Tent hunting

“So I'm wanting to get ready for some more serious backpacking this spring. My initial trip I'm looking at 3 days-2 nights. I'm wanting to load up on a decent 1/2 man tent that's hike-able and 3 season (I live in Kansas, and have no desire for winter camping). I'm wanting to stay <5 lbs and <$100. Is this even realistic? What kind of recommendations can you all make? I don't mind buying used, either.

I'm looking at a Eureka Solitaire that seems to fit the bill, but reviews talk a lot about condensation problems. I also see some cheap no-name tents on eBay, but I'm sure you get what you pay for.

I'm not too concerned with a footprint, as I can always make one to order myself.”

“I started with a Solitare years ago. The condensation reviews are correct and the poles are very fragile. You will regret not buying a freestanding tent at some point. I use a Hennessy Hammock and love it, $130 bucks if you do not get the UL version. Watch the closeout web sites. REI, Backcountry ect. Make sure what you are getting is what you want when you order from the web. You get what you pay for.”

“Hmm, that hammock is neat. Do you ever find yourself running into problems finding places to set it up though?”

“you can hang it between just about anything: trees, rocks, etc. You can even 'tent' it with poles or sticks they say, but havent' tried that yet.”

“lots of people in the eastern US love the hammocks, i've never used one, but have seen a lot of them in use - good shelters. Eureka is a good tent - especially for the money, they tend to be a bit heavier than more expensive models, but they hold up really well and should give you good service for several seasons.

Freestanding is 'nice' but far from a have to have feature.

I've got a Kelty "Clark Tent" one man tent, hoop design that I'd sell ya for 50 bucks. It's got a bit of age on it, but its in excellent condition, no tears, no bent poles - still got a lot of life left in it. I just don't use it any more having gone to tarp tent type shelters primarily.

you can google Kelty Clark Tent and get pics and specs, but it should be in line with what your looking for.”

“look at REI. I just bought the REI chrysalis UL. Its $114 and 3lbs. Room for one as long as you are less than 6 ft tall.
The MSR Hubba tent is another good one for 1 person.”

“Eureka does make nice tents. The Solitare is just the lower end of their line. I typically hike in the Ozarks so finding trees for a hammock is not a problem. Like any other past time that requires gear, you will get an infinite number of answers to any question and they are all correct. Part of the fun is finding what suits your needs, price range, and just makes you happy. I live alone in a three bedroom house. 1 room for me, one for SCUBA gear, and one for hiking / camping gear. I have had fun buying or making every bit of the gear for both sports. Not quite as much fun as using it but you get the gist.”

“HENNESSY ALL THE WAY! Its a bit expensive, i got mine for 100, but you will love it.”

“Quicksilver -

Solo Tents

Tent Hot Deals!
last edited: 1/06/08 5:51:45 PM”

“Hello, NS.....having a good day? buns warm?...lol.”

“I just ordered the Eureka Backcountry 1 Tent from Campmor. I used one very much for 10-15 years and was very happy with it.

I likely used it 3.5 to 4 months per year. Finally, I stretched the zippers too much with a lot of stress. After a number of years I found the tent would usually shrink during the day and I failed to adjust for it.

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Chappy - It's summer here again, low 60's to mid 70's.
last edited: 1/06/08 6:40:54 PM”

“that problem with shrinkage is universal bro...”

“I appreciate all the feedback. I think I have my top choices list:

Hennessy Expedition A-sym Hammock
Sierra Designs Light Year
Eureka Backcountry 1

Not entirely sure which will win yet. The more I think about the hammock, the more I like, I only worry about the setup.

Side note: I think I'm going to pick up an
ATI Sierra80 as my new pack rig to go with the tent.”

“Eureka Spitfire!”

“Eureka Spitfire! MUCH roomier than the Sierra Designs Light Year, definetly lighter than the Backcountry 1 and most backpacking tents for that matter. Good ventilation. Very quick set up, if the wind is not blowing hard, you really can get away with two tent stakes only. The Only drawback is small vestibule.

The Spitfire 1 weighs 2lbs 12ozs and lists for $104.90 , you can see it here
http://www.eurekatent.com/p-45-spitfire-1.aspx

The Spitfire Ultralight weighs 2lbs 4ozs and I found it at "Beyond Outside" for only $165, (lists at $199, campmor at $189) but if you CAN find it anywhere else cheaper, they WILL price match. They are a good little store with decent prices, the inventory is small but improving. If you would rather have the Spitfire 1, ask them if they will get it for you, they might be able to get you a better price too.
http://www.beyondoutside.com/ItemDesc.asp?IC=ch1%2Dspitfireult
last edited: 1/06/08 9:49:51 PM”

“Tent search of my own. Looking for an inexpensive 3 man dome tent for my daughter and her boyfriend. I'm looking at Colemans and I am not impressed, boy their tent flys sure have gotten shorter, and they still have pole sleeves instead of clips all the way up. Also, poles still go into grommets at the bottom instead of poles into pins. How old fashioned! All made in China of course. Looks like I'll have to spend more money than I wanted and go with a Eureka dome, but at least their tents have gear lofts & pockets, etc.”

“Pamela and Quicksilver, check out the Sierra Designs Sirius 3 tent. Got mine for 165.00 with footprint included. It's simple and durable and big enough for two adults or one and two smaller folks, or two and a dog...”

“Does anyone have or have heard things about the Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent?
Sleeps 2, wt 4lbs, 10 oz, 3.5 season and Campmor has it for under $100


http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?AFC-googlebase&productId=39278285&engine=googlebase&keyword=28502”

“no experience with that tent, but with Kelty tents in general I have zero complaints - i own two - the solo i talked about above and a bomber 4 season tent.

The only drawback i see on that one is the lack of any vent hood in the fly so it might get a bit stuffy in humid weather, but otherwise i think its good. The single vestibule and single door saves on weight, but does limit covered gear storage a tad, but thats minor.”

“shhhhhhh... be weary weary qwiettt... I'm hwunting twents....”