need a tent reccomendation please.

[robtattoo]

Originally 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

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!

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)

[awbowman]

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.

[woodchucker]

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.....

[Jake LaBauve]

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) [/QB]

Good to know, I may pick up the 5 man in May then

[wihill]

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.

[GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN]

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.

[adkmountainken]

narrowing it down, any other suggestions? looking like Mountain Hardwear.

[ron w]

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!!

[Brock]

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.

[VictoryHunter]

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.

[Craig]

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

[gringol]

Mountain Hardware makes great gear.  I think you'll be happy with any of their tents.  good hunting.

[adkmountainken]

pretty much set on a 3 man Drifter by Mountain Hardware, thanks to all who helped!