Hello. I am spending too much time reading about tents and need help from people who have hiked in Washington State in alpine areas above tree line where they are more exposed to wind, rain, fog, etc. Sometimes we camp on snow. Needs to withstand small amounts of snow on top of the tent as well since even it the summer here it can snow. We leave shoes in vestibule. Packs are left outside with pack cover on top at night. Clothes are in the tent in our pillows or in gear loft, or at the sides of us.
We currently use a single door, very snug, double walled REI tent no longer in production which weighs 5-6 pounds. We absolutely love everything about it but the weight. It is starting to fail so time to start looking for a new one. Pyramid tents are out- We do not want a pole in between us while we sleep. Makes it so we couldn't use a quilt too.
One concern I have is going so light that we need to use heavier bags. Times two people, that could negate any tent weight savings, plus make the tent not as much fun to hang out or sleep in in cold weather.
Additionally, we are peak baggers, so we often set up a base camp, and set out to do exploring and leave the tent behind. We could probably do a tent with hiking poles, and if we explore, we each just bring one hiking pole.
Prefer small foot print since many times only small sites available in alpine areas. Our current tent is 74 inches x 47 (flares to 56 at shoulders), excluding front vestibule. I love this size. Walls are steep and since double walled, we can touch the sides without getting wet. I am 5'9" and my husband is 6' and he thinks it is fine.
Tents I am considering: (as stated, NO pyramids. Prefer one from door but I am open to two doors. Must be small foot print and wind stable and good in alpine conditions of PNW)
Big Sky Soul: maybe even with part or all cuben. Probably not carbon fiber poles due to risk of breakage.
Big Sky Chinook: can purchase mesh and solid inner. But tent is heavier than Soul for same foot print.
Tarp Tent Scarp 2: Heavy, and foot print seems too big, however. Like the idea that we can purchase two inners- mesh and solid.
Tarp Tent Double Rainbow: Seems like we could do better in weight department, but it is a pretty sweet tent. I like the liner concept.
Z Packs Duplex: Weight is obviously awesome. But is it wind stable enough, and will it add any additional warmth at all?
Bottom line: small foot print, good in wind and foul weather, good at handling condensation in our sometimes damp, misty conditions, and must add some warmth and not be super drafty.
Please provide any input, especially if you personally have used any of these tents in wet, alpine environments. If you are just a below tree-line hiker, please let others give their input since we almost never camp in the trees.
Thank!
Carol
