OT: Recommend 1-2 person tent

[stephenmarklay]

I need a small tent for backpacking, bicycle and motorcycle adventures and the like. Really a light one person is good if there is a two person that does not add a lot of weight that would be good too.

[moose8]

Msr carbon reflex 2 or the Hubba Hubba. They're pricey but really nice. They also go on sale occasionally- my carbon reflex 2 was around $200

[benito]

sierra designs tents are well designed, I have a soft spot for the rei line.

on the ultralight tip, check out the big agnes seedhouse, anything by nemo, tarptent double rainbow.

[adampaiva]

I have a Tarptent Rainbow 1P (https://www.tarptent.com/rainbow.html) which I think works pretty good for backpacking/bikepacking. It's very light and compact but still roomy enough to be comfortable. Think you'd probably have to go bivy or something to get much smaller/lighter. Single wall makes for very quick and simple setup too. Seen in action here.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/14587079890_df7ae81e0e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oe1ADq)20140723-P1040937.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oe1ADq) by Adam Paiva (https://www.flickr.com/photos/adampaiva/), on Flickr

I've also heard good things about Nemo tents and almost bought one of them b4 deciding on the Tarptent. Also the Big Agnes UL1 tents had a good rep and I've been happy with my B.A. 2p tent.

curious to see what other people like though...


PS - I am 6' tall. If you are much taller, it could definitely get tight.

[cp43]

How big/tall are you?

I went to REI to get a tent for myself, and asked for a one person tent. The salesperson looked at me (6'3", 220ish pounds) and said "You want a two person tent, you won't fit in a one person tent."

I ended up with a Big Agnes tent, rated for two people, that is only a tiny bit bigger than my sleeping pad. It's just what I wanted, but not called a one person tent. I don't remember the model name tho.

[gdw]

What's your budget?

[yummygooey]

REI makes nice, affordable tents. Not the lightest or smallest, though.

I also like the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1.

[bikinchris]

Mountain Hardware. Personally, for one person a two person tent makes more sense. For two people, get a three person tent.

[wombatspeed]

I have this one and like it a LOT

http://www.backcountry.com/big-agnes-seedhouse-tent-with-cross-over-pole-2-person-3-season?CMP_SKU=BAG006J&MER=0406&skid=BAG006J-ONECOL-ONESIZ&CMP_ID=PLA_GOc001&mv_pc=r101&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PLA&mr:trackingCode=6B5A626B-A942-E511-80F1-005056944E17&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=77110708837&mr:keyword&mr:match&mr:filter=150984616597&gclid=CMnXt9OfyscCFQIIaQodH64IoQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

great price at this link (if still expensive)

[commonguy001]

If you can find a 2 person that is light enough to backpack and bicycle camp with I'd get the bigger one. If you're really going to use it on Moto trips the extra space is great for keeping your gear inside.
I've found with best intentions to bicycle camp I really only use my stuff on back country moto trips and have a one man I've never even used.

I buy REI brand but any of good tent makers stuff would work for me.

[SlackMan]

I have the Big Agnes UL-2 and really like it. That said, if weight is not critical, I would probably go for something with a heavier, more durable tent body and fly. REI tents are nice and fit that latter description.

[choke]

The Lightheart Gear Duo (http://www.lightheartgear.com/index.php/tents/lightheart-duo-tents) is high on my wish list. I have one of their Solos and while I like it a lot I wish it had more room.

[spiderman]

Perfect
Fit in my salon commuter bag just fine!

[Ken Robb]

I found that I need a three-person tent to fit two of us and some gear. After spending some miserable nights trying to sleep on Thermarest pads I got a queen-size air mattress with a pump powered by a rechargeable battery. It covers almost the whole bottom of our tent with enough room around the perimeter to have our clothes/gear inside and dry. This wouldn't work for bicycle camping but it is GREAT for use on a motorcycle trip.

Our REI used to have quite a few tents built on display which really helped me see what size and features I wanted. The last time I was there there were none built for display so it may be a seasonal show.

[BobbyJones]

I've kept the following over the past few years:

Sierra Designs Vapor Light 2.
Out of production a few years but I see some leftovers every now and then. Smallish two-person. In comparison to the Ultralights, it's durable and just at the high end of the weight scale for for Cycle camping. Freestanding and pretty much full mesh under the fly. Goes up fast. I've used mine on and off for about 5 seasons.

