HikeArizona.COM

I'm looking for advise on getting a new lightweight 2 man tent. I'm taking my boyfriend into Havasupai for his first time Oct. and my "so-called" 2 man is just too short to fit both of us in without being curled up into little balls. It's time to upgrade. The main things I would like are lightwieght (hopefully 5lbs or under), and to fit the 2 of us (5'7" & 5'11") + dog comfortably. I'm leaning toward a freestanding tent since staking may prove difficult in many parts of the state. We're budgetting around $200, which seems like alot to me to pay for a tent, but from what what I've seen the lighter the tent the more it costs. Now what I've seen so far looks like there is 2 main types a dome type, and the long desending. Is there a preference between the 2, and are there any brands or shops/ websites I can get more for the $$.
Thanks for all your help!! :thanx:

Backpacker has an article in this months issue on affordable 2 man tents and they rate the Big Agnes Lone Spring 2 at the top. It has 34 SF livable space and retails for $230.00.

I am also looking at getting into backpacking on a small scale so am interest on what other more experienced packers share.

Tents are sized using the same math as hot tubs and inflatable boats.

If you want one to fit 2 people comfortably, buy one that says it will fit 3.

Especially if you plan to add a dog to the mix.

@AZCrys

budgetting around $200, which seems like alot to me to pay for a tent

200 dollars is actually relatively cheap. I think you will find that the suggestion of hikedrews probably one of better deals out there...5 pound tents really are more traditional camping tents and not necessarily what most would consider light weight and not a preferred tent weight for the majority of backpackers. I will go out on limb and say you will not find too many tents under five pounds with floor specs as large as you want for under 200. Unless you don't mind going to Walmart.

As far as door entry I think you will probably want dual side doors real nice for two people, rather than front...or at least one side entry..

I actually have been backpacking with two dogs for a long time now, I have no problem fitting myself one dog and another person in my SL2 Big Agnes at 27SF, the one hiker drew mentioned has an additional 7SF so that would be pretty comfy, I have even done two dogs two people in my SL2 but that was with utilizing a little vestibule space.

I might look into spending a little extra and getting something in 3 to 4 pound range, with proper care it will last forever and your boyfriends shoulders may appreciate it climbing out of Havasupi

Also five pounds is not a lot but the larger you go then you have to start thinking about space considerations inside your pack, my biggest fear would be the only tent you are going to find for 200 dollars is going to be a "camping" tent and it will be not only heavy but a space eater in your pack..

But I would def. stick with Big Agnes models I think a number of people on HAZ would agree quality product and great company to work with..

http://hikearizona.com/photo=431332

Above link: My latest tent purchase, 28SF so far only had myself and two dogs in it, but no issues with space..also shameless Big Agnes Fly Creek Platinum plug ;)

I have the one person version of this and it is so far a great tent, but it is pricey. Seems to be good quality and I have had no condensation issues on two rainy hikes. http://www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Obi+Elite+2P

@RedRoxx44
That's a nice tent.

I am really happy with my REI Passage 2 tent. It is the upper limit of what I would consider a "backpacking" tent, weight - wise. But it is dead-simple to put up, has a lot of room and has withstood a decent bit of weather - rain and high winds. Vertical side walls - a lot of the light weight tents are sloped and limit vertical space a bit. I have camped by myself and also with other people including my 6" son and never felt cramped. Entry doors on both sides as well as free-standing and the ability to set it up as rainfly only. $160.

I don't have my glasses on - did I say my son was 6" or 6'? He is 6', not 6".

For under $200, that's a tall order. The REI Half Dome 2+ is a good bet - but even it's a little over that mark @ 6lbs. For freestanding, you really can't beat the dome shape - it's easy, solid in weather and has headroom.

I like the golite tents, and I use their Imogene 2 and think it's pretty spacious - and it's only 2lb 8oz, but it'll put you back $300 for the 2 person (if you want the extra room from a 3 person, it's another $50). It's a front-loader (one door in the front), and I like that for myself - but my hubby, who has trouble folding in half, has a little more trouble with it and prefers heavier tents with 2 doors.

So I tend to agree with Thundergod - if you can spare the money, it's really worth it to put out a bit extra and save the weight. And a 3 person is probably a better bet if your dog is much more than a Chiweenie. The BA Lone Spring seems to be a good deal, but keep in mind that with only 1 door on the side, you'll be crawling over one another to get out.

When I go tent shopping, I make myself a little spreadsheet of the features that are important to me (# of doors, height and length, weight and price) and just do a simple side-by-side on the ones that seem anywhere near the ballpark. That gives me the best idea of what I need to sacrifice and why.

Thank you all for the advice! We nearly bought one, but had the misfortune of "out of stock" oh well that just gives me a little more time to shop around wahahaa. We were settling for the Alps Mountaineering- Aries 2, out of stock at the site with the lowest price. Heavier than what I wanted, but the price made up for it. I looked in to Golite, but their website also said out of stock. I wasn't able to find any other sites that sold them, and the Golite outlet store at Anthem went out of buisness a couple weeks ago. :tt: Does anyone know anyother store or website that carries Golite??

How about the Golite website....
http://www.golite.com/equipment/tents-shelters/tents

@AZCrys
Golite went to a business model where their goods are only available direct from them - so no one carries it anymore. Getting stuff in-stock is often a problem, but I think that's a part of how they keep costs down. Frustrating - but I suppose with prior planning it can work out. Took me almost a year to get the tent I must admit, because I didn't pull the trigger a couple of times when they were in stock and I regretted it later. Sad to hear about the Anthem store. Willing to drive out to Palm Springs

Have you tried Backcountry.com's outlet and Sierra Trading Post?

I'm 6'1" and my girlfriend is ~5'4", and we have a Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 person that we take backpacking with our dog all the time. Dog is a German Shepherd mix - slightly smaller than a German Shepherd - and it's a tight fit but we all sleep comfortably. The tent weighs very little and packs down extremely small, which is a fine compromise since I'd prefer to have no tent at all. However, seeing as how that could be slightly out of your price range, the REI and Cabelas backpacking tents are both good, reasonably priced options. I used a Cabelas 2 man backpacking tent for years with no issues, and I'm tough on my gear.

@The Eagle
I did try the their website. they are all out of stock.

@writelots
Sounds like a road trip is in order!! lol. I have looked on backcountry. I'll have to try the other. Thanks

The Tent is Bought!!! Thank you Writeslot for the referral to STP! :worthy: I got a Seirra Designs Flash 2 tent. With the discounts STP offered and the shipping it came in just under my budget. We set it up in the kitchen and it's pretty roomy, and seems like it will work well for what we're needing. We're heading into Havasupai next Wednesday thru Saturday so we'll put it thru it's paces. Fingers crossed. Thanks again for everyone's advise!! :thanx: