I've got a daughter at college at U. of Arizona wanting a 2 person backpacking tent for an upcoming trip. I don't think it has to be 4 season, she won't be camping in frigid conditions, but she's looking for as light a tent as possible without breaking the bank.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 is 50% off right now @ $165. That might be one option.

Xmas gift to college son with similar needs was the Tarptent Double Rainbow. Serving him well in the US & currently the other side of the globe.

If you want light as possible and she is going to be taking trekking poles, look at what Dan Durston has to offer. The x-mid 2 is reasonably priced for how light it is. You should be able to get an Lanshan 2 even cheaper but I think you'll have to seal the seams yourself.

I have a BA Flycreek UL 2 Platinum gathering dust.

I have not used it in 5 years. If interested e-mail me.

butthead

as someone already mentioned, the durston tents may just be the best designed ultralight tent going these days. but you do need to use your own trekking poles, or you can now buy their own poles separately and carry them with you. these may be hard to get though.

i just bought a new light weight tent from REI. i haven't even been able to go pick it up yet. haha it was half the cost of a durston. i wont be able to try it for at least a couple of months so i cannot give you a recommendation.

but if you head over to the REI site, they were having a good sale.

sns: "Xmas gift to college son with similar needs was the Tarptent Double Rainbow. Serving him well in the US & currently the other side of the globe."

I would second this. Can't say enough good things about my double rainbow. It was the first tent I bought when I finally had enough money for a "decent tent" and now 10 or so years later it's still my first choice when I go solo, with the wife, or on trips where it's worth the weight saving to share with someone else.

I've used it canoe camping, desert backpacking, winter camping, mountain climbing, elk hunting, and more. I've been through mountain storms where the tent was so bent over by the wind that the walls were laying in my face and it bounced back. Every other piece of gear I've had has since been replaced with the exception of my titanium mug and I have no plans or desire to replace it anytime soon.

Those Dan Durston tents look impressive.

billconner: "Those Dan Durston tents look impressive."

i canadian design. you're welcome. lol

Until your daughter has the time to identify her specific personal requirements and preferences with regard to tents it may be best to choose a popular mainstream manufacturer and design.

billconner: "Those Dan Durston tents look impressive."

I'm probably getting one for my solo trips. UL Backpackers worldwide seem to think they are the cat's meow.

One other thing folks rarely talk about is speed - time to set up/take down, which I have become more tuned into...The tarptent Double Rainbow and the Durston XMid tents are both two-minute (or less) tents. Not much else out there goes up that fast.

I have to admit, the seeming popularity of trecking pole tent take me back to the old pup tents of my youth. Just new fabrics and more complicated shapes but still a pup tent.
Nothing wrong with them and have/still used such, just seems like stepping back to old ways.

And there are a lot of self supporting tents that can be put up in "2 minutes". I have a few.

butthead

I have one collecting dust as well....
My scale says 3lbs 5oz

My 2 lbs 12 oz dust collector.

I think there are a lot of tents that would fit the desription depending on budget, weight/space goals, priorities, and preferences. I have a couple of old good-quality "2-person" tents I haven't used in years. There are lighter ones available now depending on price point. Those have been replaced by solo tents. Of the tents mentioned I had the opportunity to use a Durston X-Mid 1 solid last fall. It is a well-designed tent made with top quality materials and construction. I was impressed by how solid it was in some strong winds and the silpoly material remains taut when it rains and does not absorb much moisture. Setup is stake out 4 corners in a rectangle, insert two poles, stake out vestibules, and guylines if needed. Two doors, two very useable vestibules, and moderate price everything considered.

Does the U of A have a gear rental option? Not sure if they would carry lightweight gear, but if they do it might be a temporary solution for a relatively low cost. Just a thought...

butthead: "I have to admit, the seeming popularity of trecking pole tent take me back to the old pup tents of my youth. Just new fabrics and more complicated shapes but still a pup tent.
Nothing wrong with them and have/still used such, just seems like stepping back to old ways.


And there are a lot of self supporting tents that can be put up in "2 minutes". I have a few.


butthead"

Was thinking the same thing. My first tent was a pup off the shelf at JC Penny for under $30-but I must say it did not look like the Durston offerings!

Rei and the Tucson local gear store / outfitter both rent gear.

Wow interesting to see how inexpensive and expensive nice tents can be.

UArizona does also rent gear to students: rental gear
(hello to the other desiccated BWCA fans here in Tucson)

Thanks all for the responses,,,I never thought about the University renting equipment....I'm sure we'll come up with a good option from the suggestions here. Thanks again.
John