Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: 180-GRAIN on August 18, 2012, 09:43:22 AM
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So I have seen the backcountry shelter post and could not find anything in there i was interested in. I was wondering what everyones opinion is for the best all around tent in the backcountry is for just 1 man. Looking for lite durable of course and weather resistant. It would also be nice to have a little storage space in it. Going to hike in with a buddy next weekend for a couple days on a bear hunt so I need to get something ordered asap.
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The Golite Shangra-la 3 is a palace for one man. I love mine. You can get them right now for $250 from Golite. Most of the 1 man shelters I have used are too small for me and my gear. The SL3 only weighs in at around 4 lbs. total, and you have the option of leaving the nest and going floorless for half the weight.
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I picked up the cabelas 1 man Hunter Bivouac tent and i like it, actaully has enough space for me my gear and my 80lb lab in it, the bottom has a pretty light duty waterproof layer so I have been putting down a tarp as a ground cover, max weight it like 3 1/2 pounds so it works for me, have yet to test it in the rain though.... but it looks like it would be fine by its self but i'll be bringing a cover tarp just in case on the high hunt this year
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I have a decades old Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2 Tent. 3 lb 15 oz. Nice rain Fly and vestibule. They call it a two man tent, but it is really a roomy one man with room for gear. Super easy to set up too!
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people seem to be like the BA platinum for 1 person or a kifaru super tarp. +1 on the SL3.
whats your budget?
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people seem to be like the BA platinum for 1 person or a kifaru super tarp. +1 on the SL3.
whats your budget?
I can spend around $500-$700
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Big ag fly creek ul is super light if you want a one man plus room for storage then you want a two man. I believe the 2 man in the fly creek is just over 2 lbs
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people seem to be like the BA platinum for 1 person or a kifaru super tarp. +1 on the SL3.
whats your budget?
I can spend around $500-$700
If that's your budget, I would go with either the Kifaru Supertarp plus annex, or the Golite SL3.
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I just pack a tarp and cut poles... Cheap, light and if you get holes in it from your fire oh well.. I have been doin this for years
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people seem to be like the BA platinum for 1 person or a kifaru super tarp. +1 on the SL3.
whats your budget?
I can spend around $500-$700
If that's your budget, I would go with either the Kifaru Supertarp plus annex, or the Golite SL3.
That supertarp would be great if it had a floor. what do you use for that? I am going to hunt in the henry m jackson and the last couple years its been wet. I really want to be comfortable and have a place to dry out.
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Tarpent is also an option. I believe they are even made in Seattle. Check out the moment or scarp
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Check this one out...........I like it
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Sprite%E2%84%A2-1/OU9599,default,pd.html (http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Sprite%E2%84%A2-1/OU9599,default,pd.html)
2.5# and won't break the bank.
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http://www.rei.com/product/812848/alps-mountaineering-mystique-15-tent-special-buy (http://www.rei.com/product/812848/alps-mountaineering-mystique-15-tent-special-buy)
ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.5 Tent - Special Buy
$122.93
$189.99*
REDUCED PRICE You Save 35%
i have a one man rei tent that ive had for probably 7 years and still havent had to waterproof it. thing is still like new with no wear on it at all. rei makes some good quality tents
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super tarp with annex and stove with a piece of tyvek for a ground sheet, pick you camp spot well and you should be fine plus the stove will dry your wet gear. thats what id do if i had that budget...
i hunt with the wife and we run the sl-5.
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I really don't get all these no floor tents, it rains too much here or snows. For myself, I'd only want a tent with a poly floor. I've been out too many times & had water running down the slope, under my tent. Ya sure, they say place it well, but theres not always an ideal place in sight. I can handle carrying the extra 2 pounds to stay dry.
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I have a Sierra Designs Lightyear that's worked out really well. It's not free standing though. My friends are all running Big Agnes tents now. Free standing, more height so you can easily sit in them, and a bigger vestibule for gear storage. Only ounces heavier than the Lightyear... More expensive though. I'd buy the Big Agnes if I were looking now.
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most importantly...one you will carry! budgets, floors, etc...it all comes down to the fact that whatever you buy you need to know how to set it up in the dark, take it down in the rain, and most of all, pack it with you. For a few years I just slept under a tarp (hint: keep it very low to the ground, maximizing the covered square footage/footprint and dig a small trench around your sleeping area...keeps the wind, rain and snow off of you) but then went to a 2 person tent so I had room to put my stuff into the tent with me, and get dressed in there as well...life is good now, but you only learn these lessons from trial and error...and a $300 tent is an expensive lesson! (but worth it once you know exactly what you want after giving it a go with other options).
