Tent Options (aka Can of Worms)

[Mano]

I don't intend to waste anyones time so I've read all the tend posts on this forum. As posted previosly I'm re-gearing after a child induced absence from bushwalking. Members so far have directed me to a new stove and sleeping mats (special mention to Slider) thank you very much. Like a previous poster I'm looking for a four family tent option. There is me, my wife, 13 year old son and 11 year old daughter. I need tents that will do the four of us in the Blue Mountains in the middle of winter and my son and I in the high country in Winter. My feeling thus far is to get an Exped Gemini and a Hilleberg Kaitum, Nammatj, Nallo, Jannu or Allak. I've been using a North Face VE 25 lightweight versioin for 20 years which has done me, my wife and fellow walkers - don't laugh - and I'm slightly wedded to a dome tent and slightly extra weight - 3.2kg - however it seems time has marched on and the lightweight movement has taken over. Doubts so far include:

- warmth of mesh inner in the Expeds when it's around freezing in the Blue Mountains.
- condensation in Hillebergs in Australian conditions
- which of the bewlidering array of Hillibergs to chose from. I feel the Nallo's maybe a bit small with the tapering ends for example.

My intended uses will be NSW low and high country, Tasmania and NZ.

I've also found a Black Diamond Mesa (which Outdoorgearlab rated number 1 for 3 season backpacking) for $300 on special. I was wondering whether that might be a reasonable option for the second 3 season tent at half the price of the Exped.

[nq111]

Wow - tough one.

You already have some good research.

If you think you will be taking into high country tasmania / alps for anything other than car camping i would get a proven high wind design (e.g. Hilleberg). The weather can turn fast in those places and you will never regret the weight (within reason) or price if you find yourself hunkered down in a sleet storm with winds of 100km +. So hillebergs / expeds proven there.

Certain conditions in those parts you will get a lot of condensation regardless of the venting. You will need to deal with this regardless. I wouldn't let venting worry you about the Hillebergs - they vent well.

I wouldn't worry about the mesh inners from a warmth perspective (won't be that cold) but a solid inner helps manage the condensation dripping so fair feature to want.

Otherwise - if you are not concerned about high wind performance (stay off the peaks e.g. on the overland track for camping will be fine) maybe something like a tarptent? Or if they have got their act together production wise maybe a big sky international? (poles are on the outside so you could add a few extra guylines that would help in wind - but it ain't a hilleberg!)

[Strider]

Otherwise - if you are not concerned about high wind performance (stay off the peaks e.g. on the overland track for camping will be fine) maybe something like a tarptent?

Scarp 2 could be a fair contender, including for high wind performance with the crossing poles. Worth looking into..

[Mano]

Sydney is being battered by 100km hail storms so I've got my old (newly repaired) tent in the backyard to see if the 20 year old waterproofing is still sound for my first overnight with my son next weekend. So far so good. Thanks for the suggestions for the new tent.