As mentioned, a lot of it has to do with what you're doing. The closer to civilization and horse power dictates what's practical or possible.
That said though, I have to say this Kifaru 4 man tipi (read 2 man) is the best compromise for weight and warmth potential I have ever used anywhere. Its about 5lbs or so (without the stove), sets up easily and can withstand just about anything you have a chance of surviving in. Naturally, the wood stove adds a huge dimension for warmth, comfort and cooking, but adds more weight for back-packing affairs. Although with 2 guys the stove and piping collapse to a packable size as well so the weight load could be shared. The quality is superb.
Two pic's below are from an AK float trip in 2004. The weather was 15-20 degrees and down to zero for most of the time we were out there, which was 6-7 days. The winds kicked up one afternoon to something on the order of 60+ for almost 2hours and ended up blowing spruce down all around us, especially the ones with fire compromised roots. The 2nd pic is the morning after the winds. We were protected to some extent at the base of those trees but the wind was howling enough through there to push over a few, which you can see. The tent was no worse for wear though. I don't think we even re-set any stakes afterwards.
In 2006 we took the tipi again but only used it 2 days out of 13. The weather was mild enough to get by with tarps and bags. It was below freezing a few of those nights but as mentioned with decent gear, some woods sense and the right attitude you can get by with very little in the way of gear. For the next trip I doubt we'll have more than a few tarps and personal bivy's sacks for shelter.
Topic: Cold weather camping - tent (Read 1647 times)