G-C-R
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My GoLite Shangri La 5 with 2 person nest from seek outside (bathtub floor plus silnylon on wall next to shangri la wall) is my new go to backcountry shelter. It is a palace for one. If I really want to pamper myself, I will take my small stove with. I had a stove jack installed.
I also have a Mountain Hardware Drifter 3 which is a great tent for the money.
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Jay,
Consider the MSR Carbon Reflex 1. It's been a great tent for me.
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I have a big ag ul 2 person tent. its just big enough for me and my gear and weighs a little more then 3lbs. It was my first time using it this weekend and it is by far the best tent I have owned super easy to set up and take down
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http://www.rei.com/product/812848/alps-mountaineering-mystique-15-tent-special-buy (http://www.rei.com/product/812848/alps-mountaineering-mystique-15-tent-special-buy)
ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.5 Tent - Special Buy
$122.93
$189.99*
REDUCED PRICE You Save 35%
i have a one man rei tent that ive had for probably 7 years and still havent had to waterproof it. thing is still like new with no wear on it at all. rei makes some good quality tents
I bought this exact tent from REI last year. I bought it for the weight and it is roomy for a 1.5 man tent. I got home and set it up and found the stitching very poor and when staking it down it pulled apart the seams about 1/8". I decided I didn't want to find out how much water would enter while I was sleeping so I returned it. I also really don't like non-freestanding tents. I'll take the extra oz. for a freestanding tent any day.
I eventually bought the Cabelas 1 man XPG tent and so far very happy with it. Perfect for sleeping with a few things inside. I just throw everything else under the vestbule. With the smaller volume it stays warmer inside also. :twocents:
Here is a picture for comparasion. My tent in the forground. A two man behind it. It weighs in at 4 pounds complete with poles, fly and body. You can buy lighter but for the price, this one I felt was pretty good.
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The best tent in the back country is one that is simple to set up, Lightweight, will keep you dry. I don't care how much it costs, but if it's heavy then it's not something I want in my pack. A good lightweight tent should keep you dry. A full rain fly is a must. I do prefer a floor. That said, I don't expect to pack in a four season tent either. I've done the tarp and bivy bag thing.. That is fine in good weather. But weather in the back country is virtually unpredictable.
-Steve
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The North Face Tadpole 23. The design has been around FOREVER, I have one that's 15 yrs old and one that's 5. Super easy to set up and take down and absolutely bullet proof in the wind. I've had mine on a sheep hunt in AK in October in 50 mph gusts you could hear coming 30 seconds out, then BAM they would slam the sides of the tent and it held up perfectly. Nice vestibule and around 3lbs.
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http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/tadpole-23-bx.html (http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/tadpole-23-bx.html)
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I'm a fan of the Golite tents. They have some great deals from time to time, and in my opinion offer a quality product. With that said, I'm trying a hammock and tarp setup for my next solo hunt. It's pretty damn light and doesn't take up much room compared to even my Shangri_la5.
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I'm a fan of the Golite tents. They have some great deals from time to time, and in my opinion offer a quality product. With that said, I'm trying a hammock and tarp setup for my next solo hunt. It's pretty damn light and doesn't take up much room compared to even my Shangri_la5.
I like the go-lite tents also, tried the SL-3 but I am to tall for it. They have the SL-5 on thier website listed for 299.00 right now, but they are out of stock and won't back order.
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I'm a fan of the Golite tents. They have some great deals from time to time, and in my opinion offer a quality product. With that said, I'm trying a hammock and tarp setup for my next solo hunt. It's pretty damn light and doesn't take up much room compared to even my Shangri_la5.
I like the go-lite tents also, tried the SL-3 but I am to tall for it. They have the SL-5 on thier website listed for 299.00 right now, but they are out of stock and won't back order.
They will have some more. It's just because of the price that they sold out. Lots of times they will have sales and everything will be "temporarily out of stock" for a while. I've got the 5 and the footprint is about 9' 5" by 9' 5". I'm guessing that when you say to tall it's when you were laying down in the 3?
