I am looking for a 2 person tent with preferably 2 entrances and 2 vestibules for when I use it with 2 men which will be rare, but will use it by myself 99% of the time, one entrance is not a deal breaker though.

I like light weight, good ventilation, 4 season tent. I need a large vestibule for gear storage.

I understand that Hilleberg make the Mercedes Benz of Tents. I am looking at the Hillebarg Nallo 2 GT in Sand color, but there are other models that might work.

https://hilleberg.com/eng/tent/2-person-tents/

The Nallo 2 GT seems to be price fixed at $910, without the foot print add $80 for that. Anyone know of a Hilleberg dealer where I may get a better price ? Anyone know if Hilleberg offers a Pro program ?

I am also open to looking at other brands. I am looking at the Marmot Tungsten 2P or 3P, but I can tell from Marmot's web site if that is a 4 season tent or not. The Tungsten does have 2 vestibules and 2 entrances so that is a plus.

I intend to use the tent for Wildland Fire fighting in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming etc. from September to early November and or for hunting Sheep and the like in Alaska. I expect to be at altitude, with high winds at times and expect to see snow at that point in the year. I will be living in the tent for weeks at a time, so I need room and to be comfortable.

Thank You for your input. I know Alaska guys know tents.

Pretty demanding situations and I think you get into a serious loop. Tents built light and tough like Hilleberg use high quality light fabric and have to compromise on long term durability. I have several of their smaller tents and I would not expect them to last for extreme long term use. The 4 season requirement is tough to do light.

The Arctic Oven is tough, roomy, extremely durable, and pricey, but no lightweight. Same for Barney's Bomb Shelter. I have spent many months in both... My Bomb Shelter is 31 years old... But you could could put my small Hillebergs in with the fly and hardly notice them.

Barney's gives guide discounts...

A practical forester I know, who is a serious hunter uses 2 tents. The 'inner' tent is a packable dome and when the weather demands it he has a modified larger dome that goes over the whole shebang with significant air gap between. He claims tee shirt comfort level with a Buddy heater down into the teens. Like all plastic tents and propane heat and cooking, he says moisture buildup is a constant battle between adequate ventilation and warmth.

In the Hilleberg lineup, I've found the Tarra to be as tough and wind qualified as it gets.

The USMC combat tent made by eureka fits your needs. Was out on the Tigris building a bridge with the USMC bridge builders. Insurgents had destroyed one of the main supply route bridges. USMC were placing the modulars, we were doing the concrete work. The tank support providing security, slept in the tank. Us Army engineers slept under our fking ponchos. USMC set up their tents.

Three pole design, bathtub floor, vestibules front and rear.
All interior mesh can be zipped up. All three poles are the same size, so makes set up lightening fast.

You could buy six of these used, for the price of that hillberg.

I use Eurekas larger Assualt outfitter 4 based off this same tent. Modified to take a titanium woodstove I've slept in 40-50 below weather. In spring/summer/fall: thousands of miles of river.

I'm a big fan of the Bomb Shelter myself. Mine was an 8X8, don't believe they had the 10X10 early on. Like to get one of those. Left my 8X8 with my son. Got to have very close to 40 years on it by now.

Caribou and Sitka,

I believe Barney's had those bomb shelters sewed up by Eureka?

Anyhow, I have owned a newer version of that as well. It was a newer limited-run made for cabelas, also sewed up by Eureka.

The tent had at least 6 guy-out points per side. About a half decade ago, I set this tent up near the base of Mchue peak to be my base camp for training my Pyrenees/Malamute litter to be pack animals in the mountains. I would hike up Mchue peak with 4-5 loose dogs everyday. The m1 bomb shelter made a good base camp.

When some of those 60-80 mph gusts hit the thing, it held up well. BUT, tall flat sided walls against the sustained winds were eventually defeated. The guy-out points were ripped off the vestibule.

I dropped back down to my Assualt outfitter 4.

Eureka is my understanding as well. Maybe someone was cutting corners at some point. Those tents have handled winds very well over the years.

Back in '92, I spent a year camping in AK. I had several tents and tarps, which ranged from an old canvas Sourdough tent to a North Face VE25. When the weather dictated it, I'd pull out the VE25, which was a great tent and never failed me. I used it extensively until it disappeared - literally.

