I'm looking for a good winter shelter for between 2-4 people, preferably 3, for use in the northeast US winter backpacking season. I'll be using it mostly in the adirondacks, white mtns of NH, and vermont. I have seen many expensive and overkill-looking mountaineering tents, and they seem waaaaay too heavy and waaaaay out of my price range. Can anyone suggest a good 2-4 person shelter that can resist or deal with wind, blowing snow, etc? Ventilation is important I hate when shelters start to drip condensation. I don't currently own a bivy sack so I'm trying to find a tent of sorts, but if you'd like to suggest a complete sleep system then I will consider adding one. The key factors for me are low cost (spent a lot on new gear already for this winter,) and low weight. (Obviously.) What are some of your favorite winter shelters?

I found a few interesting looking options, care to comment?

http://www.rei.com/product/833153/marmot-haven-2p-tent-2011-closeout

http://www.rei.com/product/833148/marmot-marmot-grid-2p-tent-2011-closeout
(this one is kind of pricey)

I don't know much about the cottage manufacturers' winter options, but I'm sure you guys do...

Edited by klags on 01/11/2012 08:48:33 MST.

here are what i would consider given your situation (especially the flux of # of people)

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=130

http://wyominglostandfound.com/siltipi.html

http://www.backcountry.com/golite-shangri-la-3-shelter-3-person

what about non- teepee designs? I see where you are going with the space, but if I don't have a tie off point for the top, I'm not sure I like the idea of a single pole Teepee for the winter... anything you'd suggest that's not as tall or might resist wind better? Would it help if I dropped the number of people fitting inside to 3 max?

I have the GoLite Shangra La 2 for winter and love it. I also do take a bivy, but you could replace that with the "nest" insert (bug net w/ silnylon floor) and have a 4 season shelter that will help with condensation dripping on you. I don't usually have 3-4 people in a tent with me but if I did I would have went with the Shangra La 3. Pyramids work great on the east coast, there is always something to tie off on, we have very limited alpine camping options, most are off limits to camp in or would be dumb to camp in becuase you can drop a few hundred feet in elevation and be "protected" in the trees.

Pyramid options:
MLD - duo mid, super mid

You could also look at MSR they have a few shelters similar to the GoLite series. If you want a true tent, I would look at tunnel tents, but you will be spending alot more money and alot more weigth. In my opinion they are over kill for our east coast conditions. Stephenson warmlite, Hillenberg, MSR has the dragon something...

I forgot about the TT hogback. I think you could make a Tarp Tent work in our winters you just need to be more snow consious. These might be a good in between from the full 8 pound winter tent and a 2 pound pyramid.

Edited by earn_my_turns on 01/11/2012 10:29:56 MST.

The Shangri-La 2 is currently on GoLite's clearance closet page for $99, but the nest and floor are nowhere to be found on the website. When I called Soren at customer service last week, he told me they did have the SL2 nest in stock, on sale for $39. If you were interested, you'd need to call to place the order.

Sorry to steal the thread but that is a great price on the nest. I only see it on the site for $100 though? I just tried to call, but the auto response said leave a message becuase of high call volume... I sent an email.

I want one for $40

The SL2 flysheet is listed on the clearance closet for $99, but the floor and nest are nowhere to be found on the website. In contrast, if you look at the Tents page, the SL1 floor and nest are listed, but show as being out of stock.

I spoke to Soren at customer service, and he was surprised. He checked their inventory system and told me that they have a small quantity of the SL2 nests also on clearance for $39. The only way to order is to call customer service direct. This was a week ago, so stock may have changed, but it's worth a try.

They emailed me right back saying they had a limited stock which is why they aren't on the website anywhere. Just placed my order will be here next week. $44 and change after shipping, not a bad deal at all.

Hi Adam

>good 2-4 person shelter that can resist or deal with wind, blowing snow, etc?
> key factors for me are low cost and low weight.
Have you considered the possibility that the two sets of criteria may be mutually exclusive?

> the cottage manufacturers' winter options,
Basically, if you are talking about serious winter stuff in the mountains, the answer is that they don't give any options. That is not their market.

Cheers

What about the TT Scarp2? Looks like we can cram 3 but it works for 2, and I wouldn't feel too crazy carrying it for just me when I'm going solo... anyone have any winter experience with this tent?