I'm looking to get a double wall tent for my wife and I - canoe trips & hiking trips no longer than 7 days.

The REI Quarter Dome T2 looks like the one, but is there anything else in this class (~4 lbs., 2 person, double vestibule, etc.) that I should take a good look at before I purchase?

Lighter would be nice, but as it will be home away from home...

Edited by Stumphges on 09/24/2009 01:30:26 MDT.

A couple of alternatives..
If you prefer lighter , the TT Scarp 2 is about 10oz less, a little bit more usable floor space and 5" of extra headroom
(you can choose mesh or fabric inner)
or
the BA Emerald Mountain SL2, about the same weight as the REI but bigger vestibules. Similar usable floor area as the TT.
Franco

My big (and heavy) tent for two people is the Quarterdome T3. So much more room for two. Of course, if I was sharing it with my wife, I might not have minded the T2. I weighed all the pieces of mine, and without stuff sacks, and with Ti stakes, I think it's barely over 4-1/2#. If I could get the wife to sleep on the ground I'd probably carry my Double Rainbow for us though.

If you decide on the Quarter Dome, I think there is one for sale in Gear Swap right now for $150 w/ a foot print. Not a bad deal.

One thing to consider with the Quarter Dome series as a whole ... they overstate the floor dimensions quite a bit. I have a T3 that I use for car camping, and I'm about 6 ft. (72 inches) tall. My head and feet touch both ends with my 25F bag, even though they state the length as 84 inches. Definately try before you buy, to see if the length will work for you. They just recently came out with a T2 Plus, which I believe is 10 inches longer. Of course, it's a little heavier.

I second Franco's Big Agnes recommendation... But The lighter Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 can be had NEW on Ebay for $299 right now. That is right about near REI's T2 price. I'd rather have the Big Agnes than the REI offering... nothing wrong with REI products, just lovin' the specs on that Copper Spur 2. Check it out.

The Alps Mountaineering Mystique 2.0 is comparable, but I wouldn't call it "better."

http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/ALPSMountaineeringMystique.htm

I usually see them for about $100. The REI Outlet calls it the Comet 2.

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/722840

My Mystique 2 with rain fly, 1 tie out line, 6 aluminum stakes, Ziploc for stakes, thin plastic drop cloth, and poles (no stuff sacks) is 1970 g.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=21361&skip_to_post=174233#174233

I think the Clip Flashlight might be another one to look at. I haven't played with one, so I'll let someone else comment on that.

If price is no issue, I like the Quarter Dome T2 as a double walled, free standing, sub 2/lb/person tent.

Man, for that same price (~$250) you could get a tarp tent 2 person and save a lot of weight.

acronym 9/24/2009 10:14 AM

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Couldn't pass up the Quarter Dome for 175 in the gear swap. Thanks for the heads up.