Three season tent sought

[Lophophaps]

I’m after a one or two person tent. Specifications are three season; east-west design (that is, you can sit up and your gear is beside you in the vestibule); decent size inner doors; able to easily pitch the fly first; minimal or no mesh on the inner. A low weight would be good. I’m prepared to carry a bit more weight to have more room, which is important in bad weather, and prefer solid fabric instead of mesh.

Notes for one tent include the word “coffin”. I was also disenchanted by varying specified weights, which may be 100-200 gram difference. It appears that manufacturers fudge the figures by saying tent is this much, and packed it’s bit more. Bogong’s tent guide states this in as many words, and weigh the whole shebang. Helpful.

The best I can find is a Macpac Macrolight, 2.2 kilogram or so for a two person tent. It has two sleeved overlapping poles, which should give a bit of stability. The fly is pitched first, and the vestibules are a reasonable size. The Macpac Microlight is for one person and weighs 1.6 kilogram. Saving about 600 gram is good, but by accepting a higher weight there’s a good deal more room and the option of two people sharing.

Comments on the Mac tents or other tents and recommendations would be valued. TIA.

[Strider]

What is your budget? And by "east-west design" do you mean side-entry? What about the Tarptent Scarp 2?

[Lophophaps]

The cost is of secondary importance, and will be assessed when I find the right tent. By east-west I mean side entry, unlike, say, a Minaret. I haven't got my notes with me, and will have another look at the Tarptent.

[Franco]

if you are interested in the Scarp 2 you can have a look at one here in Port Melbourne.
I don't sell them but you can see it set up.
The one I have is 1770 g with a fabric inner. With the mesh inner will be about 1700g.
You can conctact me via franco at tarptent dot com

[johnrs]

Hi Loppa
Light weight side entry, single hoop tents??
Alternatives to Tarptent Scarps.
At the premium end:
Try the Hilleberg Atko for one
or if you are tall then the Helpsort Ringstind 1or2.
Both are season plus designs.
At the budget end:
look at the Luxe Lightwave.
John

[Mutley]

I have owned a one planet goondie for a while now and have now spent about 14 days in it. It pitches very quickly, is very strong, good floor and reasonable value for money. It can't pitch fly firth though. But worth a look. I love it.

[Strider]

I have owned a one planet goondie for a while now and have now spent about 14 days in it. It pitches very quickly

You've obviously never pitched a Tarptent!

I helped my mate pitch his Goondie a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at the complication. We spent probably 5 minutes tweaking and the fly still didn't fit properly.

[quicky]

I have owned a one planet goondie for a while now and have now spent about 14 days in it. It pitches very quickly

You've obviously never pitched a Tarptent!

I helped my mate pitch his Goondie a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at the complication. We spent probably 5 minutes tweaking and the fly still didn't fit properly.

I'll vouch for Tarptent. I have a Double Rainbow...pitches in a flash with your eyes closed. Awesome brand.

[sthughes]

The MSR Hubba Hubba HP (and Hubba HP) fit your specs and are a great tent, especially if you value space.

[Mutley]

I helped my mate pitch his Goondie a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at the complication. We spent probably 5 minutes tweaking and the fly still didn't fit properly.

Throw fly over, 4 clips and 2 pegs...too easy. Nothing complex at all.

[Strider]

I helped my mate pitch his Goondie a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at the complication. We spent probably 5 minutes tweaking and the fly still didn't fit properly.

Throw fly over, 4 clips and 2 pegs...too easy. Nothing complex at all.

Compared to Scarp - Peg first two corners. Peg second two corners. Done.

[Franco]

here is a real time TT Scarp 1 set up (mind you in ideal conditions...:


Closing credits...
I think I was into my speed set-ups at the time so I must have had in mind to do it faster.
But I never bothered..

[Lophophaps]

The above is most helpful.

The Scarp 2 has a cited weight of 1.7 kilogram. Until now it was unclear if this weight is for one pole (probably) and/or a mesh inner. If this weight of 1.7 kilogram is for one pole and mesh, with two poles and ripstop inside the weight may be approaching 2 kilogram, or close to the weight of MacPac Macrolight, which is about 2.2 kilogram.

The Macrolight has continuous sleeves and seems easier to put up than the Scarp 2 with cross poles, especially in bad weather. Both seem to have similar stability in wind.

Due to the possibility of the Scarp 2 with cross poles being harder to put up (sleeves?), uncertainty regarding the inner fabric, and probably being a similar weight to the Macrolight, it’s hard to say which is best. What tipped me in favour of the Macrolight - just - was that I have put one up. However, the good reviews of the Scarp 2 means that I still have an open mind, and am quite happy to be persuaded that Scarp 2 is better.

After Franco's data and demonstration (loved the closing credit!) I think I may be persuaded. How stable is the one pole Scarp 2? If this is okay, what's the best way to buy one?

[Strider]

1.7kg for Scarp 2 is without the crossing poles and with mesh inner. Breakdown of my Scarp 1 weight is as follows:

Fly 799g
Main pole 183g
Solid inner 423g
Mesh inner 366g
8 x Pegs + bag 119g
Crossing poles 345g
Stuffsack 20g
Tyvek footprint 136g

TOTAL mesh inner no crossing poles = 1623g

TOTAL solid inner with crossing poles = 2025g



The external crossing poles are considerably easier to install than on those tents using sleeves. Remember they are optional .

If you are able to, you really need to get down and see Franco for a demonstration.

Here is some good discussion re: Macrolight
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=7075

[Mutley]

Fyi This months Wild magazine has a tent review.

[corvus]

My Scarp 2 with solid inner , Tyvek ground sheet, crossing poles two extra pegs and a separate bag for all the poles and pegs weighs in at 2396gm and is a nice big shelter for two and a Palace for one so for around 400gm more than the "1" you will have a difficult choice
corvus

[Spartan]

Hi, Lophophaps.

If you're after a solid, lightweight and dependable shelter, you might like to consider the Mountain Hardware 'Drifter 2' (protestations from the 'scarptent evangelists' not withstanding). I've had one for a few years, I've used it in all conditions, including light/moderate snowfall, and it's never let me down. Quick and simple to pitch, spacious, robust and weighs only two-and-a-half-kilos. Great tent!

All the best.

[Lophophaps]

Strider, thanks for the link. The Macrolight that I put up was a bit of a struggle, which I attributed to me not knowing the best way and the inner being attached. This was a dry tent in a sheltered place, not The Main Range last week. So it very much appears that the Macrolight can be eliminated.

It seems that the short poles at the ends give a degree of stability, sort of partway between a single pole and crossover design that does not have these short poles. Do the crossover poles fit into clips or are they threaded in sleeves?

The weight of the Scarp 2 single pole and crossover pole with solid fabric inside are good: maybe 1800 and 2025 gram. I’ll have a look at the Drifter 2. More thinking. Not good.

One these points are resolved, the questions then are how necessary are the Scarp 2 crossover poles for exposed camping, where can they be bought and for how much?

[Scottyk]

protestations from the 'scarptent evangelists' not withstanding

Three cheers for Scarp Tents!

My advice is that when a manufacturer makes tents very light they don't do it from magic, they do it from clever design (allows use of less fabric and poles) and by using lighter fabric. So the lighter the tent gets the lighter the material has to become to make the weight disappear.
So although some tents may look a little heavy compared to some of the super light ones, the designers of these tents aren't stupid they are putting there compromise pendulum a little further back towards the durability scale. So....

I vote for Hillberg, Wilderness Equipment or Macpac for tent makers that I think have the durability to weight balance about right. I am a person that doesn't mind carrying a few extra grams in my pack to know I have durable gear.

I can feel myself ducking now in preparation of responses

[Strider]

Strider, thanks for the link. The Macrolight that I put up was a bit of a struggle, which I attributed to me not knowing the best way and the inner being attached. This was a dry tent in a sheltered place, not The Main Range last week. So it very much appears that the Macrolight can be eliminated.

It seems that the short poles at the ends give a degree of stability, sort of partway between a single pole and crossover design that does not have these short poles. Do the crossover poles fit into clips or are they threaded in sleeves?

The weight of the Scarp 2 single pole and crossover pole with solid fabric inside are good: maybe 1800 and 2025 gram. I’ll have a look at the Drifter 2. More thinking. Not good.

One these points are resolved, the questions then are how necessary are the Scarp 2 crossover poles for exposed camping, where can they be bought and for how much?

The end struts are threaded into sleeves and do not need to be removed.

All Tarptents are sold via their US website.

As for exposed camping. I thought you wanted a 3-season tent?

protestations from the 'scarptent evangelists' not withstanding

Three cheers for Scarp Tents!

