Help deciding on a tent

Just be advised that the Sirius is a "hybrid" tent–that is, it's not fully double wall. When I've had 3 people in it, it gets some condensation on the back single wall. Since I only use it for car camping, this hasn't been a problem at all, but it's not as bomber as other car camping tents.

I do love mine and still use it for car camping, and it's a bargain right now at almost any retailer and *somewhat* light for the space. Also, it's really really really easy to set up too.

I would go w/ the S.D. We have an Electron that me, my wife, and our two 40+lb dogs fit in. It's slightly heavier than the one you've selected. I carry the footprint and tent, my wife takes the fly/poles. Certainly not ultralight, but we lightened our load on everything else and manage to hike comfortably. FWIW, our SD has held up very nicely w/ dog paw/claws scraping the screens, etc. For the money and a double walled tent, I think they are pretty decent.

HYOH, but both those tents way a ton. Trust me you will have much more fun with a lighter tent. Go to tarp tent.com, spend an extra c-bill now so you don't spend more later, don't make the mistakes i made. I have three tents, well five tents, but three backpacking tents and if i could turn back time I'd get the tarptent (rainshadow 2) and spend the rest on micro-brews and innov8's. If you wanna see how huge this tent is inside, go here http://www.youtube.com/user/cheehytrailhead#play/uploads/5/KQhcSaEZVgs

Ps, if your chick see's that you posted her weight online, she's gonna kill you! (even though she is a tiny 115 pounds)

See if you can find something like a Sierra Designs Comet used for a good price.

If you're just starting out, then positive experiences will be more valuable than trying to go UL or SUL immediately. The Comet has ample room for you, your partner & the big dog. They're ridiculously quick & easy to set up, and provide lots of ventilation & light with the fly off. Bombproof against rain with the fly on.

We've got a '96 model that is still in great shape & would be our 1st choice for car camping or any hike to a campsite of maybe less than 2 miles or so.

Nothing worse for relative beginners than dripping condensation or crouching & contorting like pretzels in a small tent.

Later, when you're ready, buy something lighter & smaller & set aside your 1st tent for car-camping only.

I strongly agree with John that you should get used to camping first and then start looking for gear that suits the style you've developed. Less expensive and far less frustration than spending a lot on premium gear that turns out not to be suitable. Be aware that stated capacity on backpacking tents (particularly the lighter weight ones favored by this site's users) asuume a very tight fit – many "2-man" tents are more suitable for solo use, "3-man" for two people, etc. At least until the campers get used to close quarters. Scout out Sierra Trading Post for a bargain or eBay for a good-sized used tent. As John says, it can always be used for car camping later.

Thanks for the response everyone.

Rick, my only concern is that I just can't figure out with those tarptents how you can keep bugs and rain out? I mean if it rains really hard and you are on any kind of slope wouldnt the rain just run right under and all over you? I know pretty much everyone here uses this type of tent but I just dont think i'm familiar enough with hiking and camping to make it work just yet. I'm probably missing something though so feel free to educate me!

A "tarp tent" has a "bathtub floor" that keeps the run off out and mesh that keeps out the bugs. a tarp (no tent) is just a tarp that you pitch, it will keep out rain, but not bugs.
Google Henry Shires tarp tent and check out the selection. Henry's tents are easy to pitch and I have been through some hard core rain in mine with very little dampness. While you're at it check out gossamer gear for more noob friendly ul gear.

After watching the video again I could see the mesh. At first it looked like it was completely open. So are the front at back completely mesh? It looks like there would be a lot of wind coming through the tent. That would be fine when it's warm but i'm not so sure I would like that because we will probably be doing some camping in the 30s and 40s at night. Also I heard that girl in the video say they were strapping their pads together so they didn't float away if it rains! I am starting to like this option I little more but i'm still suspect on the wind and rain protection! Thoughts?

Good observation. This is a major drawback of the tarptent. In order to combat condensation, one must have it well ventilated, which of course makes it much cooler than a regular tent. Users compensate with a heavier sleeping bag. I prefer the tarp and bivy, because the bivy keeps the wind out and the whole set up actually weighs less.

So is the better decision to get a tent that weighs 2 pounds more or a bag that weighs 6 ounces more?
Hhmmm, easy decision.

Not to stir up a hornets nest but, I think the double wall tents are better on condensation thing is a myth. I've had much worse condensation in double walls since they're so dang hard to vent.
Wind don't bother me much under my cozy JRB no sniv since I'm wearing all my clothes. And as Aaron says, you save a ton of weight not relying on a tent for warmth.

You are absolutely correct! The only thing a double walled tent does is, hopefully, prevent you from driving your sleeping bag into the sides of a wet fly. I would argue that a lot of double walled tents are poorly ventilated and the design simply relies on the additional barrier to manage condensation.

Aww, David, and we've been agreeing on so many things lately! Funny thing is, I've never gotten wet in a double-walled tent. But I've gotten soaked (or at least wet) countless times in single-wall "tarp" tents.