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Big ag fly creek ul is super light if you want a one man plus room for storage then you want a two man. I believe the 2 man in the fly creek is just over 2 lbs
I have the UL2. I'd recc it over the one man...the UL2 is still very light and provides that little bit of extra storage for your gear. As with any tent, and "2 man" is really a one man tent anyway.
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I'm a fan of the Golite tents. They have some great deals from time to time, and in my opinion offer a quality product. With that said, I'm trying a hammock and tarp setup for my next solo hunt. It's pretty damn light and doesn't take up much room compared to even my Shangri_la5.
:yeah: Also Hilleberg builds some great lightweight solo options.
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I'm a fan of the Golite tents. They have some great deals from time to time, and in my opinion offer a quality product. With that said, I'm trying a hammock and tarp setup for my next solo hunt. It's pretty damn light and doesn't take up much room compared to even my Shangri_la5.
I like the go-lite tents also, tried the SL-3 but I am to tall for it. They have the SL-5 on thier website listed for 299.00 right now, but they are out of stock and won't back order.
They will have some more. It's just because of the price that they sold out. Lots of times they will have sales and everything will be "temporarily out of stock" for a while. I've got the 5 and the footprint is about 9' 5" by 9' 5". I'm guessing that when you say to tall it's when you were laying down in the 3?
Ya, they are going to have some more, in January, at $600...............I don't like them that much
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Me either... but rest assured there will be another "clear the shelves" sale within a year.
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THis is a good thread! I have been using an ultralight Mountain Hardware tent for the past 5 or so years. I bought it used and now the pole guides have all ripped off, its blood stained, and well... worn out. I am in need of a new tent.
My two main features I am looking for in my next tent are lightweight and free standing. I am only going to to with a free standing tent from now on because somtimes you are not in a good location to use stakes (a lot of the time actually). I know you can tie the tent down with rocks etc, but that is just a pain.
I think I am going to go with the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2. I really like the Tarptent Scarp 2, but once you add the extra poles to make the tent free standing it is almost twice the weight of the Fly Creek. Additionally, I would like to buy the tent at REI because of their unbeatable return policy. It is so much easier to exchange at the nearest REI than it is to deal with manufacturers and return authorization numbers.
A couple others that caught my eye were the Easton Kilo 2 and the Mtn Hardware SuperMega UL 2. I also noticed that there is another version of the Fly Creek available now, but from what I can tell you would be paying an extra $130 to shave 7oz.
I am excited for a new high country home!
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I'm a fan of the Golite tents. They have some great deals from time to time, and in my opinion offer a quality product. With that said, I'm trying a hammock and tarp setup for my next solo hunt. It's pretty damn light and doesn't take up much room compared to even my Shangri_la5.
I like the go-lite tents also, tried the SL-3 but I am to tall for it. They have the SL-5 on thier website listed for 299.00 right now, but they are out of stock and won't back order.
They will have some more. It's just because of the price that they sold out. Lots of times they will have sales and everything will be "temporarily out of stock" for a while. I've got the 5 and the footprint is about 9' 5" by 9' 5". I'm guessing that when you say to tall it's when you were laying down in the 3?
I bought one about a month ago for $259 (SL-5).
Had my inaugral camp in it last wknd. I used the fly only and slept on a tarp. ROOMY and light. I used the center pole and it would be even better if you could suspend it and have an unobstructed interior. The condensation on the inner wall was more than I expected, having the bottom open and 2 decent sized openings in the top. It would be little much for a one man, but it is light enough. You could store all your gear in it easily with 2 large guys comfortably. There is a good U-tube video for he SL-3 where a british dude is reviewing it.
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Mine came with a loop on the top to suspend the tent from and eliminate the pole. Did yours? I have experienced the condensation issue. I opened the top of the door with the zipper the following night and it eliminated the issue. Obviously this wouldn't work in bad weather, but it doesn't take much more ventilation to get rid of the issue. I also think it has something to do with where you pitch it...
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yes, mine has the loop. Just didn't have a sturdy branch handy where I wanted to set up the tent. Also the ground I was on was pretty moist.
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yes, mine has the loop. Just didn't have a sturdy branch handy where I wanted to set up the tent. Also the ground I was on was pretty moist.
You could try running a long rope from tree to tree (through the loop) which may work when there aren't any strong branches available. I've thought about doing it that way, but haven't needed to yet. I set up on some moist ground cause it was flat and full of nice soft pine needles once. That's when I experienced the most condensation.
