Suggestions on a 2P tent in a windy area

I highly recommend a tarptent stratospire  lithium. If staked out properly it is pretty bomb proof. Double wall tent and you can purchase a mesh inner or solid inner.

Is the inner easy enough to set up on its own?

Sorry I forgot to mention that we enjoy setting up just the inner so we can see the stars.

If you are lucky and can find one the Dan Durston/Drop X-Mid 2

Or the MLD Duomid XL with the inner.

I believe Dan just released some of his X-Mid 2s to Amazon.

Currently my wife and I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 which has treated us well but I would think that this tent would not do well in unprotected areas of the Rockies (please correct me if I am wrong).

Between myself, my wife and I, and my wife and her girlfriend we’ve used several models of the BA CS, both 1 and 2P models going back over 10 years here in Montana. It’s always been a fine choice above timberline, and has weathered some pretty hellacious wind, rain, snow and sleet. We currently have both the Copper Spur HV UL1 and UL2.

Consider yourself corrected :)

Good to know about you experience with the Copper Spur and thanks for everyone’s input.

Chad,

I have no reason to doubt Brad’s endorsement of the BA tent you already own, but if you want some other options there is the SlingFin Portal which allows one to attach their trekking poles for added stability. Pretty cool concept, but not available until mid June.

Or there is the Nemo Kenai which looks solid, albeit an extra pound per person.  Some would consider it overkill except for very exposed and stormy conditions.

Everyone has a different idea of peace of mind versus most likely to work.

Been looking for the same myself. I have two tents on order to try out. HMG UltaMid 2 and Zpack Duplex. Both in Spruce Green. Expecting the UltaMid 2 to be better in high winds, 4 season and the Duplex to be better in overall in comfort with ground floor and bug screen protection which are added options and extra weight on UltaMid. I could not decide between them so I sold enough of my old gear to buy both.

You specifically asked for tent recommendations, but I would suggest that using what you’ve got (and you’ve got a good one) is fine as long as you take into account a couple of things.  First, that old adage “pitch trumps structure” is usually pretty good, i.e. try to place the most aerodynamic end of the tent facing the prevailing wind direction (though that can change!).   Secondly, stake everything out solidly.  It might be necessary to use all of the extra lash points, and bring extra cord and stakes or tie to stumps or rocks.  Honestly, your tent should be fine, and  I don’t mean to discourage you from buying more gear!

I have lived and camped in the Rockies my entire life and only once had a tent collapse, but that was in 60+ mph winds with a poor pitch.  I buy good quality tents and stake them out well.

Thanks for all the replies. It seems that the tent that I have currently should be adequate for the trips that we have planned if set up properly. Can I ask one more question? How about the Copper Spur in the shoulder season when there is some snow expected? Let’s say 6” of snow.  If the forecast was 20mph winds with 6” of snow in the Rockies would the BA still be a reasonable tent choice?

Thanks for the help, that area is different than where I live and when taking my wife I like to be a little over prepared.

Let’s say 6” of snow. If the forecast was 20mph winds with 6” of snow in the Rockies would the BA still be a reasonable tent choice?

I’ve had more marginal tents than that one in heavier snow and heavier winds; the tents fared better than I did, by far.  If the white stuff starts getting thick and the wind isn’t moving it around to your liking, just set an alarm on your watch/phone so that you can get up and check things after a few hours.  If you’re like me you’ll wake up when the wind shifts, regardless, but the alarm is good for peace of mind.  Just recall that an extra ten minutes of staking and tensioning and double-checking before bed will often translate into not spending ten minutes doing the exact same thing in the middle of the night when you were very snug in your bag.