Touring - Ultra-light tents for touring

What brands/models of ultra-light tents are some of you using for loaded touring?

REI has the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 on sale right now for $270 (about $100 off) and it weighs only 2 lb 2 oz (without the stuff sack), which seems incredibly light. Obviously there are trade-offs with UL tents but for loaded touring it seems those might be compromises many would be willing to take to help lighten your load and volume. From reading the reviews at REI, the Fly Creek is only marginally 2-man but has plenty of room for one person with gear, and it's also very rain, weatherproof. I looked at some of the bagged Fly Creek tents at the local REI the other day, and they are incredibly compact and light weight.

From reading the descriptions and reviews, the BA Copper Spur UL2 actually seems like a more useful design but it weighs about 1 lb more and is quite a bit more expensive ($400) since it is not on sale.

REI Outlet also has their 2-man Quarter Dome UL on sale for $205, but it weighs nearly 2 lb more than the BA Fly Creek. Like the Copper Spur, it seems a more useful design than the Fly Creek, but I'm wondering if you are better off accepting the compromises of the smaller, lighter tent to save on weight and volume.

I have the BA Fly Creek UL 3 and am very happy with it but can't go wrong with any of the tents you mentioned.

I just ordered a new Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2, to replace the one I've used and loved for the last 20 years. I wouldn't even consider buying anything else.

I love my Eureka Spitfire 1. It is 2 pounds 9 ounces with lighter MSR Needle stakes. Cost is under $100 if you shop around.

Big Agnes tents are very high quality. I have the Seedhouse SL1 for backpacking and and short tours. I use the Seedhouse SL3 for my long tours. It adds lots of roomy-ness for the extra 22 ounces. Both are excellent tents.

My Tarptent Contrail is 24 ounces, packs small, and cost $200 new. This will be my sixth season using it heavily--I have over 150 nights in it and it's ready for more. It is ultra-reliable. But it is single wall and has a learning curve on pitching and condensation issues.

I've found every small, light tent I've used made with traditional waterproof flysheet construction had issues with condensation.

The Epic-canopied Black Diamond tents suffer much less from condensation issues, and are pretty spacious and pack small, but weigh in at about 3 pounds.

I much prefer a tarp and mosquito net for ventilation and comfort. Most small tents are pretty damp.

Here we go , Tents. My theory after many comfortable and miserable nites , spent counting "no-see - ums ' and drips ; to achieve that state of nirvana, the PERFECT tent. Sort of like meeting Buddha on the road, grasshopper; there is No perfect tent. Buy the tent for the lousiest worst weather you can imagine, a tenting nightmare.A tent chosen for the occupants size and amount of gear and region of the planet to be visited. Personally, I have a few favourite tents, small self-supporting tents that with the addition of one those ultra-lite tarps , I can set up shelter. The tarp allows one to sit in a dry or shaded area, not restricted to the confines of the tent. Never buy a tent without laying in it is good advice.One final thought, tenting is also Fun and the search for the perfect tent will enrich your life. PS After you have found the perfect tent , then seek the perfect bike!

Big Agnes does make good stuff, and that is a good price for that tent.

However, I do have to point out that something like the Kelty Salida 2 is $160, by the same measure weighs 3 lbs 12oz, and only takes up an extra few cubic inches (mostly due to the poles). So that 1 pound, 10 oz reduction in weight costs you about $100, under the best of circumstances.

If you plan to use it for backpacking, that might be a little more viable. But I'm not fully convinced this is the best weight reduction for the money, especially if you happen to be capable of reducing your waistline by about 2 pounds. :D

From reading the reviews at REI, the Fly Creek is only marginally 2-man but has plenty of room for one person with gear, and it's also very rain, weatherproof.
I guess it depends on how much gear you insist on bringing in. I find one man tents to be generally fine, but don't bring much inside other than my handlebar bag, what I need to sleep, and what I will wear in the morning. The Spitfire 1 is big enough that when I have used it for backpacking and it was OK for me and my 60 pound dog. It might be a bit short if you are too much over 6' though.

When packing ultra light I probably could bring all my gear in if I wanted to. When carrying more I have always left the loaded panniers on the bike. Obviously, food and toiletries go in the bear box or are hung where that is required.

