Backpacking tents

[jsanford]

Used a Sierra Designs flashlight for years bicycle camping and motorcycle camping.  But then it got sticky.   I bought an REI 3-season a couple of season ago that has been great, but it weighs twice as much with the ground cover as the flashlight.

There are a lot of REI tents at the "gear garage" at the flagship store returned for such reasons as "let's in too much light"   or "too small for the three of us."

[Justin]

Used a Sierra Designs flashlight for years bicycle camping and motorcycle camping.  But then it got sticky.   I bought an REI 3-season a couple of season ago that has been great, but it weighs twice as much with the ground cover as the flashlight.

There are a lot of REI tents at the "gear garage" at the flagship store returned for such reasons as "let's in too much light"   or "too small for the three of us."

What exactly does that mean?  

[sleazy rider]

Well, the new tent showed up Friday.    I'll be visiting the local Gander Mountain to return it on Monday.  Huge package is an understatement.  28" long and 10" in diameter.  It'll never work with my setup on the bike.  Guess I'll be headed to REI to get one of them real lightweight backpacking tents from North Face or Kelty.

[Kneescrubber]

Well, the new tent showed up Friday.    I'll be visiting the local Gander Mountain to return it on Monday.  Huge package is an understatement.  28" long and 10" in diameter.  It'll never work with my setup on the bike.  Guess I'll be headed to REI to get one of them real lightweight backpacking tents from North Face or Kelty.

Ummm......http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,67613.0.html

[sleazy rider]

Ummm......http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,67613.0.html

   I'm thinking of picking up a camo Eureka military two man tent off Ebay.  Sooo tired of bright colors when stealth camping.  I have time, there's still snow on the ground up here and more on the way, I'm quite sure.   

[Kneescrubber]

Not a problem. Just offering.

[ConPilot1]

   I'm thinking of picking up a camo Eureka military two man tent off Ebay.  Sooo tired of bright colors when stealth camping.  I have time, there's still snow on the ground up here and more on the way, I'm quite sure.   

Eureka's tend to big packers and heavy also. FYI. Especially if it's a military grade tent.

My suggestions, the North Face Rock 22 or an REI Quarterdome. Either/or. The quarterdome is an EXCELLENT choice and should be very weathertight and durable.  

Both designs are super-simple to setup with like 3 poles, are quality tents, very well made. I wouldn't go with TOO compact of a lightweight backpacker because trust me gear and boots and valuables you want to take in the
tent with you take up more space than you can imagine.

[919]

Used a Sierra Designs flashlight for years bicycle camping and motorcycle camping.  But then it got sticky.   I bought an REI 3-season a couple of season ago that has been great, but it weighs twice as much with the ground cover as the flashlight.

There are a lot of REI tents at the "gear garage" at the flagship store returned for such reasons as "let's in too much light"   or "too small for the three of us."

I'm also in the market as my last tent got 'sticky' as well in storage.  I was looking at this one on REI.com: http://www.rei.com/product/812849/alps-mountaineering-mystique-20-tent-special-buy

looking to go bigger this time, my last tent was an REI brand one person and I'd like more room for gear.

[Roadhound]

This one has caught my attention. https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/wyomingtrail2camp

That is a very interesting tent. The only problem with it is the packed size 27 in length is a deal breaker.

[sleazy rider]

I'm also in the market as my last tent got 'sticky' as well in storage.  I was looking at this one on REI.com: http://www.rei.com/product/812849/alps-mountaineering-mystique-20-tent-special-buy

looking to go bigger this time, my last tent was an REI brand one person and I'd like more room for gear.

Very similar to the one I just sold.  Great tent, but I wanted a bit more room for them crappy days stuck inside.  I could get all my riding gear inside, but ended up putting bags and stuff in the exterior storage.


Here's my new tent.  I finally scored a deal on eBay.  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300643280800?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_500wt_922

[1Arm]

I have replaced my Eureka Solitaire with this Kelty Salida, plenty of room inside (for me and the stuff I want inside, at least), fairly light and packs pretty small.


I can fit the tent, rainfly, and stakes all in one of my Great Basin pannier compartments, my Big Agnes bag and Exped pad fit in the center compartment, which leaves the 3 remaining compartments for tools, food, clothes etc.


The Eureka didn't offer much space, but mostly I shit-canned it due to the fact it's not a stand alone.  Mangled every stake and ended up tying it down with boulders on its last trip.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Yeah I have a MSR Skinny Too that is very similar to that Eureka and I figured a non-free stander wouldn't be a big deal.  Well it is kinda annoying to have to stake it EVERY time.  My buddies can put two poles together on non rainy days and bam they have their tent up and ready to sleep in.  It takes me about 10 minutes to get mine staked down and put up.

I'm leaning towards a Kelty now.

[Lasercut]

http://www.mountainsports.com/msmain.asp?Option=Detail&Detail=081841&Product=Kelty+Grand+Mesa+2+Tent+2011

Saw this Kelty Grand Mesa tent set up at Dick's Sporting Goods in Schaumburg, IL yesterday.  Was on closeout, 50% off the sale price of $99.97.  Looks like a great tent for 50 bucks!  They had 3 in stock (plus the demo) on Monday, might be worth a call/ride.

[Mr.Black]

I think this was $70.00 at Target.

Perfect for one,packs down to fit in a saddle bag.

[moto2wheelin]

This REI Half Dome 2 has been perfect for me.  One person and gear, it is great and packs easily in any bag I have had it in, the Givi V35, C14, FJR, Trophy 1200 stock bags.  Very easy to set up and the vestibule comes down all the way.

http://www.rei.com/product/794294/rei-half-dome-2-tent

[tankhead]

Just received the Eureka Zephyr 2 man.  5 lbs and packs small enough for my hard bags.

http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Zephyr-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B000MAOEB4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1326895012&sr=1-1

[ConPilot1]

I have replaced my Eureka Solitaire with this Kelty Salida, plenty of room inside (for me and the stuff I want inside, at least), fairly light and packs pretty small.

That's a great simple free-standing design. Kelty makes good solid gear for the price point.

[Jason F.]

I bought my Kelty Quatro 2 in the early 90's. I have used it at least twice a year if not more for nearly 20 years and it is still in very good shape. It is now only slightly starting to show its age with a bit of fading in the materials. It has survived some good wind and rain while staying dry inside. My only complaint is now that I am a bit, ahem, larger in size the entrance door is a bit low and small.

I am going to upgrade to a tent that has side entry doors and clip rather than fabric tube mounting for the poles. It will probably be a Kelty again after this last one held up so darn well for so many years. I think I paid $120 for it and feel like I got more than my moneys worth.

[ConPilot1]

Guys FWIW:

Don't store your tent rolled and packed up in it's intended storage package/stuff bag
It's best to air them out, dry well and store LOOSELY wadded up in a large enough cardboard box or breathable fabric bag, something like that.
You don't want to squeeze, compress, or fold the tent while it's in storage.

Keep it in your house in a cool dry place, not in the garage or attic or basement.

[stromgal]

http://www.mountainsports.com/msmain.asp?Option=Detail&Detail=081841&Product=Kelty+Grand+Mesa+2+Tent+2011

Saw this Kelty Grand Mesa tent set up at Dick's Sporting Goods in Schaumburg, IL yesterday.  Was on closeout, 50% off the sale price of $99.97.  Looks like a great tent for 50 bucks!  They had 3 in stock (plus the demo) on Monday, might be worth a call/ride.

Although the other tents written of in this thread have been interesting, I still like the Kelty because it's free-standing, taller inside than some, packs reasonably small, and is clip, not sleeve design. Gotta see if there's a Dick's nearby, thanks!