pamaguahiker 

How do you guys store your tents when not in use? I have been told recently that with some of the new designs and fabrics, that keeping them tight and compressed can cause issues. That came from a factory rep of Eureka and was a bit new to me. And i used to sell various types.

I like the spitfire for size. BUT at 6' tall...

pamaguahiker 

I have a ENO hammock that i use with a slap strap...put it up on anything you need, tree, pole, and no harm to object. It is set up for super light weigh though and i wouldn't recommend for heavy touring but as a one nighter or out a few nights...it works well. I used it once under a pavilion in the rain once. Works great and super comfortable. Bring you mosquito netting though. or know how to set up the tent into a good wind to let the bugs blow off a bit. Bad part with that is, you need to keep cozy and warm also and when you're off the ground...all bets can be off. Especially in some of the Pa weather. Heater on at night, AC on in the day.

If i went for a long haul hammock. i would opt for the Hennesy because it has all those little areas above pretty much covered. You always have to be cautious that if you are saving weight with my eno, for example, you will have to make up for it with a netting or heavier weight bag/sack.

jscalia

Double walled tents: Heavy, bulky, messy dealing with a wet rainfly. However, usually more sturdy consturction and less susceptible to condensation.

Single walled tents: mild to moderate condensation is almost always present and less sturdy in strong winds. Not as water resistent under extended downpours. However, super light and easy to put up and take down.

Hammocks: Need appropriately spaced trees or hanging posts, hanging/setting up the hammock requires skill and experience to get the right "hang", you have to keep most of your stuff outside of the hammock, Tough to deal with temperatures below 40deg without underquilt (even with a pad inside), generally as heavy as a double walled tent. However, never any condensation issues due to the high degree of airflow, very comfortable in warm weather, can be very good sleeping position, very dry even in severe and extended rain, can be a quick deployment and take down with the right technique and set up, because there are no poles can be compact and easily stowed inside panniers, can be an excellent stealth camping option.

pamaguahiker 

You are dead on right! I went hiking with a church group once, strung up my hammock and was kicked back in 15 minutes...watched others try the same, with another hammock...hopeless. I got it set for them though. With the slap strap i have...it allows for a massive amount of 'give'. You can practically have trees 20 away and mange to get it. BUT, you are incredibly correct about the little quirks. But i like those advantages you threw in there also! If i can find a photo from my college daze. i will post it. I used a hammock alot. I also was known to go out on extended rides as a minimalist and somehow entice others to attempt the same. The best reaction at dusk once was when i decided it was time to sleep and the best and most quiet places that i preferred...were little out of town church cemetaries...no one messes with you when your napping in a cemetary! At least not 15-20 years ago. I believe my friend stayed up all night tweaking at every little bump in the night.

Ron Harry

Hmm...not sure what I can add to this thread, except I just purchased a tent. I haven't bike camped in decades [ergo, no credentials to offer much except a comment here]. Seeing that the market has expanded substantially over the years, and I was finding litterally dozens of options, and also considering that for biking, weight is everything [as opposed as to hiking, where perhaps a few ounces here or there may not be vital]...well, I decided to join the Adventure Cycling organization and just purchase the equipment they had. The thinking was that, surely, such a non-profit organization would have benefit of many years of informational input on what is best for bicycling...right?

I mean, who can 'peruse' and test out the many options that exist out there? It's kinda hit or miss isn't it? Taking the advise of others who've been there mostly. I know I don't have the moola to be 'testing' out tents to find just the right one. Anyway, I just went with one of the kelty's sold by Adventure. Weighing in at over 5 lbs though, I thought it seemed a bit heavy. We'll see I suppose; haven't even used it yet, lol. Now...how about sleeping bags?

dantolen

Eureka Backcountry are really nice tents. Large enough to store shoes and clothes on the side of your sleeping pad and enough foot room to store panniers at the end of your sleeping pad. Also tall enough in the center to sit up. It only weighs a little over a pound with everything and packs very small. They're very durable; I've had mine for over a year with around 100 days of camping, including heavy winds, rain and hail storms, and sunshine, and it is still in great condition. They are much cheaper than the Big Agnes and other big named backpacking tents, I got mine for around $80 new. Good luck

AsanaCycles

I use a Kifaru ParaTarp, sometimes with the stove... or not. sometimes with the (annex), front, or not...
its about 11oz
typically I just carry 4 MSR stakes, when or if I need more stakes, I just use twigs. use a ground stake to drive a hole in the ground where needed, then replace it with a twig. I usually don't carry poles either. I simply break sticks to size, or string the tarp from an over hanging limb.


[VIDEO]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPKVXYEjqcw&list=UUI42QPcQgXeN7TZrvPOGmCw&index=4&feature=plcp[VIDEO]

berner

I agree with dantolan that the Eureka Back Country is a viable option but not the lightest option. I've had one over 10 years and it has held up well for scores of nights and has many more years of use left. It is 8 ft. long by 3 ft. wide which is plenty of room to store all gear inside. There is also a 4 season version of this tent which I have also and use during the snow months in New Hampshire. It has heavier fabric and a large vestibule. Eureka products all are well made and very good value.

For short term camping if the weather will not be extreme with not too many bugs, a plain, simple and cheap sil/nylon tarp from Campmor is hard to beat for light weight.

Piratebike

I will never sleep in a tent again. It's hammocks for me from now on.

tarwheel 

I ended up ordering an REI Quarter Dome 2 while they were on sale. After comparing various models of tents at the local REI store, I was impressed at how small the Quarter Dome packed up. Although not as light as several Big Agnes models, the Quarter Dome packed just about as small, making it very simple to store in panniers. My ideal choice would have been the BA Copper Spur 2, but it would have cost $160 more and just wasn't worth the extra money to save about 1 lb.

Aushiker

That is a feature I wish my Tarptent Scarp 1 had Enjoy your new tent

Andrew