At $100, Eureka Spitfire 1 can't be beat for the money. Not good for anyone much taller than 5'10". Versatile, tough. Side door makes it a step in/step out tent. No crawling.

Silicon nylon fabric is super light,
and a more long lasting waterproof vs coating of Poly
but does not pass fire resistance, tests,
as required, in some states..

Stevenson warmlight , a hand made to a custom spec list,
in NewHampshire . hoop non freestanding type
I've put it up in some pretty strong winds ..

I have the quarter dome UL2 and it's acceptable for touring. I wouldn't actually characterize it as "ultralight" (or "2 man" for that matter), but it's quite light, dual-walled and freestanding, as well as easily erected and has side doors, all of which were on my want list.

My only complaints are that, at 6',1", I have to sleep diagonally so as not to brush the walls with my feet, and I wish the pole sections were 4-5" shorter for more compact packing.

Weight, compactness and peak height are my main criteria and have found the Black Diamond Lighthouse (rate two person which is just right for me alone) meets my requirements at about three pounds with foot print.
Sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow pump, tent (sans poles), and foot print all fit into one Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus pannier with some room to spare. And yes I know not everyone uses a foot print/ ground sheet and that some think it is bad to pack tent and sleeping bag together. I intend to use my tent for a long time and don't like a lot of stuff lashed to the rear rack.


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I recently purchased the REI Passage I tent. It's a solo and it has worked well for me. Cheap to at $139. It weighs just shy on 3 lbs with poles.
I like it because it is freestanding.

The Black Diamond Lighthouse (now) HiLight tent (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/shelters/hilight-tent/) I haven't used it for bike touring, but I have for backpacking. Here I put the waterproofness to the test with a 36 hr. deluge in Lyell Canyon in Yosemite. It is single wall, with breathable eVent fabric. I made it lighter with carbon fiber poles (http://www.fibraplex.com/tentpoles.htm), Ti stakes, and lightweight plastic groundcloth. Not having to deal with a fly is nice, it dries very quickly, and there never has been any condensation. The freestanding aspect is more versatile, as it doesn't need stakes or support. It packs very tight.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5234/7211462300_1752bc7b11.jpg

Hilleberg Akto used to be ultralight but these days, a solo tent at 1.5kg/3.3lbs is merely lightweight.
It is very quick to pitch with fly and inner connected at all times, incredibly tough and can survive any storm. On the downside, ventilation is a bit limited and it is better suited to cooler, windier climates.
Pitching on hard ground is more difficult for hoop tents but a couple of logs or boulders can hold everything in place.
Storage space is OK but I prefer to leave the ortleibs out in all weather. Cooking undercover in heavy rain is a problem. I prefer to keep my stove well away from the material and the flap can become unfurled.

Eureka SpitFire I

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As mentioned usually can be found for about a C note.



I like the free standing Eureka Backcountry I:

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A little more $, a little more weight, but a great little tent.

A bit more than the Eurekas, but Tarp Tent can make a small pack version of the Rainbow (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=63634&skip_to_post=548647#548647)that works great for touring

REI Outlet also has their 2-man Quarter Dome UL on sale for $205, but it weighs nearly 2 lb more than the BA Fly Creek. Like the Copper Spur, it seems a more useful design than the Fly Creek, but I'm wondering if you are better off accepting the compromises of the smaller, lighter tent to save on weight and volume.

I had the Quarter Dome UL but found it cramped at 6', 2". I exchanged it for the Quarter Dome T2 Plus and it's got a ton more room. It's definitely not ultralight but to me comfort in the tent (good sleep) will translate to comfort on the bike. My routine is to read or write for 1/2 hour or so before going to bed each night and there's no way I could do that comfortably in a cramped tent. Conservatively, I'll be spending more than 70 "awake hours" in a tent on a cross country trip and I want to be comfortable. I am looking to cut weight elsewhere. But everybody's different, some people are quite comfortable in small tents.

If you are looking at the Quarter Dome UL be sure to look at the T2 (plus or non-plus). It's easier to pitch, the walls are more vertical, and it seems like a better designed tent overall.

