Twin Sisters vs. Shangri-La 2 vs. Beta Light

These shelters are more similar to each other that different. The Twin Sisters would have an edge if you regularly face snow & winds thanks to the snow skirt but less good in conditions that you want ventilation.

I haven't seen the twin sisters in person, but I have see the earlier twin peaks, the beta light, and the shangri-la 2. All are well made. Of the three, I would be most inclined to the Shangri-La 2. Why? No deep reason… I was very happy with the GoLite Hex and more recently with the Shangri-La 4. Of course, I prefer the MLD SuperFly that was briefly made. Simular design made from spinaker which weights in at 11oz, 18oz with integrated bug netting around the perimeter.

My guess is that the differences in the reviews have little to do with the quality of the shelter, but the nature of the shelter. e.g., if someone disliked the Beta Light, they would dislike the Shangri-La 2.

There is a lot that is nice about these shelters. They can provide good protection in storms, a decent amount of room, with minimal weight. Ventilation can be OK when you pitch them off the ground. The downside is bug protection with ventilation. This needs to be handled separately or by installing bug netting around the perimeter after the fact.

If you are considering this sort of design, I would also consider a pyramid tarp. If you want an open, airy shelter then I would consider something else.

–mark

I would like to see Ron offer the Superfly shelter again. If other BPL members feel the same please let him know.

I would check prices at Sunnysports.com too.

nm

Ron would need to answer this question, I would be guessing.
Regardless of monetary enticement Ron has yet to agree on making me a one off of this discontinued MLD shelter. Similar in design, size and performance the SuperFly would weigh less then half the MSR Twin Sisters I've used for winter trips.

I have a Hex 3 which is basically a larger version of your listed choices. I love my Hex 3 for what it does well but, I don't consider it a "tent for all season."

I live in Florida but travel frequently to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, even in winter, for backpacking trips. Admittedly, these are very different environments but my point is that you may be asking one shelter to do a lot of things.

That Hex 3 of mine is my winter palace for two of us. It will take snow and wind and provide great shelter in bitter winter conditions for very little weight. (It's only downside is that it has a large footprint).

I wouldn't even consider for a moment, using that tent in Florida! Give me a mostly net tent with tons of ventilation to prevent me from suffocating in the humidity and being eaten alive by the bugs, both airborne and creepy-crawlies.

I suppose, if you don't have stifling humidity to deal with and only bugs, you could use one of your listed shelters with a bug bivy. However, you have to be comfortable being "caged" in your protection. That's why I like tents for the stretch out and move around factor.

I use one and i love it, i bought it for a 2 week hike in Iceland when i was afraid to use my double rainbow with the wind,

pro :
boombproof with the wind
easy to set up
no floor, i love to setup my tent when its raining to go under immediatly and i dont have to remove my shoes, be careful with the water on our backpack etc..

cons:
condensate much much much more than my double rainbow
no bug protection

we will probably take it for our hike in Green land next summer, but i we will take some headnets and expect to have to remove the waters from the inner tent a lot using our towel :p

Hi Guys,

Thanks heaps for all your feedback!

Some good things to consider. I am asking it to do a lot of things hahaha oh well. One has to wish!

I happened upon Henry Shires TarpTents today (and see the Dbl Rainbow was referred to) and was wondering if any of you had used any of his shelters?
The pricing is pretty similar and the weight is definitely a great thing. It's also great to support smaller manufacturers!

thanks again

I own one too,
It was the first shelter that convinced my wife we didnt need the usual double wall tent.

i like the headroom, the ventilation, the ease of setup, its bugproof, and the weight for all of this is not so bad.

but in case of poor weather i now prefer a floorless shelter ( my MSR), you can get in/out as you wish

we now use according to the trip/weather either :
– MSR twin sisters
– tarptent double rainbwow
– spinntwinn

edit, you may consider the sierra design origami too, i would hesitate between it and the twin sister if i had to choose again

If you are just learning about tarptent, then there are a bunch of others options you might want to explore. Besides tarptebt there is Six Moon Designs, Gossamer Gear, and Mountain Laurel Designs to name a few. I have a page which tracks recommended ultralight shelters. If you have a paid subscription to BPL, take a look at the 2008 single wall shelter wrap-up.

–Mark