Great points both of you.

On the size issue, the SMD tent is only 6" narrower than the REI tent but it's actually taller and longer. I do need to try the tape trick though, I would have never thought of that...great tip. I'd be using the tent solo for sure and if I took my dog, luckily he's pretty small so he may still fit in the SMD if I go that route.

I also would have learned the two sack packing method the hard way if not for you guys. That makes a lot of sense to pack the components separate, especially after wet weather.

The pack does compress. I would say it should compress pretty well for overnighters. I need to collect all my gear I have gathered so far and do a practice run packing the pack so I can see how it all fits together.