The Black Diamond Lighthouse (now) HiLight tent (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/shelters/hilight-tent/) I haven't used it for bike touring, but I have for backpacking. Here I put the waterproofness to the test with a 36 hr. deluge in Lyell Canyon in Yosemite. It is single wall, with breathable eVent fabric. I made it lighter with carbon fiber poles (http://www.fibraplex.com/tentpoles.htm), Ti stakes, and lightweight plastic groundcloth. Not having to deal with a fly is nice, it dries very quickly, and there never has been any condensation. The freestanding aspect is more versatile, as it doesn't need stakes or support. It packs very tight.


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5234/7211462300_1752bc7b11.jpg

Those tents aren't Event, but made with a more breathable, non laminated Epic fabric canopy, and they do rock.

I've put it thru the test both ski mountaineering and bike touring, and they are very roomy, tough in the weather, and pack up very small.

Go to your local REI, set up the tent, and get in. The Fly Creek UL2 was barely a 1-person tent, IMHO. When I crawled in and lay down, I was counting all the places mosquitoes could bite me through the tent wall; I think the minimum was 3-4 places unless I was curled up in the fetal position.

Shame, because Big Agnes makes good stuff, and the weight was really, really right! I'll drag around a few more pounds.

I'm not a fan of single wall tents in the east. It's just too humid, and that means too much condensation.

My Tarptent Contrail is 24 ounces, packs small, and cost $200 new. This will be my sixth season using it heavily--I have over 150 nights in it and it's ready for more. It is ultra-reliable. But it is single wall and has a learning curve on pitching and condensation issues.

Let me second Tarptents. I don't own one, but I know people who do and have camped in them, set them up and taken them down. Great for the weight - maybe better in dryer environments due to condensation, but I don't think it's the end of the world.

Question about the Contrail - how's the shelter the vestibule provides? I don't currently own a tent (hammock camper on the east coast) but at some point I will and one of my big concerns is cooking/eating in the rain. Is there room for that?

Do the tarp tents have mosquito netting? That is a must, IMHO. Too many bugs in the Eastern US to go without.

I have looked at solo tents in person and none of them would have enough room for me. I like to keep my gear inside the tent and have a little room to spread out. Two-man tents are ideal for my purposes and not that much heavier. I also like free-standing tents as they are much easier to pitch as well as excellent ventilation. Living in the SE, ventilation is a huge issue. I doubt if I would be bike touring in winter, so I don't need a mountaineering tent designed for low temperatures.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur 2UL is just about ideal among the tents I have looked at so far. It is a little roomier with more vertical walls and double entry compared to the BA Fly Creek, but I'm not sure it's worth paying $50 more for it. Too bad REI doesn't have them on sale, altho I could get it for 20% off with member sale this weekend.

Go to your local REI, set up the tent, and get in. The Fly Creek UL2 was barely a 1-person tent, IMHO. When I crawled in and lay down, I was counting all the places mosquitoes could bite me through the tent wall; I think the minimum was 3-4 places unless I was curled up in the fetal position.
Seriously? To me the Fly Creek UL2 seemed OK for two as long as they don't bring in much gear and absolutely cavernous for one.

I have a Tarptent Scarp 1 (http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1.html). I would consider it a lightweight tent, differently not ultra-light at 1.5 kg with the solid interior and seam sealed.

Andrew

Anyone look at Hennesy Hammocks? I have never used one, but from what I have heard, they are very fast to set up and extremely comfortable. You can cut down on weight with no sleeping pad too. I've been thinking of getting one myself. Can anyone vouch for them?

Anyone look at Hennesy Hammocks? I have never used one, but from what I have heard, they are very fast to set up and extremely comfortable. You can cut down on weight with no sleeping pad too. I've been thinking of getting one myself. Can anyone vouch for them?
Some people love them. I am not a big fan for the places that I tour. I have backpacked in places where being off the rocky boulder strewn ground would have been wonderful though. It depends on where you plan to camp.