I had set up the NF somewhere in the Portage Glacier/Valley area and staked it down in a remote location, leaving it empty - everything was locked in the truck. I then went off to hike. When I returned, the tent was gone. I was far from any other people. I don't think someone stole it because, my truck was unmolested and there was no evidence of anyone being there. It was not windy and the tent was staked down - it would have to be a mighty gust indeed to dislodge it. I underwent a perimeter search out to about 3-4 km - nothing. My theory is that a bear stole it... or maybe Bullwinkle happened by, took a shine to it, hooked it, and took it with him. Who the heck knows?

I think Barney's has had a couple different companies make the bomb shelter. They are great tents. I spent a very stressful night in a 30+ year old 8X8 convinced that the next gust would rip the tent body off the stakes, but it held up great. Bungees on your guy-out points help a lot with that, btw.

The Arctic Oven is kind of amazing, and if you were going to be living in a tent for long periods of time, that would certainly be (is) my choice. Neither the bomb shelter nor the AO compare in any way to a Nallo 2. I have an AO 10, and Tent and Tarp lists it at 56lbs, which includes no footprint or floor saver (or woodstove) and probably not enough stakes to stake down all the guy-out points. You're looking at 70+lbs of tent by the time you are done. But there is room for 2 cots and a wood stove. AT&T has a new line of tents out that I have no experience with. Their website is a hot mess, but you might be able to glean something there. https://arcticoventent.com/tents/shockey-tent/ It has Jim Shockey's name on it, so try to keep your lunch down and just think about the tent. If you are ever in Anchorage, they have some tents set up in their new place by Merrill field. They are under the same ownership as Airframes Alaska, so you can buy super cub parts and AO tents until you hit your credit card limit!

Mainer, I have an Assault Outfitter 2, that I love. It isn't configured perfectly for 2 people, but its comfortable enough. It is an incredibly bomber tent, and a was a bargain when I bought it. I wish they wouldn't put the stupid plastic windows in it, but they have held up pretty well. I bought that tent after spending the night in a cheap tent while it rained 3" overnight. I should look at the 4 person one, because I surely don't have enough tents.

I've spent some time in a Nallo 2, Nallo 2 GT, and Nallo 3 GT. Hilleberg makes a great tent, and they are an impressive combination of tough and light. But like Art said, I'm not sure how it would hold up to constant use for months. The GT vestibule is just as awesome as having a garage attached to your house. The downside is that it traps a lot of moisture and that can be a problem in some cases. Worthwhile trade off IMO, but not everyone agrees.

One option that I haven't seen mentioned here is the Cabelas "alaska guide" dome tents. They are a solid design, very wind/weather resistant, without getting into the insane price range of some of the above. Setup is not as fast nor as straightforward as with the Bomb Shelter, Arctic Oven, or Assault Outfitter, but if you are staying in one spot for a week+, that isn't a big deal. Plan to throw away and replace the stakes they come with and replace with just about anything else.

THESE are my favorite stakes for a base camp tent. There are 9 and 12" variations - get the orange ones if you can, and a mix of lengths is ideal for varying sites. Sometimes you can scoop a bunch on ebay pretty cheap and split them amongst parties.

I guess it might be obvious, but I think you are looking for 2 tents, minimum...

Cwh2,
If you would like an assault outfitter 2 person without that darn window, you can go made in America version. Better than the made in China/ cheap labor tents that is more than 75% of tents sold today:

https://www.diamondbrandgear.com/combat-tent/

Yah cwh2, some tents have so many poles, they'll drive you bat-sht crazy to have to set up when you're dog tired. That's why I like the USMC design.

In winter, im so fatigued end of the day, I go eskimo pop-up ice shack, the octagonal one with no flat sides. Sometimes, I just lay on the trail with no tent because I don't want to deal with set-up if on the move.

Feb 28th this year on winter caribou hunt, bedded down on thermarest in front of dog team. About 30 below zero in a cheap 0 degree browning bag. Woke up first light, miserable, with an unshakable shiver. Popped out that ice shack to cook breakfast over wood stove. Quickest shelter I've ever owned. Don't discount those Eskimo quickfish deals, they are the bomb!

They have just the fly for $50. Might have go pick one of those up - thanks for the link.

Pretty good looking tent.. at a great price

Originally, they absolutely were Eureka. They also made the 3.0 version of the moose freighter pack. The originals were sewn inhouse by Barney's original partner Ralph. Ralph died of cancer, very early '90s, and there were a couple changes . Last I checked Eureka was building them again.

