I'm in the process of accumulating the gear I need for a back country DIY elk or mule deer hunt. I'll be backpacking in all my gear. What tents are you guys using and share some photos if you have them. Thanks guys!
I use a kelty grand mesa 2..... packs down real small light weight and enough room for you and your gear. I'll see if I can find a pic
I like the Henry Shires Tarptents. Super light, quality USA made construction that is visibly better than some of the BA or other china made stuff.
I have an older model 2 man Cloudburst that is 2#4oz all in with floor, vestibule and bug mesh. The best thing is some of these will fit taller guys without you wedged up against the walls of the fabric.
Solo I run a Tarptent contrail 90 percent of the time. Just bought a Hilleberg Unna but haven't gotten to use it yet. Two guys or the weather sucks I have a Kifaru Sawtooth with wood stove.
Kifaru. 4 man tipi. And sleeping bag. Good stuff.
Go Lite makes a nice shelter that packs in right at 1#. No bottom (nest) but it's got lot's of room. 5' x 9' inside.
Go-Lite Shangri La 5 man for me.
MSR Hubba Hubba 2 man tent for solo.
Great vestibules.
Update: I was looking for the Hubba Hubba and realize they have changed a little. Still looks like a great tent.
Lots of nice tents mentioned above. I use a Mountain Hardwear Drifter 3... it's a 3 man tent but works great for 2 people. It has two doors and two vestibules. It is about 6# total OR you can use only the rain fly in the "pitch light" configuration for a light 3#.
As awbowman said above... think 2 man for a solo tent though. The bivys have their place, but with potential bad weather... you need the extra space provided by a 2 man. JMO
I went with the Mountain Hardwear due to its relatively inexpensive price tag compared to the others.
Good luck!
Tarptent Single Rainbow. 2Lbs great tent.
Kifaru para tarp and annex ,or kifaru 4 man tipi and don't forget the wood stove .I use a parastove also made by Kifaru.
I used a Sierra Designs Clip Tent and was very happy in the Thunder Snow. Weighs 3 pounds 12 ounces a bit on heavy side for pack in but durable and plenty of room. Economical too. One for sale in classifieds right now.
Eureka flashlight tent and 8x10 sil nylon tarp
the tarp gives you a bit of storage. The tent is really only big enough for your bag and boots.
I used this set up for 3-6 days, if longer I go with a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 2 man and the tarp.
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/Bowhuntater/912011BkPk005.jpg) (http://s203.photobucket.com/user/Bowhuntater/media/912011BkPk005.jpg.html)
Go-lite Shangri-La 5.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20140405_144348.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20140405_144348.jpg.html)
Not what you asked but I went with a hammock for a backpack hunt out west last year. I used an 8x10 tarp and a pad. Very warm and comfortable without the usual backache or sore shoulders from sleeping on the ground. I don't know if I ever slept that well or felt more rested on a hunt.
I'm leaning towards a Marmot pulsar 1 but I'll have to check out some of the other brands you guys have mentioned.
Pulsar looks like a nice tent from a great company. Have you considered going with the 2 man version. Less than a pound more and that extra space could really raise your comfort level if you end up stuck in the tent because of weather. Worth the 6 oz. I would think. Plus allow you to bring a little more into the tent with you. Just a thought.
I'm sure others can chime in about the benefits of a little extra space with minimal extra weight.
Here's a MSR Hubba Hubba HP. It's a great tent and I use it when hunting with a partner. When hunting alone I use a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1. Tons of great options out there...just find one that fits your needs for size and weight from a reputable manufacturer and it's hard to go wrong.
(http://i.imgur.com/niHjJFH.jpg)
Hawk22 great thread been looking at tents myself for a while. There are some great choices here. What are your guys thoughts on the self standing vs tents that use trekking poles. I don't see myself carrying trekking poles while bow hunting. Do any of you carry trek poles and your bow? I like Tater's set up. I could may be use my not so good lite weight tent with the tarp set up.
I usually carry a small, light pack saw and cut a stick or sticks rather than carry trekking poles. My hunting partner and I usually pack in together. One carries a 6-man Kifaru T-pee, the other the Kifaru medium stove. Each weights about 4#. Works for us.
I do use trekking poles, but do not hunt with them. They are great for the pack in and pack out especially if you are making multiple trips with meat.
Once you use a set of poles I think you will realize the benefits, I wish I had started using them years ago.
Kifaru Sawtooth tipi, with titanium wood stove, and my kifaru UL3700, together, weigh just over 10#, great for getting way back in, and bringing some creature comforts, don't really need another cooking stove unless you want hot meals during the day.
Good luck on your trip.
X2 for trek poles. I took Tater's advice last year and I was glad I did. My left knee gave out on me on the way out. Four miles would have really been tortuous without them.
Gary
Great Tater I have been planning a TD self bow now I may have to move it up on the to-do-list. I could see the benefits of trek poles on packing meat.
I've never used treking poles in the past but bought a pair for this years hunt. Like Tater, I don't plan to hunt with them but plan to use them for packing in /out and packing meat. Hopefully I'll get a chance to give them a good workout.
I don't have trekking poles yet, but do have a walking stick for the pack in and out. Either one is a big help.
I'm a big believer in the Kifaru tipi. Use a really big one in Alaska and a 4 man is perfect for even foul weather hunting the back country. My problem with tarps and such is that when it hits the fan you are very vulnerable. Believe me I've been there done that and have the the tee shirts.
Stuff can and will happen.
Mike
great tips guys. i have not tried trekking poles yet... seems so strange to carry the extra weight, but so many good bowhunters can't be wrong! :archer:
I've carried trekking poles a lot but haven't used them a lot. Lots of good advice on tents and hammocks. Just got to find out what you like and your budget can afford.