backpacking tent recommendation
 

Will be purchasing a backpacking tent for 2 people for a hunt next fall. Generally I figure that you need to take the number of people you sleep and add 1 for gear, so I figure that a 3 person tent would be best. However, I am lookin at a Cabelas Boundary Waters tent rated for 2 people. It has 40 sq ft of floor space (8' x5' ) and that may actually be large enough. Anyone have experiences with these tents or what others would you recommend. I want to stay under $300. Will only be using this tent once every 2-3 years, but gettting wet one time is too much.

THanks

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

A freind of mine has one of those that he ordered out of Cablelas a few year back. I have never stayed in it myself, but we go camping together alot and he he has never had a complaint about it. When we go backpacking though, it' s never made the trip. It' s a bit on the heavy side, but if your talking about a once a year hunt, I wouldn' t spend the money on a good lightweight backpacking tent either.

I can tell you though that with 2 people you might consider bringing 2 tents though. One for sleeping, and one for storage and wet clothes and stuff. It is really hard to dry stuff out all in one tent with 2 people already in it.

Another recomondation that I have for you is that if your only talking about using that tent once a year is that you should consider renting a tent. If you have an REI in your area they rent tents and it' s pretty cheap. That way you can also get a top of the line tent (norhtface, REI) and give it a try to see how you like it

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

txhunter,

You might try asking this question at www.backpacker.com. They have a " gear" section on the forum with alot of members that has experience at traveling light. There are several companies out there with all kind of prices.

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

sierra designs flash clip 3, 180 bucks alaskan.

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

txhunter58, could you tell me where/when you are going on a backpack hunt. It could help to narrow things down a bit. If you are heading to the rockies, and it' s later than early season you shouldn' t be taking a 3 season tent as most of the " lightweight" tent are.

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

Txhunter58,
Some of the most hellacious rain/hail storms I' ve been in have been during early elk season -- so I put a high priority on staying dry! If you are hunting later then snow may become an issue BUT you will NOT get a decent four season tent in your stated budget.

My first pre-requisite for a non-wall type tent is that it has a good " tub" in the bottom of it that comes a fair distance up the sides -- looking at the picture in my trusty Cabelas catalog, I' d say it does okay. Second pre-requisite is a rain fly that goes down nearly to the ground and at a minimum overlaps the top of the " tub" by a goodly margin -- rain doesn' t always come straight down -- what if it is flying sideways? Looking at the picture you are okay EXCEPT on the door end -- a good thunderhead could put a fair batch of water into your tent. I see they have a vestibule add-on that could take care of that weakness for $24.99 plus it gives you more storage space and lets you seperate wet and dry - I highly recommend it.

Any tent is a better tent if it is under a tarp!
Never Go Undergunned,
EKM

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

If we get picked, the tent will be for an early rifle season in a Colorado wilderness. Season starts Sept. 9th. This will be a backpack hunt, no horses.

Thanks for the info, I am now looking into some different tents. I have since pretty much decided that a 2 person tent just won' t be big enough, so I am looking more at 3-4 person tents.

Lilhunter: tell me more about the flash clip 3. Are you talking about the Sierra Designs Clip 3 CD. The head end is taller than the foot section and weighs 5 lb 9 oz. It comes with a 7 sq ft vestible. I am also looking at the Sierra Designs Metor Light CD. Only a 2 person, but has 40 sq ft in the tent and a 16 sq ft vestible. I am also looking at the Cabelas XPG 4 person tent. Still less than 9 lbs and packs to 9" x20" . Have heard good things about this tent and withstanding rain.

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

I' ve gotta second the recommendation on the Flash Clip 3. It' s a great little 3 season tent and won' t let you down if the weather gets rough. I know quite a few serious backpackers who use it or the 2 man version. If you want to save as much weight as possible, have a peek at that Cabela' s Bivy Tent. I use one when going far, high and light in wilderness. You have to have a tolerance for bare minimum shelter and it' s best to set up in a sheltered area, but it' s a damned good value for the quality.

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

Who makes the Flash Clip 3. Can' t find that name. Closest thing is the Sierra Designs Clip 3 CD. Is that what you are talking about??

RE: backpacking tent recommendation
 

The suggestion to contact BACKPACKER is a good one. I have a Marmot that I have used in the mountains of Alaska, Colorado, and Montana in just about every weather imaginable. The cost was around $280 and worth every penny. Quality tent.