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reccomend a mountaineering tent

Original Post
Cliff M · · San Jose, CA · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 80

time for me to get a new tent. I'm looking for a durable, freestanding 2-person tent that ideally won't break the bank. not uncommon for me to camp up at altitude, snow/wind. can probably get by with a '3-season' but '4-season' might be good, watcha think? thanks

NateGfunk · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 50

hilleberg if you can afford it. There is no equal.

rock-fencer · · Columbia, SC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 265

hilleberg are super nice but on the heavy side of the spectrum if your looking for free standing -- for expedition use maybe id consider it. Is durability a priority over weight? I've had a sierra designs 3/4 season convertible that was sub $200 on sale and has lasted for over ten years.

Honestly every tent maker has a great tent out there these days...id check outdoor gear lab for a general review. Also Backpacking Light does shakedowns of ultralight shelters

Medic741 · · Des Moines, IA (WTF) · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 265

+1 for the hilleburg. Great deals come up on this site for trango t2s, that's been my favorite bombproof tent in 70+mph storms

Petsfed 00 · · Snohomish, WA · Joined Mar 2002 · Points: 989
gearx.com/msr-fury-tent.html
I've owned the Moss version with 2 doors for a long time, and its super durable. A bit cramped, but a great tent.
Gretchen 81 · · Longview, WA · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 60

For a tent that won't cost a paycheck...I have the Blackdiamond Firstlight. It's a lightweight single wall tent. Like all single-walled tents is has problems with condensation, and if you're over 6' it will be a bit cramped. Otherwise, it's held up well in bad storms, it's super lightweight (I can carry it by myself comfortably). You set it up from the inside, which is nice in bad weather-just pull out the tent, throw your stuff in and dive in. And hey, it's the tent Honnold and Caldwell used on their traverse of Fitz Roy.

Kyro · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 5

If you want light weight go with the mh direkt 2. Been using it for 2yrs with no complaints!

Marty Theriault · · Quebec, QC · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 310

Nemo!

Ryan N · · Bellingham, WA · Joined May 2009 · Points: 195

I've got the MH Trango 2. It's nice and roomy (easily sleeps 3-4) and sets up fairly quick. Lots of pockets on the inside to organize yo shit. Downside is the weight. I think it's around 10 lbs with fly, but it packs nicely between two people. I've used mine in RMNP and the Tetons to name a few. Been in rain and snow holds up great. Unfortunately depending on the size of your "bank" it might break it...though that's going to be true for pretty much anything that's going to do what you want.

Wiled Horse · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2002 · Points: 3,669
Mark R · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 65
Ryan N wrote:I've got the MH Trango 2. It's nice and roomy (easily sleeps 3-4) and sets up fairly quick. Lots of pockets on the inside to organize yo shit. Downside is the weight. I think it's around 10 lbs with fly, but it packs nicely between two people. I've used mine in RMNP and the Tetons to name a few. Been in rain and snow holds up great. Unfortunately depending on the size of your "bank" it might break it...though that's going to be true for pretty much anything that's going to do what you want.
^ Good to hear this! I just checked for OP but sadly STP has sold out of the Trango 2. I picked one up a couple of weeks ago for $287 shipped.
Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

Nemo Tenshi. Heavy tents suck.

Trad Princess · · Not That Into Climbing · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 1,175

If you really camp in "snow/wind" than you most likely will not want a 3 season tent.

That being said, most (but not all) free-standing 4 season tents will make you sad if you use them in a warmer setting, or a more humid setting. The lack of vents that keep blowing snow out, will keep all your wonderful moisture in. Some are better than others.

I own an old REI half-dome (blowing snow? haha!). An old MSR dragontail, which is a great winter tent, but not freestanding and has a large footprint. I've slept in a Nemo Tenshi & North Face Assault 2 at altitude. These last three tents are nice for winter, but again - ventilation lacks. The Tenshi is the best in that regard, but it also is spendy.

If you want cheaper, you'll most likely suffer with weight. If you're tall like I am, most of the ledge style tents (firstlight/assault/tenshi) will be a tight fit. Look forward to cold toes from crushed footbox loft.

