1p or 2p tent...

Posted by: AUHiker

1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 05:53 AM

I think I'm going to go for the 1p tent- after using several 2p tents over the years. I can shave off roughly 3 lbs and that is what is taking me that direction... Has anyone else tried this and thought that the 3 lbs was worth it? Or did you like the decision? pros and cons...
Posted by: ringtail

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 06:58 AM

I prefer a one person hammock. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The difference between a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo and Lunar Duo is only 17 oz.
Posted by: phat

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 07:17 AM


It's still a pound however <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> basically if I'm going to be sleeping by myself, I tend to take a solo shelter. - a hammock typically, or a single person tent. Otherwise you're just carrying extra junk. a pound here and a pound there makes a big difference.
Posted by: ringtail

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 08:22 AM

17 oz. is an Imperial Pound? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If I could only own one tent it would be a 2 person tent.

Some of the one man tents are like coffins. I would rather use a bivy sack than some one man tents.

What one man tent do you use?
Posted by: phat

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 08:58 AM

Most of the time I use a hammock. I have a ID silshelter, and an SMD lunar solo. I don't find any of them "coffin like" any more than any other tent. I also semi frequently pitch my hammock as a solo tent on the ground if on a trip where hammock sites are ok for some of it and not in other places - I only actually bother with the on the ground shelter like that if I know where I'm going will have predominantly no hammocking. (winter camping is a different story)

Hey, all I'm doing is sleeping and reading in it. Not like I'm expecting to need room for the party with the mini kegger and the mythical 20-something hiker chix from a beer commercial <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and if I could have only one tent it would be a hammock <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

And if it had to be a tent - it would still be a solo tent - that way if someone else wheedles their way into coming with me they carry their own stuff, and I can snore and fart in my shelter in peace <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: GrumpyGord

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 09:06 AM

For me, two considerations besides weight is: Bulk (packs smaller) and footprint (can be pitched on a smaller flat spot.)
Posted by: Glenn

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 09:15 AM

Two solo tents might weigh a bit more than a single 2-person tent, but there's another advantage (besides snoring and farting, which are considerable advantages): if, in the middle of a trip, if you become separated (accidentally or by choice), it's no big deal. In fact that option is one my two best hiking buddies and I decided on long ago, P.U. (Pre-Ultralight), for all our gear. Essentially, we took solo trips together. We didn't split up often, but it was always nice to have the option.
Posted by: AUHiker

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 10:21 AM

I am looking at a Marmot EOS 1p... under 3 lbs and the reviews are perfect. I currently own a Marmot twilight 2p and it's the best tent I've bought for the money.

I agree the 2p tent is the best choice for a first purchase

Hammock is out. IMO I can't handle the "exposed" feeling of my a$$ at bear mouth level... just me. GREAT for day hiking and such- but as a shelter- no thanks lol (also need two trees side by side)

Lastly my tent needs to be double walled freestanding- yes it's more weight but I don't want to stake out my tent just to sleep in a sauna...
Posted by: Glenn

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 11:12 AM

Not knowing what part of the country you hike in, I need to qualify this by saying that I hike mostly spring through fall in the lower Midwest (Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana) - think high humidity and hot. Your neck of the woods might be different, and what I say may not apply to you.

As far as not wanting to sleep in a sauna, a double-walled tent won't automatically prevent that. Last summer, my brother and niece were on a trip with me; I was using a Hubba (which I highly recommend) and they were using a Hubba Hubba. It was a nice muggy August evening. They used the rainfly on their tent, and zipped the vestibules completely shut (I tried to persuade them otherwise; no luck - he never did listen to his big brother very well.) I didn't even pitch my rainfly. The next morning the inside of their tent was soaked - very sauna-like - while I had no problems.

My points are:
1) Button up a double-wall tent and you'll get the same sauna effect as a single-wall tent creates when it's buttoned up (and sometimes when it isn't.)
2) I also prefer a double wall tent, if the interior wall is nearly all mesh. With a double wall tent, I don't have to pitch the fly, and get great ventilation (in fact, with the Hubba, it's just like sleeping under the stars.) With a single wall tent, you have no choice about ventilation beyond whether to leave the door/vestibule open. You'll always have sidewalls pitched. (Some single-walls, like TarpTent, provide for generous amounts of ventilation that rival double-wall, non-mesh inner tents - but still can't hold a candle to the Hubba or other mesh-wall inners like the Seedhouse SL1, in my opinion.)
Posted by: rootball

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 01:09 PM

Both if I could and wanted to. For me there is not one shelter that would cover 4 seasons. The thing I don't like about 2 person is the weight. The thing I don't like about one person is trying to get my gear in it with and do functional activities when its pouring rain. Functional activities include things like cooking, changing clothes, packing my gear into my pack, ect...Hammocks are nice, but I don't pretend to enjoy them in winter - its just too heavy to carry all that extra stuff to make it functional in cold weather, and I like to lay in my bag all toasty warm and cook my breakfast- so that makes it too confining in the winter.
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 04:06 PM

My 2 person tent weighs less than my friends hubba solo tent. Get a tent big enough foryou AND your gear.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: randyg45

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 05:44 PM

If I could only have one tent it would be a tarp <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Less weight, less condensation, less expense, more room. Bring a bug net if you need to and rhe previous are still true.
Posted by: Trailrunner

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 06:58 PM

Quote:
I think I'm going to go for the 1p tent- after using several 2p tents over the years. I can shave off roughly 3 lbs and that is what is taking me that direction... Has anyone else tried this and thought that the 3 lbs was worth it? Or did you like the decision? pros and cons...