Tarptent Contrail.
Made the Ultralight jump a couple of seasons ago. I use it when going solo on the bike. Very good for what it is. Single wall, so no stargazing. Not freestanding, but goes up fast. Feels more like a bivvy sometimes. I hear the new Protrail model has a little more height where i'd like it. My personal negatives: pitching on a platform requires screwhooks or creativity, pitching on sand requires the same. I miss stargazing and could use a little more height in the mid to lower body.

I'm probably going to dump the Contrail end of this season in favor of a Big Sky Soul 1p. It looks like a more suitable tent for me.

Realistically, if you're only occasionally use it bicycling, REI's house brand line up is a good bet. Just remember that a full waterbottle weighs 2 lbs and everything else will be put into perspective once you start checking specs.

[Dave B]

Yeah REI is waaaay underrated for their signature gear, their tents really are aces.

However, if you head over to adventure rider and look up a guy who goes by Anti Hero his actual name is Dennis masterson he is the guy who went all over the world as well as the U.S. On a Ducati super bike. He has a tent that once the poles are collapsed and/or removed it packs down the the size of the original Nalgene bottles. It is awesome!

It
Might be too much homework, but he loved it and it held up to some serious abuse and weather.

[idrinkwater]

+1 for Tarptent. Just as cheap as the big brands, USA made, lighter, packs very small, etc.

[joe.e]

I have a ba flycreek ul1 and my buddy has the ul2. both tents are great as far as packed size and weight are concerned, but are, in my opinion, lacking as far as durability is concerned. I've patched a number of tiny holes that developed in the floor of my tent after only a handful of trips (and careful site selection and footprint use). The ul1 is perfect when you're beat and just want to sleep in your tent, but if you're looking to do much of anything else (even just read for a bit), I find that I start to feel like I'm in a coffin. If you go that route, get the ul2.

If I was doing it over, I would get a truly freestanding tent (like the hubba or one of rei's offerings), and take a ding on weight for the addition of more durable material.

[christian]

Hilleberg Anjan 2

[Likes2ridefar]

i'll sell you my hilleberg rogen 2p tent for half retail. mint, used one trip. it's even nicer than the anjan, in my opinion.

having used a lot of tents, tarptent, big agnes (a few), msr, north face, rei, ems, sierra designs it's my opinion there are hilleberg tents, and then there are all the other tents.

it's superior and will last.

I need a 3 person now :)

[christian]

Sent you a PM. If the OP doesn't want it, consider it sold.

I have a Nammatj, and an Akto, but I can use a Rogen. Gonna buy an Anjan too. (I also have an MLD Grace Duo tarp). I have a "shelter" problem. Too many shelters!

[dustyrider]

I use a Big Agnes seedhouse sl1.
Don't like that in relies on stakes, and the vestibule when opened pours any water directly into the tent thanks to the zipper location/design.
I do like that that I can just about sit up in the tent (6'1ish). Plus there's room for gear or dog depending on the adventure. As a true 2 person tent, I don't think I'd enjoy it unless the other person was very small and willing to snuggle.
I also like that the entire tent/fly/ground tarp roll up to be very, very small. I'm more concerned with volume than weight.
I've used it a lot over the past 4-5 years and haven't had any issue with wear.

[weisan]

One person's view:

http://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/7-best-backpacking-tents-of-2015


I was planning to do some loaded touring this summer but it didn't quite materialized. I ended getting this tent at closeout price (sierra trading post).


Marmot Pulsar 2 Tent with Footprint - 2 Person, 3-Season, Footprint $160

Before that, I considered the Kelty Salida. In my research, it was consistently rated as one of the most affordable, best-designed tent out there.

Might also consider the Hennessy Hammock if the condition is right.

[R3awak3n]

I have a Big Agnes SL 2 (2 people they claim but there is no way 2 people fit inside of it comfortably).

I like it but I do not love it. The big problem with it is that it condensates a bit around the edges of the tent. It would be fine if the tent is huge but in such a small tent it kind of sucks. I did get it for a great deal (new $200 on the bay) so I can't complain and would recommend it but there are better tents out there (they will be more expensive)

[Ken Robb]

Sent you a PM. If the OP doesn't want it, consider it sold.

I have a Nammatj, and an Akto, but I can use a Rogen. Gonna buy an Anjan too. (I also have an MLD Grace Duo tarp). I have a "shelter" problem. Too many shelters!
I need an NSA decoder/crypto analyst to understand this post. :p

[BobbyJones]

I need an NSA decoder/crypto analyst to understand this post. :p

Or just learn Swedish. It's a big world out there!

[stephenmarklay]

Wow Awesome! I have so much info to wade through.