There are so many considerations - what are your priorities in the tent? Cheap most important? Free standing? Light? Attractive to women?

Marty Theriault · · Quebec, QC · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 310
Ray Pinpillage wrote:Nemo Tenshi. Heavy tents suck.
Sub 2 pounds single wall tent, mine survived crazy weather in the alps, andese, alaska and lots and lots of canadian winter! don't know where sucks comes from altho they are not the best in hot humide weather but they are not design for hat....
Tim Zander · · Breckenridge, CO · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 30
Theriault wrote: Sub 2 pounds single wall tent, mine survived crazy weather in the alps, andese, alaska and lots and lots of canadian winter! don't know where sucks comes from altho they are not the best in hot humide weather but they are not design for hat....
I don't know where you get sub 2 pound on the tenshi. It is 4 pounds 6oz 'minimum' weight as listed on their website.

BTW, I like my BD Eldorado, but it's not the lightest or the most versatile. Great winter shelter though
Jay Eggleston · · Denver · Joined Feb 2003 · Points: 21,326

BD First Lite.

Scott O · · Anchorage · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 70

MH Trango if you're going to be parked in one location for a while.

Black Diamond Firstlight if on the move

ze dirtbag · · Tahoe · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 50

are you looking for something super burly or something light and fast.

-the brooks range propel is super light, single wall with lots of vents, built in (small) vestibule, and is surprisingly stable if you line it out well.

-the bd lighthouse is what i use most of the time, 3ish pounds and pretty damn well suited for a 6'3" climber. cross vents well and is somewhat warm for a single wall tent.

-tnf mountain 25 is pretty burly and expensive....but worth hauling it somewhere you will be hanging out in shit weather and need more of a basecamp feel.

i'd really like to check out the tenshi, it looks like kinda the middle ground and i've heard good things from people who have stuff from nemo.

the best thing i think would be make friends with people who have different tents and sleep in them before you make up your mind, then you will make you decisions on thickness, vestibules, floor space and weight.

i tend to stay on the lightwieght side....mostly because i can usually get away with it in the eastern sierra. my thoughts process was "if i only have a heavy tent, i probably won't take it and just suffer a bit more, if i have a light tent, it won't be that big of a deal to throw it in the bag.

just my 2 cents

good luck, there are a lot of tents out there....read a lot of reviews and try some out

Brian in SLC · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Oct 2003 · Points: 21,711

Get a lightweight, less durable, but less expensive tent then buy another when it gets worn (and religate it to car camping).

Heavy, durable tents still wear out, and, they'll wear you out too (not to mention taking up more space).

BD Firstlight is nice, but, I prefer the door arrangement in the HiLight.

Trad Princess · · Not That Into Climbing · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 1,175
i'd really like to check out the tenshi, it looks like kinda the middle ground and i've heard good things from people who have stuff from nemo.

It's a fantastic tent, but again - ledge style, so not a ton of room. And it's spendy.

I've not seen a better venting system thus far, and the fabric itself is supposedly breathable (but not the vestibule fabric). When you have it properly staked out, it feels like you couldn't budge it. Of course, I know that's not the case, but it is ROCK SOLID.

I'm 6'2", and I was able to make it work zipped up, even in my lofty winter sleeping bag. Not so much in the BD firstlight.

tenshi

tenshi

tenshi
evolve · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 250

I have the BD Hilight and have been happy with it. It's seen a lot of days in the backcountry and for how light it is, has held up well. You have to have the right expectations though.

I'd call it a 1 1/2 person tent which makes it great for one person and some gear. But, if you're tall, this tent might not work for you. I also have the vestibule which I love. It's great for extra gear storage, especially in winter when you don't want to drag snow into the tent, or for cooking in inclement weather.

I consider it a 3.5 season tent. It's been great any time of year in the Colorado alpine but I would never take it into the desert mid summer -- would be absolutely brutal. It does have condensation issues in warm and/or humid conditions. If you're a heavy breather / sweater I imagine it could not work out so well. It also will not hold up to heavy, extended down pours. It does shed snow well and I've had no probs with wind.

Setup is super cake and it's crazy light. I'd recommend a footprint. The bottom is way too thin (imo) to go without.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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