i will be going on a elk hunt in CO this year and i'm looking for a light weight tent that packs easy and sets up easy. will be using it to spike camp with and possibly as main tent. am considering mountain Hardware Lightpath 2, what can ya tell me? will be hunting in Sept.
I use a Sierra designs meteor lite. I since think they have changed the name tho. 2 person 2 door. It was the lightest 2 man tent made for a long while.
Big Agnes is another great company making light weight stuff. Either way I would get a 2 man tent so you can keep your gear in it and have a bit more room for sleep space. And getting changed in the mornings without having to leave the tent.
Looks at Tarptent. I have the contrail which I love and just got a double rainbow that shows a lot of promise. Also have a Kifaru Sawtooth which is the ultimate two man shelter, but it's spendy.
Check out Big Sky International's Montana 2p
Sierra Designs is a great option for the money. Good quality, service and easy to put up. Another good option is REI. Thye have great sales during the year.
Will it just be for you or are you planning on using it for 2 people?
Jim Wright has one for sale on the Classifieds that you should look into.
MSR Hubba, great balance of price, size, weight, good vestibule and durability. Free standing and can be pitched with just the fly if you like.
Limelight very similiar in weight etc. I believe
2 man backpacking tents are typically not comfortable for 2 people. I would subtract 1 person from the rated number for any backpacking tent. Sierra Designs, North Face, Mountain Hardware, are all good brands. I would go for a free standing model if possible.
I just got in a Alps Mountain Mystique 2 a month ago and its a great tent. 2 person 2 door that is pretty snugged up from the weather. Bought it for a bear hunt this year and am very impressed with it. I've used it twice so far and really like it.
Sierra Design
Had mine for 15 years, 15 years of guiding, wore out 2 sets of poles, they send you new poles free of charge. have had 2' of snow on mine,
http://www.sierradesigns.com/c-20-tents.aspx
1) Ditto to what gringol said above. 2) Consider the weight of the tent, will you be backpacking it far? If you are in good shape and have the pack capacity, you can get away with a heavier tent, but I wouldn't exceed 7 pounds. My Mountain Hardwear Skyledge weighs 4# without stuff sacks and extra stakes. The tent I'd take with me in colder temps, an Alps Mountaineering Extreme 3, weighs about 7. My Tarptent Squall 2 is about 2 1/2 pounds. 3) One or two doors? Some people find two side doors works better for two or more people in a tent. If you are by yourself, it may make less of a difference. For me, I like having two doors and vestibules so I don't have to climb over my gear every time I go out and I can cook on one side if the weather is bad. 4) Wind. Some tents don't some with a lot of guy points and that's OK until it gets windy and you sweat out a night wondering if you and your tent are going to get blown into the next state. 5) Features or minimalism? There are some good quality light weight tents out there that come without floors and bug netting and they are great for a dry, bugless night. Some depend on trekking poles for support so you have to factor those into your purchase decision. 6) By all means, include Golite, Black Diamond, and Six Moon Designs in your search.
>>I like having two doors and vestibules<<
+1
Golite 5 man. I sold my 2 man backpack tent last year and bought one of these. Don't pay attention to the 5 man rating though. It is a great tent that is a palace for one, or has plenty of room for two, but I wouldn't want to crowd any more than that.
For a base camp tent and one to pack in and If you want the most room with the least weight go with a go lite shangra la 3 with no mesh. I have one and its huge for one guy plenty of room for two as well. If space is not an issue look at tarp tents option. I plan on picking up the moment for this fall for another option to have.
I'll second the Golite 5 man. lightweigh and easy set up. great for 2 and gear
X2 on Sierradesigns. Great for product for the money. I have had my 2 man Lighting for years and only payed a little over $100 off season.
Another vote for great Golite Shangri-la 5. It's a very versatile tent. You have the floor/netting inner tent or "nest" as they call it and the outer fly which is very light and water proof. Seams are pre sealed. In cooler weather or where insects aren't an issue, leave the nest and just use the fly for a large, very light setup. I like plenty of room. Like others have said, most two man tents are not really big enough for even one guy plus gear.
