Suggestions: Lightweight 2P Tent and Backpack?

[Tintin]

Hi guys,

I am in the market for a lightweight 2P tent, preferably under 1.5kg, but <2kg should be fine. I am looking to do the Overland Track in March/April, so I figure I would need a 3-season tent and not a full on bomb-proof 4-season one. I don't think the $20 BCF tent would cut it! Ideally I am after something with decent ventilation to combat condensation but isn't going to compromise on stability during a big gusty night. I am fairly tall at 6' 3", so I would want something that will actually fit me in it comfortably. Tent height isn't a massive issue for me, I don't mind being restricted - but the GF thinks otherwise! My budget may push $500 depending on the product, and I know that is hard given how bad the AUD is against the USD. Anything off the top of your heads that fit this description?

For my pack I currently use a Kathmandu Entrada 65L for hiking (2.3kg I think), which I initially bought for overseas travelling. It is simply too heavy for what I am doing. I have been looking at the ultralight back packs (Mariposa, Zpacks etc.). They look great, but the load limit is only 16kg max, and I need something that will hold at least 20kg, 25kg max. Ideally I am after a pack which is lighter than 1.5kg and has a volume of 60-70L. Does anyone have experience with Deuter or BlackWolf packs, and are they a reputable brand for packs?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Have a Merry Christmas and peaceful NY!

[whitefang]

There's been plenty of discussion about tents like this previously. If you search the equipment forum you will be able to find lots of information. Off the top of my head though you can't go past something from TarpTent. Their quality is amazing. Otherwise something like the Big Agnes Copper Spur or Fly Creek models come to mind.

As for your pack, I'm not familiar with anything that is that light, but will comfortably carry heavy loads. If you want a lighter pack, you may consider getting your other gear lighter too so you won't be carrying such heavy loads and so you will need less volume. The ULA Catalyst can carry up to 18kg and is about 1.3kg and that could be the closest to what you're looking for. If you do need to carry 20 - 25kg though I would just get a bag with a really good harness and deal with the weight penalty.

[Strider]

Tintin, have you heard of Aarn packs?

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[paul_gee]

Everyone seems to heading off next year to do The Overland Track. So much envy! I'm yet to do it - I tend to take off to NZ again every time I contemplate it.

Tent

You have a healthy budget so check out things like the MSR Hubba Hubba and Mont Moondance 2. For around $500 you will be able to get light and quality.

Pack

Do you really need to be carrying that sort of weight? If so, the harness is of paramount importance. It needs to work, it needs to be comfortable.

Most of the Deuters weight in around the 2.5-2.8kg mark for the 60-65L models, apart from the ACT Lite 60+10 which sits at around 1.9kg.

Black Wolf - Fine packs, if a little on the lighter side of Deuter (the 65L McKinley weighs 2.1kg). They're a middle of the road range of packs, and really just lack the superior quality materials of Deuter, Osprey, and so on.

As a rule of thumb - harness first. If you found a cheaper pack that fits better, feels more comfortable, and distributes weight better, you should go for that.

Personally, I have a number of Ospreys and Macpacs in the 30-50L category. I went from a Macpac 70 Traverse that just got too big and heavy and have been relatively lightweight ever since.

[Tintin]

Thanks guys - a lot of useful information.

The reason for the load limit is because of water weight. In the west we have a multi-day hike in the Stirling Ranges, and you need to take all your water (7-10L). My pack would be 20kg if I took 10L of water. My sleeping bag is 1.4kg though, and I have considered looking into quilts.

For the OLT I should be under 15kg with consumables - but I don't want to buy 2 packs. Although an option might be to get an ultralight pack and suck it up and use the heavier one for the SR hike.

Strider, I've seen the name Aarn packs pop up but know nothing about them. I just looked at their website and the Mountain Magic 50L looks nice, but it's only a 38L main pack with the 12L counterweight at the front. The Aarn concept sounds good but I can't help that think you would overheat a bit with having packs on your front and back. Also I've walked with my day pack attached to my front shoulder straps when travelling and you can't see your feet, so I can imagine what it would be like scrambling up a rock face. I'll look into them more, cheers.

I'll check out those tents mentioned, thanks.

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

All of the suggestions have been good. Tarptent, MSR Hubba or NX series, Fly Creek all good options.

The pack, I went to a a ULA Circuit 12 months ago and haven't looked back. Comfortably carries 18kg for me and I'd be happy to take 20+kg in it. Weighs 1.2kg, was a big improvement on my Deuter 55+10 which was more than double the weight and not nearly as comfortable.