They aren't necessarily lighter than tents though. Of the 7 models listed on the Hennessy site 5 are heavier than my $100 Eureka Spitfire. Of the two that are lighter one is only 7 ounces lighter and the other is full pound lighter. In both cases that is without any insulation under you so you need to add a pad or an under quilt if you will experience cold conditions. Their recommended under pad weighs 10 ounces, meaning that if you include that only one of the hammocks is lighter than a $100 tent and the other is only 6 ounces lighter. Bear in mind that I am not comparing it to a high dollar ultralight tent.

Cost, in the range of tents the Hennessy Hammocks are not particularly cheap, so going to one to save money isn't going to fly.

Then there is the issue of needing trees to hang it on. I have often toured in places where it would be a hassle to find a spot to hang a hammock. In those cases it could be used as a bivy, but do you ant to deal with that if riding the Trans America or Southern tier where you may go for days without seeing a tree?

So to me hammocks make sense for those who really find them much more comfortable or those who very often camp in wooded places with nothing but super rocky ground.

If I planned to do a lot of backpacking in some parts of Pennsylvania I might buy one, but for the places I have toured I never thought one would be especially suitable.

Do the tarp tents have mosquito netting? That is a must, IMHO. Too many bugs in the Eastern US to go without.

I have looked at solo tents in person and none of them would have enough room for me. I like to keep my gear inside the tent and have a little room to spread out. Two-man tents are ideal for my purposes and not that much heavier. I also like free-standing tents as they are much easier to pitch as well as excellent ventilation. Living in the SE, ventilation is a huge issue. I doubt if I would be bike touring in winter, so I don't need a mountaineering tent designed for low temperatures.

The Big Agnes Copper Spur 2UL is just about ideal among the tents I have looked at so far. It is a little roomier with more vertical walls and double entry compared to the BA Fly Creek, but I'm not sure it's worth paying $50 more for it. Too bad REI doesn't have them on sale, altho I could get it for 20% off with member sale this weekend.

All tarp tents (at least as a brand, maybe not as a generic) have an interior that is free of bugs. Some of them have a classic double wall design, and others have a single wall design, but either way, bugs stay out.

And free-standing doesn't always mean easy set-up. Look at the Tarptent Moment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWZQKivY2SA), it doesn't get easier than that.

...Question about the Contrail - how's the shelter the vestibule provides? I don't currently own a tent (hammock camper on the east coast) but at some point I will and one of my big concerns is cooking/eating in the rain. Is there room for that?

No way. There's barely room for a pair of shoes, and you'd better not care if they get wet. I would not cook in the Contrail and your concern is one great reason I go stoveless--I can always eat inside, no matter the weather.


Do the tarp tents have mosquito netting? That is a must, IMHO. Too many bugs in the Eastern US to go without.

Yes, tarptents have no-see-um netting.

The Contrail is more like a 1.5 person shelter. Some small, very close couples have successfully slept in it. Plenty of room for gear.

One of the issues with a tarps or tarptents is that they generally need more real estate to pitch. That can be a problem in site selection, but it's also an advantage because the shed area is so large. Rain is shed pretty far away from the sleeping area and the tent floor tends to stay drier.

Anyone look at Hennesy Hammocks? I have never used one, but from what I have heard, they are very fast to set up and extremely comfortable. You can cut down on weight with no sleeping pad too. I've been thinking of getting one myself. Can anyone vouch for them?

I have a Hennessy hammock. It's not that light frankly and you need insulation under you [ideally on the outside of the hammock for cool weather as you get cold from top and bottom in a hammock. The comfort factor is personal. Some love them. Some hate them. I'm in the middle. I'd prefer to sleep on the ground, but sometimes I take the hammock either because I suspect it will be a better option than a tent or simply to mix things up.

If you are two people you will save weight with a ultralight tent over two Hennessy's, but you have to share a space. That can be good or bad depending on who your touring partner is....;)

Overall it's a worthwhile product to look into if it intrigues you.

If you offered me a free Hennessy or a free 1 man ultralight tent - I'd take the tent every time.

I find my Coleman Inyo 2 is perfect at about 5lbs.
It's meant for 2 people. 2 normal sized people of the 18th century.

So it's perfect for ONE 6'3" galoot.

Anyone look at Hennesy Hammocks? I have never used one, but from what I have heard, they are very fast to set up and extremely comfortable. You can cut down on weight with no sleeping pad too. I've been thinking of getting one myself. Can anyone vouch for them?

