2 man tent recommendation

“I am looking to buy a 2 man tent. Features I value are lightweight, packs down small, roomy when assembled, good in the rain, and hopefully fairly priced. I would be willing to spend > $300 if you all agree that some tents really are worth it. Also, does anyone has experience with using just a footprint and fly when camping? Some of these tents have that option and I don't know if it is something i'd take advantage of. By the way, I usually camp in temperatures above freezing. Here's a list of what I am looking at:

Kelty Salida: $159, 2 man, 4 lb, 8 oz, 88 x 55 inches, 1 door

REI Passage 2 Tent: $159, 2 man, 5lb, 5oz, 90x 54 inches

MSR Hubba Hubba 2P tent: $329.95, 2 man, 4lb, 8 oz, 84 x 49 inches

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 tent: $339.95, 2 man, 3lb, 1oz, 84 x 52 inches

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2: $369.95, 2 man, 2lb, 10oz, 86 x 52 inches

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 $399.95: 2 man, 3lb, 7 oz, 90 x 52 inches, roomier, both recommend footprint sold separately

Marmot Limelite 2 person tent: $219, 2 man, 5lb, 88 x 54 inches, comes with footprint, and you can just setup footprint + fly in warm conditions! Check if weight includes footprint

Marmot Early Light 2 person tent: $229, 2 man, 5 lb, 5 oz, but 3 lb 6 oz with footprint plus fly, 2 doors vs 1 on limelite.

Sierra Designs Flash 2: 2 person, $339, 4 lb 6 oz, 85 x 50 inches, fly connected to tent always. 2 doors

North Face Tadpole: 2 person, $219, 5 lb, 4 oz, pitch sold separately plus fly/poles: 3 lb 11 oz, 85 x 50 inches.

Big Agnes Jack Rabbit: 2 person, $299, 4 lb 5 oz, 90 x 52, 2 lb 15 oz with just footprint/fly/poles.

Thanks so much for anyone who can chime in with their advice!”

“I am using the MSR Hubba Hubba and have been for about 5 years now, and I really like it. It is not the lightest by any means, but it has been durable and I like free-standing tents.”

“I'm a big fan of the one-man tent. A lot of people carry a two-man tent on their backs camping solo, which I don't understand.

I have a Salida. I use it car camping. It would be cozy for 2. Good tent though.

I've been drooling over a buddy's BA Fly Creek. It's built with flimsy material, but they seem to last.

If you spend $300 you better use it. I camp 30 nights a year and won't spend $300 on a tent.

I don't know anybody who does the fly/footprint thing. I think it's a gimmick. People who want to tarp have a tarp.”

“If you really want to go light-weight, you may want to check this site out. I hiked with Judy in 2006 and have checked out her tents at many hiker fests. I have a few friends using her tents now and they seem to really like them. When my MSR wears out I plan to buy one.

http://www.lightheartgear.com/
last edited: 4/15/13 10:09:46 PM”

“Mountain Hardwear SuperMega UL 2.. I also have the Easton Kilo and it sucks compared to the MH UL 2...”

“I love my big Agnes fly creek, but I can't say too much yet, haven't used it much yet.”

“I have the fly creek, too and love it. With only a little patience you should be able to get it, or any of the others at least 20% off.

Even the UL3 would weigh less than some of your choices.”

“If you are over 6', 84"-85" is tight, that extra five inches is real nice. ..and certainly, double wall.”

“My favorite is the Tarptent line. http://tarptent.com

Not cheap but very light. I am one of those that prefers a 2 man tent. The weight difference is negligible.”

“Six Moon Lunar Duo”