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04/06/2017 01:08PM |
If you are considering a tent there are a lot of features to think about but a quality tent from the big manufacturers would have most of what you need. If you have any previous experience with a tent I would make a list of features you like and dislike about your old tent.
I like Tarptent for the price to weight to features he has. Single wall or hybrid tents like he sells do have some draw backs like any other tent but I like the idea of dropping weight on a full fly tent. Plus, you have the full support of a smaller shop that will make things right.
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04/06/2017 01:57PM |
quote SevenofNine: "
I like Tarptent for the price to weight to features he has. Single wall or hybrid tents like he sells do have some draw backs like any other tent but I like the idea of dropping weight on a full fly tent. Plus, you have the full support of a smaller shop that will make things right."
I just got a used Stratospire 2 from TarpTent. They're not just single wall tents anymore. This is a full double wall that can be used with either a mesh or solid nylon interior for colder weather. Looking forward to putting it to the test this year.
Alan
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04/06/2017 08:31PM |
Alan-
Did you get the mesh or solid inner with the Stratospire? Plan to use it with trekking poles or the optional pole set? Solo? Looks like it would make a nice roomy solo.
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04/07/2017 06:36AM |
Alan-
Did you get the mesh or solid inner with the Stratospire? Plan to use it with trekking poles or the optional pole set? Solo? Looks like it would make a nice roomy solo."
Mine came with both inners and the optional pole set. Have only set it up in the backyard so far but it looks like a nice tent. I'll be using it as a solo+dog and while it's roomy for a 2p tent to me it seems a little small coming from an open tarp and Lean 1. But I think it will do nicely. Looks to be a well thought out tent. Nifty pitch.
The optional poles are pretty flimsy and I don't think I'd want to use them if I thought the wind might pick up. Bad weight compromise, IMO.
I plan to use site cut poles, same as I do with my Lean. I carry them with me until I either forget them or come to a portage I don't want to carry them over. Then I cut a new set. They're kind of nice in the canoe as they go under the packs and help keep them up out of the bilge water.
I also plan to sew some sort of rock flaps to the fly at the stake points to give me another pitching option where there isn't enough soil for stakes.
Alan
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03/26/2017 06:21PM |
My wife and I are new to solo paddling and we recently purchased solo canoes. I need recommendations for a tent and also for tarp size.
I am thinking of purchasing a 2 person tent. I would like to get one that we could use as a solo in case only one of us goes on a trip alone but is also a reasonable tent for 2 people. I am a taller guy at 6'3" so need a little extra room. Do you have a suggestion? Is there a 2 person tent that is somewhat of a standard in the BWCA that has proven to work very well so is more popular than another? I realize that there will be lots of personal preference but if one looks at REI etc. there are so many options that it makes my head spin! :)
I will purchase a CCS tarp. For one or two campers is there a size that works best? I would like to get a reasonably comfortable size without going overboard (I realize more to carry) for the times that will certainly occur when it is too stormy to paddle so we don't feel like we are sitting under a postage stamp.
My last question may sound sort of odd but tents and tarps come in many different colors. I realize that again this is personal preference. I have been wondering if it makes sense to keep colors in the BWCA/Quetico to natural colors like green, brown, etc. from the perspective of blending in with surrounding (I read a post today that this is preferred to exhibit minimal visual impact for other BWCA visitors.) - OR - if it makes sense to go with brighter colors (I read a post today that this is preferred to notify others that a camping site is taken from a distance.)?
Thank You!
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03/26/2017 08:31PM |
Most people will tell you that a 3-person tent is a good shelter for 2 people and that a 2-person tent is a good 1-person shelter, but that depends on you as well as the particular tent. Some 2-person tents are roomier than others. You can look at the floor dimensions and mentally visualize your sleeping pads, bags, and the two of you fitted there, changing clothes etc. Then there is the height, and beyond that the interior volume to consider.
I mostly solo and have switched to a dedicated solo tent for that purpose to save weight and bulk, so I am not really familiar with what you are seeking. I have an old 3-person tent I use when tandem, which provides plenty of space at the expense of weight and bulk.
To start your search and get an idea of some options (far from exhaustive), take a look at the Marmot Limelight series, which seems quite popular with many canoe trippers here. The TarpTent brand is a lightweight option. The CCS Lean + is a different option, providing more space and still light weight. I have a Lean 1+, which is lightweight enough for solo, but could also shelter both of you, if you are comfortable with its trade-offs. There are many more options and others will chime in with their favorites.
Good luck with the search.
