What do you guys value the most in a 2P backpacking tent or shelter?

[Matthoek21]

For a 2 man tent, I like a tent that actually holds 2 guys... Otherwise, I'd just rather use a 1 man tent.
My hunting partner has a BA fly creek 2 man, and there's no way on earth the two of us can fit in that thing, but, he does have plenty of room for all his gear, including his bow. In my BA fly creek 1 man, I have enough room for my pack and boots in my vestibule, but the bow has to live outside.

I agree. I know this is a different title but I use a REI Taj 3. It is a really nice 3 season 3 person (really 2 person) tent. It has two openings with two vestibules. Which is really nice when exiting in the middle of the night w/o crawling over your partner. Also your boots sit right there outside the door under the vestibule. That way they stay dry and yet don't stink up the tent. I really like this tent when sharing a hunt with a buddy. Basically when you split up the poles and stuff it isn't that bad as far as weight goes. would definitely recommend looking at this option if you hunt with a partner.

 

[Team Kabob]

Scott, what's the price on those Hilleberg's tents. Think I need to loom at one.

 

[ScottR]

Not cheap, but you probably wont ever have to buy another tent. The model in the picture is an Allak. I have a Kaitum 2 at the moment.

When i have a chance i will post a few more pictures.

 

[Team Kabob]

Thanks. I pulled them up on the web just after I asked.

 

[Muleys 24/7]

With tents being so light now days bivys are a thing of the past the scout ul2 by big agnes is under two pounds you just have to pack trekking poles its light enough I love mine even when Im going solo

I'll second that. I have a Nemo single man tent that uses a tracking poll superlight as well

 

[mcseal2]

I have used the Kifaru Paratarp in the past, but just ordered a Megatarp. I like the floorless design to eliminate having a floor to clean. I have a separate bathtub floor I hope will fit the Megatarp also for wet conditions. I don't have nearly as much experience high country camping as many of you do, but I like this design for the camping I do.

 

[RockChucker30]

Guy just sent me a picture of his tent, it's a Hilleberg Allak. Any of you Hilleberg fans? I am thinking about getting an Akto to use solo on some trips.

Scott, I had an Akto years ago. I wouldn't recommend it for you. It's plenty long for you and me, but the sit up height is only 36". It's fine laying down, but you've got to crank your head to the side to sit. I'm 6'3" so it'll be worse for you.

I think the LBO is probably the same weight or lighter anyway...

 

[JMSZ]

Ditto on freestanding, also a full rainfly.

 

[ivorytip]

Which tarp?

sorry scott, never seen that ya asked what tarp I used. I have the enos rain fly tarp. going to use a one man tent I bought earlier this year this coming season though. 2p tent I like cuz of the extra room but the one manner packs just a little smaller.

 

[ScottR]

Thanks Ivory


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[KNPV PSD]

Guy just sent me a picture of his tent, it's a Hilleberg Allak. Any of you Hilleberg fans? I am thinking about getting an Akto to use solo on some trips.

I run a Suolo. Great thing is it is set up with the fly on the outside so in a rain storm the inner tent is completely dry. Not sure if if explained that very well...LOL


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[Joseph]

I use a 2p tent mainly as a one person with room for gear. I like steep sides for more room and to so I am not constantly rubbing up against the material. I find double doors and vestibules really handy for wet/muddy/snow covered gear and someplace to cook if it's not particularly pleasant out. I like a floor because there is often snow on the ground by the beginning of October. I also like the option to go light with just the fly and footprint for early season.

 

[dead river]

Ditto on some of the comments about freestindig:

Freestanding
Vestibule
Full Tarp
Prefer double wall for ventilation.

Im too wary of the things that can just happen and weather come in on you to do the tarp route. It is wet here, but i want a solid shelter, even when out west 2x a year and it is supposedly a dry climate. Being wet is a huge safety issue and i am an old boy scout...i would rather be prepared for the worst and carry the 3# total. I have one freestanding and one that is not. the light weight is not quite worth the hassle of stakes on rough, hard ground. I did some section packing of the AT and found that i was wanting my freestanding tent....out west i always take the freestanding.

 

[87TT]

If two people, I like a 3 person tent for the room for gear. 2 doors with vestibules are best. I don't really like cooking in a tent because of bears but I have in the vestibule. I made a footprint for my 3 person tent that has a floor in the vestibules that can be moved for cooking. I like head room too. I have went through some tents over the years and probably have 4 or five right now laying around somewhere. There are some amazing new lightweight tents out there but most are getting way out of my price range. My current 3 person that we use for two people is a Eureka Pinnacle pass 3. They are discontinued but still around if you look.
here's a review
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Shelters/Tents/Eureka Pinnacle Pass 3XTA/Owner Review by Brian Hartman/

 

[swmoelk]

Double doors and 2 vestibules +++

 

[Matthoek21]

I agree with those above...3 person tent for two (split the load), two doors and two vestibules. My REI Taj 3 does perfect for what I was looking for.

 

[sodaksooner]

This will be my first year "backcountry" hunting, but have tent camped all my life. Picked up a floorless tipi style tent this year. My big things are weight, space(3 people this year) and storage out of the elements. At 120" x 120" and 6.5 feet tall, and at or under 4 lbs, hopefully this shelter will fit the bill. Ability to put a stove in it doesn't hurt.

Honestly my plan was to go with a Big Agnes 3 person, but when I found out there were 3 people hunting in our group this year, it got me thinking about a bigger option. I had never considered a floorless tent until a month ago, and now I have one on order.

 

[Firefighter44]

lightweight, easy setup, a vestibule to store my equipment were the big ones for me