JayKay3000

Hi. I'm finding it hard to find tents and sleeping bags that I can fit into because of my height. (Remember that I'm 6ft 7)

At the moment my trips are based around hostels.

However, I would like to plan some trips/ go places where there might not always be places to stay so I need your advice (if you have any) on finding a tent and sleeping bag that I can fit into, is light enough to carry on the bike and can be put up easily by a tenting novice.

The tent must be able to cope with heavy rain, fair amount of wind and be able to fit me and my panniers inside while not generating too much condensation.

I don't have a huge budget, but am willing to look at more expensive options if they are value for money.

As for the sleeping bag it should be able to keep the occupant from freezing in up to -5 degrees C

I'm also going to local stores as well, but the more people you ask the more options you get right?

Thanks for any help or advice.

staehpj1

I'd think that the Eureka Spitfire 2 might suit you well. For a sleeping bag that long I have no suggestion.

Personally fitting panniers inside a tent would not occur to me as a priority. I am inclined to leave my panniers loaded and on the bike at night, bringing in only what I need to sleep and get dressed in the morning and my handlebar bag. That said the Spitfire 2 has space enough to do so.

As a bonus it is pretty inexpensive and reasonably light for it's size.

Standalone 

I'm 6'4" and for a cold weather bag, I use a North Face Cat's Meow Long.

For a tent, I use a mesh bivy under a Golite 4+ pyramid style silnylon tent. Tons of room, versatility, and you can even just park your bike under there with you.

fietsbob

Stevenson Warmlight , are custom hand made in New Hampshire USA.. bags and tents.

I have one of each , their tents, tunnel type , is 12' long,between ends
[a '3 person' 2 cone shaped ends with doors]
(I'd sell it I'm not touring much any more, due to medical situation)

tmac100

I purchased this bag when I was in Canada and cannot believe how much room there is in the "long" version. Much more comfortable than my North Face bag..

https://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Sleepi...ing-bag-0c.jsp

The tent I recently purchased is a bomb-proof one (Nallo - 2GT). Costly, but I got what I paid for...

https://hilleberg.se/product-family/nallo-nallo-gt

YMMV, but these work for me. Mind you, I am "only" 6-5.

Booger1

If you look at 5x7 type tents,you can fit in anyone of those,it will be over 8ft long from corner to corner.

I know Marmot and Kelty make oversize bags,up to 84".Marmot makes good stuff,not so cheap though.Kelty used to make good stuff,I'm not so sure about now.

arctos

Not knowing where and when you will be touring it is hard to make complete recommendations but here goes:

I have had a Stephenson's Warmlite 2R tent for over 20 years - light weight under 3 pounds, strong and durable. Floor length 134 inches. But expensive $500.

I also have a Tarptent Contrail which I think might be long enough for you and served me well in the changing conditions of the Divide Ride. Cost:$200. Weight: 24 oz. Floor Length 84 inches.

Have you considered a down or synthetic quilt instead of a typical mummy sleeping bag. I made the switch ten years ago with for me wonderful results. Less volume reduced weight with the feel of sleeping at home in bed. A good ground pad is needed and there is a short learning curve to using them. My down Nunatak Arc Alpinist has served me well the last ten years including the Divide Ride. Last year I ordered an MLD Spirit 28F synthetic quilt for kayak touring and like it very much. Cost $195

There are a number of US cottage manufacturers such as: Mountain Laurel Designs Spirit quilts for Climashield Apex Synthetic; Enlightened Equipment for down and synthetic; Katabatic gear for down; and Nunatak for down quilts and sleeping bags. I believe all will do custom work.

aroundoz

I am 6'05" and have a Spitfire 2 and have been waiting for a dry day to set it up and try it out. If you want me to put a rush on that, let me know and I will see how much extra space there is lengthwise. The reviews were good and it is a lot of tent for a reasonable amount of cash.

Cyclebum

I too am a Spitfire fan. All I know is the SF 2 is way too big for me @5'7". I do know that the SF 1 will withstand 40 mph gusts. Good luck if trying to erect by yourself in a wind like that. I had help. You do need a waterproof footprint in rainy weather. The floor will seep water as it's slynylon. So will the fly if touched when wet. In very heavy rain, the fly tends to allow misting. Nature of light slynylon. I've only experienced misting one time in 250 outings, so no big deal.

BearPaw Wilderness Designs makes $$$ tents out of a material called cuben that is more waterproof and lighter than slynylon. It's semi transparent, a downer for many, but gram counters deal with it. Interesting site.

Ciufalon

Look at the REI Quarter Dome T-2 Plus. It measures 94" long and is a good tent.

fuzz2050

The LightHeart SoLong 6 might also be a good choice for tent. It's huge, close to 100 inches long.

staehpj1

FWIW, I do not use a footprint or ground sheet with mine and have been fine with that set up so far. I have wiped up some minimal moisture from under the sleeping pad in the morning a couple times, but it was never enough to bother me.

boffenbec

my brother is 6'8". he has used my marmot limelight 2 a few times. he says that he is quite comfortable if he sleeps on the diagonal and there is plenty of room to store gear in the 2 corners his head and feet aren't occupying. the tent is roughly 7 by 4 so the diagonal is just over 8 feet.

surfjimc

I'm just over 6'5" and bought this tent. It is a great fit for a tall person, and fairly light as well. I think about 3lbs.

JayKay3000

Wow. Lots of suggestions.

Thank you all for your help and ideas.