Kenny,
I sent you a PM.
Kelty gunnison II, 2 doors, 2 vestiubles,full fly, light weight, and great price. Used this tent on and Elk hunt in Idaho worked great had temps from 80 to 17 with 8 in of snow. Also carried this tent on a backpacking trip with my wife in the porcupine mountains with the two vestiubles we had enough room to put our gear in the vestiubles and use it as a two person tent, on this trip we had a tunder storm with 50 mph winds come through while camped on an open ridge, we stayed dry and the tent held up great. This tent has also been through the storm that went though the Compton rendevoux a few years ago tents were blowing all over the camping area and it took the big vendor tent down but my little tent stayed up and all my gear stayed dry. Good luck with the elk hunt!
Several things come into play:budget, other possible intended uses, other gear owned.
If you have the budget, a Hilleberg Akto or Vaude Power Lizard.
If you are only using it for this trip, and don't camp other places or times, is it worth the investment? Probably not.
Again, if you are camping more and have the budget, an MSR Carbon Reflex or Big Agnes Seedhouse II might be a compromise worthwhile for weight savings, but is it $ better spent on gas money to get out hunting?
The LightPath in the classifieds is the descendent of the PCT2, which was one of the best tents MH ever made. Mine is over 12 years old, and has over 150 nights in it. As long as those guy lines are tight, it's not going anywhere.
While not my primary tent anymore, it is still a great piece of kit. Easy to set up, sheds snow and rain well, great ventilation and space, and can be used with just footprint and fly in a 'fast pack' configuration.
Freestanding is nice, but if you are not above treeline, camping on a glacier,or winter camping in snow you don't need free standing.
If you own a bivy sack, why not look at a tarp or single wall tipi (Kifaru/TiGoat)? If you don't have one, then a tent is the answer.
The Golite SL5 is great, but i would do it without the nest, and still consider a tyvek ground sheet at minimum.
We sometimes convince ourselves that we need that high $ piece of kit because it is so much 'better', but the bargain gear of tomorrow will be the top $ gear of today.
Wow, no one mention Hilleberg. They are the best, super tough, easy to set up, and light for there size.... And not made in China!
Sierra Designs. I've had mine for 30yrs. It has been through everything imaginable. My model is the Starlight. It weighs less than 3#.
Buy my tent. I used it once in the winter at the end of archery season here in michigan. We had about 8" of snow on the ground and 20 deg. Although it was a fun experience, no one I know cared to do it with me. I think my hunting buddies would rather attend a mary kay party. The tent is a sierra 3 man 4 season. I'll sell it cheap. It's close to brand new.
J.T. nailed it on the head! I couldn't be happier with my Kelty Gunnison II. I use it for self-contained bicycle trips and elk hunting in the Colorado mountains. I'd buy another in a flash if anything went wrong with mine.
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
For one man with gear, you might want to look at the Appy Trails 3-man tent. Although it's not free standing, I've been in one with 40 mph winds, and rain through the nite and stayed dry during a sheep hunt in Co. Now I won't pack in with out it. B-
QuoteOriginally posted by Whip:
Golite 5 man. I sold my 2 man backpack tent last year and bought one of these. Don't pay attention to the 5 man rating though. It is a great tent that is a palace for one, or has plenty of room for two, but I wouldn't want to crowd any more than that.
^^^
This.
If you're really wanting to save weight & it'll just be you, by your lonesome, I'd go with the 3-man. You will get a lot more all round use from the 5 man though. With the nest it'll keep you year round.
Hilliberg atko for me, sets up in the rain without getting wet. If you run the risk of heavy snow, the unna or soulo would be better. Pricey but top of the line.
Ken, Use a big comfy tent at base camp, then if you are going to spend a night in back country, bring a small tarp or something light. You will find quick how to minimize gear when you are there. You may lose some comforts but gain others.