Must be the New Corps! USMC was still using the shelter half when I was active.

Akpls,

Its a magical time period: military equipment is getting better, while the quality of recruits is going down the toilet.

79s, can I get ah oh hell yah?

Cold Zero:

"Lightweight" and "4-season" are not very compatible.

A couple of Hilleberg tents are real good but as mentioned, very pricey.

What I use is a Kuiu Storm Star 2 person tent, which costs $600 and weighs about 5 1/2#. It's a rare tent that is actually a 4-season tent but has only three poles. I've used mine in some pretty good blows. Kuiu Storm Star 2P

I have learned to be skeptical of off-brand manufacturers that claim their tents are "4-season" just because they have a full-coverage rain fly, but actuall only have 2 poles.

The USMC Combat tent weighs 13#. It better be strong.

Kc, same here: 2 pole is a gamble in heavy winds.

That diamond brand version of the USMC tent is 8.7 lbs with guy-out lines and stakes, I weighed mine.

About a 5ft x7ft floor (not including vestibule)

Can set up just the fly as well, leaving the tent body if shaving weight.

I just relayed the weight that's listed on the website.

I have backpacked mine (the eureka version) a couple of times for short hikes, but it isn't a backpacking tent. I just tried to weigh it, and the scale gave up at 15lbs. There are a couple of extra stakes in there, but nothing crazy. My 6 man Cabelas guide tent is like 23 or 25lbs with stakes.

I have been blown out so many times I went to a full expedition mountaineering 4 season tent. It should have the X type and hoop frame both. Nothing else stands up to winds over 40 mph or heavy snow or even monsoon rains. Here is just an example of a four season tent, if it had double vestibules it would be even better. https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/m...JwyTEAQYAiABEgIBnPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ive got a VE-25 that has been used maybe 6 days and nights and has been in its bag in storage for the last 20 years. Weighs 13 lbs so its not a solo tent. Split it in half for two people, one with tent and poles, the other with fly and stakes and its perfect. I used it as a 3 person tent with my two daughters when they were young. If you cant find one, pm me and I might let it go. These days I sleep on a cot in a 10x10 Springbar, or a 14 x 16 Montana Canvas with internal frame. Tough getting old.

Last time I slept in one was in Germany in the winter of 76/77. Fuggin tents inside temp equals outside temp about 20 minutes after the fire goes out. I’ve slept in some drafty cabins that you could sling a housecat under the door and that still beats a tent. Last hunt in CO, the designee failed to stoke the stove and it was 26 deg inside come morning. If we had been in a tent, it would have been about 9 inside...y’all are just tougher than I am. Or just dumber...

https://eurekacamping.johnsonoutdoors.com/tents/backpacking/k-2-xt-2-3-person-tent

Not a bad tent, I got mine 10 years ago for less than half the price listed on the link. Watch geartrade for deals.

I am limited to one bag of specific dimensions weighing no more than 45 lbs, so 2 tents is not possible.


The tent I am looking at now is 4 lbs. 4 ozs. Marmot, Ultralight Tungsten 3P, I beleive it is 3 season and 2 poles.
I beleive there is no foot print for this one, but there is for the 1P, 2P and 4P. Anyone know if there is a footprint made for this, I dont see it on their web site.

https://www.marmot.com/tungsten-ultralight-3-person-tent-37820.html?dwvar_37820_color=4207&dwvar_37820_size=0000ONE&cgid=#globalsearch=tungsten%2Bultrlight%2B3%2Bperson%2Btent%2Bfootprint&lang=en_US&q=tungsten%2Bultrlight%2B3%2Bperson%2Btent%2Bfootprint&start=1

No experience with that one, sorry.

#1. Don't expect a 3-season tent to perform well in high winds. Not going to happen.
#2. You don't need to carry the extra weight of a footprint. They are just an up-sell that you can live without.

Marmot makes good gear that you can count on to perform well in extreme conditiions. Take a look at this Marmot Fortress tent.
Marmot Fortress
It weighs 5# 9oz., and has good reviews but I haven't personall y used it. Only two poles???? Is it really a 4-season tent???

Whatever tent you decide to buy, remember that you should try to set it up someplace where it's protected from the wind if you can find a place like that. Also remember to use all of the velcro that attaches the rain fly to the poles and use all of the tie-downs.

I own a Eureka K2-XT. It's a bombproof mountaineering expedition tent. But it weighs 11#.

