Tent shelter - confused on what to purchase?

[swdale]

Hi all,
I am new to Rokslide and appreciate all the information that is available here. I hope there is not a thread already talking about this, but I am planning a week long high country backpacking fishing trip in July and week long archery elk backpacking trip in September. Trying to take one tent in for 2 guys and gear. I thought about trying floor-less, but really like having a sealed up area. I like quality gear, which can be a good and bad thing. I have looked at the kuiu mountain and now storm star as well. I really like the design features of the hillaberg kaitum 2 and want something that will last. for those of you that have a Hillaberg, have you ever regretted it? I see REI, Big Agnus and MSR make tents in the $450 range, but how will they hold up? I really want something that is spacious for 2 guys and gear for week long trips. All and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[1hoda]

Two Hillebergs live at my house. You can't go wrong with one.

 

[jmez]

If you want spacious for 2 guys and gear you better each get your own two man or go with a three man.

 

[sneaky]

For 2 guys and gear I would look at a three person tent at least. Those two person ratings these companies put on their tents only really apply if it's you and your wife...or you REALLY like your hunting partner that much. Lots of guys are using the Big Agnes Copper Spur tents, MSR Hubba series tents and REI makes some good tents as well, usually just a little heavier than the other options. If you only want to buy once, cry once, then the Hillebergs are in a class of their own. My best recommendation would be to go with a 3 person model at least, that way you can at least not be bumping into each other at night or feel like you are spooning each other.

 

[swdale]

Thanks for the replies. Ya, we are friends, but don't want to get that close. appreciate the feedback. I will look at 3 person tents.

 

[sneaky]

Don't overlook the Tarptent tents from Henry Shires, great tents made in the US and people rave about them.

 

[DWinVA]

I second a Tarptent. I have the Stratospire 2 and with the dual large vestibules there is enough room for 2 plus gear.

God Bless.

 

[JollyRoger]

I've used both an REI quarterdome and a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3 in the mountains for years and they've held up great. The REI tent has honestly been bomb proof and has held up through heavy snow, wind and torrential mountain downpours. For the price it's great. The Big Agnes has been great also, and held up to countless nights. I did break a pole on it once but that was more my fault. I gave them a call and within about a week or so I got my poles repaired.

Tents, like rafts, should really be -1 off their ratings. Get a 3 man tent for two guys and gear!

 

[1hoda]

I guess every tent maker is different. I find that the Hillebergs are true to size. If they say 2 man, that's what they are so no need to oversize.

 

[jm1607]

I'll throw out a BA Copper Spur UL3 for a typical pole/nested 3 season tent. Strength/weight/room ratio is nearly perfect. Enough room in the vestibules for your gear. Extra long for tall people. Besides being made in China, I think it's the best tent out there in the category..

 

[armedleftist]

Depends a bit....,

Heavy four season with lots of snow and the potential to be weathered-in? You cannot beat a Hiilleberg. They are incredibly light and strong at the same time. That comes with a bit of a price in that they can be a bit of a challenge the set up on the wind or if you are at the end of your energy (e.g. When mountaineering). I have a Namattje 2. Expensive but a very (very) nice tent.

Four season (with less snow), Big Agnus also an extremely nice tent but a bit less "expedition" than Hilleberg. I was comp'd a two person BA tent a few years ago as part of a climbing expedition and I still love it. Very well constructed and vents dry-heat better than the Hilleberg (those are designed to vent saturated-heat to prevent condensation icing).

My personal favorite for typical backpack hunting (thru 4-season actually) in Colorado? My Bibler single-wall. Unfortunately Bibler was sold to Black Diamond (I think) a few years ago. If you can find a lightly-used version from "back in the day), grab it! I promise you will not regret it!

I'm not particularly impressed with any other current manufacturers (I'm kind of a gear-head so always pretty much up on things)

Good luck!

 

[xziang]

I've used an older astoic (150.00) 2 person tent which worked well and now use a MSR HubbaHubba which I like. If you are looking for something spacious for two people you'll probably want two tents.

Other option might be to go with a decent 2 man tent and then get a 'cheap' tarp for your gear and set it up really close to the tent (Jimmy Tarps). Then if you like/want you could take the tarp with you in case you get stuck away from spike camp.

I haven't hit snow in CO with either of my tents but I've been fine with the MSR tent the last two seasons.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

If you don't mind a 5lb tent, the REI Half Dome 2 plus is a decent $200 option. When you figure in twin doors & vestibules and the wider/longer floorprint, it becomes a good option. And it doesn't require staking and can be set up on a river bar or solid rock.
Hunt'nFish