I'm having trouble making a decision on a new tent. When the REI Quarterdome ultralight 2-person tent came out a few years ago I was really eyeballing it, but at $220.00 before tax I held off.

I'm on a budget and I usually wait until I can find a sale or the item on clearance. REI has redesigned this tent and now the "old" QD UL is on sale at REI outlet for $159.00. I'm thinking very strongly of ordering it. I have always used an 8x10 ID Siltarp for most of my backpacking, and I really prefer sleeping under the stars when I can. The tarp has worked very well for this, but there are times when a real tent is nice to have. I've encountered rough wind/rainstorms in the Cascades and wished I had a decent tent. I do have a conventional tent which I use in l lieu of the tarp, but it's getting pretty old and it's pretty confining. It's a Eureka Zephyr one-person tent, which I bought used right here on TLB, many years ago. It's very narrow and spartan, and it weighs around 4 lbs. It has worked fairly well but it's time has come and gone.

In the past couple of years, however, while waiting for this tent to go on sale, I've taken a very close look at Henry Shires Tarptents and I've come to think of the Tarptent Contrail as a great compromise between the tarp and a conventional tent. It's 25oz vrs. 4 lbs for the REI QD, and it takes up less space in the pack. The Contrail is $204.00, shipped, and the QD $175.00, shipped.

My idea has always been to have the siltarp for most summer backpacking, and the tent for nastier conditions. I really, really like the Contrail, but the QD is pretty attractive because of it's free-standing simplicity and quick pitch, with what appears to be a minimum of adjusting. I know it's really a matter of personal preference, but I'm just curious as to which tent what other lightweight backpackers would choose, and why.

Thanks so much,

Cliff

I eyeballed this several times when I saw it at REI-Outlet. I am sure you'd find it to be a pretty good tent for the money. REI builds good tents. They are generally one step behind the premium brands, but when you factor in the lower cost, they are an excellent deal.

The major reason I backed off buying this is that I don't really need it. I already own the REI (now-discontinued) Roadster tent, a solo tent that is 3 lbs. 2 oz in the configuration I use. The only justification I could make for a bigger, heavier tent was for use in the shoulder seasons, and currently I rarely bp in the shoulder seasons.

If you just need someone to tell you you'd be happy to own it... I can do that. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Get the Tarptent....you'll be glad you did! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've been using the REI Quarter Dome UL for about 2 years. It is easy to put up, especially when you leave the fly attached. I've been in heavy snow, rain and very heavy winds and the tent performed very well! I think it's just right for one person.
I don't know what the best tent is, but I like this one.

Thank you for your suggestions and advice on this topic. It is very helpful information. Decisions, decisions.....

Cliff

I'll echo bigfoot's comments. Get the tarptent... you WILL be glad you did.

There are several reasons: Henry makes great tents first, but to me even more importantly, it is much more satisfying doing business with a reputable small business owner who has a personal stake in customer satisfaction. Not to knock REI who also has a well deserved reputation for good customer sat, but there is nothing like personal communication directly with the business owner regarding your purchase.

So, again, get the tarptent... you will be glad you did.