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Best Small Tents?


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I'm looking for a new small tent for my IDBDR trip.  I love my Redverz "GS Condo" tent but I'm looking for something smaller, like a two man tent.

 

I have this Marmot Haven tent and it's okay.  The footprint is a big round hexagon which is a bit more tent than I need but with just one pole, it works pretty well.  The one thing that bugs me is that it's really technically more of a "shelter" than a tent since the top of the tent doesn't connect with the bottom.  That's always kind of creeped me out that all kinds of snakes, spiders, bugs, mice, rats, etc...  can just crawl under but so far none of them could stand the smell  :lol:  

Death Valley Apr15 256

 

I paid $172 on sale at REI plus $45 for a custom footprint.  I can always bring this one if I have to but would like something a bit smaller.

 

 

 

Any other thoughts?

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I have the REI Quarter Dome T2. Packs super small and light, and I've had nothing but good experiences with it. I've used it on an 8 day backpacking trip, and on 4 MC trips of varying lengths. It has a rectangular footprint with two vestibules created by the fly. I usually stow my dry gear in the second sleeping position, and anything wet, my boots, and luggage goes in the vestibules. I'm 5'6" and have about 8" or so to spare when laying flat. It's definitely a get dressed in the sitting position height, but the way the poles are arranged there is a bit more headroom than a standard dome tent - almost has a flat ceiling in the middle.

Without the fly the majority of the tent is screen - great for those warm summer night views.

http://m.rei.com/product/864810/rei-quarter-dome-t2-plus-tent-special-buy

Don't have any experience using any of the tents you listed.

Edited by Nate J.
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I have the North Face Tadpole 2 Tent with footprint and love it.  It is easy to erect and holds up well in a driving rain storm in Baja!  I purchased this tent used (in almost new condition) on Craigslist.  Otherwise, I would have gone the REI route.

 

You can't go wrong with the Quarter Dome 2 or Half Dome 2 tents from REI.  Looking at the reviews, all three tents are well liked.  For a couple extra pounds, the Half Dome provides more bang for the almighty dollar!

 

http://www.rei.com/CompareProduct/User

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I am now using and testing a very very light and compact tent, the ferrino lightent 1: http://www.ferrino.it/en/catalog/tents/91144-lightent-1-tent

 

So far, I'm liking it because is super light, and very very compact. Following the GiantLoop mantra: Go Light, Go Fast, Go Far, I've changed all my camping gear recently for a lighter/smaller versions, and I'm pretty happy with the results!!!! (Ultra-light sleeping bag, matress, tent and stove, do make a huge difference put alltogheter vs regular versions) ;)

 

Hope that helps! ;)

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I like my REI halfdome.  The tent I took to taste of Dakar, a bit of room for gear or a second person if need be.

 

Had it for 6 years and never a problem with it.

 

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Plus from taste of Dakar this year where you were next to me.

 

Just picked up a hammock, gonna try it out tomorrow night at previtt, I'll post up after how it works.  MUCH SMALLER, think 2-3 beer cans in size.  But need two substantial trees/posts etc 9-20 feet apart to hang it.

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Setup my Eno hammock today and relaxed in a park near the house for about an hour.  Was pretty comfy with a nice breeze, still need to try sleeping in it.  I have the single size and it's a bit claustrophobic for relaxing in, but probably better for sleeping.  Pulls tight across the shoulders etc.

 

Hammock

http://www.rei.com/product/754769/eno-singlenest-hammock

Straps to hang it from trees.

http://www.rei.com/product/840700/eno-atlas-hammock-suspension-system

 

They offer many accessories you add as needed, such as rainfly's and bug tarps, so only buy what you want/need.

 

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