Any recommendations for a lightweight shelter with extra large vestibule?

Matthew – The TT SS2 is indeed an awesome looking shelter, but I don't think fully closed up the vestibules would be big enough for the dogs. They both like to sleep near each other for one and then they both move around at lot at night and I doubt that the larger one could stand up and spin around like she tends to do without brushing the walls and probably waking us.

Jake – Ha this is true, however these were not included for the vestibule end of the tent and I need it to stay close to the ground to keep the dogs from wandering off. Plus its hard enough to find a space to put it in, much less with an additional few feet on each side for guylines.

Kevin – Took me a little, but I finally was able to understand the Lil Bug Out Shelter. I think the idea of the vestibule being separate threw me for a loop. It seems like it is basically a modified pyramid (more sides) with an extra door… is that about right? If so, I'm not sure I see the advantage as we wouldn't need more than one door unless it was on the other side of the nest so we could get out without having to step over each other. We also could not leave one door open as the dogs need to be somewhat contained or they may wander off and annoy other campers.

Hi Derek

Essentially a modified dual door pyramid / tipi

The dual doors allow two things, one allow for very good air flow and lots of pitch flexibility, and two allow easy in and out with out needing to crawl over someone. I find that it is very livable.

Just my experience, and everyones dogs are different, but there is no way to contain a dog in a floorless tent that really wants out. It depends on the type of camping you do, but if I am camped somewhat by myself, I often leave it open so dogs can wander in the night. Of course, I have 3 dogs, and they are all different. One doesn't really want to sleep in a tent, another only wants to sleep in a tent, and the third wants to go in and out all night.

I recently purchased a TT SS2 and upon originally reading your post, that seemed like the ideal answer. For two folks it is a really great tent, and if I added my 90 lb. Golden (getting up in years), it would be fine. You have two young, large dogs and that is an entirely different dimension….perhaps a sil-nylon or cuben circus tent is what you need? That BA tent looks like you would need a runway to set it up…

To get off topic a bit, I'm from NC and that picture of you and your dogs looks suspiciously like the Linville Gorge??

Good luck!

Good call! That is Linville Gorge. We did part of the trail on the western half and then drove around (since the bridge was out) and hiked up Table Rock and then camped nearby for the second night.

I think the SS2 could work, but I would rather have extra room than just barely enough. I may buy one though to try and see how it goes. Still going to make a pyramid with an inner and test it out though. Thanks.

I am reviving this thread because it has his pictures and ideas for those of us that want to get out with a dog. It’s a bit dated…but still worth reading.
I did buy a shelter today..