Backpacking tents - do you own one?

I have a Sierra Designs tent I've been using since the early 80's!

It's so old, I had to insert the word "vintage" in the search bar to get the name of it! :) (I'm so old, I'd forgotten!)

Its a Clip Flashlight. I b'leve I bought it in CO. I replaced the rain fly eons ago 'cause the original mildewed in storage. I got a set of aluminum poles after one fiberglas set got crushed by snow load.

Not mine, pic stole from internet

Flashlight.jpeg
 
I'm normally a hammock guy but I use a Nemo Dragonfly 2P when backpacking in areas where hammocks are not allowed (Philmont).
 
Windini said:
I have a Sierra Designs tent I've been using since the early 80's!

It's so old, I had to insert the word "vintage" in the search bar to get the name of it! :) (I'm so old, I'd forgotten!)

Its a Clip Flashlight. I b'leve I bought it in CO. I replaced the rain fly eons ago 'cause the original mildewed in storage. I got a set of aluminum poles after one fiberglas set got crushed by snow load.

Not mine, pic stole from internet

View attachment 288751
Click to expand...

I have the same tent, as well as an even older SD 2 person dome (can't remember the model). They make good stuff!
 
I use a 3 season Mountain Hardware. It's from the '90's. I forget which model it is. I think it's a Skyview 3.
 
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I tried a few when I was into LW backpacking for a couple years. REI Dash 2, Big Agnes Fishhook SL2 (Hated it, no zipper), BA Rattlesnake SL2, and a Sierra designs something or other.

It used to be really easy to find excellent deals on tents at REI garage sales and Sierra Trading Post (Pre TJM buying them), not sure what that looks like now.
 
Old A frame Kelty. If I was getting back into back packing (which I'm not), I would get a name brand tent that was designed for ultra lite back packing. Pounds = Pain.
 
Ditched tents 25 years ago. Too hot for me. Initially moved to a tarp or megamid, then to a hammock.

But my understanding is Big Agnes is good stuff.
 
Still have my Eureka Timberline 2 that I bought in 91/92'. Many miles and trails in it here in the US and Europe. Older design and weights but works well. Haven't used it in about 10 yrs as I'm usually down range now.

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CD
 
After doing some additional research, I cancelled the Big Agnes tent order.
I ordered the Nemo Aurora instead, which included footprint.
I had thought about going the hammock route but I’m forward looking and want to be prepared in case my son decided to hike with me.
 
weather depending...

hammock

late spring through early fall - Mtn Hardwear Room for View (3 season)
fall through winter - Mtn Hardwear Room With a View 3 (light 4 season tent)
 
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I have a one man Walmart deal tent for $30 that weights 2 lbs. Has done well for two trips so far with lots of condensation and near freezing temps.
 
I have a several tents from my hard-core backpacking days:

● Walrus, 1-man, 3-season (long since out of business)
● Sierra Designs, 2-man, 3-season. Hyperlight, I believe
● Moss 3-man, 4-season. Bought out by MSR years ago. Absolutely bomber tent, but *heavy* to pack in.

Now I have an ENO hammock and rainly, but haven't had the chance to pack it anywhere and use it.
 
Windini said:
I have a Sierra Designs tent I've been using since the early 80's!

It's so old, I had to insert the word "vintage" in the search bar to get the name of it! :) (I'm so old, I'd forgotten!)

Its a Clip Flashlight. I b'leve I bought it in CO. I replaced the rain fly eons ago 'cause the original mildewed in storage. I got a set of aluminum poles after one fiberglas set got crushed by snow load.

Not mine, pic stole from internet

View attachment 288751
Click to expand...
I have the 90s generation after this. I section hiked most of the At with it. By today's standards it's heavy. The mildew finally caught up to it and it reeked. It's final service for as a kids indoor play toy and now the trash.
 
I bought this MSR 2 man when I was backpacking the alpine lakes in Washington state in the early 2000’s, it’s been used and abused. Just pulled it out of storage where it’s been stuck for 10+ years, went back together and functioned like new.
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Going to be ordering a Zpack Hexamid Solo for my daughter here soon. 1 person tent, netting body, dyneema fly, single trekking pole to pitch. With a bathtub ground sheet it will be 13 ozs. I saw one last year on trail and was impressed by it. Even more so when I found out how light it was. But light ain't cheap. My daughter is tiny and never really took to sleeping in a hammock. I hate tents. Otherwise I could have gotten a 2 person of reasonable weight and been fine. So it took some digging but this looks like a really good option for her.

Ultralight 1 Person Tent | Hexamid Solo Tent | Zpacks
 
I'm using the Marmot tungsten 2P when I'm backpacking with others. It's reasonably priced and roomy. Also, not too heavy considering the other person will not be carrying a tent.

When I'm solo, I hammock.
 
I have several

Kelty tube tent that is supposed to be 2 man but noway it sleeps two.

2 rei half domes they are great tents.

Hammock tent.
 
The North Face Windy Pass, circa 2006.... Looks like this. I don't think they make them anymore.

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I have two new REI Half Domes. My son used one for two days. Me, I only hike to the refrigerator and beer pub. My tents are 10 years pristine. Same with sleeping bags and pack inflatable mattresses. Expensive and in the original packing.
 
Looking forward to putting this one through its paces soon. Zpacks Hexamid Solo. The weight is tent, bathtub ground cloth, and more more stakes than it needs. The stakes I ordered for my tarp are in there with the tent stakes.

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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There's lots of great tents out there. But if you tent, then a high quality air pad is a must. I have a cheap bivy shelter, but as many have posted, hammocks are hugely popular, and that's what I have now. There's definitely a place for both, dependent on anticipated overnight terrain. Not getting good sleep really ruins the experience and affects good judgment.
 
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