A lot of forum members seems to have good success with the Aarn. They aren't lightweight, but make up for it in the comfort and balance department.

[Franco]

Also I've walked with my day pack attached to my front shoulder straps when travelling and you can't see your feet
The front pockets on the Aarns are nothing like any other frontpacks.
The Aarns do allow you to see your feet (if you normally can...) rest on the waist belt (so the weight is not on your shoulders) and have an air gap between them and your chest.

[rucksack]

+1 for the ULA Circuit. It's been my go-to pack for the past year, rain or sunshine. A very nice, well-made light pack and very comfortable too. Teaming my Circuit with my Tarptent Moment has worked for me. I have been using a first iteration of the single-door mesh-walled Moment with ceiling liner right through winter this year (including the Southern Ranges in snow and rain) and have stayed dry and warm throughout. Perhaps, have a look at the Moment DW or the Stratospire 1 for 3 seasons and the Scarp 1 if you fancy a bit of 4 seasons insurance. My Circuit plus Moment add up to a measly 2.2kg and I am carrying up to 15kg with ease with the Circuit.

rucksack

[Tintin]

+1 for the ULA Circuit. It's been my go-to pack for the past year, rain or sunshine. A very nice, well-made light pack and very comfortable too. Teaming my Circuit with my Tarptent Moment has worked for me. I have been using a first iteration of the single-door mesh-walled Moment with ceiling liner right through winter this year (including the Southern Ranges in snow and rain) and have stayed dry and warm throughout. Perhaps, have a look at the Moment DW or the Stratospire 1 for 3 seasons and the Scarp 1 if you fancy a bit of 4 seasons insurance. My Circuit plus Moment add up to a measly 2.2kg and I am carrying up to 15kg with ease with the Circuit.

rucksack

All of the suggestions have been good. Tarptent, MSR Hubba or NX series, Fly Creek all good options.

The pack, I went to a a ULA Circuit 12 months ago and haven't looked back. Comfortably carries 18kg for me and I'd be happy to take 20+kg in it. Weighs 1.2kg, was a big improvement on my Deuter 55+10 which was more than double the weight and not nearly as comfortable.

A lot of forum members seems to have good success with the Aarn. They aren't lightweight, but make up for it in the comfort and balance department.

Do you really think you could do 20kg in the ULA Circuit? With no wear or tearing on the seaming between the strap and pack? The website has 16kg as the max load.

[Moondog55]

I think that 16kg is the comfort limit not the strength of the pack.
I think this may have been already discussed in another thread somewhere.

[rucksack]

Moondog55, I think that you are right - I think that it has been discussed elsewhere. I keep the weight in my ULA Circuit to 14kg maximum and often do 2 or 3 night walks with just 10kg in the pack. In answer to Tintin's question: "Do you really think you could do 20kg in the ULA Circuit?" I think that it is possible, but I wouldn't. The pack is well made and robust, but ULA suggest a maximum weight of 13 to 14kg. I think the harness would become progressively less comfortable as the weight headed towards the 20kg mark. I am walking with a maximum of 14kg these days and that is in Tasmania and in winter and for 7 or 8 nights. The ULA Circuit and a Tarptent Moments and a very lightweight Finnish sleeping bag are the main reasons. Frankly, I don't want to go anywhere near 20kg these days unless there is a very good (and very temporary) reason. I am off on a 9-day/8 night 'double header' tomorrow - to the northern end of the Western Arthurs and then up Schnell's Ridge and across to Lot and my pack weighs exactly 14kg. Tintin, I know that you are saying that you need a pack to carry 20 to 25kg, but I think I would be looking at the weight issue first before mulling over a suitable pack, especially if the object of your desire is only the Overland Track. That's a lot of weight to be lugging down the old track. Can you trim it? The Circuit is a very nice pack, but not for 20 to 25kg,

rucksack

[kitty]

Tintin, Mainpeak stock Aarn, Cott and Perth CBD. You can go try them on..loaded up with weight, to see if it suits you. Look at natural balance, effortless rhythm, featherlite freedom, etc. You could put a lot or all of your 7-10kg of water for SR in the front pockets, depending which size pockets u get. Good luck on the SR...Id love to do that track someday but the lack of water supply is the thing. Happy shopping

[Tintin]

I think that 16kg is the comfort limit not the strength of the pack.
I think this may have been already discussed in another thread somewhere.

