Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: rosscrazyelk on June 04, 2014, 02:28:02 PM

Title: Backpacking tents
Post by: rosscrazyelk on June 04, 2014, 02:28:02 PM: I am not made of money and I know a lot of the hard core guys use tarps. I need however a tent that I can use for hunting and also that when my wife goes with me in the summer we have enough room. Which in turn means I need a floor.
I have looked at backcounty.com and cabelas and all the other major sites.
I am really thinking about the new xpg ultra light, Coming in at 3 pounds. Anyone have one of these?
The xpg is just over $300. I have seen some specials on marmot and alps tents in the $170 range but weigh 2-3 pounds more than the xpg.
I am still trying to figure if 2 pounds lighter is worth the $150 more price tag
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: vandeman17 on June 04, 2014, 02:35:37 PM: Check out sierratradingpost.com. I know they carry some good stuff and they also have deals that give you like 30% off your order.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: jackelope on June 04, 2014, 02:38:53 PM: I have an older Sierra Designs Omega CD and it weighs about 5.5 pounds. I also have a Sierra Designs Vapor Lite which is right around 3 pounds and change. While I'm sure that the ~2 pounds makes a difference, the best thing about Vapor Lite is the size difference. It packs up a lot smaller than the Omega. The Omega CD is a sweet tent though.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: Bmcox86 on June 04, 2014, 02:39:27 PM: Steep and cheap has an alps 3 person coming up today for $95, cheap and pretty light
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: scottcrb on June 04, 2014, 02:45:55 PM: i have been looking for one for a while too but i was looking a little bigger for two people and some gear . but i have found the big agnes copper spul ul 3 or 2 , the msr hubba hubba or mother hubba or the rei quarter dome t3 to be the best i have been finding all of them on ebay and other sites for around your price range.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: whacker1 on June 04, 2014, 02:56:02 PM: I wasn't sure if you were looking at a 2 person or larger, but I almost bought a golite Imogene ultralight 2 last year. The only reason I didn't, was because I was given the Mountain Hardwear friends and family discount by a friend. So, I bought a slightly lighter weight tent for the same amount of money that retails for $450-500ish.

When I researched it, the golite Imogene was new last year and there weren't a lot of reviews. But there were a lot of favorable reviews about golite products. I would think you would be better served with golite product over Cabelas, but I have no specific experience with either.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: jackelope on June 04, 2014, 03:08:52 PM: I wouldn't buy most 2 person tents and expect room for 2 and gear.
:dunno:
My Omega would probably work ok for that if it was my wife and I, but it's a castle. I wouldn't want to cuddle up in there next to any of my hunting buddies though.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: swanny on June 04, 2014, 03:39:35 PM: 2lbs is a lot, but if you don't have or want to spend the money for 2lbs in a lighter tent it's not necessary.

The best way to buy a tent is to actually crawl inside and see if you and your sleeping mat, along with your partners will actually fit. Go to a place like the Seattle REI where they have a large selection to choose from, grab two sleeping mats and see if they fit. There are lots of tents that wont fit two people and gear comfortable, but you'd be surprised how many roomier two person tents are out there. I'm pretty sure I've used a new 2 person tent every year for the last 10 years or so, all from a variety of sub 3lb versions to the average 5lb range that you find your $150-200 tents in most often. Also be aware of that lighter doesn't always mean better. In order to achieve lightweight, lighter materials are used which cost more, but also mean they may not last quite as long or may be more prone to damage from severe storms.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 04, 2014, 03:57:39 PM: its not a tent, but i think a golite sl-5 would suit you well. lots of sqft for the weight, stout in a storm, pitches quick.
when the wife is along take the nest for a 5lb load. without her or hunting, use only the flysheet and a ground cloth and have 90+ sqft for about 2.5lbs
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: jackelope on June 04, 2014, 04:00:33 PM: Quote from: fillthefreezer on June 04, 2014, 03:57:39 PM
its not a tent, but i think a golite sl-5 would suit you well. lots of sqft for the weight, stout in a storm, pitches quick.
when the wife is along take the nest for a 5lb load. without her or hunting, use only the flysheet and a ground cloth and have 90+ sqft for about 2.5lbs

That'll be my next setup.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: vandeman17 on June 04, 2014, 04:10:38 PM: Quote from: jackelope on June 04, 2014, 04:00:33 PM
Quote from: fillthefreezer on June 04, 2014, 03:57:39 PM
its not a tent, but i think a golite sl-5 would suit you well. lots of sqft for the weight, stout in a storm, pitches quick.
when the wife is along take the nest for a 5lb load. without her or hunting, use only the flysheet and a ground cloth and have 90+ sqft for about 2.5lbs

That'll be my next setup.

