Touring - Tent for touring?

I was going to buy the REI quarter dome UL tent, it was on sale for $140 till yesterday but I procrastinated and now it's $209. I'm trying to find a tent under 4-5lbs. that is big enough for someone (me) that's 4ft 30 inches (6'6 for those who are mathematically challenged), and I'd like to spend $150 or less. OH yeah....I have a Coleman tent now that meets all of the above qualifications, but it is soooooo not waterproof (and it might weigh a little more that 5 lbs, not sure though).

GQ

http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=2345475

Check out the REI Camp Dome tent - only $99. http://www.rei.com/product/47975297.htm

Sure, it's a little heaver but it is a nice tent and it's inexpensive.

Go to your nearest sporting goods store, and get waterproofing spray. That is all you need.

When you were at REI, did you look at the Half Dome? I have the older version, and I love it. Plenty big for two, dual vestibules, and you can use the fly with just the footprint.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=microlight-tent&categoryId=36548&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=500105&cat4=1096&shop_method=pp&feat=ssdpa1096

I am 2 inches shorter than you so it might be a bit short, and I will admit that this tent is a bit claustrophobic. It is light, packs small, and doesn't leak (though I haven't experienced rain with it, just testing it with the garden hose).

Wow, those LL Bean tents are 8 feet long inside! Probem solved.

Michigander- Thanks for the idea of waterproofing spray. So...that stuff really does work? It seems so simple a solution that I have a hard time believing that it'll actually works.

Try to remember the see how short the poles break down to. For me in touring, its not just the weight, but also how much space it takes up on the bike.

Michigander- Thanks for the idea of waterproofing spray. So...that stuff really does work? It seems so simple a solution that I have a hard time believing that it'll actually works.

It does work but it add some weight to the fabric... I'm not sure how long it lasts but last summer I sprayed my old tent in the middle of my bike tour because of leaks and used it for another 2 weeks without problems.

Michigander etal: We saw a 100 buck Eureka 1 man at MC sporting goods this week. This is a local chain which grew nationwide. MC originally meant Michigan Clothiers, IIRC. Probably made in China., Basic side-entry, sort of a rainfly slung over a mosqito net coffin. Not much of an entertainment shelter, just portable, personal space. George in Grand Rapids

Michigander- Thanks for the idea of waterproofing spray. So...that stuff really does work? It seems so simple a solution that I have a hard time believing that it'll actually works.


scotchguard type waterproof spays may or may not solve, or even reduce, your water leakage problem. first, you need to identify where and how the water is coming in.

most common scenarios:
- seams on rainfly are not taped, allowing water to enter through the needle holes and aided by capillary action of the thread. water drips onto the top of the tent. solution: seam seal all seams on fly.

- water is entering through the "waterproof" floor. generally same reason and solution as above, seams have no taping, or are inadequately or faultily taped. seam seal all seams. occasionally, the waterproofing on the fabric of the floor has worn through, or you've got a small hole in the floor. a small hole can be easily fixed with a waterproof patch. if the waterproof coating has worn off, there are coatings you can apply. in my experience, they are problematic in applying and don't last long at all. (however, i haven't used the nikwax one yet)

- poor rainfly coverage. the rainfly doesn't extend far enough to prevent rain from splashing upwards when it hits the ground around the perimeter of the tent. rain splashes higher than the level of the tub-style floor, onto the breathable tent fabric. there's not much you can do about this one, unless you've got a sewing machine and are ready for a project. if not, then some scotchguard type spray applied may help. apply only say about 6" or so. you don't want to waterproof the whole of the breathable fabric of the inner tent, because you'll get even more condensation.

of the various seam sealers i've used, McNett Seam Grip Seam Sealer has been the most tenacious and long lasting. it's not as easy to apply as some and takes a long time to cure. also, it helps if you use a little talcum powder on it after it's cured because it can be a little tacky. the cheap types of seam sealers sold at most discount stores will start pealing almost immediately. nikwax products are also quite good, but for seams, seam grip is unsurpassed. ;)

I have the Eureka backcountry II about $99.00. I'ves used it on two extended tours and I totally love it. Big enough for one and gear and also super easy to set-up.

I'd like to o add one point to philso's excellent commentary.

If your tent is old, like mine, the fabri can loose its waterproofness. The chemical water reppelent washed away, micro-holes developped, etc. If this is the case, a silicone based tent sealant should help.

During our last 2 weeks trip, we used an Eureka TunnelVision... almost a palace...:eek: It was so huge we could fit both bikes in the tent and still have plenty of space to cook. But it was sooo heavey... 20-25 lbs. Next time we'll use a North Face - Moraine 33... Much lighter.

