GoLite Shangri-La 2

Well, I’ll venture that you’ll be looking at some hot and humid evenings. Which means you’ll want some ventilation. Without any netting, ventilating your tent will allow bugs (moquitos) in. So if you go with the Shangri-La 2, get the nest. You can then set-up the net by itself on rainless nights for the most comfortable hot weather sleeping and best stargazing.

Do you need the 4-season ability of the Shangri-La? Will you be facing heavy snow?

And I only ask this because you say you have minimal camping experience, but you are aware the Shangri-La 2 doesn’t include poles? You need trekking poles or well-spaced trees to set it up.

There are some really nice Tarptents that cost the same or less than what the Shangri-La + nest would cost you. They’re much lighter as well.

Jason-
I think the 3 is reviewed more because it has so much space available for so little weight. In terms of weather resistance, quality, etc you should find the 2 pretty comparable.

If you were thinking about getting the bottom, I'd probably just get the nest for bug protection. Then, if you go out in non-buggy season you can use just the mid/fly and a ground sheet.

Do plan on buying adjustable trekking poles for this if you don't already have some.

Edit: This might be a more versatile option for you than a tarptent and still a pretty comptetive weight…

Thanks for the advice, James. I do indeed have a pair of trekking poles that were given to me by a friend some time ago. I was interested in the four-season capability of the GoLite because I may do some camping/hiking in the more northern states next year, and would like to have a tent that can stand up to colder weather if needed. I forgot to mention that I will be traveling with one other person, so I'm thinking I'll need at least 30 square feet. I can currently get the Shangri-La 2 + nest for $220 including shipping — do you still think I'd be best off with another choice?

I have a pair of these trekking poles already.

And I apologize for not understanding the terminology, but what does “mid/fly” mean?

If you'll be sharing the load with one other person, then you can each carry part of the tent and the higher weight of the Shangri-La won't be as big a deal. For an all-around tent, the Shangri-La seems like a pretty good deal. I looked at the 1 person version for the same reasons as you before I decided I'd just rather get a spring/summer/fall tent that weighed less and buy a separate winter tent when the time comes. You really only need a 4-Season tent if you expect to face heavy snow-loads. It's not the cold that is an issue, it's the tent being able not to collapse when you get 10 inches of snow while you're sleeping.

In the end, it comes down to your budget, and how much you think you'll get into backpacking. If you're going to be doing a lot of backpacking, you might want to consider getting a lighter weight 3-season shelter for this trip, and then getting something like the Shangri-La 2 for your winter camping. Specialization costs money. But your tent is one of your Big 3 (along with sleeping bag and backpack). They cost the most money, and they weigh the most. They'll be the first place you look to cut weight, so it's best to get the lightest of each that fits your needs/budget right off the bat.

You might follow Brads suggestion and look at the Shangri-La 3 though. For the extra weight, the added space could be the difference between you and your partner killing each other over the course of 6 months sharing a tent.

Jason, sorry, by mid/fly I just meant the mid, or fly if you prefer, by itself–no inner tent or liner.

You're right, few own the Shangri-La 2. I actually contacted GoLite about it and they tried to talk me out of it. I was looking for a reasonable 4 season floorless shelter which was lightweight and could fit my height. At 6'6", GoLite said that the poles would interfer with my usable space. Not wanting to go heavier and finding a great price on it from Prolitegear.com, I bought it and was pleasantly surprised. First, GoLite stuff is top notch. Second, it is purely functional. Third, I prefer bright colored shelters as I subscribe to the belief that it can benefit your mood (mine is bright yellow). Lastly, I found that I can shift my trekking poles so they angle to the same side (instead of directly up and down)and it creates an abundance of room for my long body. I use it with merely a Gossamer Gear spinn or polycro floor and it is plenty fine without a nest or anything fancy. It only has ceiling vents and one entrance, so don't plan on their being any mosquito netting.

I think is it simple, lightweight, and functional, and it makes it into my pack quite often.

Hi Jason,

Seeing as this is a six month trip, I'll venture to suggest you'll be fed up with the confined space inside the Shangri La 2 after a while.
I'd get a bigger shelter like the SL3 with more liveable space in bad weather instead, and match it with a smaller bug bivy from Six Moon Designs or Mountain Laurel Designs.
From the Golite website:
SL2- 1lb 13oz (can't tell if this includes pole), SL2 nest- 2lbs 2oz, or 1890 grams total (minus stakes)
SL3- 23oz, SMD Serenity Net- 7oz, or 850 grams total (minus stakes)
You could also look at the Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar, or DuoMid, coupled with one of the bug bivys mentioned above, saving some money and weight too.
This may not work out for your budget, though.
I hope this helps.
fred

Thanks a lot for all the advice guys. I'm going to do some more research before I make a decision (we have at least a month to prepare). We'll be staying at a few friends' houses along the way, so the trip won't be entirely outdoors.

I was leaning more towards the Shangri-La 2, not only due to the price, but because the rectangular shape seems like it'd be easier to set up than the hexagonal shape of the Shangri-La 3. Do you think this would be an issue?

The Shangri-La 2 is the easiest shelter (tent or tarp) I have to set up. Simply, stake out the 4 corners, then crawl in the door and raise the roof with trekking poles. There is really no fooling with anything else.

I also have the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo which others mentioned. It is a great full enclosure tent, but a little heavier and a little annoying to pitch….but, it is a great tent. Check out the Refuge and Wild Oasis if you want something lighter and something which offers full coverage.

The Shangri La 3 has 64 square feet of space, and the rumour mill says Golite are thinking of building a smaller nest which will allow some cooking/vestibule space and save some weight. For a six month trip it has the space, durability, and versatility to make the trip enjoyable.

In "defense" of the SL 2,

One of the major benefits I see of the 2-person is that the floor space is ultimately/arguably more usable. The 3 is 9.5' at its widest point. The 2, on the other hand, is 9.5 feet long for its whole 4.5 foot width. The 2 is also still quite roomy at manufacturer specs 49 sq ft versus 59 sq ft for the 3.