2P Tent Help

[JD The Bushwalker]

I know, I know, it's another tent topic... I'm sorry! I searched and read a whole heap of stuff here but finding it difficult to match something to my needs (especially as I don't really know exactly what my needs are).

Now that the apologies are out of the way lets get down to business. I do a heap of day walks in the Blue Mountains but I am now looking at doing some overnighters. The main overnighter that I am looking at currently is the Six Foot Track and possibly the Three Peaks Challenge (without the challenge of course as I am by no means elitist). Before I do them though I would like to do some other smaller overnighters to "practice" and iron out any kinks. I plan to have this will progress into other overnight stays in the bush as well (including the Great North Walk).

I will require a tent that can be used for 2 persons as I will likely do some of these overnighters with my wife (or others), however, there will be times that I will be on my own to so don't want anything too big and bulky. I do my walking in all weather but I will try to keep the overnighters to the warmer months - that said I would like something versatile enough to be used in winter as well.

At the moment I am not using any tent, nor do I own one - so this is a first time purchase for me. I would also like it to be a purchase that I don't have to make again in the near future.

When making suggestions please keep in mind that price is not an issue. I am happy to pay more for a product that do everything I want it to and last for ages as well. Also I am a comple "noob" when it comes to gear.

Further things I would like clarification on include: are there any brands or shops I should avoid?

If you can recall other threads that will help me out please point me to them as well - I just couldn't sort out what was useful to me.

I think I covered just about everything, but if there is any other information you require to make an informed decision, please ask, I will gladly let you know

[GPSGuided]

Tarptent Scarp1. Can squeeze 2 when needed but not excessive when carried for solo use. Either that or buy 2 tents, one for solo walks and another when there's another to share the load.

[kitty]

Do you use two hiking poles?

[JD The Bushwalker]

Tarptent Scarp1. Can squeeze 2 when needed but not excessive when carried for solo use. Either that or buy 2 tents, one for solo walks and another when there's another to share the load.

Thanks GPSGuided, I'll have a good look into it

Do you use two hiking poles?

No Kitty, no poles for me

[Big Foot]

Marmot Limelight 3. Just take the footprint, poles and fly. If you are sleeping in mosquito city take the tent inner. It fits two with comfort and has twin entries and covered vestibule. Not the lightest but split the sum of it's parts between you.

[Strider]

Scarp 1 with two people would be awfully close. What about a Six Moons Lunar Duo?

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[GPSGuided]

Scarp 1 with two people would be awfully close. What about a Six Moons Lunar Duo?

I was considering that option at one point until I decided that I really don't want nor need to carry the bit of extra weight when solo. But guess suitability for 2 will also depends on the physical sizes and habits of the pair. Could have worked fine for my household.

[north-north-west]

Scarp 2 isn't all that heavy and would be an absolute palace when you're on your own. And if the budget can fit, why not get the 2 for when you have company and a one man (such as the Scarp 1 or Moment or something similar) for the solo trips.

If money really isn't an object, the most important factors are weight, durability and how much tent you need. Hillebergs are heavier than the Tarptents (and also one of the pricier brands) but as close to being bombproof as a tent can be - but unless you're Alpine in winter most of their models would probably be overdoing it. The One Planet tents have a good reputation but the two man version may be more than you want to carry for solo trips.

There are a lot of good brands out there (and we all have our favourites). You have to decide how much weight you're prepared to carry when you're on your own. Two one man tents is a more versatile option and makes it easier to spread the weight, although it does make for less sociable nights when the missus is there.

[Franco]

For the areas the OP is in, the walks he has in mind and the 1/2 person use, another Tarptent comes to mind.
The Double Moment.
This one is 1.5 kg, packs to 48x13cm so more than good enough for solo walks but can take two tall adults with good sitting up (115cm) and laying down (213cm) room .
Another possible plus is that on a nice warm night (or afternoon ) you can have good views as well as optimal air flow leaving the two door panels open.
The floor is within the drip line so if it starts raining you have the time to close those panels down.
Anyway maybe worth a look :


BTW, because of the pole supported high ends the DM is a single hoop but close to tunnel design.
franco@tarptent

[north-north-west]

I like the look of that thing, especially the high ends. But I'm guessing it wouldn't fare too well in really windy conditions?

[JD The Bushwalker]

Awesome guys, loving the feedback - gives me ideas if nothing else. I will definitely be looking at the new models given by you all.

Do you know any shops that stock these so that I can go and have a look at them and judge size and weight for myelf. I have read that the dimensions and weights etc given by the companies are often incorrect, plus it is always nice to be able to see these things first-hand.