My touring tent is extremely spacious and yet extremely light. It easily holds my bicycle and all my gear and yet weights less than an ounce. The name on it is "Visa".

Check out Go-Lite. http://www.golite.com/products/prodlist.asp?category=9

Lots and lots of superb options at around the 200 dollar mark.

The brand is pretty big in the Adventure Racing and Fast-packing world, and for good reason.

Hi,

I strongly recommend the "Lighthouse" and "Firstlight" Black Diamond tents --- they're pretty much the lightest-weight 2-person freestanding tents on the market today. The Firstlight is just 2lbs 9oz. and 27 sq. ft. The Lighthouse is 3lbs. and 31 sq. ft. They are single wall tents. (Note: if you use them where it is both very cold at night, and also humid, you will get some condensation inside the tent from your own moisture.)

http://www.backcountry.com/store/BLD0631/Black-Diamond-Firstlight-Tent-2-Person-3-Season.html
http://www.backcountry.com/store/BLD0632/Black-Diamond-Lighthouse-Tent-2-Person-3-Season.html

The downside is price --- $300 and $360 retail, respectively. I would recommend trying to get them on the cheap, on EBay......

Sam

http://www.campmor.com/ Check out all of their tents, which are priced really well and their customer service is great.

I have had a number of tents and for the money my Sierra Designs Clip Flashlite 2 CD is lite, easy to pitch though not free standing, has held up under 80 mph sustained winds high in the Sierra's with the fly sounding like a flag out your car window at 70+mph. It withstood torrential thunderstorms for a week with heavy wind and rain in the open after Hurricane Charley in S. Florida (actually pitched on a dock and I had to use nails as stakes). You can also use just the footprint and rainfly for a very light weight tarp with floor, which cuts it down to around 3 lbs. On top of it all it is quite inexpensive and would handle your large size with ease. You sleep with your head at the door and two men fit in it easily though snug.

REI stuff is very good and there are any number of other tent manufacturers that offer a great product for the money - Eureka is one. I have two of their mountain tents which have really seen some punishment over the years and held up great. You can also go the other extreme and spend well over $ 650.00 US for some more exotic makes that are super durable.

I went with this one:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39196246&memberId=12500226
Eureka Pinacle Pass 2 XTA....it's inexpensive ($119, after rebate)...and very good quality...ordered it from Campmor on Sunday....it arrived the following Wednesday....can't wait to use it!
Gary

I went with this one:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39196246&memberId=12500226
Eureka Pinacle Pass 2 XTA....it's inexpensive ($119, after rebate)...and very good quality...ordered it from Campmor on Sunday....it arrived the following Wednesday....can't wait to use it!
Gary

I'd thought about that same model. We have a Eureka Mountainpass 4XT that's wonderful, but a bit heavy for touring. It's performed admirably in some bad weather, but this tent would drop over 3 pounds for us. The question is, is dropping 3.5 pounds between two riders worth the loss of interior storage space on a bad weather day....

I went with the "2 XTA" for just me. While the literature says 2-peson, 2 people in this tent would be tight. If my wife were to join me I would go for the "3 XTA" version. I bought the Eureka because the cost was right and because I've had a Eureka Space II family tent for 22 years we used for family vacations. Twice we sent it to Eureka to have door zippers replaced (the tent was used quite frequently for lots of trips) at no cost other than shipping it to them.
Gary

Those for whom money is no object and quality paramount may be interested in the Hilleberg NALLO 3 Person (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8801155559&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)on Ebay right now.
It's my dream tent.
Only in my dreams.

My touring tent is extremely spacious and yet extremely light. It easily holds my bicycle and all my gear and yet weights less than an ounce. The name on it is "Visa".

I haven't toured yet but my wife likes this kind of tent. Maybe one day I can talk her into trying a fully-loaded tour.

I'm all about kelty when it comes to normal (non-hyper lightweight). I use the Kelty Riverbend 2. Had it for 5 years and it is still in perfect condition. Never had a problem with it.

I was going to buy the .................
GQ

So, with all of the input what did you decide on or get???:)

Instead of starting a new thread for this topic I'll just bump this up in hopes of someone answering my question. I need a two person tent that is very light (definately under 4 pounds) and definately holds up in wet conditions (I live in the Pacific Northwest).

I was looking at the Black Diamond Lighthouse, but I'm not so sure it could hold up that well in the rain. But I'm still definately looking at it as a major possibility.

Any reccomendations?

Hi guy have a look at the Foce Ten range of tents, I've got a Serac 2:3 and it's an awsome piece of kit.