KC

Thanks for your input. The Tungsten 3P 3 season tent is out.

I do like the Fortress 3P which does seem heavier and more heavy duty than the Tungsten, but the Marmot web site does not tell you how many seasons that tent is. It sounds like from the description that it is 4 season but I need to know for sure. I would also like to know how many tent pegs and poles it has.

If no one here knows, then I will have to call them since they don't put enough details on their web site.

If the Fortress is a 4 season likely that will be the one I go with.

I just realized that the Fortress seems to only have one door and no vestibules for gear storage. If that is the case, then that won't work either.

Any idea for Mountain Hardware or The North Face ?

Any comments or experience with the North Face VE 25 - 3 person tent ?

I owned and used a VE-25 for a couple of decades and on three trips up Mount McKinley. I also used it on several Alaska fly-in hunts and on a great float hunt. It is a bombproof mountaineering expedition tent. In the 1980s and '90s it was the tent of choice for extreme mountaineering expeditions. Mine got scorched so I bought the Eureka K2-XT to replace it. But it's heavy; 10# I think. When climbing Mount McKinley you carry your tent in a sled so the weight is not as important as when you are carrying it on your back.

spent many nights in those tents in the army. not a fan lol

Back in the day before Mountain Hardwear, TNF mountain 24 was the business, the VE 25 was a little bigger.
Then the designers from Sierra Designs and TNF quit and started Mountain Hardwear, they went on a tent kick for a bit.
The Trango II and Trango III were like the Mountain 24, but moved the side poles crossing point off the floor so along a side wall, you had 4 points of contact, made is stronger and, in my opinion better.
They were pretty darn great for a lighter weight 4 season.
I'd still put a Moss Superdome II or III up against most hurricanes. Those things were great to have someone else carry if you got to sleep in it.
Let us know what you end of deciding, I've moved to floorless tipis for rugged winds and 4 seasons as the stove makes it pretty darn nice.

Just found out that Black Diamond wants the customer to seam seal their product. Their tents come with the seam seal. Well, that out, not going to happen.

I had no idea that finding something to meet my requirements and not spend $910 with Hillebarg would be so damn difficult.

End of rant....

I like the looks of the MH Trangos. Very similar to my SD Tiros 1. Four poles, crossing points well off the floor. The Tiros' vestibule isn't as generous as the Trango's and has a pure rectangular footprint. But with the MH history, there's got to be some Tiros DNA in the Trango line.

The Tiros has the weight advantage, but man, I'd hate to spend weeks living out of that thing with another dude.

Tent within a tent.
I was watching a National Geographic show and a fellow was studying the Mongolian people and within their tent hey set a tent or room within the tent Andy he kept it comfortable with like a candle in a glass or metal container. Outdoor temp was well below zero.
Don’t know how he Main Ted safety and not burn it down.
I understand the military does something similar for survival training, those of you would know better than me.

I justed wanted to take minute and thank everyone who chimed in and tried to help out. Here's how it played out.

I ended up deploying for Wildland Fire Medical Support and got back one week ago from Oregon.

I purchased the Marmot Tungsten Ultralight 3 Person tent. I was unable to get the Footprint, which I think is a good idea for insurance, but it was out stock.

The tent arrived the day before I left, via 2 day shipping. They shipped it pretty quickly. The first time I set the tent up was in the dark. I was able to get it together, without issues. There was one piece of tent pole that was about 6-8" long, not sure what that is for ?

It was helpful that I brought a hammer, not only to pound in the stakes, but more importantly, to get them out of the ground. I am glad I got the 3 Person and not the 2 person, so that I had room not only, for me but also for my two duffel bags. The tent is light weight and has nice features. It worked out fine. It is a 2 season tent, I guess at some point I may find out how it does in colder, snowier, windier conditions. But, for the money, it fit the need perfectly so far. I do recommend it.

Good choice but a three season tent. Here is a good deal on a four season tent, https://www.sierra.com/the-north-face-alpine-guide-tent-3-person-4-season~p~985pr/?filterString=tents~d~228%2F I would be tempted to snag one of these while you can for severe weather.

Not sure if you can add another vestibule or not looks like enough room for boots only on the small side.

https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/tents-and-bivys/bombshelter-tent-BD810010.html

Used one on Adak for 2 weeks in 50mph+ wind and rain and on McKinley for a month in wind and cold. Can't say enough good things about it.

