non-Free standing backpack Tents

[JPhelps]

I agree on the weight being too high for a one man tent.

My 2.5 man tent weighs just over 2 lbs but its not free standing.

[jackelope]

All of the Alps 1.5 tents I saw when I googled Alps 1.5 were 1 man tents.
Maybe I missed something.
4 pounds is not that heavy in the grand scheme of things but if it is a 1 man tent, 4 pounds is too heavy.

Lol noo hes talking 1.5 for one per. Thats 3lbs for two people. Im saying 1 extra lb for a combined tent isnt a big deal. 4lbs for an xpg ultralight with dry storage on the outside...my pack averages 25-30lbs but give or take depending on the situation, whether i bring the cold steel pipe hawk, or extra water, full size med kit for longer trips. Etc

The 1.5 is part of the model numbers of the tents, Smossy.
This one is on sale all over the www so I assumed that maybe it is the one he was referring to.
http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/alps/products/tents/lightweight-tents/mystique-15

[Smossy]

Oh my mistake.

[HighCountryElk]

I own the Alps 2.0 and have used it on several backcountry trips. It is also around 4 lbs and for just a few ounces more you get room for two. If you are alone you have plenty of room for gear in the tent. With two people the gear sleeps outside and there is not much room left on either side. There is a bit of space left at your head and feet. It has kept me warm and dry in inclement weather.  The problem with the tent is the amount of tension needed to keep it standing. If the ground is soft it can be hard to keep the stakes in the ground. Many times I have put large rocks over the stakes to keep them in the ground. It is not a tent I would want to sleep in a location that is very exposed. But I only paid $85 for mine on Steapandcheap.com. Last season We used a version of the Shangri-La 3 Tent by golite and it was a much nicer option. I guess it really comes down to when and where you will be using it.

[kentrek]

I agree on the weight being too high for a one man tent.

My 2.5 man tent weighs just over 2 lbs but its not free standing.

which tent do you own ?? and do you have exact weights ??

[fillthefreezer]

which tent do you own ?? and do you have exact weights ??

not jason, but last time he mentioned it, he was running a squall 2 at 34oz

[JPhelps]

I use the tarptent Rainshadow 2.   It requires hiking poles or a stick for setup. 

http://www.tarptent.com/rainshadow2.html

[timberghost72]

I wrote sort of a review on the Alps Mountaineering tent 1.5 (if thats the one you're looking at) in this thread
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,103396.msg1350507.html#msg1350507
It is roomy and light but poorly made IMO. You can find better for not much more.

[SWHUNTER]

I use the tarptent Rainshadow 2.   It requires hiking poles or a stick for setup. 

http://www.tarptent.com/rainshadow2.html

JPhelps,

Have you had that thing out in a real downpour, or soaked it with a garden hose for a test? Just wondering how well it holds up to the rain.

Thanks, SW

[JPhelps]

Not a true downpour but it has seen rain and been fine.  I have heard reviews that you may get some misting in the worst of storms.  Most of my camping spots have additional protection from trees.

I think I'm going to get a Tarptent Hogback or Hilleberg Nallo GT3 for use as a double wall tent.  My current REI Taj3 is TOO Heavy for a 3 man tent but it has been bombproof.

[SWHUNTER]

Thanks for the feedback.

[Andrew]

I would agree with all the comments that a 1 person 4 lb. tent seems a bit heavy...you could get a decent two person for less and have plenty of room for gear and space to change etc. without sacraficing too much pack area.

Ive got an old Kelty 2-person that is semi-free standing and think it is a pain in the ass when I can't get a stake in the ground.  Has two poles to expand the tent, but it relies on gound staking to keep it up.  However, I'm overall happy with it and if you're at all resourcefull you'll get the tent up if you don't have good staking ground.

I too am looking for a new tent option after last years high hunt and future family trips.  Ater looking at Tarptent, Six Moon Design, and a few others I'm now debating the Mountain Hardware Hoopla 4-person that weights 27 oz. without ground cloth.  Reviews I've read say it is a stretch to get four, but is a roomy 3-person.  It utilizes a single treking pole in the center and if you use the ground cloth it weighs just over three pounds.  I could probably create my own floor out of tyvek or some other housewrap to drop weight.  My only concerns are that it is similar to my current tent and requires ground staking, and the footprint size might make it difficult to find a good spot.

[JLS]

My Big Agnes 2 person weighs a little over 3 pounds, so yes 4 is too heavy for one man IMO.

I have looked at non-free standing, and they are very appealing.  You just have to know what you're getting into when it comes time to pitch it.  Otherwise, you could end up very screwed.

I use trekking poles, which really you should be using.  These would serve as your tent poles for the tarp type tents.

[hillbillyhunting]

I like to have the ability to free stand. You never know where you are gonna need to set up camp, and sometimes you dont have a lot of options to anchor to. So, the ability to free stand, can make putting a camp spot together more flexible. Your deal sounds like a good one, weigh your camping experiences out and go for it if you want it!

 

I agree that the tent you are looking at is too heavy for what it is.  To answer the original question I agree with the response above.  I am going to try to avoid non-free standing tents.  I have used them for years and have gotten by, but I really like the ability to set my tent up anywhere.

[actionshooter]

I believe there is a place for free standing and non, just depends on when and where.
 Here is my Kifaru at 1-1/2 pounds.