Once again.....it depends. If I were to hike for just a couple of hours to a place where I was going to basecamp for 3 days, I would gladly carry the extra weight of the 2P. But if I was hiking 20+ miles/day with little time for leisure I'd go for the 1P......or less

What about weather? If rain/snow/cold was going to confine me to my tent for long periods, the 2P would be preferable.

If gear storage is a concern, a vestibule should be considered. Some 1P tents with large vestibules (my Akto comes to mind) weigh more than some small 2P tents. I never saw a use for a vestbule in fair weather but when it rains they're great for keeping water out during entry/exit and storing wet gear. In those circumstances I'd rather have a 1P with a large vestibule than a 2P with none.
Posted by: thecook

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 07:07 PM

What 2p tent do you use?
Posted by: thecook

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 07:10 PM

Why do you want a double walled tent? I generally prefer them also because in the mosquito is the state bird here in the summer and properly designed, they definately deal with condensation well. I'm just wondering about your reasons.
Posted by: AUHiker

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 08:19 PM

I use a Marmot Twilight 2p... it's a great tent- but I'm thinking of going for the EOS 1p for weight considerations...

I like a double walled tent because of the sauna effect of single walled- and the lack of decent ventilation from a single wall.

I also want a freestanding tent- I'm just not hardcore enough for a tarp, bivy, bugnet etc...
Posted by: coyotemaster

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 09:33 PM

Quote:
I am looking at a Marmot EOS 1p... under 3 lbs and the reviews are perfect.


Marmot EOS 1p On Sale @ Campmor
Posted by: coyotemaster

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 09:37 PM

Quote:
I was using a Hubba (which I highly recommend)


Is the Hubba free standing?
Posted by: ClivusMultrum

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/27/08 11:24 PM

I have an MSR Hubba and love it. It's a freestanding double wall and weighs 3.3 lbs. I tried a friend's tarptent but felt like it would be inadequate shelter unless the weather conditions were ideal. Hubba seems bigger than the Big Agnes SL1 since the walls are more vertical. Good luck in your search.

Clivus
Posted by: Glenn

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/28/08 05:19 AM

Yes, it is free standing; however, if you have the rainfly on, you do have to stake the vestibule out if you want it closed. (If you choose not to, it just kind of hangs there limply.)
Posted by: johndavid

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/28/08 12:57 PM

I used a one-person tent almost exclusively and with vast satisfaction for about ten years.

Mostly I now think it's just too much of an ordeal to function in such a small shelter. Just my personal problem.

They aren't necessarily terribly light in weight -- expecially compared with various tarp designs.
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/29/08 03:05 PM

cook
my tent is a Sierra Designs Flashmagic single walled version of the flashmagic. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> It weighs 51 ounces in its stuff sack with 5 stakes. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Its a double hoop tent. Hoop tents are generally lighter than free standing tents and since you have to stake it anyway - why the push for free standing? It doesn't matter, except they are easier to set up on the floor of a store without stakes. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: deliriousNomad

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/29/08 05:43 PM

I have 2 lightweight "2P" tents:

Big Sky Evolution (i know, i know) with stakes, groundsheet this is just over 4 lbs.

Tarp Tent Squall 2 - again with stakes and groundsheet this is just over 3 lbs.

I use the Big Sky for winter/inclimate weather situations, and the TarpTent for summer. Both tents are big enough to handle me and my gear.

The Big Sky has a rainfly and has 2 vestibules, so there is room galore in there. I really like it a lot - it worked very well in a winter sleet/snow/freezing rain storm, although I did beat the wet stuff off it a few times. It kept warmth in well and definitely kept me and my stuff dry.

I once used the TarpTent Squall in a situation where the bottom REALLY dropped out of the sky. I was really happy with how it handled that situation. My stuff stayed pretty much dry despite the splashing and "misting". I also used it once in winter when it was really cold - and it offered basically no additional warmth. But it's designed to allow air to move, and so that was expected.
Posted by: deliriousNomad

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/29/08 05:49 PM

I prefer the 2P tent. At 6'3", a 2P tent is really a 1P+gear tent for me.

I tried using an MSR Zoid. It was an attempt at a true 1P tent. It had a good sized vestibule for gear, an dwas long enough for me. But I couldn't really sit up in it as it was a bit short, and I found it difficult to move around inside.