I've used a Golite ShanGriLa 3 for 4 years and like it for 1 man. You could fit 2 but it would be tight. If you plan to have 2 men, I'd recommend the 5-man.
All that being said, it's tough for us to know how you like to sleep. You'll get lots of recommendations from different people claiming their choice is "best".
What sort of backpack camping have you done and with what equipment? How did it work? How did you like it?
homebru
Siltarp all the way.
But you must get to know them by using them in the backyard first- but very light, easy to pitch to whatever configuration you want, plenty of dry space. I don't use a tent in Colorado in September.
Joshua
THANK YOU all for the info and answering my pm's. i will be looking closely at the tents on this thread. trying to keep cost down a little but also am very aware how important a good tent is. thanks again!
If your staying on a budget and you can find a nice used Sierra Designs or MT. Hardware tent...go for it. If you can't...check out the Cabela's XPG Ultralight 2. They call it a 2 man but it's about right for 1 guy and a backpack or supplies....or just a little room to move. I picked one up last year and took it out a few times and it did well, even in some pretty good rain. Nice reviews online and the price is right.
consider carefully if you see a lot of mesh in the tent body which is commonly done to save weight. Wind can come under the fly and bring with it lots of dirt or dust this is primarily a concern in desert like or sandy areas. This can also be a problem if the temps drop at night and the wind can blow in right over you so you are exposed. I like a tent with lots of ventilation but I want to be able to button it down if the weather is fowl or cool. I have a North Face Mountain 25 which works well in all conditions, it is considered a 4 season tent and is no light weight at 9 lbs. but will give you a solid shelter that will protect you if things go badly. Hunting hard is easier when you have a comfortable place to recoup.
58
I have and use the Mountain Hardware 3 man tent. It was perfect for my son and I last September on an elk hunt. Two doors with two vestibules... stayed dry during all day downpours. A tad over 4 lbs. with floor, tent and fly. Plenty of room for bows/gear and room to cook in if necessary.
Good luck!
QuoteOriginally posted by awbowman:
MSR Hubba, great balance of price, size, weight, good vestibule and durability. Free standing and can be pitched with just the fly if you like.
Limelight very similiar in weight etc. I believe
Love my MSR Hubba
A Kifaru tarp,either a Super Tarp or a Mega Tarp
spend y but worth it
Tim
I'll offer up a slightly cheaper option--the Appy Trails Mk III or Mk V. I started out with the Mk III but found that it just didn't offer enough room to sit up in the morning and get dressed without rubbing up against the sides. When it's 15 deg and the entire inside is covered in frost, rubbing up against the sides is pretty annoying (and cold).
I had some reservations about it because it uses grommets instead of the usual web loops but so far they've held up just fine. Quick and easy to set up, lighter than most of the options above, although you'll probably want a piece of tyvek or similar for a ground cloth which will add a little weight back. The pitch isn't super-tight but I think it's good enough.
On the downside, the reason it's cheaper is that it's made in China. :( The only American made comparables I could find were from Seek Outside and Kifaru. Very good stuff but the way I would have configured them would have cost 4-5x as much and I just couldn't swing it right now--preparing for a CO trip this fall just like you. Someday though, I will likely replace the Mk V with something from one of those two. My buddy (with no kids and a lot more money) has a Seek Outside tipi & stove and they are NICE.
As a spike camp tent setup, I have to assume that you will packing in. If this is the case, weight will be a huge consideration. Remember that you will definately want a fly and a ground cloth of some sort. These add to the weight factor. CO can really throw some different weather at you during the elk season. Highs of 80+ to the lows of 10. It usually rains at least once a day (depending on which side of the slope you are on) and it can easily snow.
The next consideration that you need to look at is the size you need. The size will usually affect the final weight. Are you planning to keep your gear and things inside with you? Or are planning to stow gear under the fly or in a vestibule?
Now armed with the above information, start to look for tents that meet your criteria. I think that most of the popular specialized camping companies make a quality product and back their products very well. So then it's really a matter of comfort, weight and expense.
