Backpacking tents and tripods

[go4steelhd]

I am looking at getting a new tent my old one is about ten years old; but its only 3.6 lbs. It was fairly weather proof. I would like to stay at that wieght or less. Also I haven't found a light wieght tri pod for my swaroski 65mm spotting scope that works well. Lets hear what you guys are useing and how you like them.

 

[packer]

I bought a vanguard Alta 225 CT. They are made from carbon fiber supper light and strong. They have many heads that will adapt a large assortment of cameras/ scopes. You can goggle them. If you need help get back to me.

 

[rpeebles]

Whenit comes to tents, look at the Akto by Hilleberg. It runs about $425.00. I have a friend that swears by this one man tent and I have read good reviews. However, I don't have first hand experience with this tent, it's out of my budget.

 

[Pass Thru]

Check out some of the 3 season and 4 season tents from Eureka. They work great and are economical and light weight. I use a one person for early season and 2 person for later when the weather gets nasty. All the gear can be in the tent with you. If price isn't too big a deal, Hilleberg tents are incredible although a little heavier.

 

[*******]

Integral Designs http://www.integraldesigns.com/ has got some great ultra light gear. It can be a little pricey, not that much more than other high end gear, and the materials are amazing. I've had the bivy for a few years and it is amazing. I've rolled out of the sac in 5 inches of snow and 4 inches of standing water in a downpour and never been wet. They make some great 1-3 person tents and tarps as well.

 

[Arrownocker]

When it comes to a tripod I've been using the Vortex High Country. It's lightweight (Only 2.10lbs) and is very versitale. It works very well with a 65mm Swarovski. The best part about it is that it's only $79.99.

 

[lukeandwillsdad]

On the tripod, if your not in a hurry, check with camofire.com. They've had some carbon tripods of late at a good deal. You just have to sign up for their texts/emails and be ready to buy. On tents, backcountrygear.com had the carbon msr's on sale recently.

 

[go4steelhd]

Thanks for the help. Google was alot of help on all this.

 

[AZ Hunter]

I bought a bushnell tripod a few years ago, from Sportsman Warehouse. I think it's made by Slik. It's about 3.5 pounds and I can sit or stand. It was around $120. I've been really happy with it. Unfortunately, for good stability with high power optics, especially in wind, the tripod needs some weight.

 

[Bigstrap]

I've got the NEMO Espri 2P and love it. Also, the tents by Big Agnes are really nice. As tripods go, you can't beat the Vortex High Country for $79.00!

 

[Duk Dog]

Whenit comes to tents, look at the Akto by Hilleberg. It runs about $425.00. I have a friend that swears by this one man tent and I have read good reviews. However, I don't have first hand experience with this tent, it's out of my budget.

A buddy of mine runs the Hilleberg Akto and it seems like a sweet tent. I currently am using the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight. Possibly in the market for something different this year.

 

[Rob]

The Hilleberg Akto has served me well the past 5 yrs. I could use a tripod upgrade also. Some good tips on here, thanks.

 

[RUTTIN]

I have been pleased with my Cabelas XPG tent(two man) I have been in some pretty nasty weather in it and stayed dry. It has a nice rain fly that sits above the tent, vents well, and I like the big vestibule to put my boots and gear in out of the weather.

 

[BOHNTR]

I own 5 different packing tents from various well known manufacturers......too many I know. The one I've used the last three seasons is the Big Agnes SL1. VERY lightweight, bombproof, and the most room (for a one man tent) I've found. No condensation, tub floor, and enough room to sit up in for me.

 

[go4steelhd]

Bohnter. I got the Sl2. Its realy light weihgt. Do you use a foot print it seems thin on the bottom? Also have you camped in a good rain with it?

 

[twp1224]

I use a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1. It is the lightest one man tent i could find. 1lb 14oz. It has not let me down in 3 years. Easy to setup, freestanding and easy to pack. I pack the poles seperate from the tent body which allows me to compress the tent more. As far as a tripod i'm looking for one this year too and interested in what everyone has to say.

 

[BOHNTR]

Bohnter. I got the Sl2. Its realy light weihgt. Do you use a foot print it seems thin on the bottom? Also have you camped in a good rain with it?

I don't use a footprint in the areas I backpack in.....it's generally above timberline with a fairly soft ground with vegetation. I've had my SL1 in some of the most torrential downpours, snow, etc......everything you could encounter while bowhunting velvet clad mule deer. It's never let me down or even thought about leaking.

The Fly Creek UL1 is also very light.......about 10 ounces less the SL1. The "packed" weight is what I usually carry in (tent, poles, guy lines, stakes). Both are very lightweight and quality products. My next favorite backpacking tent is made by Marmot......also bombproof, but about a 1.5 pounds heavier.

 

[Fetch]

I have been using a telescopic walking stick with a lightweight Burris spotting scope. The walking stick has a threaded stud that the scope screws right onto. The adjustable height allows me to sit or stand with just a twist of the shaft. Weighs in at less than a pound too. I strike hunt, pack out three to four days at a time...for weight savings this really cuts down on the pounds and is handy to walk with as well.

 

[mthuntress]

Does anyone use a OR Bivy?Any thoughts?
I'm looking to up grade from the old tarp/sleepingbag "roll"as we called it thing to something more waterproof.

 

[brudno]

Does anyone use a OR Bivy?Any thoughts?
I'm looking to up grade from the old tarp/sleepingbag "roll"as we called it thing to something more waterproof.

I got an OR bivy, builds up lots of condensation wide open or with a 6" vent. Was really important to dry my bag out during the day. So I had to hope for at least an hour or so of good weather.