[sloanfiske]

For most solo stuff, i've switched to a ENO hammock system. It packs light and sets up fast. I still have a 2 man and a 4 man depending on the family or major weather.

https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com

[joe.e]

just an fyi to the op-- check out the rei labor day sale (I know they have some tents on sale, including big agnes and rei brand), or, if you're local, the rei garage sales. The garage sales are going to be a crap shoot, but you can pick up some super legit deals.

[cinema]

I have a copper spur 2 person (large 1 person, very cozy 2p) that is great but I wouldn't pay retail for it. I got it for a great price on sale (i think it was 200 with a footprint).

for my money, had i known about the tarptent rainbow, I would've gone in that direction.

[buldogge]

I'm a Tarptent user (Notch and Rainshadow)...but...if you have the dosh, I would definitely look at ZPacks offerings.

I would love to have a Duplex.

I use one of the older Blasts (with CF stays) from them and it is a joy to carry.

-Mark in Portland

[stephenmarklay]

With the respect given to REI tents I am looking at this one. Its on sale and looks about my speed.

http://www.rei.com/product/810115/rei-passage-2-tent

[crownjewelwl]

i'll sell you my hilleberg rogen 2p tent for half retail. mint, used one trip. it's even nicer than the anjan, in my opinion.

having used a lot of tents, tarptent, big agnes (a few), msr, north face, rei, ems, sierra designs it's my opinion there are hilleberg tents, and then there are all the other tents.

it's superior and will last.

I need a 3 person now :)

i got the anjan 2 on christian's reco last week...super easy to pitch and roomy enough...also stupid light for the size

[Likes2ridefar]

i got the anjan 2 on christian's reco last week...super easy to pitch and roomy enough...also stupid light for the size

I agonized over the anjan vs rogen before ultimately getting the rogen.

did they send you the fabric samples to play with?

[mhespenheide]

With the respect given to REI tents I am looking at this one. Its on sale and looks about my speed.

http://www.rei.com/product/810115/rei-passage-2-tent

That looks quite basic to me. I'd be worried about the fact that the walls slope inwards as they go up, and I'd prefer some more mesh in the walls for hot weather. Given the sloping walls, I'd recommend sitting in it before you buy it to see if you think it would work for you.

Here's one that's pricier, but would likely hold you for longer before you decided to upgrade:
http://www.rei.com/product/864810/rei-quarter-dome-t2-plus-tent-special-buy

Here's one that I would tentatively recommend on CL somewhat near you:
http://spokane.craigslist.org/spo/5193371951.html

[velomonkey]

I have a Sierra Design 2 person - I think it's called Meteor - it's 17 years old at this point and totally bullet proof. So I was looking to upgrade, just to have something newer.

Nemo. Holy Moly - these guys are doing awesome tents. I got their 3 person Losi and the thing is incredible. I had a 50% coupon at EMS and nabbed it. They updated it this year and since people have been founding out about Nemo they have raised their prices - so they aint cheap.

I have a one person sierra design flashlight tent. I'd only use that for backpacking.

If I were riding a bike, I'd go one person more than what you need - you'll appreciate the space.

[gdw]

The REI Passage is a good basic affordable tent. If you're trying to save some cash and want a lighter model, under 4lbs, check out the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2. It's a cramped two person tent but quite spacious for one.
http://www.campsaver.com/clip-flashlight-2-2-person-3-season

[stephenmarklay]

Thanks you guys. I ended up stopping and getting this basic tent. For $119.00 it looks pretty nice. My 6 year old and I fit no problems. Weight is not a huge deal as I think I will use it on my motorcycle more than my bicycle.

I do have backpack question so I bet you guys have great input on that too.
See my new thread.

[stephenmarklay]

One person's view:

http://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/7-best-backpacking-tents-of-2015


I was planning to do some loaded touring this summer but it didn't quite materialized. I ended getting this tent at closeout price (sierra trading post).


Marmot Pulsar 2 Tent with Footprint - 2 Person, 3-Season, Footprint $160

Before that, I considered the Kelty Salida. In my research, it was consistently rated as one of the most affordable, best-designed tent out there.

Might also consider the Hennessy Hammock if the condition is right.

I did notice that the Kelty is the same price as the REI passage but a pound lighter. Hmm.

[crownjewelwl]

I agonized over the anjan vs rogen before ultimately getting the rogen.

did they send you the fabric samples to play with?

Yes...but I already had them from the catalog I had requested

I agonized too but our friend Christian said anjan...then he got your rogen!

[moose8]

Being from Maine I am partial to these guys, though I've never actually used one because they are out of my price range: https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

People seem to love their stuff though.