Help with tent purchase!

[phoebeh]

I'm looking to buy my first hiking tent, and I'm tossing up between the macpac microlight and minaret. They both seem to be good tents, but I'm still unsure whether it is worth buying a 2 person tent that I have to share/split or if it's better to get the microlight. I'm not confident I can carry a two person tent myself on longer hikes. Any advice on which to get?

[kitty]

Hi Pheobeh,
Your question is not easy to answer, without asking lots of more questions - probably why no one has answered you yet.
But the answer can be quite straightforward. If you do not intend to share a tent, then do not buy a heavier two person tent, if you can fit comfortably in a 1 person tent by yourself.
The Minaret is 2.4kg which is very heavy for one person to carry. And as for using the Minaret for 2 persons, well it only has one vestibule, which means you would really be in each others way gear-wise, so you would probably only want to share it with someone very close.
But other questions you have to ask yourself are - where are you hiking and in what season? You need to ensure that you get a tent that is suited to the conditions you typically hike in. If you go hiking in winter in snowy alpine areas you would choose a completely different tent than one that you would use in lower altitudes in summer or spring/autumn or tropical conditions for example.
There are many tents out there, and some that are a lot lighter than the two you mention, including 2 person tents with 2 vestibules that are lighter than the Microlight. But the conditions in which you intend to hike and tent are an important consideration and without knowing what those conditions are, its difficult for anyone to make a recommendation to you.
Maybe give a little more info?
Cheers, Kitty

[whynotwalk]

Hi phoebeh - if you use trekking poles, you may want to consider the Aarn Pacer 2-person tent.

**Disclosure** I'm selling mine!! ... see http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=19219 *** NOW SOLD***

The beauty of this is that it sleeps two, and is a 4-season tent, but at 1.8kg is the weight of a one-person. See the above post for details - or ignore if you're not a pole user .

cheers

Peter

[Moondog55]

To give an informed opinion we need to know where and when you want to use the tent
I have a Minaret and I consider it a solo tent for winter above the snowline and for winter it's weight is reasonable

[Mickl]

I'd agree with the others about the Minaret. I would only use it as a solo tent and for camping similar to what Moondog mentioned. There are heaps of better 2 person options that weight less and are cheaper for general 3 season use. Check out the Tarp tent range such as the Scarps or Moments as they offer 1 or 2 person model in both that would suit most stuff you may want to do.

[GPSGuided]

Given you already have a budget going into the $500 range, there are way more tents to consider that are far lighter and possibly more suited to your needs. For a start, if you are truly keen in bushwalking, then there'll always be times when a single person tent will come in handy. I'd further say that unless going out with a partner/family or in specific arrangement with a friend, a single lightweight tent is far more preferable than hauling a two+ person tent. Check out some of the existing threads and discussions (plenty). Check out various light weight Tarptent options for which we have in-forum support. You really should be looking for a 1P tent at around the 1kg mark with your budget.

[bocage14]

I just walked 3 weeks in Mongolia I used the Exped Venus UL 11. It was faultless and weighs nothing, heaps of dry storage space inside and out.
Having a 2 person option is the way to go I feel. This tent is of the higher price point but features and design are well worth it.

[ChupperChops]

Hi Phoebeh, in case you haven't acquired a tent please check out the Market Place.
I've got a Hilleberg Soulo for sale in as new condition at a substantial discount to new price.
Hilleberg make premium tents. The Soulo is free standing - a very important feature.

Cheers
Chris
0418 519 358