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I just bough the Cabelas XPG 2-man tent. Not quite ultra-light IMO, but comes in about 5lbs. I bought the 2-man because my 4-year-old is starting to come along on short backpacking trips and it works great for the 2 of us plus some gear in the vestebule. It's on sale for $127 right now and had almost across the board 5-star reviews on their website.
Only 1 night out so far but I'm liking it. My full hammock/tarp/suspension/stakes/lines comes in at about 3lbs and change, so I will use that for shorter solo trip in nice weather. With my 4-nighter coming up, I am thinking about using the Cabela's tent for space better weather protection.
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I am second guessing the fly creek because of reviews about condensation and I figured out that it is not completely free standing. Now I don't know what to choose. :bash: I need to decide soon!
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I have three options that I use for backcountry hunting depending on the conditions and time of year.
Option 1) Goretex Bivy Sack which I use through most of September. This will works well to keep the dew off you and even through some rain storms although I wont take this if the forecast is calling for heavy rain throughout my hunt. Another thing I really like about this option is it makes it extremely fast to pack up camp and jump to a new location.
Option 2) Cabelas XPG Ultralight 1 man. This is a nice lightweight 1-man tent I will pack with me through around October and has room for most gear if you're not overloaded.
Option 3) Cabelas XPG Extreme 4-Season 2-man. This tent is a little bit heavier but has room for 2 people to hunt out of if you're packing in with someone. It is also built very well and can withstand severe storms and snow. This is my tent of choice for any hunts in November or any time severe weather may be possible.
With the price range you have listed you could purchase all three of these and have several options depending on what time and type of hunting you are planning to do.
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Tarptent rainbow
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Option 2) Cabelas XPG Ultralight 1 man. This is a nice lightweight 1-man tent I will pack with me through around October and has room for most gear if you're not overloaded.
I have this same tent and I'm very happy with it. :twocents:
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After seeing some of these tents in person on Friday I think I am going to have to sacrifice about a pound and save a little money in the name of functionality and durability. I am 90% sure that I am going to settle on the REI Quarter Dome T2. It is about 1-1.5 lbs heaver than the freestanding ultralight tents I was considering, but I dont think I would trust the current ultralight technology in some of the conditions I put these things through while hunting. Maybe some day I will feel comfortable buying an ultra light (2lb 2 person tent). Maybe we will find some amazing new material while exploring Mars... :dunno: A little dissappointed about buying a tent that weighs 4lbs, but I can not sacrifice durablilty, and I need this tent to be free standing.
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Been through lots of tents:
Sierra Design Clip Flashlight is ok and is what I used to have for hunting.
but new Big Agnes cannot be beat for lightweight. Even the kids can carry that tent. It weighs less that a sleeping bag. Don't know about bad weather, but for fall/summer the way to go. Neither is 100% free standing. It is very tight for two--but one with gear fine.
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Been through lots of tents:
Sierra Design Clip Flashlight is ok and is what I used to have for hunting.
but new Big Agnes cannot be beat for lightweight. Even the kids can carry that tent. It weighs less that a sleeping bag. Don't know about bad weather, but for fall/summer the way to go. Neither is 100% free standing. It is very tight for two--but one with gear fine.
What's the weight and sq footage of your BA?
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Cabela's has a hunters bivouac (bad spelling) that is amazing. It is 3 lbs. 10oz. and folds up very small. $100
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I have a MSR carbon reflex 2'-11" works great cost a lot. Buddy bought a colman just as light about a qauter of the price still gets the job done. The only thing he complains about is there is no room for storage or to set up inside. Msr is workin great for me
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Cool pic. Hope you got that sucker staked down. :chuckle:
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Be careful when you get up to take a nature call! :chuckle:
-Steve
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I have hunted out of a Kelty Crestone for the last 6 years. Great tent, weighs 3lbs even, including rainfly. Not free standing tho. It is tall enough to sit up inside of. Only problem I've ever had was last year on my Upper Smith Creek hunt. Ended up partially melting the rain-fly while in it (stupid long story). For $90 I sure cant complain.
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I have a Tarptent Moment. has worked for me in some nasty weather. Guy it out and it's good to go. I think it's right at 2 pounds. not including stakes and guy lines. has a free standing option, i don't take the extra pole. That being said, have been looking at Kifaru super tarp for next year!
