Lightweight winter tent for Pacific Northwest?

I use floorless mid year round, in PNW

e.g. mountainlaureldesigns has a number of mids, like solomid

I have to agree with Jerry. If I can't tarp with my hammock, i'm using a Golite SL3 mid.

Matt

I bring along a sheet of tyvek between me and the snow. A mid gives you plenty of space and is great protection if you get over a foot of snow overnight.

"I have to agree with Jerry."

Earthquakes are happening

Zombies rising from the earth

I'm looking outside to see if there's an asteroid heading for us, ready to wipe out the earth

etc…

Thanks. Looks like mids are the way to go.

Will a mid by itself be warm enough for -15F (-25C) temperatures, as in the North Cascades?

Maybe get the flooring added. It's very light.

"Will a mid by itself be warm enough for -15F (-25C) temperatures, as in the North Cascades?"

The tent is just a wind block– the rest is up to your clothing and sleep system. If the snow is deep, you can dig out some to get below ground level, blocking the wind more. An inner tent will create another layer of protection. Get some snow anchors or learn to improvise them too.

I would read up on vapor barriers and look at bivies as well. I've never done "hot tenting" with a tent built for use with a stove, but at those temps I would look at that too!

Cost of tent+bivy+vapor barrier = round trip to Maui :)

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

Mids are great because they've got a really flexible pitch. You can put them low to the ground to preserve warmth. That being said, there's really no beating a true 4-season shelter in the winter, but the Duo-Mid probably gets closest among tarp setups.

Your best bet for winter in the PNW with a mid is to supplement it with a bivy sack to really keep out drafts and seal in warmth. MLD makes a Superlight bivy that goes great with a mid.

Having lived on the Olympic Penninsula for approximately 8 years prior to relocating to SoCal, I prefered a double walled shelter with two doors and vestibules during winter and the rainy season(s).
The new Big Sky International Chinook 4 Season Shelter seems like a good choice especially with the breathable inner fabric tent.
http://bigskyproducts.com/big-sky-chinook-1p-tent.aspx

Don't forget that the shelter is a part of the whole system. If you add more to one part of your system, you can often carry less from another part. A lightweight winter tent may be nicer to carry in and of itself, but you may find yourself bringing a thicker pad, more bag insulation, or another clothing layer to make up for it. In a more substantial 4 season shelter you can bring less in your sleep system. If I'm moving camp every day I think the sweet spot of light but comfortable is a mid pitched low (burried) with a ground sheet, pad, and full bag. Add a lightweight bivy for extra bad weather, extra clothing layer for really low temps. For comfort or multiple days at the same camp, I love my Hilleberg Jannu as a home away from home. It's heavier by a long shot at around 6 lbs, but both of us bring less bag and pad as a result. Still not a wash, but close enough.

"Thanks. Looks like mids are the way to go."

Floorless mids are just one choice

Good in sustained rain. You can take your wet jacket off and set it on ground to let water drip off. Sit up without head hitting tent. Cook on stove.

If it's very windy or if there is heavy snow, maybe tunnel tent with floor is better, but I don't have a lot of experience. Many people just prefer the more protection you get in all conditions.

Thank you all for your suggestions and input. Lots of things to think about. I've decided to rent for now, and buy when I have more experience.