I've got one. I love it for camping in warm weather, but you have to be sure there are trees in the area you'll be staying in.

Having spent many nights in hot, humid weather, great ventilation is a must. That means no fly. That mean an inner with lots of netting.

Just a thought.

I like my Big Agnes Flycreek UL2, I've used it on a couple of tours now. Packed tent size is important to me as much as weight, and the Flycreek rolls up pretty small, plus the tent poles easily fit inside my Ortlieb classic rollers too. One of my goals was to get weight and volume down on the touring rig- I can tour comfortably with just the rear paniers and a small handlebar bag now, compared to my first tour with front and rear panniers, a huge handlebar bag and on and on. Highway 1 hills at Big Sur are a lot easier.
The one potential issue with the Fly creek is that it isn't 100% supported, the two end corners need to be staked or poled. It's not a big deal, but I had one campground that was difficult to stake down and I woke up to find floppy corners.
The sale price at REI this weekend is great, I'd snap it up if I hadn't gotten one already!
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any suggestions on something for those of us just north of 6'4"?

Love the Big Agnes UL2. Very roomy for solo, could probably squeeze 2 in a pinch. Only gripe I had was that I got it at full price and it went on sale a couple months later. Definitely helps that I'm 5'7" though.

I like my Big Agnes Flycreek UL2,
250996

That looks a lot like my Inyo2 ($100US)
251004

any suggestions on something for those of us just north of 6'4"?
One option would be the Eureka Spitfire 2. It is a big roomy tent and weighs 4 lbs. 3 oz. (you can lose a few ounces by using MSR Needle stakes). It can be found for about $130 or possibly a bit less.

any suggestions on something for those of us just north of 6'4"?

My 6'7" friend (the "Two Meter Man") does well in his Contrail.

Anyone look at Hennesy Hammocks? I have never used one, but from what I have heard, they are very fast to set up and extremely comfortable. You can cut down on weight with no sleeping pad too. I've been thinking of getting one myself. Can anyone vouch for them?

I have a Hennessy. For me, it's not about weight, but comfort. Yes, you need a place to hang it. So far I've been lucky. And like Vik says, add a second person and you add a second hammock, doubling your weight, which is different from a traditional tent which can be shared. And if the temps dip too low overnight (for me, into the 50s) you'll want/need some kind of insulation under you. But then I got the hammock because short of a full air mattress (not for bike camping), I was never comfortable on the ground with any pad I tried. So with a hammock I trade the pad for some under insulation. I don't know how that works out weight-wise, but it seems a decent trade off for me.

Also, Hennessy is just one manufacturer of hammock tents. If the weight seems high, you might see if another manufacturer has one that suits you better. And there are some things that can be done to shave some weight off of a hammock, too, like swapping out the stock ropes for something lighter.

I'll take the opposing side to Vik and say that if you offered me hammock tent and a traditional tent, I'd take the hammock every time. And if you offered me a choice between two ground tents, I might just stay home. It's definitely a personal thing, but not having to sleep on the ground is what made bike camping appealing to me again.

That looks a lot like my Inyo2 ($100US)
251004

I'm not sure about the Inyo 2, but the Flycreek UL2 is mostly freestanding, although you need to stake out the end corners. For what it's worth, I prefer freestanding tents. They're easy to set up and move around if you need.
Did anyone pick one up at the REI sale? I finally got an MSR water filter- I'm not sure if I'll need it on a bike tour but it'll be great for backpacking.

the Flycreek UL2 is mostly freestanding, although you need to stake out the end corners.

I've got a Flycreek UL1 and you don't need to stake out the corners to use the tent in fair weather as a bug hut.

For wet weather use with the fly you do need to stake out the tent's rear corners and the fly. But, I have not owned a tent [freestanding or not] that worked properly with out the fly staked out so the peg-less experience is only a fair-weather option when the fly isn't needed IMO for a tent and the Flycreeks are fine peg-less in dry conditions.