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I have hunted out of a Kelty Crestone for the last 6 years. Great tent, weighs 3lbs even, including rainfly. Not free standing tho. It is tall enough to sit up inside of. Only problem I've ever had was last year on my Upper Smith Creek hunt. Ended up partially melting the rain-fly while in it (stupid long story). For $90 I sure cant complain.
had the same tent for a few years,eventually went floorless an only used the fly..good tent tho
now im going a bivy umbrella rout
and storm season im runing a msr tarp tent,2 person with extra room,and even a front porch..3 pound home away from home
here it is after being set up in a hurry at 8k feet this october in id
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REI Quarter Dome UL. Not real roomy, about 6 inches on either side of the Thermarest pad. A big door on both sides. room for a pack+ under each side of the fly. 6 guy outs. It's seen some wicked summer storms on the North slope. All mesh, a little too well vented sometimes. 3lbs+/-
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now im going a bivy umbrella rout
What bivy have you been happy with? What umrella?
I have a couple of bivy's and have used them with mesh hammock between trees. -sometimes with a tarp suspended above. Super lightweight but I would not consider the combination as "best 1 man tent for backcountry". I traded Jackalope a Columbia 2man that was heavier than I wanted to pack around, but I do miss the room it had. From him, now have a Eureka Solitair. Not a high-end tent for sure, but it has held up well this year. ~2pounds after dumping those steel stakes for some plastic ones. Using a bivy on the west side, I now really appreciate a dry floor, but sure wish I could sit up in this thing. I guess one has to determine what elements will be slept in then find a tent that suits the environmental conditions expected. I like a lower tent for reduced wind load and to be able to set up under the canopy of tree branches so I sacrifice headroom.
-Steve
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now im going a bivy umbrella rout
What bivy have you been happy with? What umrella?
I have a couple of bivy's and have used them with mesh hammock between trees. -sometimes with a tarp suspended above. Super lightweight but I would not consider the combination as "best 1 man tent for backcountry". I traded Jackalope a Columbia 2man that was heavier than I wanted to pack around, but I do miss the room it had. From him, now have a Eureka Solitair. Not a high-end tent for sure, but it has held up well this year. ~2pounds after dumping those steel stakes for some plastic ones. Using a bivy on the west side, I now really appreciate a dry floor, but sure wish I could sit up in this thing. I guess one has to determine what elements will be slept in then find a tent that suits the environmental conditions expected. I like a lower tent for reduced wind load and to be able to set up under the canopy of tree branches so I sacrifice headroom.
-Steve
the bivy i use is the cabelas xpg until i wear it out but so far eat keeps holding up,the umbrella is just a random camo one i found at my house..i only did this set up a few nights this spring in the rain and i like it....ima upgrade to the montbell umbrella and getting an elk mtn slip cover to use it as a decoy as well
http://www.elkmtngear.com/online-store?page=shop.browse&category_id=2 (http://www.elkmtngear.com/online-store?page=shop.browse&category_id=2)
http://www.prolitegear.com/montbell_ultralight_umbrella.html (http://www.prolitegear.com/montbell_ultralight_umbrella.html)
also yes a high tent in the wind can make for a long night, in that pic i posted the wind actualy turnd into a griz bear an started pushing me over..i thought i was a dead man for a sec :chuckle:
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i take comfort over weight, i run the msr hubba hubba and love it. its probably not the best but i stay dry plenty of ventalatio, spaciouse and light weight for what it is. can take a slight snow load. deppending on weather you can run the fly only or just the tent body to cut weight way down. for two man hnt the gea shed doesnt add much weight and adds a ton of room. did i mentio comfy. well made product
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I picked up a Kifaru back in Sept and have used it a couple of times now. Works really well so far, expsensive but quality.
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I second the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 Tent. It weighs less than 2lbs. Pretty sweet. It is just big enough to lay down and a small vestibule.
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Cabelas XPG w/ Origami fly. Plenty of room for 2 people and withstands anything mother nature dishes out!
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I just bought the Mystique 1.5 from Wholesale Sports for 50% off, around $60. I will be modifying the tent to make it a semi freestanding. Just need to complete it.
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I went to wholesale sports, looked over all of the tents and bought a 2 man tent for $14, yes $14 (on sale)! It is a dome tent at around a pound and a half (if you throw out the stakes and cut/throw out all the labels etc.) Both me and my hunting partner bought one each.
We took it to Idaho at about 8k feet 2 weeks ago for six days. The first night it rained all night long, the next 4 nights it snowed/sleeted/rained/snowed. It was large enough for all the gear and I could just barely stretch out in it. I also had enough room to cook in. It worked for what I needed it to.
