lets talk backcountry shelters

[fillthefreezer]

im lookin to shave some weight off my shelter. right now im using a crappy tent.
id like to be under 4lbs while being able to shelter 2 people ad gear.
ive been looking at tarptent rainshadow2, wyoming lost and found tarptipi, a few options from golite.
id like to stay under $300 as well otherwise id really be looking at the seekoutside BCS, or kifaru.

[JPhelps]

I love my rainshadow 2.  Tons of room, under 2.5 lbs, and it keeps the creepy crawlies out of my tent with the netting and tub floor.  Free Standing with a hiking pole which I already have with me.

I only use it through Mid October though.  It does sleep cold because the footbox and door allow for a ton of ventilation.

[Miles]

I use a Golite Shangri-La 5 and really like it.  I use the fly by itself (floorless), and it comes in under 3 lbs with the pole, stakes, and bag.  Being a single wall, you need to be aware of condensation and pitch it keeping that in mind.  It's adjustable so you can get airflow underneath while still being staked down.

[X-Force]

I have had experience with the MSR Hubba Hubba and the Nemo Meta 2. If you look around online they both can be found for under $300. A buddy brought the Meta 2 on a backcountry elk trip for 6 days and it actually slept 3 of us, not shoulder to shoulder. The only real problem with that tent is in humid weather it collects a lot of condensate. The Hubba Hubba is a good tent if you don’t carry hiking poles, want vestibule space and don’t want to blow a ton of money. I haven’t had any experience with Tarptents yet but I really want the Moment for solo trips. If I’m not mistaken Tarptents are manufactured in Seattle.
Nemo Meta 2
$250
http://www.mountaingear.com/webstore/Gear/Camping-hiking/Tents/Nemo/Meta-2P-Tent-2-Person/_/R-217912P.htm
MSR Hubba Hubba
$300
http://www.campsaver.com/Hubba-Hubba-Tent-2-Person-3-Season

[dreamingbig]

I am really liking the shangri-la 5 I picked up on sale for less than $275 after shipping.

[fillthefreezer]

I use a Golite Shangri-La 5 and really like it.  I use the fly by itself (floorless), and it comes in under 3 lbs with the pole, stakes, and bag.  Being a single wall, you need to be aware of condensation and pitch it keeping that in mind.  It's adjustable so you can get airflow underneath while still being staked down.

they list it at like 5 lbs, must be a heavy floor?
ill add that to the possibles list knowing that

[dreamingbig]

That is the weight with the full zip nest.  You can use it that way and have a traditional 2 wall shelter (nest plus fly) or you can use just the outer fly and have an awesome floorless shelter.  The floorless shelter option will be our cook shack / storage area.  Not much difference in that weight and a tarp.

[washelkhunter]

I use a Whelen leanto made out of nylon by Beckel canvas.  Shelters 2 and all their gear.

[Miles]

I use a Golite Shangri-La 5 and really like it.  I use the fly by itself (floorless), and it comes in under 3 lbs with the pole, stakes, and bag.  Being a single wall, you need to be aware of condensation and pitch it keeping that in mind.  It's adjustable so you can get airflow underneath while still being staked down.

they list it at like 5 lbs, must be a heavy floor?
ill add that to the possibles list knowing that

The floor is somewhere around 1lb if I am remembering correctly.  Then you add in the weight of the screen nest and you are at the 5lbs.  I want to say my set up is right around 2lbs 14 oz with just the fly, pole, carry bag, and stakes.

[Miles]

Check out this site:

http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2011/08/golite-shangri-la-5-change-in.html

[fillthefreezer]

does the shangri la have any sort of D ring at the top to lash upward and go pole-less?

[fillthefreezer]

I love my rainshadow 2.  Tons of room, under 2.5 lbs, and it keeps the creepy crawlies out of my tent with the netting and tub floor.  Free Standing with a hiking pole which I already have with me.

I only use it through Mid October though.  It does sleep cold because the footbox and door allow for a ton of ventilation.

would it be possible to pitch this on snow without the netting and tub?

[Miles]

does the shangri la have any sort of D ring at the top to lash upward and go pole-less?

Yes.

[Shawn Ryan]

Feelthefreezer,

In addition to hanging the tent (to save pole weight) you can cut a length of branch/tree for the center pole on the SL5.  I have a photo of my Kifaru paratarp with sticks for poles posted in an adjacent thread called "Camping."  Your initial post tells me you've done your homework and are looking at some of the good gear.

[dblungshot]

I'm having a hard time finding a Golite Shangri-La 5 tent available online...id like the nest with bug proof option but can't find one available...Anyone out there who can help me locate a link?  Most say unavailable or out of stock.  I understand they are no longer in production but would like to find one.  The ones available appear to only be the tarp section and not the bug screen or birds nest.  Any help will be appreciated.