Walrus Zoid or Kelty Dart

“looking for a solo/lite tent. Also liked the light year cd by sierra design (2000 model) all close in price.

Any help would be cool!

*My thoughts go out to ALL Americans*”

“I've go the Zoid 2.0. The 1.0 is a little short for my 6'2" frame. You will want to bungee the fly out in two places instead of staking it directly to the ground. Apart from that it breaths(sp?) well, is water tight, and is a nice light color. Wish the zippers on the bottom of the door were higher though.

The Kelty is unknown, but I think backpacker reviewed it a while back.”

“If you camp in areas of rock or sand you may want to consider the free-standing tent. They're easier to pitch in those situations. They're usually heavier, though.”

“I'm happy with the Zoid 1. The Dart is lighter, but has condensation problems and , in many ways, just a slightly overgrown bivy. The Zoid fit me fine at 6' and has a pretty decent vestibule for a small tent.

The Zoid is hands down the better tent (vs. the dart), but you do save weight with the dart. Personally, when I want a very lightweight shelter, I will porbably save even more weight and get a bivy. Vs. the clip light year, I'd suggest paying a few extra bucks and buying them at a place that has both. Set them up there, climb in and see which you like better.

Read the Backpacker review on the Zoid.”

“Zoid or the Microswift - my buddy has the dart and had major condesation problems.”

“I'd go with the Walrus Zoid if I had to choose between the two. You might as well get a real bivy rather than the Kelty Dart as it is tiny!”

“I've been reading these boards for a while and I noticed that no one seems to mention North Face or EMS tents.Is ther a reason for this? I'm looking for a backpacking tent but I want to be able to see it set up and climb in before I buy and around here that limits my selection. So far I have looked at the NF Roadrunner 2 and a Walrus and others that were way too heavy.”

“I've never owned a North Face, but I've know people who have and they don't seem all that pleased especially considering the cost.”

“Hell, I don't know!

I was at REI today and the single man tents looked and weighed about the same as the one I have now.

What's the difference?”

“The SD light year was ~1 lb less than the tent I have now ?

Unless you're an ultralighter (which I aspire to be) what's the diff?”

“OK, I guess I will call REI and see what they have in stock. If they have enough variety to make it worth the drive I'll go look. I'm still leaning towards something from EMS solely because of the liberal return policy if I make the wrong choice. Of course REI may have the same return policy I have never tried to return anything there.”

“The Dart is bad - don't buy it unless you like waking up with your sleeping bag all wet.”

“Waking up with my sleeping bag all wet has never been a problem for me.”

“Hey, somebody had to say it”

“I bought a Dart 2 this summer and it's been great. I do get some condensation, but it's not bad. Single wall tents do that, but, it's very light (<3lbs), sets up fast, etc. The Dart 2 is roomy for 1, but you could fit 2 consenting adults.We had this discussion in another thread awhile back on bivy sacks or solo tents. I use the Dart specifically for very light (I'm never going to be ultralight) backpacking, solo trips, odd man out, or as they say"fast-packing", which I just call hauling ass. For all other trips I have a SD Clip3.”

“My vote is for the Zoid. Much better design and access. Also, the Dart takes a large area to pitch. I forget the exact dimensions, but the end-end length is something like 14 feet. The single wall construction and related condensation are issues, especially in the East.

ST”

“From having a look at the Walrus web site, they seem to project an image of quality.

Never seen one out there, or noticed one anyway.

The Dart seems really long. Fun colors though.”

“The Dart is more of a cross between a bivy sack and a tent. You can sit up in it, though, and, it is long (7' sleeping area) but looks longer because of the vestibule; you can easily stash your pack in it. I like it (the Dart2) because it's super-lite, sets up fast and packs down small; it's less than 3lbs. It has some side vents and a moon roof which helps a bit with the oft-reported condensation problems. If you want something bigger, heavier and roomier, buy a tent.”