The reason I went this way was that I noticed the cheap tents that my kids have, they seem to last forever and take a ton of abuse. I figured if their cheap tents last, why wouldn't this one. It was also lighter than the much more expensive ones.
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sounds like a hell of a deal! with that price you should have bought a couple!
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I went to wholesale sports, looked over all of the tents and bought a 2 man tent for $14, yes $14 (on sale)! It is a dome tent at around a pound and a half (if you throw out the stakes and cut/throw out all the labels etc.) Both me and my hunting partner bought one each.
Sounds like a great deal. :tup: Heck for that price you could burn through a 100 of them before you break even with the price of a single Kifaru shelter. Good find sir.
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Cabelas XPG w/ Origami fly. Plenty of room for 2 people and withstands anything mother nature dishes out!
Are you sure that isn't a Sierra Designs tent? Looks like it says it right on the fly there
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I' think the tent is a Cabelas XPG with a Sierra Designs fly. Cool set up. I might try that with my one man XPG.
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I just bought the Mystique 1.5 from Wholesale Sports for 50% off, around $60. I will be modifying the tent to make it a semi freestanding. Just need to complete it.
Check all your seams on that especially near the bottom. I bought one of these and the seams were coming apart about 1/8th" brand new. Otherwise a nice sized tent for the weight.
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I just bought the Mystique 1.5 from Wholesale Sports for 50% off, around $60. I will be modifying the tent to make it a semi freestanding. Just need to complete it.
Check all your seams on that especially near the bottom. I bought one of these and the seams were coming apart about 1/8th" brand new. Otherwise a nice sized tent for the weight.
hmm... I'll double check. I believe the rainfly should be ok since I just applied seam sealer on the outside. I haven't check the tent carefully though.
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Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2. It's very roomy and weighs in at 2 lbs 10 oz.
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I just pack a tarp and cut poles... Cheap, light and if you get holes in it from your fire oh well.. I have been doin this for years
Yep and if you need a bigger shelter/ tent you can spend another $5.00 and get the next size larger tarp. Only need to cut one pole and if the tarp is large enough can use it as a top and shelter/ wind break at the head of your sleeping bag and fold the excess under the top on the ground as a ground cloth.. Binder twine tied to trees works for the ropes to hold the corners up and out. Binder twine is cheap (usually free at horse barns etc) and lightweight
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This year I went to a go-lite 1 man, mainly to pitch in tight spots! I use the shell when no major weather is forecasted. The tent requires trekking poles, and can be cumbersome to set up. I'll research and buy another light weight tent in a few years when my wife forgets about this one! I would not buy the go-lite again. :twocents:
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Ive always been a tarp and bivy kind of guy. Way cheaper and more versitle.
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I have to add a little story.. First time I went camping in the backcountry it was with a buddy and we took a tarp(actually a tent fly) and cut our own sticks every new campsite and everything, we definitly had a lot to learn about setting up a tarp. It poured down high mtn. rain on us and we stayed relativly dry. it was very light easy to set up and all that. but one night my bro-in-law wakes me up and said he had a rodent on his face. he was freaking out :chuckle: so we shine our lights out into the dark and there is a couple BIG mice, maybe pikas? packrats or something. anyways they were chewing on our bags and scrambling around us all night...not fun at all! since then I have said I will bring a tent no matter what. Picked up a 30 dollar tent from target, its not superlight but for two guys and all their gear it has worked excellent for 4 years since.
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I bought $75 worth of silnylon and my wife sewed my tarptent together from Henry Shires design. It has bug netting on the sides that I hold down with rocks and then I carry a small piece of housewrap to put my pad/bag on. It keeps the critters and rain out but only weighs 1.5 pounds. If I stay in the same place more then one night I just find a stick long enough to prop it up while I take my trekking poles hiking for the day.
src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7870031602_3ebb3a570a_c.jpg" width="800" height="447" alt="tent">[/url]
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Ive always been a tarp and bivy kind of guy. Way cheaper and more versitle.
Been there, done that. Then mice..... Hate the mice.
Mice ruined it for me and had to go the tent route.
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Mice ruin everything :bash:
I use to sleep under a big tree on the high hunt...until one night a mouse was crawling all over me, and I couldn't get it to go away. Ruined my "go lite" attitude.
Now I pack a 2 man tent with enough room for me and all my gear.
