Lightweight backpacking tents?

[Angus]

I'm in the market for a new one too, but I have a nasty medical issue that makes the choice difficult: i get extremely bad cramps in my left calf & adductor muscle in my thigh, usually during rest.  they're not true cramps but muscle spasms, requiring that I stand up and try to straighten the leg NOW!!  Rapid exit from the bag/tent becomes an issue. These side-entry models, can you exit quickly-and I mean REALLY quick!!

[Bivyhunter]

They don't have an eject button, but you can get out of them faster than wriggling out of a front entry. Unzip tent door on body of tent, second zipper on vestibule and swing your legs out first. Don't forget to exit your sleeping bag too.

[awbowman]

Originally posted by snag:
Ok, the MSR Hubba Hubba HP is the winner! Comes in at just about 3lbs, side door, good size vestibule, good protection from the elements.  Backcountry is here in town. Heading that way today. It's been raining here pretty good. I think I'll pitch it in the yard for a test run.

You won't regret it and get the footprint

[snag]

[Oregon Okie]

Let me know how you like it David. We are looking for a new backpacking tent too. What was that one you and I were in the Blues? Is it heavy? I'm gonna bring three kids by for a "shop tour" sometime next week or the week after...

[snag]

Russ, that one we used was an REI model that isn't available any longer. It is about 5lbs. The MSR is 3lbs for the one man. The two man is 4lb 8oz.
 http://www.rei.com/product/810183/msr-hubba-hubba-2p-tent
The two man has the two side doors. I like the full coverage rain fly on these. The waterproof bottom has a taller lip also.

[stalkin4elk]

Can't believe no one mentioned Exped or Hilleberg which most agree are hands down the best available, and yes, they are more money for very good reasons . Check them out if you want the best.

[Steve O]

Originally posted by snag:
I think I have it narrowed down to these:
Big Agnes
Easton
Mountain Hardware

David, I have used a BA Seedhouse 2 for many years.  No complaints and it has never let me down.  I don't even know if the still make it and know they do have lighter.  All my BA stuff has been excellent.

[TURKEYFOOTGIRL]

I have been doing all the research for the past week or so and everything leads me to the Tarptent Double Rainbow.  Anyone have any negative or positive feedback?

[Oregon Okie]

The best thing about the tarptent DOUBLE RAINBOW is the name. Never seen the tent but that name makes me laugh. Hit youtube if you don't know why.

[akdd]

I just used a black diamond mega light shelter for a 6 day pack rafting trip. I was pleased with it. easy to set up. But it is what it is says it is a shelter. It is a light light weight floor less shelter advertised a a four man that slept 2 people with plenty of room. Advertised weight is 2 lbs 13 oz. This is with the center pole which I left home and just used the boat paddle for a center pole.

[Bill Frederick]

I own a Shangri-La 5 and a Mountain Laurel Designs Super Mid.  I'd recommend them both.  

Pyramids have some nice features, lots of room for the weight, you can stand up in them, easy to set up, no floor (Super Mid) or removable floor (Shangri-La) so you don't have to worry about tracking in dirt.

One down side is they are not freestanding but I haven't found that to be an issue in most places.

For $300 the Shangri-La gives you a lot of options.  At 5.67 lbs you get a "fly" , fully enclosed inner mesh "nest" with floor, includes lines, pole and 8 stakes with a lot of room.  In non-buggy conditions, leave the nest at home and have a dry shelter comfortable for 4 adults and a little gear for 2.88 lbs.  You can even leave the pole at home and use a branch to save another 13 oz.

[DarkTimber]

David,

I think you'll be very happy with the MSR.  Here is my Hubba Hubba HP on a mule deer hunt in Colorado.  It took some brutal wind and never flinched.  Like others have said above, the side entry and double doors / vestibule is realy nice when hunting with a partner (almost manditory for me)

 


When I'm hunting alone I use a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 which has the front entry.  It's definately not as convinent as side entry but when I can't split weight with a partner I'm willing to sacrafice a little for the weight savings.   Good Luck

[Biathlonman]

I had a double rainbow for a bit.  Nice shelter but a little tight for two grown ups.  Just sold it so I could pick up a rainshadow.  Tarptent just released a new three person tent that looks killer.  Would be my first choice if I were shopping for a new tent.

[snag]

Great pic DarkTimber! That looks like home!

[snag]

The MSR hubba hubba 1 man tent arrived today. So after lunch I pulled it out and set it up in the living room. I got inside to check out the size....and my dog walks in and lays down next to me! haha  Too funny. He gave his approval I guess.

This tent is so well made. Everything is reinforced where the tie downs are. The vestibule is plenty large enough for my boots and pack. AND it is pretty lightweight at just over 3lbs.
So I'm in the tent with the dog thinking about the tent and the hunt coming up when my phone rings! Had to persuade the dog to move out of the way...only one door and he was in it! haha  It was a guy who has ordered arrows from me before. I told him that he would never guess what I had to do to get to the phone! We both had a good laugh at that one.

[awbowman]

Glad you like it David