Deciding on my first ultralight tent

I think if you wait and keep an eye on Gear Swap, you can get a better (lighter) tent for a better price. You can pick up a used Contrail from GS and try it out. If you don't like it you can easily sell it for what you paid for it. If you get the LL Bean tent, you probably won't be able to flip it quickly.

The GoLite Shangri-la 1 is a good alternative to the Contrail if you’re looking to save a few bucks, sells for $120: Shangri-la 1 Another to think about is the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout at $125: SMD Skyscape Scout

Both the SL1 and the Skyscape Scout are a bit heavier than the Contrail. But both are also good choices, and you would be able to easily resell either at a small loss on Gear Swap here at BPL.

I suggest you focus on the design and how that will work for you.
The FS1 would be difficult not to pitch correctly on the other hand you need to learn how to pitch a Contrail.
The Contrail is a largish single wall solo, the FS1 is a smallish double wall solo (peak height 31")
So try to imagine yourself setting them up and spending time inside one.
Franco

I love my Spitfire 1. Fairly light, big enough, and cheap (under $100). That said in many conditions I prefer a bivy and tarp.

The Scout for only $125 and 32 oz. seems like a perfect middle-man here. Not sure if you need free standing. The CF poles from SMD are light, but the aluminum ones are not much heavier and, I think, $14. The Trekker for $225 is also great. Another recomendation would be for Silnylon MLD tents. The Duomid and Trailstar with net inner would cost a little more, but light, roomy, and flexible. Definitely look at ALL your options before you decide or the greener grass scenario is bound to plague your mind.

Scout is a great cheap option for exploring tarptents. I just sold one, to a guy who all of a sudden ended up with two of them. He's looking to sell one, if you want info pm me.

Thank you everyone for your advice. The one issue with the SMD Skyscape Scout is that I don't have trekking poles and don't plan to get any, so with the aluminum poles it's weight is up to 40 oz, which is only 3 oz less than the Eureka Spitfire. Someone suggested the Shangri-la but I just checked and they are discontinued.

Are there any advantages to the Skyscape Scout over the Eureka? Is the Contrail worth the price for the weight gain and materials? I don't need freestanding. All of the MLD tents seem out of my price range. I'm starting to lean toward the Contrail unless something comes up on Gearswap.

PM incoming.

I have an LLBean Microlight FS1 and I like it, but be aware there are lighter 2 man double wall free-standing tents with higher ceilings than the Microlight FS1. I purchased a Big Agnes Flycreek UL2 which packs up smaller, weighs less, and has significantly more interior room than the FS1 (naturally, as it's a 2-man vs. a 1-man). That said, if I knew I was going to be in areas of high wind or cruddy ground (for staking into) I probably will still choose to take the FS1 because it is totally freestanding, uses less stakes, and is profiled better for high wind than the FCUL2. The FS1 is also side-entry, which I like, and has better geometry to the vestibule. I plan to keep and use them both, largely depending on conditions and whether I'm taking my dog.

For what it's worth, the Contrail is extremely good. Honestly (for me) it was the best single walled shelter I've ever used, and there's nothing I would change about it.

1lb 9oz is pretty hard to beat, too.

My fly creek ul1 weighs in at 31.9oz with 6 ti stakes in a Cuben stake sack. Under 2 pounds with everything I need to withstand a huge storm and full bug protection. Highly recommended.

You could probably find a used Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 for $200. It's similar to the Fly Creek, but side entry, roomier and around 1/2 pound heavier. Mine was something like $240-280 new.

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Whatever you decide on, you might consider checking ebay. I bought my BA Fly Creek UL2 on ebay. Brand new, it was $200 less than retail, and that was a "Buy it now" price because I'm the impatient type. I think if you stick with top rated sellers, you will come out all right on ebay.

You should also check out the Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid and innernet; it is very versatile and ultralight. You may not always need a bug screen!

If you are tall might want to look closely at shelter dimensions. I am 6' 190 pounds and the front entry BA flycreek 2 was too cramped.. However I just do not generally like front entrances. Got rid of both the Big Agnes flycreek 2 and a TT Contrail, replaced by a GG the One, though they are not being made at this time.. If it was me I would look for deals on gear swap here..You can always turn around particularly on the cottage industry tents and resell here about what was paid for them, or close..Or find something used on ebay, which is how I got a basically new BA Flycreek 2 for $160 shipped..

Another thought, had one for 4 years, spacious side entry tent, easy to erect, no hiking poles..

Given the weight vs. the cost, the Spitfire UL could be a good choice. I have one, purchased a couple of years ago, that has never been used. If you post your email address, I'll send you the particulars.