I have a Mountain Hardwear tent that has the option to just use the footprint and fly.....I have done it once in cold weather but dont usually backpack that far in on my trips so an extra pound does not bother me much as still need the tent poles.  In warm weather I dont do it...too many snakes and stuff around here and would rather carry the tent itself than stress about things crawling in with me all night in my dreams...haha

I've gotor had bivys, dome tents, wall tents, tipis- and tried or stayed in many mfr tents.

I'm no longer a tipi fan and sold my Golite SL5 with the stove I made for it. Though 3.5# total weight inc stove, the disadvantages just weren't apparent to me until I used one for a year.

I've settled on H.S. Tarptents as the best light backpacking alternative and have been using my Cloudburst [2# 4 oz with full floor and bug screen] for almost 12 years now. Super light, vent well, American made, Quality construction, fast setup and they have a model for everyone even tall guys like me that are wedged into other tents. these Tarptents have a huge following of seasoned backpackers. Much better quality than the overseas made Big Agnes type stuff and much cheaper than Kifaru.

QuoteOriginally posted by beendare:
I've settled on H.S. Tarptents as the best light backpacking alternative and have been using my Cloudburst [2# 4 oz with full floor and bug screen] for almost 12 years now. Super light, vent well, American made, Quality construction, fast setup and they have a model for everyone even tall guys like me that are wedged into other tents. these Tarptents have a huge following of seasoned backpackers. Much better quality than the overseas made Big Agnes type stuff and much cheaper than Kifaru.

I've looked at the tarp tents quite a bit in the last year or so. What locales have you used your tarp tent, and are there situations where you wished you had something else for a shelter?
Thanks.
Kevin

I've run a Tarptent Contrail an awful lot and have never been disappointed in the performance. That's actually what I was thinking as a lighter option in my earlier post. At less then 2 lbs trail ready it's what I always have with me when a tent probably isn't necessary, but I've been in it down to single digits and some horrible downpours and it held its own.   When I know the weather is going to be challenging my Kifaru Sawtooth and stove usually come along.

Wow, I thought you sold the Sawtooth and went BCS like the rest of the cool kids?   :D


I love my Seek Outside BCS.  I could see using a floored tent if I lived in bug or snake country.  But in NW Montana, it's my year 'round standard.  It's tight with two guys, gear, and a stove, even with the extra panel.  But it's also 3 Lbs lighter than a Sawtooth.