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Mice ruin everything :bash:
I use to sleep under a big tree on the high hunt...until one night a mouse was crawling all over me, and I couldn't get it to go away. Ruined my "go lite" attitude.
Now I pack a 2 man tent with enough room for me and all my gear.
consider your self lucky...my brother had a big ol frog jump on his face in the middle of the night one time...his reaction prolly woke every elk with in 5 miles.. :chuckle:
ants are by far my worst enemy in the back woods..always seems to take a few days to get used to the lil buggers..
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I woke up with a bat in my beard before.. That realy sucked.. But i still sleep under a tarp
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I woke up choking and damn near throwing up, had a mice problem earlier in the night.........pretty sure one of the little buggers ran in my mouth. :puke:
I still use a tarp though
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ive been using a tend made by Tarp tent called the cloudburst.
2# single wall with floor room for two guys and gear, ive used it in the snow, used it in the pouring rain and never had any issues other than a little condensation if you dont have some breeze blowing through it.
with a little breeze though there is no problem.
if there isnt going to be rain, then i just bring a sil-nylon poncho as a back up and sleep under a tree to keep the dew off.
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I'm about to buy the North face tad pole 23, unless someone can convince me otherwise. Found it for 175$. Anybody know where I can get one for less?
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Bx---2-Person-Tent_10082892____?cm_mmc=PPC-_-GooglePlusBox-_-na-_-The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Bx---2-Person-Tent&ad_id=GooglePlusBox&adtype=pla&gclid=CKPrjIypybYCFa9cQgodwjkAyw (http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Bx---2-Person-Tent_10082892____?cm_mmc=PPC-_-GooglePlusBox-_-na-_-The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Bx---2-Person-Tent&ad_id=GooglePlusBox&adtype=pla&gclid=CKPrjIypybYCFa9cQgodwjkAyw)
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May I suggest the
Golite Shangri-La 3 or the Black Diamond Mega Light Tent
Both are roomy, and my BD is a four season shelter, and have used on many winter travel adventures.
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Looks like a nice tent. The vestibule looks pretty big. It may be a little heavy but that is a nice price. Give us a review when you get it in.
I'm about to buy the North face tad pole 23, unless someone can convince me otherwise. Found it for 175$. Anybody know where I can get one for less?
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Bx---2-Person-Tent_10082892____?cm_mmc=PPC-_-GooglePlusBox-_-na-_-The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Bx---2-Person-Tent&ad_id=GooglePlusBox&adtype=pla&gclid=CKPrjIypybYCFa9cQgodwjkAyw (http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Bx---2-Person-Tent_10082892____?cm_mmc=PPC-_-GooglePlusBox-_-na-_-The-North-Face-Tadpole-23-Bx---2-Person-Tent&ad_id=GooglePlusBox&adtype=pla&gclid=CKPrjIypybYCFa9cQgodwjkAyw)
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This is the BEST 1 man tent for backcountry adventures, picture taken in the backcountry of Montana by me last November 2012, Hilleberg Akto. (https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi307.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn305%2Fteignghost%2Fhilleberg_zps7ffc6791.png&hash=91a730b1c10a1d023e56933a9fe86ec38a76d808) (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/teignghost/media/hilleberg_zps7ffc6791.png.html)
Cheers
Richard
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May I suggest an option for those budget minded folks like me? I just bought a factory second Eureka Solitaire. It retails around $80-90 but I bought it from the outlet store link below for $35!! The only "issue" was that the poles were cracked. Easy to repair/replace....still low budget. :tup: If space is a concern picture a big ol' 6'2" 250lb man, a full pack, a bow, and a sleeping bag. I tried it in the yard overnight to test the logistics and it worked just fine. I got a great nights rest and was out of the weather. Best thing is that it only weighs a tad over 2 lbs! This still allows me to carry a tarp (wrapped conveniently around the tent bag and strapped to the wing of my pack) for that extra "comfort" of being able to string it up to store the gear under and have that extra spacious Best Western suite feel and some wiggle room! Enjoy and good luck!