I Have a Mountian Hardwear Lite Wedge 3..A bit more spendy than yer lookin ($279) But it Poured on me last year on the Katy Trail, (4+ inches) And I was able to laugh at the wether! Its very well ventlated and Very wether resistant. Avilable at REI. (Also large enough to bring my Mt bike and tralier inside) 6.6lbs

I was looking at the Black Diamond Lighthouse, but I'm not so sure it could hold up that well in the rain. But I'm still definately looking at it as a major possibility.

Any reccomendations?

I've been using a BD Lighthouse since last summer, and used it for about 15 nights of touring this winter around the northwest. i actually used the lighthouse this winter season (Dec-March) on about 3 or 4 weekend/five day trips out to PA, Port Townsend, Oak Harbor, as well as the east side of puget sound. it handles very wet northwest winter weather reasonably well, but experiences a little seep or sweating in heavy rain conditions. i think the longevity of the tent is in question as well. i took to pitching the lighthouse under my small siltarp when the rain was real heavy. this performed almost like a double wall tent system, but still a lot lighter.

for summer camping or desert touring the lighthouse is definetly a contender. it worked fairly well in the northwest winter, but i don't think it is an all conditions tent.

The BD Lighthouse WAS a nearly ideal tent on a five day trip doing the North Cascades loop last summer - lightweight, airy, roomy, and freestanding. packs up almost as small as a 1 liter bottle if you use a rubber band to cinch it in a stuff sack.

i am considering one of these ... a roomy 2 person tent AND a garage for your bike/s ... 3.7kg

http://www.outdoorsupplies.co.nz/outer_pro-bike_lge.jpg

that packs up as small as an pony keg of beer, and the lighthouse packs up the size of a 1 liter bottle is the major operative difference here. i'd certainely consider the VELO type tent (available via MSR and also non American version like above) shown just above if there were two bikers to share the tent load.

I just bought this one. sufficient for one bicyclist and a bike, 2 pounds something.

wtf???

http://www.rei.com/product/47984313.htm

crazy.

The Topeak Bikamper @ REI's is nice but there are lighter, bigger and cheaper conventional tents:

Check out the Eureka Solitaire 2000 (http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eureka/product.asp?s%5Fid=0&dept%5Fid=3004&pf%5Fid=PAAAIALCMOGHHDCN&)

These are factory seconds (A Class) but you cannot beat the price $49.99. The refurbished ones (B Class, store display samples) are priced at $39.99. Bigger footprint: 22 sq. ft vs. 17 sq. ft., lighther: 2lbs 8oz vs. 2lbs 15oz and I mentioned the 'huge' price differential above already ;) They aren't as high inside as the Topeak model but not by much: 26in. vs. 28in.

I used one for lightweight backpacking and they are great. Not a tent to spent hours in foul weather but good to unpack at the end of a day, jump into a sleeping bag and go sleep ;)

I'm thinking about this tent for my first tour later this summer: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39192827&memberId=12500226

I think this tent would be big enough for me and my gear and my bike. The price is amazing, and I'd really like to keep the bike in the tent with me as I'm a little nervous about theft during the night. I realize it's a little on the heavy side, but other than that is there any reason why this one isn't a good idea?

Hmm...looks as though this tent does not come with a tarp bottom. Maybe I'll go with this one instead: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39196246&memberId=12500226

It doesn't look as though it's big enough for me to fit my bike in there with me, so I'm not sure. It's quite a bit more expensive than the other one, but still not bad (with a rebate, even).

Better yet, maybe I should go with the Pinnacle Pass 3 XTA (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39196397&memberId=12500226) as it looks like there would be plenty of room for me, my gear and my bike. Price isn't bad and it the reviews I've read all are pretty good.

Again, any comments on this tent? Those of you that don't keep your bike in the tent with you, how do you secure your bike during the night? Are you worried about losing it?

Those of you that don't keep your bike in the tent with you, how do you secure your bike during the night? Are you worried about losing it?
I lock my bike to the picnic table with a small cable lock. I think the chances of it being stolen are pretty small.

Those for whom money is no object and quality paramount may be interested in the Hilleberg NALLO 3 Person (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8801155559&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)on Ebay right now.
It's my dream tent.
Only in my dreams.

God, I so agree. I've been lusting forr one after seeing a couple from Switzerland put their bikes INSIDE the tent. Personally I am going for a Nallo GT 2 person and a Bike Friday, that way I can still use some of the space in the vestibule for other stuff. Hilleberg is simply the best.

I lock my bike to the picnic table with a small cable lock. I think the chances of it being stolen are pretty small.

Yeah, but carrying that picnic table around with you can be such a pain, and its hard to balance it on the bike.