Lightweight 2 man tent or tarp options
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I have an REI half-dome, which has been great for short backpacking trips. However, the lightest I can get it is around 6 pounds, and it's really bulky. For longer trips, I've been looking into lighter and smaller options like the Big Agnes UL Scout 2 man vs a tarp like the BD beta light tarp. |
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BD FirstLight and HiLight are slightly heavier than what you're looking at (3 lbs) , and they're cozy for two people, but they'll be better in severe weather. |
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Okay the scout looks pretty cool. Ive not seen that before and the weight is great for being fully enclosed. With that said, condensation still may be an issue being single wall even with the ventilation which looks pretty good. Condensation will form on anything regardless of ventilation dependent on where pitched (ie. Under pines or in grassy meadow etc.) |
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Adam Paashaus wrote: Do research on the shangri-la 3 from go lite. I have the shangri-la 5 for our family of 4 and you can opt for inner bug tent if you want bug protection on that particular trip or save the weight on fast light trips when bugs aren't an issue. I think its a single pole that comes with the tent but I lash my trekking poles together to save that weight and get the height needed.I have an SL-2 and do exactly that. Carry the nest (inner mesh tent) if you expect buggy weather otherwise just carry the fly. It sleeps 2 and sets up with two trekking poles. |
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i have a tarptent double rainbow that i love. |
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I didn't realize the sl2 had bug insert. (Edit: they appeared to have discontinued the bug insert. Someone stated you can still find them on ebay)Thats even better for weight. I noticed the sl3 is out of stock. Thats the way golite rolls these days to create the demand. The sl5 was out of stock when we 1st wanted it so we waited and kept inquiring and so glad we did. |
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Adam Paashaus wrote:I didn't realize the sl2 had bug insert. Thats even better for weight. I noticed the sl3 is out of stock. Thats the way golite rolls these days to create the demand. The sl5 was out of stock when we 1st wanted it so we waited and kept inquiring and so glad we did.It looks like they might not be making the sl-2 nest anymore? I picked mine up for a screaming deal when Go-lite was doing all of their clearance and coupon for posting reviews shenanigans. I've seen them come up for sale recently on other message boards like BPL and they usually go pretty cheap. |
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I've got the Beta Light with the Beta Bug insert since most of the time I'm on the East coast. |
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Bugs are always tough in tarp tents.. so is condensation. Keep in mind that tents, especially double wall tents, that are so light defiantly do not hold up as well. If your planning on spending some time in shitty weather something like the MSR Hubba Hubba would hold up really well. People really seem to like the BA Fly Creek, a good freestanding alternative to the scout, but it has the advantage of a double wall system. It is tiny on the inside so people often go with something roomier like the copper spur. |
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Check out outdoorgearlab.com/tents |
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+1 for the double rainbow. Super light, bug proof, fine for non-monsoon Wasatch conditions. |
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I'm a big fan of lightweight cuben fiber shelters. |
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Mountain hardwear tents that have the Drypitch option can be set up as whole tent, fly only or fly and foot print only. Nice flexibility and weight options. Just so happens I am selling a brand new one as well.... |
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It's a bit pricy but probably the lightest on that market |
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The 2014 Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is even lighter than before. |
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I spent a night in the Black Diamond Beta Light last summer in Rocky Mountain National Park. We pitched it over moist ground and had some condensation but the walls are so steep, it does not drip inside. My friend is large and we had no trouble fitting inside with gear. We even cooked a meal inside while all hell broke loose outside, not one drop in the shelter. Great tent and the easiest I have ever pitched. Stake down the corners, crawl underneath and prop up with the trekking poles. I replaced the stakes with MSR needles, total weight 1lb 3oz. This is one of my favorite pieces of gear. |
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Another vote for Tarptent. I have a Moment DW for my lightweight backpacking solo shelter and can't say enough good things about it. |