That looks like a sweet setup and plenty big to sleep in as well as keep your gear dry in. I just think I would be the one that would knock over the center post in the middle of the night and in a fit of panic look like a raccoon trying to get out of a sack.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: 7mag. on June 04, 2014, 06:48:04 PM: Quote from: fillthefreezer on June 04, 2014, 03:57:39 PM
its not a tent, but i think a golite sl-5 would suit you well. lots of sqft for the weight, stout in a storm, pitches quick.
when the wife is along take the nest for a 5lb load. without her or hunting, use only the flysheet and a ground cloth and have 90+ sqft for about 2.5lbs

The SL5 is great shelter. I have the SL3, and I love it. There is room for two guys and gear even with the nest. Without the nest, it's even better.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: rosscrazyelk on June 04, 2014, 07:01:57 PM: Quote from: 7mag. on June 04, 2014, 06:48:04 PM
Quote from: fillthefreezer on June 04, 2014, 03:57:39 PM
its not a tent, but i think a golite sl-5 would suit you well. lots of sqft for the weight, stout in a storm, pitches quick.
when the wife is along take the nest for a 5lb load. without her or hunting, use only the flysheet and a ground cloth and have 90+ sqft for about 2.5lbs

The SL5 is great shelter. I have the SL3, and I love it. There is room for two guys and gear even with the nest. Without the nest, it's even better.
Is that the one you showed me last summer?
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: 7mag. on June 04, 2014, 08:48:26 PM: Quote from: rosscrazyelk on June 04, 2014, 07:01:57 PM
Quote from: 7mag. on June 04, 2014, 06:48:04 PM
Quote from: fillthefreezer on June 04, 2014, 03:57:39 PM
its not a tent, but i think a golite sl-5 would suit you well. lots of sqft for the weight, stout in a storm, pitches quick.
when the wife is along take the nest for a 5lb load. without her or hunting, use only the flysheet and a ground cloth and have 90+ sqft for about 2.5lbs

The SL5 is great shelter. I have the SL3, and I love it. There is room for two guys and gear even with the nest. Without the nest, it's even better.
Is that the one you showed me last summer?

Yes it is.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: Fishhuntmike on June 04, 2014, 09:08:35 PM: http://www.tarptent.com/squall2.html (http://www.tarptent.com/squall2.html)

sleeps 2, 2 lb 2 oz, floor and keeps the bugs out
not great in the head room department though
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: wooltie on June 05, 2014, 06:26:07 AM: Ross--

I'm selling my 2013 MSR Hoop 2 + floor. Might fit the bill for you, I'd advise you check it out if you haven't already.

http://www.backcountry.com/msr-hoop-tent-2-person-3-season (http://www.backcountry.com/msr-hoop-tent-2-person-3-season)

I bought it last year and never used it, aside from setting it up on my deck once and saying, "looks kool". Otherwise it has been shelved in my garage.

PM me if you're interested.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: Stein on June 05, 2014, 01:53:31 PM: If you are looking to shave weight, it will almost always be accompanied with a tent that either uses trekking poles or ropes without poles. It is a tradeoff, but I find that I usually don't use my trekking poles once I am in camp and much lighter.

I have a Golite Shangri-La 1 person, but they don't make it anymore. Fantastic tent and affordable. Kept me plus all my gear bone dry through a Crazy Mountain squall two years ago in MT.

http://www.backcountry.com/golite-shangri-la-1-shelter (http://www.backcountry.com/golite-shangri-la-1-shelter)

I also have an REI 2-man. Heavier, roomer but a great tent as well.

I'm 6'4", so that trimmed many tents out of the running. My criteria was length, weight, vestibule size, color and cost. I hate hunting out of yellow or orange tents, especially when I leave valuables in there during the day. Vestibules are a must unless you are using an oversized tent (2 man for 1 or 3 man for 2 guys).

You don't need to spend a fortune unless you want to. Golite and REI are sure bets. Both run sales all the time.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: rosscrazyelk on June 06, 2014, 07:07:57 AM: Is yellow the only color on the sl-5?
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 06, 2014, 07:32:49 AM: Quote from: rosscrazyelk on June 06, 2014, 07:07:57 AM
Is yellow the only color on the sl-5?
mine was a nice green
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: jackelope on June 06, 2014, 08:11:12 AM: Quote from: rosscrazyelk on June 06, 2014, 07:07:57 AM
Is yellow the only color on the sl-5?

It's their new color. They used to be green.

Boooo....
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: Camo on June 09, 2014, 11:08:56 PM: At 6'3", I'm not quite to Stein's spec's but I found the Tarptent Double Rainbow a palace for one but intimate for 2. Great little tent though, and especially liked the vestibules and the side entry. Currently running Copper Spurs 2 and 3. Lots of tent at a slight weight penalty. Allows freestanding option or drop some weight and go fly with footprint to get the tarp experience. Recent upgrades make the previous models a buy if you look. GoLites have a solid reputation but I have no experience there, put in a stove jack and you have lots of options.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: dreamingbig on June 10, 2014, 06:25:25 PM: As others have said, it is their new color. Mine is green. A stove jack and nest from seek outside make it a sweet setup.

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Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: jackelope on June 10, 2014, 06:43:08 PM: What's the difference between the nest that comes with it and the SO nest? Does SO do the stove jack?
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: dreamingbig on June 10, 2014, 07:28:17 PM: I bought a 2 man nest from them that only takes half the footprint. The rest is floorless and allows for a stove to be ran at the same time. I purchased the stove jack from them and had rainy pass in Ballard install it for $40. It was worth the extra money vs self install.