Moondog55, I think that you are right - I think that it has been discussed elsewhere. I keep the weight in my ULA Circuit to 14kg maximum and often do 2 or 3 night walks with just 10kg in the pack. In answer to Tintin's question: "Do you really think you could do 20kg in the ULA Circuit?" I think that it is possible, but I wouldn't. The pack is well made and robust, but ULA suggest a maximum weight of 13 to 14kg. I think the harness would become progressively less comfortable as the weight headed towards the 20kg mark. I am walking with a maximum of 14kg these days and that is in Tasmania and in winter and for 7 or 8 nights. The ULA Circuit and a Tarptent Moments and a very lightweight Finnish sleeping bag are the main reasons. Frankly, I don't want to go anywhere near 20kg these days unless there is a very good (and very temporary) reason. I am off on a 9-day/8 night 'double header' tomorrow - to the northern end of the Western Arthurs and then up Schnell's Ridge and across to Lot and my pack weighs exactly 14kg. Tintin, I know that you are saying that you need a pack to carry 20 to 25kg, but I think I would be looking at the weight issue first before mulling over a suitable pack, especially if the object of your desire is only the Overland Track. That's a lot of weight to be lugging down the old track. Can you trim it? The Circuit is a very nice pack, but not for 20 to 25kg,

rucksack

Thanks guys. It's actually 19kg (excluding weight of the pack itself), and that would be the utmost maximum at the beginning of the hike; decreasing by 3.5kg per day for water/food loss over 3 days. I have trimmed this down far enough without buying a new tent (would save 500g), new sleeping bag (would save 500-800g), or by leaving all my micro four/thirds camera gear (1.5kg) at home.

I have more of an understanding now, and am edging closer to an ultralight pack such as the ULA Circuit (the Zpacks look awesome too). For the Stirling Ridge Walk I could keep my water, food and "big four" in the pack, and the remaining items (~5kg) I could put in my ultra-sil S2S day pack and wear on the front. As my water and food deplete I can slowly put it in the big pack if the weight permits. The load limit isn't a big issue for any other planned hikes providing water access isn't as shocking as the SRW. Too bad the exchange rate for buying American goods is terrible at the moment.

For the OLT, I would only be at 15kg max with consumables.

Tintin, Mainpeak stock Aarn, Cott and Perth CBD. You can go try them on..loaded up with weight, to see if it suits you. Look at natural balance, effortless rhythm, featherlite freedom, etc. You could put a lot or all of your 7-10kg of water for SR in the front pockets, depending which size pockets u get. Good luck on the SR...Id love to do that track someday but the lack of water supply is the thing. Happy shopping

Thanks a lot kitty, I will have to check out the Aarn packs. Yes that is the trouble, but it makes it even more satisfying for when I conquer it!

[Franco]

I have used the Circuit, two versions, and I like that pack, my wife has used it in the last few walks.
At about 15kg the Circuit starts to be uncomfortable (for me...)
If I were carrying a lot of water I would look at the Aarn with the expedition pockets because you can fit a lot of water there, well balancing the weight on your back and keeping that weight on your hips.

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

Yes, I wouldn't have said I'd carry 20kg in it if I wouldn't!

I look after my UL gear with extreme care, including wrapping it in heavy plastic for transport, never putting it down on the bare ground etc. There's no doubt you'd have to be a lot more careful loading it up above 15kg.

A lot of my weight sits on the hipbelt including my water and some weight on the front, so the actual pack fabric wouldn't be bearing the whole weight.

It also goes without saying that some people wouldn't find 20kg comfortable, some packs just seem to work with some people's bodies better than others. I wouldn't do a week long trip with 20kg+, but I'd happily start a trip just above 20 knowing I was going to eat the pack down.

The other problem with the circuit is it's a bit light on for volume. If you have bulky gear you'd never get more than 14-15kg in it anyway.

If you are going to frequently carry 20kg and above, then obviously some like the Aarn would be a more sturdy option.

[Tintin]

Thanks guys. I might hold off on the new pack until I get a tent and some other smaller items to see the total weight and if they all fit inside!

I like the look of the Big Agnes Flycreek UL2 the most. I can use it with my girlfriend and the vestibule should be big enough. It's also quite light for a roomy 1P tent which would be handy for solo treks or with other people. Alternatives I am looking at are the Tarptent Double Rainbow and the Easton Kilo 2P, which are all comparable around $450-500.

[Franco]

BTW, at Tarptent we have just updated our website, maybe worth another look .
(should be easier to navigate for phone and tablet users...)
If you haven't found it as yet, there is a 3D video clip on each shelter (under Videos) that you can use to twist and rotate each shelter to whatever angle you like so you can see how a 6' person fits inside them.

