External frame freestanding tents

ZPACKS DUPLEX WITH FLEX KIT .

They are referred to as exoskeleton tents , but why is that feature important to you ?

(just curious to know)

Perhaps looking for a fly first pitching freestanding double wall?

Yes

Eureka used to make the single wall Zeus (w/mesh to help it try to breathe), but it’s been discontinued.   Some old ones may be out there.

It was interesting as the tent was laid down flat, then the 2 poles put into corner grommets to form a bowed “X” frame, to which mini-carabiners on the tent body would then hook too.

Check out the Tara Poky Lightrock and Ridgeline. I have their MEGA tent and the quality & craftsmanship are outstanding.

Lightrock:

Ridgeline:

Fly first pitching, under 3 lbs . Can also be set up inner only .

The Tarptent Bowfin 1 s does that.

Takes a long /wide mat with some room on the side

https://www.tarptent.com/product/bowfin-1s/#tab-id-2

however not in stock as yet.

Vaude and Terra Nova tents have external frames, and then there are some brands like Hilleberg and Macpac which don’t have external frames but can nonetheless be pitched outer and inner together.

Troy, I made this: https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/myog-2p-4-season-semi-geodesic-tent/

I think it is close to what you want and I barely ever use it… Let me know if you could be interested. It’s only draw back is the height… I made it a little lower than expected. I’m 5’8” and my usual climbing partner is 5’9”. We fit fine on are Xlite mats despite our broad shoulders but I’d say that 5’10” would be the tallest it can accommodates. It is great for avoiding the wind!

Cheers

Pierre

Nice tent. I am window shopping for now.

Not to forget the Kuiu Mountain Star:

https://www.kuiu.com/backpack-hunting-tents/mountain-star-2-person-tent/12002.html?dwvar_12002_color=Gunmetal-Olive&cgid=sleepsystem-tents

This is the one where they backed up a wind powered swamp boat, blasted the tent, and made a video.  It should be on the website, but can dig it out if not.  Just over 3 lbs – not bad for a 2P.

Hah – after I submitted this post, a Kuiu ad with a pic of the tent popped up in the margin on BPL.  GOOGLE is watching us!