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03/26/2017 08:24PM |
I have a 10x10 tarp for solo and it's fine most of the time but in hard blowing rain I wish I had a little more protection. I think 10x14 would make a nice size for tandem use and not overwhelming when solo.
As for color I bought my Lean in white and tarp in yellow. I thought the lighter colors would absorb less heat and be cooler. I was wrong. They let more light through and it feels like being in a greenhouse. This is great when the sun breaks over the horizon on a chilly morning or during a cold day. Not so good on a warm and sunny day.
A lighter colored tent/tarp lets in more natural light, which is much appreciated on a wet and windy day when you're stuck inside. On a sunny day it can almost be blinding inside the white Lean and I wish for a darker color.
A darker color blends in well with the surroundings and can be more aesthetically pleasing. A lighter or brighter colored stands out and helps you re-find camp if you went out for a day paddle or for a hike in the woods.
Pick your poison.
Alan
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03/26/2017 08:59PM |
Others can see that a campsite is taken, and it is easier for me to find my campsite if I'm returning at dusk in low light conditions.
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03/26/2017 09:01PM |
I would add that looking into the pre-rigged ridgeline tarp set up will simplify things, especially when solo. There are quite a few posts about its advantages if you search, plus you'll eventually find a video on YouTube by wintertrekker if you search that.
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04/01/2017 06:25AM |
Tent; many many options. I do like my BA Copper Spur 2 for solo and 2 person trips. It isn't as tight feeling as other 2's and has a great fast pitch option for shoulder season w/o bugs. The length has plenty of extra for me at 5'9, different for you likely.
The CCS leans are very appealing for being the tent and tarp options all rolled up in one if one so chose to. Especially with your height, I would think this is likely your best option. If you are in MN, deal with Dan directly. Great guy with great gear.
Good luck, fun stuff.
John
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03/26/2017 09:24PM |
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04/01/2017 09:43PM |
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04/01/2017 03:14PM |
I'm interested in why you chose the sizes you did and why you'd go from a 10x10 to a 10x12? Obviously, there's the weight difference (in 1.1 oz.) at 14 oz. for the 8x10, and 20, 22, and 24 oz. for the 10x10, 10x12, and my 10x14, respectively. I'm wondering how much, if any, I save on the rigging? How much I save on bulk? How much I gain in ease of handling it solo? What do I lose in coverage and usefulness?
Any thoughts on those?
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04/01/2017 08:37PM |
I have set some 14 footers and 15 square, all 1.1. The 14 was ok but noticeably larger package, the 15 was BIG and a handfull for 1. Neither interested me for my usage.
butthead
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03/27/2017 05:41PM |
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04/18/2017 10:22AM |
quote Alan Gage: "
Lately I've been wondering about just bringing the mesh inner and setting it up under my tarp instead of bringing the whole tent. Will have to do some playing around this summer and see how that works.
Alan"
That is what I did on my last Quetico solo. It was wonderful. I will probably keep doing this in the future. I got to see the sunrise easily every morning, see the stars, not feel claustrophobic when I had to flee to the tent to avoid mosquitoes, and just feel more in the woods. I recommend it.
One thing of note: I liked to set my tarp up as high over the tent as possible, but this meant that if rain blew through, I would need to get up in the middle of the night to adjust the tarp, to prevent any rain from blowing into my tent. Your ideas may vary.
I used this method with a 2008 REI Quarterdome and a 10'x10' CCS silnylon tarp, outfitted with a ridgeline.
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04/18/2017 01:11PM |
quote Alan Gage: "Lately I've been wondering about just bringing the mesh inner and setting it up under my tarp instead of bringing the whole tent. Will have to do some playing around this summer and see how that works.
Alan"
Been using a Sea To Summit Nano light weight and inexpensive but without an attached floor. Kinda considering an upgrade to Standard Pyranet 1 Door Side
I can use it with my Chinook or 10x12 CCS tarp, hang it from the tarp and ditch the poles.
butthead
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04/02/2017 10:50AM |
t would seem the 10x10 is likely my best compromise if I decide to go that route, but is 4 oz. and the lesser bulk worth it? Do I need a middle tie-out on each side along with the 4-corners?
In my opinion, yes, the middle tie out is a near requirement most of the time, even with a 10x10, if the weather is threatening at all. If I'm confident it won't rain or the wind won't blow I'll just do the ridge line and 4 corners but most of the time I use the center tie out too. Otherwise I can't get it to shed wind and drain like I want it too. It's simple enough to do. I use a short cord running nearly straight down, either staked or held by a rock, to make a trough in the middle of the tarp. Either that or I'll use a stick to raise the center loop a bit and then tie out with a rock or stake, creating a ridge that will drain to either side.