You can good reviews of backpacking gear at: www.backpackgeartest.org (http://www.backpackgeartest.org)
Hennesy hammock thats all
ok should have gave you more info. weight is a consideration as i will be packing it in for this hunt. it will be for me and my gear. right now i am leaning towards the mountain gear as it offers about everything i'm looking for. like the looks and price of the Kelty as well. would LOVE the Golite ShanGriLa 3 but the price is a little more then i want to spend. thank you all for the info!
also if anyone is looking to sell one of these at a decent price please pm me!
You never mentioned your phyical size, lenght of hunt, how far of a pack in , or if you will be sharing a tent.
After several trips to Colorado for sept elk hunts, I have used a 4-5 man base tent for 2 persons, a REI 2 person 1/2 dome tent for a solo spike camp, and a Marmot EOS 1 person for bivy hunts. I prefer tents with side vestibule as it easier to enter and exit and has more storage area. If I could take only one tent I would take a tent similar to the REI 1/2 dome, 2-person, less than 5#, with a full coverage fly, twin vestibules for storage, a sturdy WP shelter. BTW I'm 6', 210# and these tents fit comfortable and we fly to our destinations.
Adkmountainmanken,
Now that you know what you want, don't hesitate, get what you want and start using it. Carry everything on these practice hunt trips as you would on your CO trip. As you use your gear on these practice runs, you will learn what works good and what doesn't. Remember that your life may depend on these practice runs once you get to the CO mountains. Good Luck and most of all, HAVE FUN!
ps. I love your signature lines!
5'9 210 pounds. just me staying in the tent. thinking i will use it for main tent and to pack in for spike tent. will be using it for 5 full days of hunting with possibly a lot of hiking/packing involved. just found a great deal on a MH 3 person tent but still looking over options. again THANKS!
kifaru Sawtooth, also the option of their small stainless steel fold down stove
http://www.kifaru.net/sawtooth.html
Ken,
Some good input above. From my experience, I have used the Hennesey Hammock. Same one you saw me use at your place. It's great, but takes some getting used to. Also, if it gets REAL cold, it can be a problem with the wind blowing under you. I like it for fair weather, or marshy environments.
For a tent, I use the REI half dome mentioned above. I got mine from the REI yard sale, WITH the foot print for $50. HUGE score. Only problem was a some tears in the net, but it was easily repaired with the included repair kit. Look for a used one, or attend the REI yard sales and cross your fingers. It's a two person tent but a mansion for one. I live very comfortable in mine. Especially if its a spike camp.
Another comfort item if you have room is a thermarest Dreamtime mat. It's like have a sleep number bed out there with you. Its akin to car camping due to its size, but I tell ya, after pounding the mountain all day, arriving in camp and hitting the sack you'll sleep like a baby.
Heck now that I think about it, I can sleep like a baby on a bed of nails after hitting the mountain all day..... It's elk hunting.
I'm not too weight sensitive as long as I'm only walking in less than 12 miles from the truck. That's my magic number. Weight is only a big problem if you have a ill fitting pack. Take a look at yours, and make sure its fits well, with the weight sitting on your hips, and the load lifter straps pulling up off your shoulders.
You will forget how much the walk into camp sux once the hunt starts. When the hunts over, all you'll remember is the awesome time you had. When your packing out elk, you wont care who pees in your wheaties.
Getting ready for the hunt is just as much fun.
ok got to ask as it has been mentioned many times, what is a foot print???
Footprint is a specially made piece of material that goes under the tent to protect the bottom from debris, etc. They are made to the exact outline of the tent just a little smaller than the bottom of the tent so as not to catch water. You can make your own with lightweight plastic or ??? by tracing the outline of the tent and cutting it just a bit smaller.
Ken, you can use a piece of Tyvek building wrap for a foot print much cheaper than a factory print and you can sometimes find a large enough scrap piece lying around a construction site where they are putting up new homes or buildings.
