[fishhead]

i'm looking to but a tent for backcountry camping/fishing. 1 or 2 person. I been searching the web and reading reviews until my head hurts .. any recommendations from the seasoned
camper appreciated. I'm 6'1" 185 lbs. would like to keep under about 5-5.5lbs would prefer 2 person for space.
thanks Fishhead

[Get Bent]

Originally Posted by fishhead

i'm looking to but a tent for backcountry camping/fishing. 1 or 2 person. I been searching the web and reading reviews until my head hurts .. any recommendations from the seasoned
camper appreciated. I'm 6'1" 185 lbs. would like to keep under about 5-5.5lbs would prefer 2 person for space.
thanks Fishhead

It all depends on what your price range is.

As far as tents go, always get one with a separate rain fly(double walled). With the humidity in the south you will appreciate it, especially the Smokey Mtns in the late spring and summer. Single wall tents condensate to much.

I am partial to MSR tents. I have an MSR Zoid 2. But the one I originally was after was a Mutha Hubba. I went with the Zoid because it was on sale.

The Zoid has served me well. I have used it extensively through out the Smokies, Pisgah, and as far as Chile and Argentina. It has never leaked, with stood some nasty winds, and weighs less than 5lbs. Plus it sets up in minutes and can be used as rainfly shelter too.

I have used the Mutha Hubba before, and it really impressed me with its freestanding design and roominess.

One other that has received some good reviews is the Big Agnes Seedhouse 2. If I get a new tent it will be between the Mutha Hubba and the seedhouse

There are other good brands out there. Like REI, Mountain Hardwear, Sierra Designs, Big Agnes, etc...

I am just partial to MSR, there stuff is top notch.

My .02 for the day,

Ryan

[Parachute Adams]

It weighs in at a little over 7 pounds, but I would recommend the Mtn. Hardware Hamerhead 2.

Being about the same build as you, the biggest part of the problem for me was having enough space inside the tent for the pack, thermarest, sleeping bag and me, and sometimes the dog during the heavy thunderstorms that we often get here in the Appalachians.

That being said, I chose this one because it was of 3-season variety and it will definitely keep you dry with plenty of ventilation. Have had 4 inches of water standing outside of mine camping down in Key West and still managed to keep everything inside dry. Got to hate those sudden downpours on the coast.

Of course this is an older model as I have had mine for about 8 years, but it is still going strong and haven't had to replace any of the poles yet.

Again, not exactly what you are looking for but it has served me very well over the years.

Forgot to mention, but the majority of the weight for this one is in the rain-fly which is massive. If the weather looks good I just leave it at home or have a buddy carry it.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[Labrador]

Big Angnes Seedhouse SL2.

The SL is super light, breezy and tough. Check it out. Love that thing.

The SL makes it more expensive than the regular seedhouse, but it really cuts the weight.

[MikeSep]

I carry an older North Face Tadpole and love it. Quick up and down, sturdy, freestanding (if needed), but I think it would be a bit tight for you. I'm, 5'8', maybe 145, and alone with just a little gear I fill it up.

Get Bent is spot on regarding the double walls. Definitely a must.

And I have heard good things about the Big Agnes tents as well. Backpacker magazine has rated them high the last couple of years.

Good luck!!!!

Sep

[Get Bent]

Ok,

I have done some more research and I found one that is lighter than the mutha hubba.

Now MSR offers a kick a?! new tent called the carbon reflex, and it is top dollar. here is a link to it. it is like 3.2 lbs or something. i may have to look into this one. Every pound counts. Especially when you carry fishing gear.
http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/...flex-2/product

Here is a link to the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2, this thing is sweet too, but lacks a second vestibule. But who cares if you are looking to save weight.http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Det...t/SeedhouseSL2


Trust me, i done the same thing you did. I reviewed tents until I was more confused. thats why its good for some advice from others.

Good luck

[Upstream]

I use an old Eureka solo model that is discontinued. I'm bigger than you, but the "spreading out" I do is under the two vestibules; most gear that I want to stay dry is under those, only cloth "inside" with me. As you look at the options, ventilation should be a key concern.

[hank ashworth]

forget a tent get a hammock i got one forsale way more comfortable then a tent

[ctchrelz]

the big agnes is a constant top place winner in gear surveys at backpacker magazine and other hiker trash publications. I have a zoid 2 which I picked up at an REI garage sale for 30 bux. It works great, but you netter really like the second person if you want to put two people in it. my only issue with the zoid is that it is not free standing. I also have a north face spectrum 33 that I use when car camping. it is single walled and the condensation sucks. it is great many times, but when the humidity is up forget it. Rei makes a few really really nice tents and has the best warranty around, bring it back any time for any reason. their gear is top notch an I own much of it.

Now having said all that, when I tried to thru hike the AT ( 700 miles before the knees gave out) I used a hammock. Hammocks really are super comfortable and light enough for any pack. there are 3-4 different set ups. I used an ENO hammock from asheville. I used a aftermarket tarp made by some kid in his dorm room, and an ENO bug net when needed. Hennesey makes an all in one set up with bug net and tarp built in and attached. clarks makes one too. There is a forum www. hammockforums. net and those dudes can answer any question. there are concerns about insulation that you'll need to know about, esp in the spring and fall, such as your body weight will compress your sleeping bag making for very cold spots.
many folks say they can't sleep in a hammock on their backs, but I tell you I had NO problem at all it was super comfy and very toasty all spring on my hike. I still use it when I can for fishing.

pt

if your set on the tent the big agnes is a super tent and the REI quarter dome T# is excellent.
There are also a ton of tarp tents available, super light, check out tarptent.com
and look at bivy sacks.

[DrGizmojo]

OK, here's how to think about it?

Do you desire simplicity and freedom? Go with a tarp. Cheap, many options with how you pitch it, hard to destory/don;t have to baby them. Also, very airy in the summertime. Many people used to four walls are somewhat out of their comfort zone the first few nights they are under their tarp, but they usually turn to love them. Easy to cook under. Also the lightest option possible for the solo backpacker. Can be augmented with a bugnet for really buggy areas.

Prefer traditional perception of privacy and comfort? Or, need the extra heat-retention due to camping in fall & winter? then a tent is the way to go.

Next question: How much is weight a factor when contrasted with your comfort needs? Becasue that is usually the trade-off. More weight generally means larger, things like double-walls and fully enclosed bug nets.

Many solo backpackers use reputable branded solo or "tight-two" tents. Any of the top brands are fine, as are the "store brands" such as Campmor, REI, LLBean. Real question is what you want the tent to be able to do.

No one can tell you "this tent is right for you" and be accurate unless they really know what you are looking for, and you might not even know that until you've tried several. (That's why I have a quiver of tents and tarps .)

Consider renting to try out several styles (or at least one) before you buy.

That's my $0.02. Good luck.