I ordered the Hex Plus hot tent with half enclosed tent to try.

https://www.pomoly.com/

https://www.pomoly.com/HEX-Plus-Camping-Hot-Tent-with-Wood-Stove-Jack-4-6-Person-p379436.html

From the UK?

The ad seems to be written by a Chinaman....

Chinese Pomoly Hex plus tent arrived tonight 6 days after I ordered it, set it up mid 20,s and snowing.

Put my stove in it and 5 minutes later about 50 F, material seems nice, seam sealed, well vented, and reflective on the inside so not much light to make it bright in side.

Should work for boat camping and mild winter camping.

Thanks for the review!

I’ve mostly used hilleberg tents. They are bombproof and last for years, I’ve never had issues with their durability and I’ve sat through some nasty storms while sheep and goat hunting.

I prefer the free standing models, I have a soulo (1 person) and an allak (2 person), both are free standing. They are a bit heavy but it’s nice to be able to not even worry about the tent making it through a blow down.

I use Marmot products, had very good luck with them.
I have the Marmot Limestone tent, it's a 6 person pig weighing in at 17+ pounds.
It has its place and time, built tuff, lots of heavy fabric reinforcement, no failures.
I've had it in 50 and 60mph gusts, it blows flat a bit but stays intact and pops back as the gusts subside.
Probably wouldn't do that of I had all the tie downs in place that its D ringed up for


Pretty good midrange tent at about 400 bucks.

That tent you posted the link to that you use is badazzed. I bet it doesn't mind the wind.

those tents looks great, really like the 'baker' style

Jeff was pretty windy last night and the TP style did well. It should work well for my uses.

You install the stove jack yourself? never mind. saw that included

Ribka it came that way Just got it yesterday and set it up. Only extra option was half inner tent. Kurt

https://www.pomoly.com/HEX-Plus-Camping-Hot-Tent-with-Wood-Stove-Jack-4-6-Person-p379436.html

thanks. Looks like a good tent.A bit heavy for a pack in tent though

I have LW tents wanted one for boating and camping off the road here in Alaska

Saw some weird trends in tents while camping in Montana this past summer. Seen about 6 different camps using those quick popup Ice Fishing tents, they seemed valid, pretty tuff and easy to setup but no floors.
What was totally new to me were the Roof Top tents, they were every where.
I had to look them up to see what they cost, they ring in at anywhere from a grand to $2500.00!
I doubt I'll be sleeping in one of those anytime soon, I'm thinking they will be a passing trend.

Get the the VE-25 or the Guide. Very strong, roomy design that has survived many climbing trips and hunts in severe winter conditions.

Mountain Hardwear VE-3 (6.5lb) or the ACI (7.3lb) single wall 4 season. Best in freezing environments.

I’m in the same boat as other posters

Tough to have a light weight 4 season tent, it’s sorta like the quest for light weight, durable, breathable, completely impervious to rain, rain gear. It doesn’t exist.

I’ve spent 42 days at a time, longest for me, living in a tent. The arctic ovens were by far the most warm & comfortable, but as mentioned heavy. The cabelas guide tents didn’t hold up to high winds as the eureka tents we had, all 4-6 man for two clients. Also the high sided arctic ovens had to be tucked firmly in the brush to hold up to the storms that blew through. Don’t know the wind speeds, but it sailed a 12’ raft w floorboards & a 15 hp motor off the beach back into the brush prolly 20-30 yards. Those nights were tough staying up to re-guy & restake all the tents.

Trying to stay outa the $1000 tent arena, of all the suggestions I’ve seen so far as your best compromise for your needs/desires, my vote goes to the ve-25. Mine came w 2 flys iirc making it both a ve-24 & 25 🤷🏻‍♂️ They used to run around $525 new, but I’m almost sure to have gone up in price.

You won’t get the two exits unless they’ve changed things, but on the 25 version you have a big door & ample vestibule. It’s heaven for space for one guy & not uncomfortable for two. Plenty of guys & stakes & the yellow color makes things seem brighter & more cheery when sitting out storms. Good luck on your quest

But based on what I’ve read the TNF ve-25 should be a strong contender

I saw an article about a guy who got an extra large ice fishing tent. He put in a stove jack and used it for everything. It was big enough so that for sleeping in cold weather, he set up a little 1 man tent inside of it for extra warmth.

In this dry climate, floorless tents work very well. I throw down a square tent footprint for a floor and have never got wet.