[Franco]

Hi Bigbadwolv,
Tarptent products are sold directly by Tarptent USA.
To have them in shops it would almost double the cost to you and we would have to have them made in China or Vietnam, something we don't want to do because it is very handy for us to have our own production line in Seattle, a shortish flight away from Nevada City.
Our detailed specs are pretty accurate apart for a small variation in weight due to different fabric runs, however it is in ounces not pounds...
franco@tarptent

[Kingsleythelost]

I have a double rainbow (tarptent) and love it. It weighs 970Grams(Or close) and can easily support two people or a roomy one person. Im 197cm and 125 KG me and a partner fit in it very nicely.

What I like

Very light for 2 person
Quick to setup
Good storage area
Great air flow, its mostly mesh.
A nice balcony configuration for taking in those beautiful views in the morning

What I don't like
Single walled so can have quite a bit of moisture in it
Weaker than other options like the one planet goondie tents (But good for the weight)
Not great in wind

If you order from tarptents make sure you get them seam sealed and be prepared to wait some time for it to be done

Another great option is the Goondie 2 or 3 tent... absolutely bomb proof. Ive been in it with 100+kph winds and slept like a baby. When I woke up there was a lot of weary looking people trying to straighten bent poles and looking generally terrible. Its still reasonably light around 1.7Kg . But the pay off for weight is strength.

[Franco]

If you order from tarptents make sure you get them seam sealed

Last year about 9 out of 10 customers did not order seam sealing from TT.
I don't know the previous years but that number sounds about right as an average.
You can order a seam sealing kit from TT (on each product order page) and there is an instructional video on the site too.
(I know from the US forums that many use the TT method of seam sealing for other brands and their own projects)


and be prepared to wait some time for it to be done
You can specify a due by date in the comment box on the order form.

BTW, the Double Moment is a double wall tent as the Scarps also are.

[JD The Bushwalker]

Thanks for the info guys - LOVING it!

Hi Bigbadwolv,
Tarptent products are sold directly by Tarptent USA.
To have them in shops it would almost double the cost to you and we would have to have them made in China or Vietnam, something we don't want to do because it is very handy for us to have our own production line in Seattle, a shortish flight away from Nevada City.
Our detailed specs are pretty accurate apart for a small variation in weight due to different fabric runs, however it is in ounces not pounds...
franco@tarptent

Cheers Franco - I understand the logistics of it - just a pity I can see one in person before I buy... Will have to keep researching and go from there. Perhaps I will even find someone who has one that can show me

Anyone have any other suggestions? Options are good while I'm researching

[Kingsleythelost]

Seriously you should check out the Goondie 2. They have a bit of a cult following on this forum.

I own a TT and a goondie , the reason I went for the TT was it weighs in less than 1kg....But if your going in the 1.5 Kg range the goondie will be a real contender at a few hundred grams more for a proper 4 seasons tent. The crossed dome tents are extremely well engineered and can stand massive winds and snow. No need to carry extra poles for these conditions.

Do a quick search on this forum theres a heap of info on them.

[GPSGuided]

A proper 4 seasons tent really is not required in the Blue Mtns. I'd suggest a good 3 seasons tent is much more practical for the range of weather conditions encountered. In other words, save the weight.

[Kingsleythelost]

I think when the winds come up you will be glad you bought one bomb proof tent....The OP should have a look and take it into account during the selection process a quality product.

They are also an Australian Company with great support from Melbourne.

[JD The Bushwalker]

Cheers guys, everything that is mentioned here will be kept in mind. Until I get a chance to physically go and see some tents I won't be able to offer anything further. I have been looking online but of course there are limitations to it.

Keep the feedback coming (as it will arm me with more knowledge when I do get to go). Are there any other tents worth mentioning that caters for my needs?

[JD The Bushwalker]

Ok, I have done a bit of research today and it looks like the front-runner is the Scarp 2. It is priced at ~$504AU
http://www.tarptent.com/scarp2.html

The Six Moon Lunar Duo is only single walled so may have condensation issues. It weighs 0.6kg lighter than the Scarp2 and is priced at $499AU
http://www.backpackinglight.com.au/store/six-moon-lunar-duo-explorer-tent/dp/8126

The One Planet Goondie 2 is 0.5kg for the 30D and is 0.3kg heavier than the Scarp 2. They are priced at $599AU for 30D and $649AU for 15D.
http://www.oneplanet.com.au/goondie-2/goondie-2-30d.html
https://www.trekandtravel.com.au/product_subcategory.asp?id=62&cat=5 - pricing

The Marmot Limelight 2P is over 0.5kg heavier than the Scarp 2. It is priced at $319.50AU
http://marmot.com/products/details/limelight-2p
http://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/marmot-limelight-2p-freestanding-hiking-tent-alpen/270909412 - pricing

The Exped Venus II like the Goondie varies in weight and price depending on which model is bought. It is quite expensive at in excess of $800
http://www.campsaver.com/venus-ii-tent-2-person-4-season

And the Scarpa 1 is (from what I have found and correct me if I'm worng here) is too small to fit 2 sleeping mats side-by-side. It is priced at $476.68AU
https://www.tarptent.com/scarp1.html

*Please note that all prices are not including shipping (if necessary)*
**I used google to convert the cost of the Scarpas due to not have AU pricing**

One part that I'm struggling with is the cost differences - what owuld the extra $$$ give me for my money?