My advice is that when a manufacturer makes tents very light they don't do it from magic, they do it from clever design (allows use of less fabric and poles) and by using lighter fabric. So the lighter the tent gets the lighter the material has to become to make the weight disappear.
So although some tents may look a little heavy compared to some of the super light ones, the designers of these tents aren't stupid they are putting there compromise pendulum a little further back towards the durability scale. So....

I vote for Hillberg, Wilderness Equipment or Macpac for tent makers that I think have the durability to weight balance about right. I am a person that doesn't mind carrying a few extra grams in my pack to know I have durable gear.

I can feel myself ducking now in preparation of responses

It really depends how much importance you place on durability. I am happier with a lighter and more practical tent, even if it only last 5 years instead of 20.

Clever design and lightweight is not an inference of using inferior materials. Of course lightweight materials are less robust than heavyweight materials, but this does not mean they are inadequate for the task at hand.

[Lophophaps]

I’m after a tent that will work in non-winter months, three seasons. More specifically, I expect it to work everywhere except under winter snowfalls. Adverse weather has been experienced in a number of places in non-winter months. These include the Main Range, Jagungal region, alpine Victoria, the Central Plateau of Tassie, and SW Tassie.

The snow tent does fine for skiing, but another tent is needed for less serious conditions. This is why I’m looking for a solid (as opposed to mesh) inner, the fly being able to be pitched first, and reasonable stability in strong wind.

The Hilberg range is a bit pricy. I was not enthused about the lack of full floor plans or the absence of metric measurements. WE is also expensive.

[Strider]

What is your other tent?

[Spartan]

Hi, Lophophaps.

One of the principal reasons that I suggested the Mountain Hardware 'Drifter 2' for consideration has to do with it's design. Whilst it is, in every respect, a '3 Season' tent, the inner doesn't comprise simply mesh: the bottom half is material. As you pointed out it's not unsual to encounter adverse weather in certain areas of Australia, the 'Drifter 2' handles such variances remarkably well (my experience with this tent includes high humidity, torrential rainfall and moderate snowfall. I stayed bone dry inside under all these conditions). The 'Drifter 2' pitches fly first, it ventilates very well, it sheds strong winds, and it doesn't feel claustrophobic spending extended periods inside the thing (I'm 6'3" and my partner is 5'8"). Finally, it has twin side entries/vestibules. In short, this beastie 'ticks' all of the 'boxes' listed in your original post.

As I said before, 'great tent'!

All the best.

[Lophophaps]

I had to get the snow tent out from under a heap of winter detritus as I could not recall the brand. This is partly due to advanced years but mainly due there being no brand. It was bought from a bushwalking shop, so it is probably a reputable brand.

It’s a dome, three long poles crossing in the middle, fly first. The inner hangs from the fly. Vestibules are on either side, much like the sort of tent I currently want. The dome weighs about four kilogram.

I'm assessing Drifter 2. Metric units would be useful.

[Strider]

How about this?

viewtopic.php?p=168289#p168289

[mountnman]

I'm also in the market for a new three-season tent now that my MSR Hubba died and isn't covered under warranty... (long story)

I'm after a solo tent, maybe a two person, free standing, under 2kg. Another criteria is that I'm 5'10", and want to be able to sit upright in it....

I do like the MSR Hubba and Hubba Hubba (apparently the newer models don't have the same issue as my orange one) and will get another one if I can't find another one that does the same job.

I do like the look of the North Face Mica FL 1, but don't want to drop quality to save weight.

[Spartan]

Hi, Lophophaps.

"I'm assessing Drifter 2. Metric units would be useful." Well, I gave you the tent's weight in metric (i.e. kgs). Did you mean 'imperial', instead?

All the best.

[Strider]

I'm assessing Drifter 2. Metric units would be useful.[/color]

Both metric and imperial are given.

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Drifter ... lt,pd.html

[vagrom]

Fyi This months Wild magazine has a tent review.

Erk... Just looked at said tent review. Where's Macpac? How much does one pay to get on the List? Trumped by BlackWolf (or Diamond? The plethora of names...) and suchlike, as well as the latest, classic imports. Is it a problem with alleged leaky floors? One Planet gets a bouquet, MSR, perhaps Hilleberg too. Let them eat cake!

[Strider]

Erk... Just looked at said tent review. Where's Macpac?

The same place they've been for a while now - off the radar as far as tents are concerned.