In gale, a separate rain fly is a PIA to put on
[And chase down wind, if it slips your grasp]
than a design that hangs the liner from the shell, Exped, Hilleberg, etc.
is, perhaps, easier to deal with.


any suggestions on something for those of us just north of 6'4"?

my stevenson warmlight tunnel tent is 12' long from 1 conic end to the other.
"3 person" super light fabric used lots of space for little weight
a green banana slug sort of thing.. I could sell it.. as my tours are done..
new , US hand made to order, they're $600+

Anyone look at Hennesy Hammocks? I have never used one, but from what I have heard, they are very fast to set up and extremely comfortable. You can cut down on weight with no sleeping pad too. I've been thinking of getting one myself. Can anyone vouch for them?

I have used the Hennesy Hammock for backpacking and like it for that. I always knew there would be trees to tie it to. I have also taken it car camping and found ways to tie it off on my car and something else (tree, fence, picnic canopy, etc). It would be miserable if you don't have something to hang it from. I used a sleeping pad inside my hammock because it was cool outside. The insulation of your sleeping bag is compressed under you so it is a bit cold without a sleeping pad.

I like the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2. It is mostly free standing except for two corners. Even if you don't have stakes or are camping on concrete under a picnic shelter, you can push out the corners with your panniers and something.

It's not that light frankly and you need insulation under you [ideally on the outside of the hammock for cool weather as you get cold from top and bottom in a hammock
+1
I think people often don't realize that. Buying a hammock to save weight or to avoid carrying a pad are both mistakes. It is also not typically a way to save cost.

There are two good reasons someone might want to hammock camp.
1. If you camp somewhere that acceptably smooth ground is not to be found or if there will be standing water everywhere it could have a big advantage in that regard. The thing is that I have toured a good bit and that has just not typically been an issue. I have backpacked in places and conditions where it would have been a big advantage though.
2. If you find it substantially more comfortable that would be a good reason. Since I find my NeoAir pad supremely comfortable and a hammock somewhat less so that wouldn't be a good reason for me.

If you want or need one because of one or both of those two reasons then use one if you think you will be able to find trees or other places to hang it where you tour. If you are going with a hammock to save money or weight think again. I think that for most folks for touring a tent and a good sleeping pad is a better choice.

A hammock is not a viable option for me. The worst, most uncomfortable night I ever spent camping was in a hammock tent. I only used it once. Never again.

One of the coldest camps I've ever had was a summer night in a hammock (at 10,000'). I also vowed, "Never again." I've since learned that there is a learning curve to hammock use, including using proper insulation below you. Plenty of experienced campers use and love their hammocks even in winter with proper insulation. I'd never heard of an "underquilt" when I tried out the hammock. As mentioned above, there's often a weight penalty for hammocks in those conditions, though. Hammock users typically are addicted to the comfort and consider sleeping on the ground a lower form of life.

I'm a dedicated single-wall tent user, and I see many give up on those due to condensation on their first trips. I stuck it out and learned how to deal with condensation. I was not willing to do the same with learning how to use a hammock, for instance, but I understand it's a similar learning curve. On most of my trips, finding trees is more difficult than finding an open patch of ground. I believe it's just not appropriate to tie a hammock between two large saguaros.

To me tarps are pieces of fabric that I use to keep me dry whn I am sleeping in my hammock, or during a rest stop in the rain.

If there are walls and zippers, then it's a tent. I have never understood all those tarp tents being called tarps... but that's just me...

Hammocks, I have many, all home made. and I used them with no-seeum if I will be in buggy places, never have had a problem then....


My tarps + hammock + guy lines + no-seeum is light, and I have stayed dry in downpours where every single ten in the campsite were flooded, like the ground could not absorb the water and it got higher and higher, higher than the waterproof strip on the tent floors.. causing water to rush in.... I was hanging over a puddle 50 sq feet in size and about 6 inches deep... stayed dry the entire time....

I have had the misfortune of being stuck in a spot with only one tree and 3 days solid rain, just slept on the ground and the tarp kept me dry....

Robi

Black diamond megamid mega light is a pyramid with a center pole.
the light version the pole is CF. accessory floor& mozzy net are erected inside it.
lots of floor space EZ to erect in ugly weather..
snow campers use them without the net/floor.

golite has one too, hex floor rather than square.