Brennan
I put an extension on my center pole so I could pitch my Golite externally. It makes the interior space absolutely grand and allows for more romantic and warmer nights with two sleeping bags zipped together, assuming you have your sweet heart along.

I couldn't resist this (post trip cleaning). I promise to to do better next year.



Nice setup. I have a similar tent made by Black Diamond, but it does not have the "inner nest"

Very clever solution, but I haven't quite figured out how you are keeping the pole upright in that configuration? I agree that the centerpole can be a bit of an obstacle when pitched inside.

I second the hennessy, as it's lighter than a tent and I'm 6'2"
Great for stealth camping!

I think you should consider a hammock. I don't camp a lot, but I spent about 7 nights in one this past year. I am much more comfortable in a hammock. They are much more versatile than a tent as to where you can can set them up. When you boil it down I don't think there would be much of a weight savings though. If it is cool or colder you will need an underquilt and that adds to the weight. The biggest disadvantage to a hammock is the susceptibility to the cold. Otherwise they're great. I have a Warbonnet Blackbird.

I have yet to find one tent that is ideal for all situations. I own several, one of which is a Eureka Timberline that has served me well for more than 25 years. It's not completely freestanding, the rainfly needs to be staked, but has been reliable and fairly compact to tote on my motorcycle when touring.

For general camping I've used a freestanding Eureka (like the Apex 2). The only reason I needed a freestanding tent is because I needed one when I was running the motorcycle racing circuit which meant I couldn't hammer stakes into the asphalt in the pits. It was the only time I ever needed a freestanding tent.

However my favorite lightweight backpacking/bicycling tent is a cheap (pup) trail tent (much like the Texsport Willowbend) because it packs so small. It's considerably smaller (10"X6") than all of my other tents, it's even smaller than my 0ºF mummy bag (with compression sack), is basic with no rain fly (but then I regularly rain proof it and ventilation isn't a concern because of the low temperatures I camp in) and is of a design that only needs two poles to be set up. What I like about it is that it can be set up with the supplied straight poles, a couple of branches or just by cords lashed to overhanging trees. In an emergency (no poles or overhanging structures) it functions well just as a bivy sack. But keep in mind, I'm a primitive barebones kinda guy and don't get upset when things aren't picture perfect and I usually camp in very mild and cold temperatures when ventilation isn't much of a concern.

There should be a modern tent available that suits your needs. As a kid growing up in the 60s my family used heavy and cumbersome waxed cotton tents and they never detracted from the experience yet everything available nowadays is a vast improvement. You should be able to find something with all of the great responses in this thread.

If that's your MO then this tent won't work for you... plain and simple. Some people (like me) set up a tent only when it's needed for sleeping and when you need protection from inclement weather or bugs. If you like setting up a base camp and then venturing out, look for something different.