[Brooke]

Hi Tintin. I see you are doing the OT in March April. Are you using public transport? I'm trying to work out how to get to Hobart at the end of the walk as I'm told the seasonal bus ends on 31 March. We are trying to depart from Lake St Claire on 3/4/16. Cheers, Brooke

[Tintin]

Hi Tintin. I see you are doing the OT in March April. Are you using public transport? I'm trying to work out how to get to Hobart at the end of the walk as I'm told the seasonal bus ends on 31 March. We are trying to depart from Lake St Claire on 3/4/16. Cheers, Brooke

Hi Brooke,

Yes I plan on going in early April (if my boss gives me leave, although I leave for Japan in 10 days and find it a bit audacious asking him now).

I believe Tassielink still operate outside the Dec-March peak season, just less frequently. Check the bottom PDF: http://www.tassielink.com.au/timetables ... rt-strahan

I am going Launceston to Cradle Mountain, and then Lake St. Clair to Hobart. It looks like you can depart from Lake St Claire at 2:45 PM on Sunday (3rd April).

[illybay]

hey thought i'd just ask a quick question in here instead of starting a new topic..

just wondering what you guys think is a better deal.. a 6 year old 2010 MSR hubba hubba second hand for $320 for should I just buy a brand new one for $600? Or a Big Anges Cooper Spur UL2 for $560? $320 seems a lot for an old tent..

Cheers

[flyfisher]

Hi ,I have a Hubba Hubba of about that vintage and it still looks and smells like new. (it's not for sale) But if it was, I would ask probably $350 as that's $200 less than I paid.

If you buy one new or second hand you'll love it. 1.8kg and plenty of room with 2 vestibules. Not a 4 season but great for anything else.

Flyfisher.

[Tintin]

hey thought i'd just ask a quick question in here instead of starting a new topic..

just wondering what you guys think is a better deal.. a 6 year old 2010 MSR hubba hubba second hand for $320 for should I just buy a brand new one for $600? Or a Big Anges Cooper Spur UL2 for $560? $320 seems a lot for an old tent..

Cheers

Personally I would buy a new tent, but it depends on your budget. Do you value 6 years of use as $280?


I really like the look of the Big Agnes Flycreek UL2, especially at 1kg, but I think it may be a little small for me and the girlfriend and 2 packs in the vestibule. The Tarptent Double Rainbow is what I am looking at now, but so difficult to commit when the AUD is so bad. It's annoying how the seam-sealing isn't included in the price.

[kitty]

I really like the look of the Big Agnes Flycreek UL2, especially at 1kg, but I think it may be a little small for me and the girlfriend and 2 packs in the vestibule.

2 vestibules are ideal - especially for 2 people but also for 1p. Apart from the practicalities of gear storage, and exiting tent without having to climb over each other, you also get a cross-breeze and extra views.

[Tintin]

I really like the look of the Big Agnes Flycreek UL2, especially at 1kg, but I think it may be a little small for me and the girlfriend and 2 packs in the vestibule.

2 vestibules are ideal - especially for 2 people but also for 1p. Apart from the practicalities of gear storage, and exiting tent without having to climb over each other, you also get a cross-breeze and extra views.

Yeah I think for a 2P tent the larger vestibules are the go. I am torn between the TT Double Rainbow and the BA Copper Spur UL2 now...Both have very similar dimensions, space, weight and would cost ~$550 AUD to get to me. I want to consider other options though so I will continue the research.

[Tintin]

I am fairly convinced on getting the BA Copper Spur UL2. Heard nothing but good reviews on it and on sale from Wildearth now at $505

Does anyone have any other suggestions? I think I'm getting a good deal as it retails at US$400 excluding shipping

[slparker]

Which tent did you go for, tintin?

[Chezza]

Check out the Seek Outside Unaweep if you want a light pack that can carry weight.

It will carry whatever your legs can handle, and will weigh around 1.5kg +/- depending on your configuration. Multiple pack sizes available.

[Chezza]

Any of the HMG 4400 series bags will weigh ~1.1 kg and are more than capable of 25kg.

[Giddy_up]

I have a HMG 4400 and it carried all that was needed for 8 days in the dead of winter on the Bogong HP. Brilliant pack and I never complain about having to put it on with 20+ kgs in it


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[Chezza]

I have a HMG 4400 and it carried all that was needed for 8 days in the dead of winter on the Bogong HP. Brilliant pack and I never complain about having to put it on with 20+ kgs in it


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I'm in love with my 4400 Porter too. Want the new and improved one, in full Dyneema