Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting 2 man tent recommendation?

I know I'm a little old school but I think it should be a 1 man 1 woman tent.
But another vote for the tarp tent stuff, I don't backpack much anymore but I always figured a little heaver tent is worth it in the long run

I just bought a Mountain 25 which is even lower profile than the VE, so in theory, even more wind resistant. Hopefully I get some really rotten weather to ride out with it.

If you are looking for light weight 3 season my favorite is Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II

Not sure if this would work for you, but I have started using the Hilleberg Rajd. It is 2lb 7 oz and has plenty of room for two 6 ft people. I would not recommend it, but there are a few really experienced guys that have been using it on Mt. Rainier. I only mention that because, if pitched correctly, the shelter itself can withstand some pretty harsh weather.
I live in Utah and camp here, as well as Wyoming, so our humidity is drastically different than KY. But you say you elk hunt, so you must be camping in the Rockies somewhere.
I am biased towards Hilleberg, as I retail them and have used most all of them for over 12 years. Incredibly strong and lightweight fabric. Expensive, but you get what you pay for.

I would consider the go-lite sl-3...palatial for one man with gear...still have room for 2 with some gear, and great bug nest.
It's light, has multiple pitch options, and I've always been bone dry in mine.
The only drawback is it has no vestibule, so your gear is in the tent, but it has plenty of room, so its almost a moot point, just remember to bring a trash bag for muddy clothes or boots.

I use the MSR Hubba Hubba (I think that's what it's called). It's light. Not sure how light. It doesn't break the bank either.

I'm digging my Big Agnes Seedhouse 3.

No complaints with my REI Quarter Dome T3 plus. But if I was going solo, I'd like a hammock.

At barely a pound over the OP's weight restriction, I recently chose the Hilleberg Unna as my solo+ dog+ gear tent. The Unna is bombproof, simple to set-up with no fuss, and can easily stand the rough ground or dog claws on the floor. It has no vestibule, but I've found that even on my larger tents, I rarely use them. The Unna is listed as a solo tent, but it really is huge for a single person. My 60lb dog, backpack and gear, and me have plenty room not to get claustrophobic.

I could certainly shave a pound or two off with another shelter system, but if one or two pounds gives me increased peace of mind, increased longevity, and increased ease of use and safety, it is one area I am OK spending it. I tried the whole ultralight thing, and in some ways shaving ounces really will help. But there are certain areas in which I've decided not to go the ounce=counter method. A backpack, shelter, and sleep system (in other words the "big 3", I am OK with strength and durability over extreme weight savings. For instance I don't care how much weight I would save, I would never carry a down quilt or bag instead of a synthetic one.

I'm sorely tempted to try a hammock, but I always backpack with my dog, so that's not really a possibility.

If you have $$$ then go with Hilleberg.


If you're on a budget, then check out the Mountain HardWear SuperMega-2.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___28619
At 2.5#, 3.5 seasons, 2 persons, double-wall, free standing, for $370, it's hard to beat the value. It's a good size for me and my grand-son or dog and some of my gear, or me and all of my gear.



For several years, I used an REI Quarter Dome T-2. I liked it because it has two doors and two vestibules. So It's better for two people and some of their gear. It weighs 4# and costs $240.

http://www.rei.com/product/827787/rei-quarter-dome-t2-plus-tent

KC

I'd make Fido pack at least 10 Lbs of that gear, or he doesn't get to sleep in a tent.

Haha

A year or two ago and I would have at least made her carry her own kibble. But she's getting a little older now, and I want the trip to be as enjoyable for her as possible. I know, I'm a softy.

OP: I really like my Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 3, which has room for two and a vestibule on each side, for each occupant. For what you describe the Skyledge 2 would have enough room, and be lighter. I really like having a vestibule and door for each person, but since you will mostly use it solo, you could could with and end-entry design and save even more weight. However, I'm not convinced that the end-entry designs like the BA Seedhouse are as bomber as a two-poles-crossed-in-the-middle design. Just my two cents.