Yay – another “help me choose a light 2 person tent” question. Comparison spreadsheet inside

I don't know much about all the different choices, but we love our SS2. I am 5'8" and my wife is 5'1", and we have so much room in this tent. We even bring our packs in when it's raining. If it's dry out, we leave them in the huge vestibules. No kidding, you can almost sleep a person on each side in the vestibules because they are so big. Anyway, good luck with your decision. I think it's worth carrying a approximately 3lb tent between 2 people in order to get this much room. Others may differ!

It looks like I need trekking poles for that one, right?

You can get dedicated poles for use with this shelter from Tarptent if you do not use trekking poles.

Though something more durable might be a better choice for you to throw down.

Of the tents you list; I only have experience with the Skyledge. I borrowed one for a trip a couple years back and I didn't like it much. Felt narrow and awkward to get in and out of despite the double doors, and I found the fly could not be staked out well without flipping and flipping in the wind all night and driving me batty. (I'm lousy with guy lines, so maybe that's something someone more skills could overcome).

In that weight and category (2P, no -trekking poles, freestanding) I like the SD Vaporlight (no longer manufactured but still avail here and there) Mine is 3lb 6 oz (withou stakes) so you can go a lot lighter but is very bomber. My kids play with it at home all the time and if it can hold up to them it can tackle anything. I use a polycryo groundsheet. It is roomy enough for me though I am also short.

Good luck!

Thanks Linda, for the insight! I just took a look at the Vapor Light 2. Looks like a beaut – but I guess the 1 door kind of puts it lower on my list, though still on my list.

Yes, durability is an issue. I often have to to "stealth" camp or camp in places with lots of people around and while I can be gentle with my tent, I really need something that's strong. When I played aroud with the Quarter Dome 2, for example, or Copper Spur, it seemed so weak like it'd tear.

I'll throw in another option for you.
I bought the new Sierra Designs Flashlight a few months ago and love it. While not as light as some of the others on your list, the fabric is a fair bit more stout. It can be pitched with trekking poles but comes with the vertical poles should you not want trekking poles. You can buy it in UL or Standard (though the UL is $100 more and only saves four ounces) I've had mine out in monsoonal rain and only had the slightest bit of condensation by morning even with it all buttoned up.

Like I say, it's not the lightest tent around but the price is great and the functionality has been outstanding.

Oh and unlike most of the others on your list it dry pitches, meaning you don't have to worry about the inner getting wet while you're pitching. The new SD tents all pitch as one piece.