So I found lightweight 2P tents to use, and I'm happier with those. My other post in this thread has my experience with those - a Big Sky Evolution and a TarpTent Squall2.
Posted by: thecook

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/29/08 08:31 PM

I agree with you about free standings. I currently use a clipflashlight. What is the flashmagic? I can't find it on their website?
Posted by: johndavid

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/29/08 10:09 PM

Yeah the one-person tent is maybe not such a good thing to deal with.
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/30/08 02:57 PM

cook
the flashmagic is an old SD tent. One of what I call "decade products", they are so good that they are quickly discontinued and no one will make as good of item for another decade, then it will be supressed as well so as not to screw up a billion dollar market by selling an item that is obviously better than all of the rest.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Jim
Posted by: thecook

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/30/08 07:13 PM

Yeah I know. It happens in car, appliance, clothes, computers, etc... When people ahd to make their own stuff, they made it to last. Now business makes it to be thrown away <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/30/08 08:29 PM

One caution--solo tents are designed for a solo person, not for 1 person plus dog. If your dog goes with you, get a 2-person tent. If this seems unfair, put in the dog's pack an item or two that's equivalent to the difference in tent weight between a 1-person and 2-person tent. In my case, that's 10 ounces.

I've used Henry Shires' Tarptent Squall (2-person) and Rainshadow (3-person) tents and have found them far less subject to condensation than the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo. The latter is a lovely tent (although not for one person plus an 80-lb. dog), but on a drizzly coastal trip had considerable condensation with just me inside, while the Tarptent Rainshadow with three persons inside had no condensation at all. It's easy to wipe down the walls of the Lunar Solo while in your sleeping bag, but I'd have preferred a larger peak vent instead. The most condensation I've ever had in a tent was in a Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight, which had to be zippered up tight in the slightest drizzle due to its outward-slanting screen door. The condensation on the outer fly would drip through the inner wall, leaving big puddles on the floor and my sleeping bag. It's ventilation, not the number of walls, that's the key to preventing condensation!

Note that Tarptents (www.tarptent.com) are on sale right now!
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/30/08 08:39 PM

Mouse
Hi <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I had 2 flashlights prior to finding the flashmagic single layer version. It did not pass Cal fire standards so it probably is breathable... Anyway my flashlights were awful in rain because the wet outer tent would sag onto the inner tent, no problem like this with a single wall. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: leadfoot

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/31/08 03:32 AM

Let's face it...we gearheads end up with at least a 1P tent and a 2P tent. Something for solo and something for another person/dog or just to have some room. Even if one tarps, I'll bet many have different styles or sizes.

just my 2 cents worth. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: phat

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/31/08 07:36 AM

Quote:
Let's face it...we gearheads end up with at least a 1P tent and a 2P tent. Something for solo and something for another person/dog or just to have some room. Even if one tarps, I'll bet many have different styles or sizes.

just my 2 cents worth. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Pretty sure you are right on there. heck I have at least three different size silnylon tarps too <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/31/08 02:44 PM

I have 6 tents
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: leadfoot

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 10/31/08 05:23 PM

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: diegodog

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 11/02/08 12:00 PM

I also just purchased a MSR Hubba to decrease the weight on my solo hikes. It is the perfect tent for NH hiking it has the bug netting, a great rain fly and is free standing.
Posted by: leadfoot

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 11/02/08 01:03 PM

I bought one as well. I now have both 1+ 2 Hubba's and the old style Virga Tarptent. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: thecook

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 11/04/08 10:10 AM

If it is really humid, I will have some problem with condensation, but as long as the tent is properly pitched in the iteration that I have, air flows under the edge of the fly. If you pull the fly down to far, you lose that flow and watch out. I've considered putting a vent over the top of the fly entrance for low-hgh venting.
Posted by: Earthling

Re: 1p or 2p tent... - 11/04/08 06:45 PM

Quote:
Most of the time I use a hammock. I have a ID silshelter, and an SMD lunar solo. I don't find any of them "coffin like" any more than any other tent. I also semi frequently pitch my hammock as a solo tent on the ground if on a trip where hammock sites are ok for some of it and not in other places - I only actually bother with the on the ground shelter like that if I know where I'm going will have predominantly no hammocking. (winter camping is a different story)

Hey, all I'm doing is sleeping and reading in it. Not like I'm expecting to need room for the party with the mini kegger and the mythical 20-something hiker chix from a beer commercial <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and if I could have only one tent it would be a hammock <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

And if it had to be a tent - it would still be a solo tent - that way if someone else wheedles their way into coming with me they carry their own stuff, and I can snore and fart in my shelter in peace <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Geeze, Bob, you sound like the perfect backpacking companion <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Remind me to pitch upwind of you, so as to not spoil yer party <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Just yer luck that 20 somethin backpacker chick will materialize sans tent and you'll have to turn her out into the Bush to fend fer herself <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />