divtag

With the REI 20% ending this week and my dividend I want to get a tent. I have car camping tent, but need something smaller. I am looking at 2.1 vs 3.1. I plan to do a PCH tour, but not for a year or two. However, I may do some overnight ~6-10 mile backpacking trips with the Sierra Club. Currently solo, but hoping that will change before long.

There is a 1 lb difference.

https://www.rei.com/product/796133

https://www.rei.com/product/796134

However, I am a bit claustrophobic and need some room. Not sure how much of a difference a pound makes.

awesomejack

If you're going to look at that price range, there's no other choice but a REI Half Dome 2 https://www.rei.com/product/794294

REI makes great tents, you won't find better in this price range and category

divtag

The new half dome 2 is rated poorly vs the older model. Most reviews are saying they screwed up the design. That is why I was looking at the Gunnison. Near universal raves on different sites. Supposed to be a breeze to setup, good headroom, etc. The old version of the half dome used to get similar reviews, new one, not so much.

sehsuan

it cracked me up to see this for the 3.1 "Average weight - metric 2.95 centimeters" LOL

but from what i can suggest from my limited experience, a 3 person tent of 90 x 70 inches gives me a lot of leeway in being able to spread out damp clothing on the tent floor to air dry in the night - without risking dew/condensation. this alone, i'd suggest the 3.1 tent for 2 persons.

not to forget being able to host friends to stay in there to play board games (ok, call me silly) is a nice plus too!

indyfabz

Personally, I wouldn't sweat the extra pound, especially if there are two of you. You can always split the load. And having that extra room is nice.

Last year I toured as part of a couple for the first time. Took a 3P tent and was glad for the extra room, and my girlfriend is a petite 5'. Easter just past we did an overnight trip. Took my MSR Hubba Hubba, which is a 2P that is 1.25 lbs. lighter than my 3P. We noticed the difference. On a longer trip, I would again pull the extra weight in exchange for the extra space. I can always compensate by losing a pound of body fat.

robmcl

Just my experience, I would careful about going up a person in tent size for backpacking. A touring bike feels like an F-150 pickup truck in terms of space and weight compared to a backpack. I started backpacking using the tent I bought for touring, which was the REI 2 Person Half Dome tent. This tent worked good for solo touring and would be good backpacking if you share a tent, but I ended up buying a one person at the end of last year for solo backpacking. The two person tent just took up too much space in my backpack.

bwgride

I have the Kelty Gunnison 2 tent (older model of the 2.1). Looks like design is same; perhaps some material difference between older and newer models. I used it once for bike touring and found I could bring all my gear (4 panniers) inside with me. It would not be big enough for two adults and gear. Personally, I would not want to be in that tent (2 person version) with another adult unless it was my wife -- too close a fit. The vestibule on both sides is also very nice.

The primary drawback is using that tent during humid, warm, rainy conditions. Little to no air flow when the rain fly is in place, so hot and humid. In cool and cold conditions, that tent works very well. From my experience Kelty tends to produce solid products.

For backpacking, you can share the load, but if going solo, something lighter would be better.

PomPilot

I recently went through the same thought process. In the end, I selected the Marmot Limelight 2 tent. For my needs, this one appears to be the better fit. Primary drawback is that it is on back order. However as pros, this tent comes with a footprint and gear loft, and its packed size is 7x18 inches. With the member discount, my dividend, and a gift card (for opening an REI VISA account), my out of pocket for this one under $84.00.

Once it finally gets in, I'll be able to do my own real world evaluation. In the meantime, I can still use my 30 year old, White Stag tent (also from REI). It also weighs in at close to 8 pounds, packs to 8x24 inches, and has solid fiberglass tent poles.

sehsuan

perhaps a key distinction is whether you are:
1. regular camper - where having more floor area is a plus
2. a semi-ultralight camper - where you'd rather lug less and give up some space
3. an ultralight camper - small isn't an issue, weight is!

good luck mate!

staehpj1 

Everyone's preference is different on this, but... Before my last tour I changed a number of items including tent, sleeping pad, and a few other things where the differences were on the order of a pound or so each for the larger items. The difference was very noticeable and the added comfort while riding, especially when climbing, was huge.

I really don't see the need for huge amounts of space in the tent, I just need room to sleep and most of my gear stays in my panniers and on my bike. That said rated tent capacities vary pretty widely; some are pretty skimpy and some are fairly generous.

divtag

I like to be comfortable. I have a bit of claustrophobia. I have trouble even sleeping in a sleeping bag. Luckily the North Face sleeping bags that I picked up have a foot vent. That little opening is a life saver.

So for tents I have only ever car camped with either a good size dome tent or in the back of my Element. I am going to start doing one night backpacking ~6-8 miles with the Sierra Club and want to tour before too long. Right now solo, but working on fixing that situation as we speak.

khorpulent

I have the Gunnison 2. It's a pretty intimate tent for two people, and it's very stuffy with the fly on. Also, mine seems to have developed a hole or two in one of the corners. This being said, I don't have any problems with it, it's fairly light for the price, and very easy to set up.