As I've said elsewhere, the single biggest complaint I get from people about their camping experiences is getting wet in their tents. It's actually turned many people away from backpacking and camping in general. They don't want to be wet like that again. And people who aren't borderline fanatical about weight don't want to fuss with wiping down their tent walls through the night.

I wouldn't get the Sirius. I also wouldn't start out with a tarp tent. I'd look at a basic double-wall hoop tent like a SD Clip Flashlight (~$200) or a Mountain Hardwear Lightpath 2 or 3 person (~$180-220). The 3-person would give you some extra room to kick around just over 5 pounds, the 2-p about 4 pounds or so IIRC, and the Clip is about 3.5 pounds.

The SD Clip Flashlight is a nice small 2-person tent. But for a beginner I'd say it's a bit cramped. And there's no way that 80-lb dog is going to fit in there, unless you want him sleeping on top of you [in which case you can leave the sleeping bag at home I guess].

Oops, yep, forgot about the dog. I've been in a tent that size with two 160# people and a 75# dog, but it was not comfortable. If we could have gotten him to stay at our feet it could have been a little better.

A big agnes Sl3/copper spur are very popular mass produced 2+ tents I think. Its lighter than the others mentioned.

I was going to mention the Seedhouse or copper spur, but the SL3 is 4# and $420, the CS3 is 4.25# and $500, and it looked like price point is important… You might be able to find something more in the 4# range and cheaper at Sierra Trading Post?

EDIT: Just read Michael's next post; might be a good idea to save up for a tent (or a bag). Nallos are awesome, but ~$600 for ~5 pounds. A Lightpath 3 is maybe a quarter pound heavier, a little roomier, and ~$400 cheaper. For that $400 "savings," you could get a really nice, really light and compact bag that could save you a couple pounds over a cheap alternative.

Hilleberg Nallo3, then after your bank account recovers, you can purchase Carbon Fiber Poles for it, and trim 6.6oz

Should be more than enough room for 2 + the dog, with the option of the dog being able to sleep in the vestibule.

A Mid would be a good choice.

It depends a little on if you'd like the dog inside the tent or in a vestibule. With backpacking tents, the floors can be damaged from claws. A lot of folks will put a small pad in the vestibule.

If you were thinking that way, there are some shelters with vestibules that might work great. Two doors can be great- enter on one side, dog on the other.

I use single wall tents almost exclusively and they work fine. You have to have good ventilation (Tarptent and Six Moon Designs are really good at handling this) to control the condensation and you want to have a tent sized large enough so you don't touch the sides in the morning when condensation is the worst. Still, these manufacturers have it pretty well dialed in.

A good option that I've recommended to beginners before is the Tarptent Double Rainbow http://www.tarptent.com/doublerainbow.html It has two doors, is easy to set up, has good usable space, and is just 2.5 pounds. It's really a hybrid because the sides are double walled. Another one to look at is the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=47

I agree with some earlier posts- as you start to buy gear keep your eye on the weights and research carefully. If you start out with a light kit, you'll enjoy the sport more and won't need to rebuy things when you realize you wanted lighter gear. A tent is a key piece.

If you lay down your money on a good tent and zero in on 3 pounds or less, you will be happy for years and years.

Welcome to Backpacking Light and best of luck in your purchase! We have many, many years of experience in these forums. I'd also recommend the book Lighten Up! It's a great read that will be very helpful to you- it's my favorite beginner book, but also one I've read over and over.

Doug

A mid, by the way is a pyramid shaped tent. Golite sells mids that have optional inner tents that would work well- another is Mountain Laurel Designs. It's a more expensive route but very versatile.

That's okay Brad – I still respect you ;)

There is no free lunch when it comes to going ultralight. A down sleeping bag is terrible if it gets wet. A closed cell mat is not nearly as comfortable as an inflatable. A puffy jacket doesn't breathe as well as fleece. O2 rain gear is fragile and a poncho can catch on things. The most comfortable backpacks are often the heaviest.

Of all the compromises and trade-offs I've made, using a tarp tent is the one I am most happy with. The Six Moons and Shires tarp tents are extremely well designed. They are very roomy and well ventilated. I've owned other tents (from major manufacturers) that simply didn't do as good a job. I'm not a hard care ultralighter (and my wife is even more conservative) but we both feel that our tarp tent was a great purchase. In that regard, for most of my hiking, I would never use just a tarp. The bugs are just too bad. In general, these tarp tents are much more like a tent than a tarp. I would be very surprised if you are not happy with your purchase of a tarp tent.

Just for the record, condensation on the rain fly is still condensation, and will still make your 5 pound (ugg thats half my base weight and I roll with a three person, giant tent) If you get a big enough tarp tent you won't touch the sides- which, when pitched correctly (which is easy) don't gather much condensation anyway. I'm east coast, Smokies, Appalachians, bogs, beaches, fog, rain, mist 80% humidity, single digit nights. I know it's not as wet as the Pacific NW, but it's purty darn soggy!

Just saying. This is a UL forum after all, so I'd feel funny being a weight enabler.