Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Cheap (but light) tents for overnight travel

So, what are your reccomendations for cheap (but light) tents for overnight travel? A few pounds might make a difference, but I don't think it makes a several hundred dollars difference.

I don't have a lot of experience with different tents but I really love my lightsabre bivy (http://www.campsaver.com/product.php?pid=810225). I've been able to pack it into the pole bag and strap it to my top tube. It weighs less than a pound and a half and there's plenty of head space and room to move while sleeping.

What's Cheap? What's Light ? The two are generaly not compatible. I have REI half dome, I bought it on sale for around $110.00 and it weighs in at a tad over 6lbs with the foot print.

Depends an awful lot on how many people/how much gear it needs to hold, and what the weather will be. Small, light three season tents can be had pretty cheaply. Large light four season tents can be also be had, but not cheaply at all.

Would also be a good question to ask at the touring forum, as the LD riders tend to avoid sleep as long as possible and then just collapse into the ditch for a quick nap. :)

Would also be a good question to ask at the touring forum, as the LD riders tend to avoid sleep as long as possible and then just collapse into the ditch for a quick nap. :)

+1

Most of my long distance rides, which include a night, involve cycling right through the night, and maybe grabbing a nap wrapped in a bivy under a little train stop shelter out in the middle of nowhere, or something like that, if I've been riding for 30+ hours by then. :D


If you're in Europe, definitely drop by Decathlon and look over their selection.

Big Agnes seedhouse 1- not the ultralight
I dont have any figures on top of my head, but the Big Agnes Seedhouse is the lightest and cheapest tent going.
the Seedhouse one is also well built. I own the S.L.1 ulralight model, it cost an extra $100.00 and the window material is not as durable as I would have liked. If I could do it all again I would have spent a little less for the slightly heavier seedhouse 1
this is strictly a nice weather summertime tent. It will keep you dry and keep the bugs out but dont rely on it the winter.
My winter solo tent is the Kelty Crestone. the best solo winter tent ive ever owned! Light and strong and cheap!
Big Agnes makes some really excellent and innovative sleeping systems too

I recently bought this tent (http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/722839) from REI for $85. Have only used it in good weather so far, but it's pretty spacious inside and easy to set up.

I like the Hennesy Hammock for light camping duty. Mine was a tad over $100, is maybe 2lbs, and packs well. It makes an ok bivy if there is nowhere to hang it.

What type of tent to carry is greatly dependent on what you are doing and where you are going. There are many options for lightweight shelter, such as small traditional tents, bivvy bags, tarps, and even hammocks. But not all are appropriate for every situation.

Consider also that "cheap" often can be equated with "unreliable" which is not what you want when you are in the middle of a thunderstorm.

I use various systems - all very light:

1) Hennesy Hammock is about 900 gms.

2) Bibler bivy bag - about 900 gms.

3) Silnylon tarp, with Titanium goat bivy bag - total about 500 gms.

Personally I like my Eureka tent. Sorry, I don't recall the model. It has held up well in bad weather. It keeps me dry and allows plenty of room for me to change my clothes and sit upright. It's approximately 1.5 pounds and easy to set up and take down. I bought it 2 years ago for $80.00. Not cheap, just inexpensive.