Shelter Recommendation Needed

It really comes down to personal preference. There are advantages and disadvantages to both so take what you feel most comfortable with.

If I were looking at a tent…. I'd stick with one of the US made cottage companies. Once again, personal decision. You certainly won't suffer from lack of choices. There are more choices made in the USA now than anytime in my life (I'm 47).

I like the Tarp Tent choice.

From my future-hiking-with-my-son-wishlist:

Have you looked at Six Moon Designs? I'd add their Haven + Net Tent to the list of options.

I assume if you've looked at TarpTents you've also considered the StratoSpire2 too?

The Zpacks Hexmids options are pricey, but everyone here has raved so much bout them, I'm curious.

If you did want to go the tarp route you could:

Get a big, 8 x 10 or so, tarp.

Use a bivy when it's just you

Get a net tent for you + son. You can get solid ends to help with rain protection. Bearpaw wilderness has a lot options for those.

How old is your son? With mine I'm concerned he'll trip/knock over lines/trekking poles as supports. When the time comes I might just try to pick up a second hand lighter mainstream tent (e.g. big agnes). I'm curious to see other replies.

Thanks for the quick couple of comments.

I'll look into Six Moons Designs and I've read about the Zpacks shelters, though they are a bit pricey.

By the way, my son is 8 and he's been backpacking with me since he was 5.

The Sierra Designs Flashlight UL 2. It is really very, very good. The room is impressive, the wind stability very good, and the ventilation is the best I have ever experienced in a single wall shelter. On sale now at Campsaver.com as well.

Thanks for the recommendation on the Flashlight 2, but it seems a bit heavy in comparison to other 2 person tents. The Stratospire 2 is looking like a good option.

50 oz if you use two trekking poles, which compares to the SS2 at 48. But then you have to seam seal the TT which will add a few ounces.

Just to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. If you find the SD heavy, you will find the TT heavy as well. But at 1.5 pounds per person for either, I would consider them quite light.

To get similar room as these two options you will have to go for cuben. But then that will blow past your price limit quickly.

Seam sealing , if done the TT way , should add less than 1 oz for the DR, a bit more for the SS2.
( I have done a few…)
When the silicone is mixed (as it is in the TT $5 kit) it is probably a bit more than that, but when the solvent dries up it will be less.
There is a video clip on the TT site to show toy how to do it our way.
(Products-videos)
franco@tarptent

Thanks again for the helpful comments. I didn't realize the similarity in weight between the Sierra Designs tent and the SS2, so good call out there.

Another tarp tent to add to your list is LightHeart Gear.

My son is also 8, been coming out with me for last 3 years. I used to use mountain hardwear helion 2 tent, then went with mountain hardware super mega ul 2, which we loved. Now this year I went with a Bear Paw wilderness designs canopy 2(cuben), and had John make me a custom 2 man bug bivy. I use his regular bug bivy when I go solo along with my MLD Patrol shelter and I love the versatility of the combo so much that I asked him if he would make me a 2 man bug bivy. For winter months I use a katabatic bristlecone bivy and I have decided to buy a small size one for my son. I would recommend it and tell you to seriously consider tarp/bivy. I don't think I would ever go back to a tent after using this system. There are cheaper type tarps out there..If you are serious and will use it often I would say go with cuben. Yes more money..but it's an investment you will not regret!

@Corwin
If it were just you or you and an older hiker, I would say go with tarp plus bivy.

But there are other considerations. You might think of what you and your son like to do at night before you actually fall asleep. During early season in Yosemite, the mosquitoes are often out for the hour before and after dark. My son would say "let's go to the tent and play cards dad." Later in the season you could get by with just a tarp.

Then there is cost.The TarpTent Double Rainbow fits your budget profile. A tarp and two bivies would most likely exceed $300

Appreciate Joe's comments regarding the tarp and double bivy combo. I checked the Bear Paw site and it looks like a great system. That said, Bruce makes a good point about the necessity to escape bugs and/or rain, particularly when it comes to backpacking with my son. I'd also like something I could sit up in when needed, though I suppose simply unzipping the bivy would allow me to do so.

Definitely not an easy decision, but I'm leaning toward the Tarp Tent SS2. It seems most people eventually end up with a tarp system of some sort, but not until first going through a tent or two. One thing that also concerns me is heavy rain and wind when using a tarp, particularly if the rain/wind is coming at an angle.

Corwin,

+1 for Bruce and Katherine.
Have a look at the SMD Haven. This two person tarp tent is only $200 and weighs 18 oz (the more expensive cuben version weighs 10 oz). Instead of two bivies (or a double bivy) you would get the Haven NetTent. That way you have a solution that allows you to split tarp and nettent between you and your son, leave the nettent at home if there are no mosquitoes, sit upright in the tent, use only the nettent during warm nights.
We have used the cuben version now for several years with our family in the Sierra (and other places) and are very happy with it.

Manfred

The SMD Haven is a real nice sized shelter. I have a Gatewood Cape and always liked how easy it was to set up. The Haven is bigger and has a lot of room. I do not own a Haven but have always liked it for its simplicity and weight.

We also own a TT Double Rainbow. This one feels the most like you are in a tent. It has double entry and is a real nice shelter. It does weigh a lot more than the Haven or any tarp type shelter but is still considered lightweight.

As far as using a bivy, it is real easy, You and your son each have a bivy. You just slide your pad and bag in the bivy (along with other stuff so you just have to shake it out in the morning).This gives you added wind and protection from light condensation.

Funny thing is, I also only hike in California and in the Sierra Nevada. Out of the last 50 nights out I think I have slept under a shelter maybe 4 nights. That's why I really don't use any of the above shelters and just take a lightweight tarp (Gossamer Gear Spinn Twinn most of the time). If it's buggy out you can wear a head net. Not everyone's cup of tea, but, sleeping under the stars is the best.

Good luck on your search. Your son is lucky to be starting nice and early. Won't be long before he is telling you how to do it!

I'm currently going around Iceland in a Stratospire 2 with semi-solid inner. It's been great for my partner and I. Only 3lb total. The vestibule space is great for your packs and there's plenty of room for 2. A palace for one.

Fyi, someone on this site is selling a Bear Paw Wilderness Designs net tent 2 for $80. Pair that with a canopy 2 tent and you are all set. You van sit up in that if I'm not mistaken…

I have to second Katherine's suggestion of an 8×10 tarp and a bug bivy or net tent. Yet, I also own tents. :)

The TT SS2 does look like a great option for a tarp-ish tent though.

All –

A good price on a new Bear Paw Net Tent 2 in the Gear Swap forum helped me to make up my mind. I will pair this with a BP Canopy 2, possibly in cuben. Thanks all for your feedback and helpful suggestions. Can't wait to try this out in the PNW this month and next year in the Sierras.

I have the canopy 2 in cuben. It is a palace!! So much room for myself and my son. When I pitched it in my yard..I was ecstatic. You will be happy with it, trust me.

Nice, enjoy. I have been eyeing those BPW canopies.

Do a trip report and let us know how it works out!

Will do – thanks all!