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Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: dreamingbig on June 10, 2014, 07:28:55 PM: Will post a pic later.

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Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: jackelope on June 10, 2014, 08:15:51 PM: That makes sense. I'd like to see the pics but I see the logic in the other nest. Thanks.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: acnewman55 on June 13, 2014, 08:56:20 AM: Anybody have an MSR Hubba Hubba NX?
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: scottcrb on June 13, 2014, 09:12:39 AM: I've used the older MSR hubba hubba and mother hubba but not the nx models
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: WilliamWallace on June 13, 2014, 01:16:07 PM: Quote from: acnewman55 on June 13, 2014, 08:56:20 AM
Anybody have an MSR Hubba Hubba NX?

I have the Hubba Hubba for about 5 years, not the NX model. I have no complaints with the tent. Solid and fairly light.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: Bean Counter on June 13, 2014, 01:43:30 PM: We bought a Kelty a few years ago and the few trips we went on, it held up. Even through a lite rain. Seemed to be better amongst the lower cost options.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: Elkaholic87 on June 26, 2014, 10:34:11 PM: I bought the Hubba Hubba NX a few days ago. I can tell this tent will last a long time. I'm going to use it on a backcountry elk hunt this year. I would already recommend this tent.

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Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: acnewman55 on July 02, 2014, 08:54:13 AM: Quote from: Elkaholic87 on June 26, 2014, 10:34:11 PM
I bought the Hubba Hubba NX a few days ago. I can tell this tent will last a long time. I'm going to use it on a backcountry elk hunt this year. I would already recommend this tent.

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I ended up buying one a few weeks back too. Used it on a one-nighter and it was great. Really nice feature-set for the weight class. I'm going to try the minimalist setup with just the rainfly and poles on ym next outing and see how things go.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: Craig on July 02, 2014, 02:18:27 PM: Took the new tent ( Kifaru ) out for a short trip. hiked 3.5 miles behind locked gates and had a good time, Set up a couple Game cams. First time I used a floor less tent and i liked it. It will take a couple trips to figure everything out before hunting season. I carried the tent. My son carried the pegs and the tent pole. Less then 3 pounds each. Plenty of room for the two of us. I would not try more then 2 Adults plus gear.

I will need to add the liner to the tent. I think Condensation in any single wall tent will be a issue. The liner should fix this.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FKifaru_zps60da1ee5.jpg&hash=002c23df2d64e80c99ddfc68066d775b8e8b59b3) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/Kifaru_zps60da1ee5.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: acorn on July 13, 2014, 02:23:40 PM: I've got an older Marmot 1-person, free standing tent that I use. It's not very light but I've gone threw some hellacious storms over in the Olympics with it and it's kept me warm and dry. But if I was looking for a replacement I'd look at the ALPS tents on backcountry.com. They're super cheap (probably made by small children in China) and pretty light weight. Plus if you don't like it backcountry has the return policy that REI used to have; if you're not satisfied send it back. I buy all my gear (non camo) through them.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: Bmcox86 on July 13, 2014, 03:27:47 PM: I like the mountainsmith light. Set it up yesterday for my first time.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: dreamingbig on July 13, 2014, 05:01:34 PM: I don't like that setup with mice or bugs. I still need a floor or a best in my sl5. Have nest, half floorless.

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Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: jackelope on July 13, 2014, 05:35:42 PM: Dreamingbig-Do you have the floor only setup for the sl5?
I just got a sl3 with the factory bathtub floor. No nest.
Title: Re: Backpacking tents
Post by: KFhunter on July 13, 2014, 06:01:47 PM: Cabelas XPG looks good, looks like big Agnes

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Camping/Tents-Shelters/Backpacking-Expedition-Tents%7C/pc/104795280/c/104779080/sc/104303880/Cabelas-XPGtrade-Ultralight-Two-Person-Tent/1807678.uts?WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat104795280%3Bcat104779080%3Bcat104303880 (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Camping/Tents-Shelters/Backpacking-Expedition-Tents%7C/pc/104795280/c/104779080/sc/104303880/Cabelas-XPGtrade-Ultralight-Two-Person-Tent/1807678.uts?WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat104795280%3Bcat104779080%3Bcat104303880)

3 person

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Camping/Tents-Shelters/Backpacking-Expedition-Tents%7C/pc/104795280/c/104779080/sc/104303880/Cabelas-XPGtrade-Ultralight-Three-Person-Tent/1807679.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1100670%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd1807678&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd1807678%3Bcat104303880 (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Camping/Tents-Shelters/Backpacking-Expedition-Tents%7C/pc/104795280/c/104779080/sc/104303880/Cabelas-XPGtrade-Ultralight-Three-Person-Tent/1807679.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1100670%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd1807678&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd1807678%3Bcat104303880)\

Big Agnes seedhouse

https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/SeedhouseSL2 (https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/SeedhouseSL2)

I wonder if that top vent on the XPG is worth 5oz?
Otherwise looks the same - door zipper flipped around

big agnes has a less obnoxious color