As for dropping in size from a 10x14 to a 10x10 or 10x12 I wouldn't bother unless the 10x14 was causing you problems. For a few years I've felt my 10x10 was a little smaller than I wanted for solo use but it wasn't worth doing anything about it until I recently found a good deal on a 1.1oz 10x12.
Alan
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04/02/2017 02:09PM |
I was assuming I'd still need all the same cordage for guying it out and consequently no additional savings there. Losing 40 sq. ft. of coverage to gain 4 oz. and not much else seems like something I might regret. Several seem to suggest that 10x10 is sometimes just not quite enough, so losing 60 sq. ft. with an 8x10 seems almost certain to not really be enough. The 8x10 with a gain of 10 oz. and probably enough bulk to make it worthwhile in that regard, seems almost certain to be too small a good amount of the time.
I'll probably just stick with the one I have; most of the time it's not needed and I don't put it up. When it's needed, I'll have good coverage. When I take my Lean 1+ instead of the small solo tent, I may just leave the tarp behind and let it function as both.
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04/02/2017 08:06PM |
I purchased the 10x10 thinking that I could match it up with a second tarp if need be, at some point. I find the 10x10 fine solo and just adequate for two. I tend toward a lean set up, especially on windy/rainy days. Half my trips are with 3+ for a 10x12 would give me more flexibility.
+1 On what Alan said. No point in changing unless something isn't working.
John
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04/02/2017 08:23PM |
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03/28/2017 12:11PM |
Lean+ shelters make a lot of sense if you can wrap you head around the floor (lack of a sewn in). A Lean 1+ would do well for 2.
Far as tents I do not follow the +1 for size, solo I want a 1 person, if with my wife a 2 person, storage is what the vestibules and tarp is for (my opinion).
I have a 2016 REI HalfDome2 looking for a new home,
butthead
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04/07/2017 11:23AM |
I have looked hard at the Scarp1, especially after the recent revision.
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04/07/2017 11:39AM |
quote boonie: "I hope it works out well for you, Alan. I assume you have another long solo planned late summer/early fall . . . ?
"
Nothing real long as I have friends getting married in mid-August. Thinking of doing the Berens River after the wedding. Maybe 3 weeks.
Lately I've been wondering about just bringing the mesh inner and setting it up under my tarp instead of bringing the whole tent. Will have to do some playing around this summer and see how that works.
I picked up my TarpTent from the classifieds at backpackinglight.com. Can't believe the amount of gear that comes up for sale there and some good prices.
Alan
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03/28/2017 06:17PM |
Tent-wise, I would always go one size bigger, i.e. a 3P for two people - unless I was with my wife, in which case I would bring one mummy bag and a 1P tent. That is very cozy - heh heh. Just kidding.
With a tent that is 1 person larger than what you "need", it is nice to be able to bring that pack inside the tent with you to keep it dry and store rain suits, extra ropes, books, etc. in the tent with you. Usually the next size up tent is only a pound or so heavier.
Tomster
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03/29/2017 08:30AM |
quote boonie: "It's always hard to know where to begin on a post like this. Beyond the fact that, yes, there are a dizzying number of options out there, all with various trade-offs regarding size, weight, price, materials, ease and speed of set-up, weather protection, and ventilation - beyond that there's your intended use and personal preferences in terms of prioritizing those trade-offs. Is lower weight more valuable than greater space? Is a solid 3-season tent adequate for your needs? And so on and so forth.
Most people will tell you that a 3-person tent is a good shelter for 2 people and that a 2-person tent is a good 1-person shelter, but that depends on you as well as the particular tent. Some 2-person tents are roomier than others. You can look at the floor dimensions and mentally visualize your sleeping pads, bags, and the two of you fitted there, changing clothes etc. Then there is the height, and beyond that the interior volume to consider.
I mostly solo and have switched to a dedicated solo tent for that purpose to save weight and bulk, so I am not really familiar with what you are seeking. I have an old 3-person tent I use when tandem, which provides plenty of space at the expense of weight and bulk.
To start your search and get an idea of some options (far from exhaustive), take a look at the Marmot Limelight series, which seems quite popular with many canoe trippers here. The TarpTent brand is a lightweight option. The CCS Lean + is a different option, providing more space and still light weight. I have a Lean 1+, which is lightweight enough for solo, but could also shelter both of you, if you are comfortable with its trade-offs. There are many more options and others will chime in with their favorites.
Good luck with the search. "
Just to add my two cents to boonie's, I have an 8x10 silnylon for soloing and a larger Kelty flying diamond at I believe 10'x16' for family and group trips.