Im looking for a lightweight tent to use during the summer. Must be small to carry on bike but Im 6'4" so its gotta be big enough to house my carcass, or me and wife.
We want to tour this summer and keep expenses down by camping.
Any info or previous experience is welcome.

Hi,Spanker,

After a variety of poor tents, I bought a Sierra Design Tiros with Expedition Fly a couple of years ago. I have been really pleased with it.

I am 6'3" and this gives me the room. The extra fly space lets me keep the dirt outside better. And, also important, it packs fairly small--not the smallest and lightest, but it works well. I have been in snowstorms, thunderstorms, etc., and had no problem.

It seemed a little expensive when I bought it, but it was worth it. Also, I bought it about this time of year, so there was a discount.

On the other hand, my daughter has a Kelty that has a lot of room and was inexpensive. However, it has to have stakes in, while the Tiros can stand alone if necessary.

Hope that this helps.

Carl

Here is my 2 cents. I have found that weight is not as much of a factor as quality. I toured over 1500 miles with a bad tent that was light and I regretted it every time it rained(bought a new tent after that trip). Look for a self supporting tent with a vestebule, a water proof floor is also a huge plus but adds bulk and weight, if your only riding during the peak of summer it's not as important ofcourse. Normally you'll tour with a partner right, let them carry the poles and you've just cut the weight of the tent.

Thanks for the replies. I'm still shopping.

These days, everybody seems to think that self supporting tents are the only word in tents. I agree that they are conventient and they do open up the tent.

However, let us not forget the old A-frame pup tent. You can't beat them for being light and small. They only require two small poles instead of the many poles of an intenally supported "dome" tent.

I camped for many years in an a-frame pup tent and many people also did for years before me.

Internal frame tents are nicer if weight is not a factor.

If you can still find an A-frame pup-tent, try it out. They are light and they actually work. If you have a rain fly it works even better - as with all tents.

To really minimize weight and get maximum rain protection, use a nylon tarp with a plastic sheet under it. You can make two supports for the tarp from aluminum poles. This is the lightest and best protection from the rain. However, since it does not have walls, it will not provide protection from insects, snakes, or mice. I suppose for this, you could use mosquito netting inside the make-shift tent.