very happy with it... Next is the hilleberg 2 man tho. REI is having their Labor Day sale either starting this weekend nor next. Good luck
 
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The Henry Shire Tarp Tents are also very nice. id also recommend if you can find a good condition Golite Shangra la they are really nice for the money. Im using a Hex 3 Golites older version of the Shangra La 3. Has the 70d material instead of the lighter Shangra la. My entire tent poles steaks around 3 lbs without the inner nest. With the inner nest its just under 5 lbs total but its hard to beat with the headroom you get with them. And Tipi's are just flat out cool in my book. You also get the versatility of adding a stove jack to them. I had John at bearpaw sew me in a Stove jack now I have a fantastic ultralight shelter for 2 if needed and can throw my stove in it when the cold starts in.

Backyard Photos











These where taken before I cut the pipe hole out.

Here is one on Ebay or 250$ This is just for the fly and pole only.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GoLite-three-man-hex-tipi-/171906817031?hash=item280671dc07

I scored mine for 225$ Good luck with your search.

Agreed...tarptents.com if you wanna nest (check out the SS2 at 3.5lbs) or a small tipi if going floorless.
 

kodiakfly

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I just picked up a Mountain Hardwear SupermegaUL2 and I'm very happy with it. It's a two man tent, but with my big ol carcass in there, it's a roomy one man tent with plenty of room for gear. Sets up easy and very light weight. Tent and fly packs into a 2.5L dry bag. I also like that it's green and blends in, rather than being a bright color.
 

boom

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the copper spur is a great tent!! if your using it solo, the great double doors would be wasted on you. it's super power is the doors!! my brother and i share it and it is nice to come and go from your own side. it's light if you split it up and carry it as a team.

if solo..my buddy uses the fly creek UL2. same front door as the solo tent but vastly more huge. it would be palatial compared to the single man. i'm not huge, and i find the UL1 perfectly fine. i slept in the rain once and had my pack in there with me..i used it like a big lumpy uncomfy pillow..i slept weird, but fine. and dry. hahha..
 

bbrown

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I really liked having 2 vestibules/doors on my old Marmot 2p tent - one for storing gear or even cooking and the other to come and go and leave my boots and pack under at night. Never could get used to the door on the end like the Fly Creek.
 
OP
freebird134
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I would be fine with my Fly Creek UL1 normally. But this year I had a bugling disc twice and SI joint issues, and I'm afraid getting in and out of the door with a stiff back will suck. Plus extra room for stretches will be nice.

I'm looking for a deal on a BA Copper Creek 2p. Also looking at the Nemo Blaze 2p. Anyone have experience with Nemo?
 

jm1607

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Thanks for all the suggestions. I would be fine with my Fly Creek UL1 normally. But this year I had a bugling disc twice and SI joint issues, and I'm afraid getting in and out of the door with a stiff back will suck. Plus extra room for stretches will be nice.

I'm looking for a deal on a BA Copper Creek 2p. Also looking at the Nemo Blaze 2p. Anyone have experience with Nemo?

Those should both be fine, just a little heavy..

For a nested 2 person light tent, I really would look @ tarptent.com, not only are they built well and light but they're cheap!

If you like the Fly Creek you could get the Platinum UL2? Not cheap though

For your back, do you want extra length or width or height or all 3?
 
Last edited:
OP
freebird134
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For a nested 2 person light tent, I really would look @ tarptent.com, not only are they built well and light but they're cheap!


What tarp tent would you suggest? I've always wanted a tarptent, but most of the designs require trekking poles to keep that light weight. That is fine for 1 night set ups, but if I want to leave a base camp I'll either a) be without poles or b) have to take down the tent. Any thoughts?
 

jm1607

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What tarp tent would you suggest? I've always wanted a tarptent, but most of the designs require trekking poles to keep that light weight. That is fine for 1 night set ups, but if I want to leave a base camp I'll either a) be without poles or b) have to take down the tent. Any thoughts?

I personally would get the Protrail and keep my pack outside in the vestibule, but I don't have back issues and would use trekking poles..

For you?

Probably the Cloudburst 3. It has tons of room (86x62) and good height and doesn't require trekking poles. Only 52oz

The Double Rainbow is very popular and is also freestanding. 88x50 @ 41oz is considerably lighter than the Cloudburst. No trekking poles required as well.

Those would be my 2 choices. The Double Rainshadow is huge and light (47oz with optional poles) but I didn't care for the design when I owned it. There's only 1 guyline in both the front and back and if either get ripped out in a storm the tent collapses. Never happened to me but I'm paranoid

***One more tent to peak at. Big Sky Mirage 2P. Never owned it but almost bought it a couple times.. Only 40oz

Here's an older list for kicks: http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/12796/directory-lightweight-backpacking-shelters/
 
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I sold my nemo after two trips. Could never get it pitched quite right and didn't feel good about it in weather. It was one if their 2 man domes in the 200$ range
 
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