X3 on the Kifaru. Take the time to look their website over as there are many options listed. You cannot go wrong with their gear. Once you camp in a floorless shelter during hunting season you'll never go back to a floored model.
Wow. Not a single mention of Eureka?! I have a great little 2 person tent from Eureka that has two doors and generous vestibules on each side. Think it's the Apex 2XT. Has aluminum poles which are lighter and stiffer. Easy to erect and has plent of room for my 6'4" 250lbs and gear.
Eureka has an outlet store in Binghamton NY where you can get great deals on factory seconds and returns. I think I paid less than $100 for it and I couldn't find anything wrong with it. They have an annual tent sale every spring. Maybe a little road trip for you?
Where you heading in CO? I may be going back myself this year.
There are a LOT of good tent manufacturers these days.
You first need to decide what style of camping you are doing (pack-horses, drop-camp, backpacking, etc.). If you are using horses, or near a road, weight won't by an issue, but if you're up in the backcountry and packing your own gear, every ounce of wasted weight will feel like a boat-anchor strapped to your back after a mile or two.
Second, you need to determine what type of terrain you'll be camping on (i.e. rocky ground, swampy ground, lots of trees, no trees, etc). Some tents require stakes to be driven into fairly cohesive soil to stand up. Hammocks obviously need trees. yada-yada.
I use a 2-man, free-standing, back-packing tent for everything because I think it is the most versatile. I can set it up anywhere (except in standing water, but who wants to camp in that anyway.) It's light. I can set it up and pack it up in about 5 minutes, which is a plus when you've arrived at camp with minutes of daylight left or a huge storm is about to break on you.
Features that I think are required in a good tent are: 1) a rain-fly that extends all the way to the ground. 2) a vestibule for your boots/raingear etc. 2 entrances with 2 vestibules are a nice bonus, but you'll do fine with one.
footprints are optional imo. I've been backpacking without a footprint since I was 12 and I've never had an issue. Again, if you're carrying 60 lbs of gear 12 miles in, uphill the whole way, you will be cursing that footprint the whole way...If you're camping next to the truck, go ahead and get the footprint.
I agree with the poster above me that the options are endless and you have to figure out what exactly you want, but here's my $0.02 if you care.
1) Footprints are overrated. Quick look at your camp site makes sure you are not in the path of running water or a low spot where water would collect. Bugs are surprisingly sparse even without the nest. Also your won't have to debate leaving your stuff out of the tent or getting the footprint dirty. Also its one less thing to get wet and add weight to your pack.
2) Since you are packing everything in, make sure the rest of your gear is up to par and you don't need as serious of a tent. Make sure your sleeping bag is good down to your lowest expected temps and pair it with a good sleeping pad and you will be comfortable in a winter storm with a 3 season tent. The 4th season refers to being able to withstand loads of snow dumped on it. I have a 4 season NF VE25 but that is for winter camping in the mountains where it may be necessary to ride out a several day winter storm. Taking the 3 season tent and bivy shaves off 6lbs from the total pack load.
3) I think the tipi is far under utilized, check these guys out for cheap tipi options which would make a great 3 season tent. http://wyominglostandfound.com/index.html
http://wyominglostandfound.com/tipi.html for $150 shipped its hard to go wrong.
4) If you are adventurous you could look into tarp shelters, super light and versatile, maybe even test the idea out using a piece of tyvek.
5) Don't get too pumped on the Golite Shangri-La tents, they stopped making them so they are only available used and most people aren't letting theirs go. Ask me how I know lol
Saw today that Backpacker Magazine just put out their annual Gear Guide. Pick up a copy there is some good info there. Also check out their reviews for tents a couple years old. Probably have to go online but you can find their picks for "best of" for each year. Not all their picks are super expensive.
Last time I went out I had to set up my tent after dark In the rain. I just use a couple of large trash bags under the tent. Works fine, light weight and have many uses.
Easy, Tarptent Rainbow (for one) or Double Rainbow (for 2). Double Rainbow weighs in at only 41 oz and the Rainbow is 34 oz. Very well made. Very lightweight and well made. I have the Double Rainbow and it is fantastic. Gave all my other tents to my kids.
http://www.tarptent.com/double-rainbow.html
Hmmmmm. I've been tenting for more than 40 years, and this is the first time I've heard this definition of footprint. We always called it a ground cloth. Footprint was defined as the size and shape of the area covered by the tent. Now a ground cloth can be made in the size of the footprint, of course.
Sorry, didn't mean to get this thread off track. Ken, given that you're only going to be hunting for five days, and planning to move move around at that, I think you should seriously consider a good tarp, as has already been suggested, or a bivy sack.
This is a bit off-track but the ground cloth or footprint's primary purpose is to protect the floor of the tent from premature wear and it's secondary purpose is to prevent ground moisture from travelling up into your sleeping bag. Getting back on-track, a lot of guys use tyvek as mentioned for this and I know many others that prefer to use it as an additional cover for their gear when they don't have room inside their tent or vestibule. I also like to use tyvek as a "ground cloth" underneath game as I am dressing it out and/or to "skid" a heavy animal (like elk) to another area to get it dressed out. For the amount of weight and space a 6' x 8' sheet of tyvek takes up, it is a very practical survival type item to carry with you at all times in the back country!
I also use tyvek as a ground cloth or "footprint". Very light weight, and if using a tent with a floor I think is well worth the minimal weight it adds to your pack. As mentioned by others, it protects the floor of your tent from sticks, stones, etc. and will certainly extend the life of your tent. Keeping ground moisture out is a secondary benefit.
Jake, I hadn't heard that GoLite was discontinuing the Shangri La tent line. I just checked the website and do see that the 5 man is shown as out of stock, but the 3 man is still available. I absolutely love mine - glad I got it when I did!
Ken, I mentioned that my tent was for sale. Well, you did good not to bite on it. It probably is a great tent for camping on the side of Mt Everest, but are you going to hunt on Mt Everest? I think the 4 season thing is way overated. After I bought my tent, a guy I work with who camps alot asked me why I bought the tent. I told him it was a 4 season tent. He said all tents are 4 season tents when you put a tarp over them. You should check out the "sportsmans guide" or some discount place. You can probably get all the tent you need and a tarp cheap.
QuoteOriginally posted by Jake LaBauve:
5) Don't get too pumped on the Golite Shangri-La tents, they stopped making them so they are only available used and most people aren't letting theirs go. Ask me how I know lol
QuoteJake, I hadn't heard that GoLite was discontinuing the Shangri La tent line. I just checked the website and do see that the 5 man is shown as out of stock, but the 3 man is still available. I absolutely love mine - glad I got it when I did!
Just out of interest, I ordered a Shangri-La 5 man 3 weeks ago & it arrived in 4 days, direct from Golite at $299 shipped.
They've updated the material used in the outer & nest floor for 2013. Looks like they'll be back in stock in May. They sure do sell out quickly though (mainly to folks who're going to sell them on on EGay for a silly profit, it seems)
I agree with using a footprint. It will extend your tent life a bunch. It also can double for other uses in a pinch.
I bought a factory footprint (it has gromets that stretches it to excat tent measurments), but it would seem to me that tyvek would be good enough.
Always been a "Dome tent" man myself Brother!!!
After years of camping with the boys, I take 2... 1 for sleeping, 1 for gear. Once you get all of the "crap" outa the tent, you'd be suprized how much extra room, and dryer, things are!!!
Just 1 old woodchucker's suggestion.....
QuoteJust out of interest, I ordered a Shangri-La 5 man 3 weeks ago & it arrived in 4 days, direct from Golite at $299 shipped.