[Franco]

"And the Scarpa 1 is (from what I have found and correct me if I'm worng here) is too small to fit 2 sleeping mats side-by-side"
Yes and no...
To allow two standard 50cm wide mats to sit side by side you need to undo clip 1 and 5 of the inner.
Doing that the floor drops down a bit so it gets a bit wider but less of a bathtub.
Somewhat similar to the room you get in some other so called "doubles" but it is something that you can do occasionally but I would not suggest to be done all or most of the time.
Doing the same as above, the Scarp 2 will hold 2 mats.
Scarp 1 , two mats :

[JD The Bushwalker]

"And the Scarpa 1 is (from what I have found and correct me if I'm worng here) is too small to fit 2 sleeping mats side-by-side"
Yes and no...
To allow two standard 50cm wide mats to sit side by side you need to undo clip 1 and 5 of the inner.
Doing that the floor drops down a bit so it gets a bit wider but less of a bathtub.
Somewhat similar to the room you get in some other so called "doubles" but it is something that you can do occasionally but I would not suggest to be done all or most of the time.
Doing the same as above, the Scarp 2 will hold 2 mats.

Thanks Franco, probably a bit squishy to do often and don't want to lose the bathtub either. I don't want to have to buy 2 tents at this stage so that scraps the Scarp 1

[Kingsleythelost]

The Goondie 2 is a real 2 person tent with room on the sides and plenty of storage it also comes in 4 seasons. If you buy the Scarp 2 to make It for strong winds or snow you need to add 2 extra poles.... extra $ extra weight.

Also the postage from the states is quite expensive so make sure you take that into account. Also seam sealed cost another 30 odd AUS dollars where as many other tents they come sealed as standard (Like the goondie and exped). You also need to wait some time if ordering from TT.

I had a chance on the weekend to examine the exped it was a beautiful well made tent.

[GPSGuided]

I had a chance on the weekend to examine the exped it was a beautiful well made tent.

We have an Exped Gemini III for family camps and it's indeed very very nice. But, they are more of a quality feature rich tent than a low weight tent. Further, it's not ideal to set up in the rain. Choice really depends on one's objective.

[horsecat]

The Goondie 2 is a real 2 person tent

Firstly, I love my Goondie 2...but I wouldn't like to share it with one of my mates (it's workable with the missus though ). Nice and spacious for one person (long and good width, plus the cross bar at the top makes it roomy at head height and nice sized twin vestibules. Really well made too

[Kingsleythelost]

I had a chance on the weekend to examine the exped it was a beautiful well made tent.

We have an Exped Gemini III for family camps and it's indeed very very nice. But, they are more of a quality feature rich tent than a low weight tent. Further, it's not ideal to set up in the rain. Choice really depends on one's objective.

Just wondering why you would state its not good in the rain? Then I realized your looking at a different tent than the OP has an option on. The Venus II has an external structure and can be setup with just the outer or the outer and inner. Ideal for setting up in the rain I would imagine

[GPSGuided]

The Gemini also has a similar fly that can be set up separately. But, its inner is not designed to be attachable by this approach. Not the same as a tent that's designed for simultaneous set up in 2 layers.

[north-north-west]

The Goondie 2 is a real 2 person tent with room on the sides and plenty of storage it also comes in 4 seasons. If you buy the Scarp 2 to make It for strong winds or snow you need to add 2 extra poles.... extra $ extra weight.

Scarp will cope with a fair bit of wind with a few extra guys. The crossing poles are really only necessary for snow.

[lorrainey100]

If you want a free standing double wall tent the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is about 1.4kg. If you buy the footprint you can also use it as a tarp without the netting in Blue Mountains winter thereby further reducing the weight to around 1 kg. I've used this in the Blue Mountains NSW this winter.

Otherwise if you want more room the Tarptent Scarp2 is big enough for 2 people and is double wall. I've used the Tarptent Moment DW in the Blue Mountains NSW and recommend their product.

[johnrs]

Hi BBW
Tarptent for the Bluies
Goondie for Tasmania or exposed alpine conditions.
John