http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eureka/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=SOLITAIRE+2012+B&pf_id=PAAAIABPNILDOLDG&dept_id=3070 (http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eureka/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=SOLITAIRE+2012+B&pf_id=PAAAIABPNILDOLDG&dept_id=3070)
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May I suggest an option for those budget minded folks like me? I just bought a factory second Eureka Solitaire. It retails around $80-90 but I bought it from the outlet store link below for $35!! The only "issue" was that the poles were cracked. Easy to repair/replace....still low budget. :tup: If space is a concern picture a big ol' 6'2" 250lb man, a full pack, a bow, and a sleeping bag. I tried it in the yard overnight to test the logistics and it worked just fine. I got a great nights rest and was out of the weather. Best thing is that it only weighs a tad over 2 lbs! This still allows me to carry a tarp (wrapped conveniently around the tent bag and strapped to the wing of my pack) for that extra "comfort" of being able to string it up to store the gear under and have that extra spacious Best Western suite feel and some wiggle room! Enjoy and good luck!
http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eureka/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=SOLITAIRE+2012+B&pf_id=PAAAIABPNILDOLDG&dept_id=3070 (http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eureka/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=SOLITAIRE+2012+B&pf_id=PAAAIABPNILDOLDG&dept_id=3070)
If you want to shave a few more ounces from that Solitare package, ditch those steel stakes for the 6" plastic Coughlins at REI. Lighter and stronger.
-Steve
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May I suggest an option for those budget minded folks like me? I just bought a factory second Eureka Solitaire. It retails around $80-90 but I bought it from the outlet store link below for $35!! The only "issue" was that the poles were cracked. Easy to repair/replace....still low budget. :tup: If space is a concern picture a big ol' 6'2" 250lb man, a full pack, a bow, and a sleeping bag. I tried it in the yard overnight to test the logistics and it worked just fine. I got a great nights rest and was out of the weather. Best thing is that it only weighs a tad over 2 lbs! This still allows me to carry a tarp (wrapped conveniently around the tent bag and strapped to the wing of my pack) for that extra "comfort" of being able to string it up to store the gear under and have that extra spacious Best Western suite feel and some wiggle room! Enjoy and good luck!
http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eureka/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=SOLITAIRE+2012+B&pf_id=PAAAIABPNILDOLDG&dept_id=3070 (http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eureka/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=SOLITAIRE+2012+B&pf_id=PAAAIABPNILDOLDG&dept_id=3070)
If you want to shave a few more ounces from that Solitare package, ditch those steel stakes for the 6" plastic Coughlins at REI. Lighter and stronger.
-Steve
My only issue with the solitaire I had for a few years was the condensation. It condensated really bad. When I exited the tent, through the top zipper all the condensation would rub off on me or drop on my sleeping bag. Other then that, I really liked that tent. Have you guys set it up differently so you don't have the condensation issues?
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Can't say I read every post in this thread, but what about a hammock?
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There are posts about using Hammocks... I used one almost exclusevly for many years, but now I'm liking an air mattress for a little more comfort. Less swaying in the wind. (A whole lot) A dry place to put my pack and boots. And not haveing to search so much for the perfect place between two trees to hang one. Hammocks are great for early season stuff, but during the rough weather, give me a tent as shelter.
-Steve
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There are posts about using Hammocks... I used one almost exclusevly for many years, but now I'm liking an air mattress for a little more comfort. Less swaying in the wind. (A whole lot) A dry place to put my pack and boots. And not haveing to search so much for the perfect place between two trees to hang one. Hammocks are great for early season stuff, but during the rough weather, give me a tent as shelter.
-Steve
I sleep on my stomach. I tried the hammock once. I ended up on the ground rolled up with the darn thing and no pad.
I won't be making that mistake again.
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Can't say I read every post in this thread, but what about a hammock?
No place to hang one in the sage. ;)
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I have seen many guys use a hammock for one or two nights but then they either leave early or swap it out for a tent.
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I have seen many guys use a hammock for one or two nights but then they either leave early or swap it out for a tent.
I have several friends who use hammocks religiously for multiday trips. The trend I have noticed is that they are all back sleepers.
I sleep on my stomach and have a really hard time in a hammock. It's bad enough that no coercing from my friends Jim and Jack will help me sleep.
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I use a NEMO Losi tent. They aren't cheap but man do they work well in adverse climate conditions!!!!! :tup:
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I have seen many guys use a hammock for one or two nights but then they either leave early or swap it out for a tent.
I have several friends who use hammocks religiously for multiday trips. The trend I have noticed is that they are all back sleepers.
I sleep on my stomach and have a really hard time in a hammock. It's bad enough that no coercing from my friends Jim and Jack will help me sleep.
I liked to get dressed out of the rain and keep my gear dry!