They've updated the material used in the outer & nest floor for 2013. Looks like they'll be back in stock in May. They sure do sell out quickly though (mainly to folks who're going to sell them on on EGay for a silly profit, it seems) [/QB]
Good to know, I may pick up the 5 man in May then
Lots of good info here. I've got the SL3, setup for late fall winter camping, and the Henessy hammock setup for summer/early fall camping. I'd recommend both, but for different reasons. Regardless of either one, for sure make sure you take an additional tarp. They are worth their weight in gold.
The hammock thing has the win in terms of setup time and location. As long as you've got 2 trees that are close, you're set. Some people love sleeping in them, some don't. They have their own very specific gear such as quilts on top and under quilts to keep your backside warm, so keep this in mind if you're thinking about chasing one down. In the end the weight ends up being the same IMO, so don't think you'll be saving pounds using this system.
The recommendation of the Tarptent Rainbow series is a good one for weight/size too. The Contrail is very popular also, but it's a front entry instead of a side entry.
Speaking of Go-Lite tents that are no longer made, if - IF - you can find one, try and get a Go-Lite Utopia 2. That's the one GL tent I'd probably trade my SL3 for... maybe.
The Utopia series is a more traditional dome/crossed pole setup, but without the floor, and WITH mesh screening on the side panels for positive venting. It has it's quirks too, but the addition of the mesh helps with venting.
Lots of good options for low weight.
Just got off the web with a GOLITE rep, he took my e-mail and said they will send me a notice when the Shangri-La 5 tents are restocked in May, and the special pricing of $299.00 will still be in effect.
narrowing it down, any other suggestions? looking like Mountain Hardwear.
Get a 3 man, room for gear and you.....still not to heavy and if the weather gets crappy you will be glad you did! Buy the best one you can afford, you get what you pay for!!
I have the Mountain Hardwear Lightpath 3...and it is a great tent. Small, light and very, very, very durable. I have had it in snow, sleet, 50mph winds and tropical storms above the high tide line on a beach and never blew over or leaked.
It has a great footprint that you can use alone with just the fly for truly lightweight camping...I prefer the entire tent as it is light enough...if I want to save a couple pounds then I will skip the cheeseburger at lunch. :)
The tent is very quick to put up....good quality ties...very well sealed. it ventilates well and the vestibule is large enough to put your boots and muddy gear to the side and still let you get out.
During the winter it sleeps wife and i both comfortably....when hunting it leaves room for me, my extra gear and does not crowd me if weather is bad.
Folds up about size of a loaf of bread... it comes with the soft aluminum wire pegs like you buy at Dicks Sporting Goods or others....they work fine for regular weather or solid ground. I would buy a set of the extra long sand stakes as well...at least 4 but more like 6. In sand or soft ground they are life savers. In the 50mph winds I dug down and drove the sand stakes in...then covered them up with sand afterwards and never had a problem whereas the others just are not strong or long enough and pulled out.
3 man is really 2 man unless you are used to cuddling. For hunting the 3 man is about perfect for a solo hunter. If sharing...would go with 5 man...or if really bad weather for long periods might go with 5 man for your solo hunt. I also have a MH Corners 3...still a 3 man tent but is a dome configuration for more headroom. Much better when going to be confined in tent due to weather as you can sit up and move around better with about the same footprint.
Check them both out...I think you will like the Mountain Hardwear quality....Moosejaw usually has some great prices on last years stuff....
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Mountain-Hardwear-Corners-3-Tent_10110284_10208_10000001_-1_
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Mountain-Hardwear-LightPath-3-Person-Tent_10184564_10208_10000001_-1_
spend the extra for the custom footprints...worth it in my opinion.
Get a Hennessey hammock tent. Inexpensive, waterproof, and lightweight designed for backpackers. Plus it is far more comfortable because you arent sleeping on the hard ground.
check out REI. If you join there membership for $20.00 a life time membership you can get 20 percent off until April 7th. I just bought a roof box and saved $120.00
Mountain Hardware makes great gear. I think you'll be happy with any of their tents. good hunting.
pretty much set on a 3 man Drifter by Mountain Hardware, thanks to all who helped!