I am in the market for an ultralight tent that I can use solo for 2 weeks on the Appalachian trail in May or July this year. However id like it to be a 2 person tent for a few car camping weekends with my girlfriend and a 24 hour paintball event in the July with a friend sharing this tent.

I currently dont own hiking poles but I may buy them in the future. Id like the tent to comfortable but not cramped. Under 3 lbs (with footprint if necessary) as im going to carry it myself and would like to dive into a very light setup :P

What I like about 2 wall tents is how you have the option to take the rainfly off and watch the stars.

Here are the tent a narrowed it down to:

+ Tarptent Double Rainbow (love the design, but i was worried about condensation ruining my down bag, i read off henrys site about the clip in liner to help reduce condensation. I also like how you can make it freestanding if I ended up getting poles)

+ Tarptent Scarp 2 (havn't researched too much on this tent but reminds me or a large tarptent moment)

+ Easton Kilo Tent (Ive been reading on the side walls sinking in, could be a design flaw or just a rare case but its on sale right now for $290 and its pretty darn light)

+ Big Sky Evolution 2p (Ive read orders take a few months but ive got the time, it might be too expensive at the end of ordering)

+ Big Agnes Flycreek UL2 (It might be abit too cramped but I like its small footprint and its also on sale for 290)

- I thought about the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo but it seems abit big for my tastes, id really be using it solo more anyways and something i might be able to take early spring in case I get light snowfall.

From experience can you guys help me pick out the best one?

Edited by Nytro on 03/04/2012 20:21:20 MST.

Bump

Are you talking about the Easton Kilo (1 peson) or 2P (2 person)? The 2P is $400 from what I've seen. For the Big Agnes, read the reviews. I'v learned that what they rate as a 2 person is going to be quite a tight fit. Are you OK with that?

Both are sold as one person tents but the Solong especially will easily fit two friendly people. You look far thinner than me, and my girlfriend and I both fit with no problem. Also the sides roll up exposing mesh walls for star gazing, and I have never had condensation issues of any kind. Check out their site for more info. Call Judy or Mark if you have any questions. Well under 2# for either tent in silnylon, but you will need hiking poles, or poles they sell just for people that don't carry hiking poles.
Lightheartgear.com

Not to sure if I can help since I have never hiked in/ delt with east coast humidity. I do own a Tarptent double rainbow and quality wise you can't go wrong with Tarptent. I would imagine if you do experience condensation in a tent it wouldn't damage a down bag. Most down bags have quality shell materials that are resistant to condensation dropslits. So shouldn't be an issue on short trips.

David for it being too cramped im taking Big Agnes out of the equation and backcountry as the easton kilo 2p at 279 right now. Def would go for 2 person.

Thanks Robert the Lightheart SoLong 6 looks good for storing extra gear ill look more into lightheart tents as well. Im 5'11 173lbs so i could even go shorter than that tent but the design is very nice!

How do they hold up to heavy rain or light snow?

Edited by Nytro on 03/04/2012 23:03:19 MST.

I can only comment on rain. They are bombproof!!! They need to be seam sealed before use. Lightheart Gear will do it for an extra $30. I did mine myself. I had been in some serious all day rain and windstorms without a drop getting in. They have great ventilation so you need to have a good sleeping bag.

That might be a problem in the fall or early spring for me, but the huge wedge option looks awesome on that the duo, having two doors would be great if the door is along the side. But once I start adding additions that could turn expensive. (Id still need to buy poles, and id probably get good ones too.)

Any other tent options or input on the ones I picked?

Edited by Nytro on 03/05/2012 07:28:21 MST.

For car camping and paintball, do yourself a favor and pick up a cheap $50 Coleman tent. No sense in wearing out an expensive backpacking tent, as these activities will be rougher on gear, and other people won't treat your stuff like you do.

For backpacking, you might want to give a look at zpacks as well.

I'd recommend the TarpTent Squall II. Two people, two pounds, not too big, not too small, weather-worthy, priced right. What's not to like?

I have narrowed it down to the Lightheart Duo or the Tarptent Double Rainbow are there any problems with either tent? Anyone using the lightheart duo?

Edited by Nytro on 03/06/2012 16:16:39 MST.

Bump

Don't know anything about the tent, but you can get a 40% off coupon through cleansnipe for backcountry's outlet store departmentofgoods.

http://www.cleansnipe.com/cheap-hiking-camping-gear-sale/easton-mountain-products-kilo-tent-2person-3season.htm

That price is great for the easton kilo but im leaning to the Tarptent Double Rainbow (from the looks stronger wind resistance and a near 4 season tent) and the LightHeart Solong 6 probably with wedge (great views, not as cramped, very light) where I could incorporate walking sticks into it.

I looked into the zpacks hexomid solo plus but i saw some videos of rain hitting it at night and it sounded awfully loud and crinkly. Not to mention the price with tent, footprint and netting. it was over $400! However super light. I saw some pics from franco from tarptent showing amount of space it takes with taught lines, seemed abit big.

My Zpacks Hexamid solo plus does fine for me on the AT. I am taking it out for another 4 nights on the AT over the weekend. Its looking like rain all 4 days too... A buddy will be bringing his Hex solo...

The solo plus is fine for me to share as long as it is with my wife or son, otherwise I would rather share the twin size with a buddy...

I agree, they are not inexpensive, but I don't regret dishing it out either...

On the other hand, my SMD Lunar Duo has also done well along the AT, except for the time I set it up next to a creek...I awoke with quite a bit of condensation. Of course in this spot with 2 people inside the tent, doors closed up and no breeze, any tent would have been the same way...especially a single wall tent...

However, for the weight it is a great tent. Easy to set up and more room than any other 2 person tent I have been in.

Based on use, either one of these tents would be suitable for the AT.

Did you consider the Tarptent Stratospire?

"Best ultralight 2 person tent" is not going to be the 'best ultralight solo tent'.....
I solo in a TT Rainbow, I assumed I would like the TT Double Rainbow for 2 people - but the wall angle limits the headroom too much for my taste, so I now 2 person in a SMD Lunar Duo - wonderful space.
Decide which is more important to you.... the best 1 person or the best 2 person - 1 tent can't be both. If you more frequently hike solo, I'd put my $ in a solo tent. If you tend to be out more frequently with 2 people, I'd put my $ there.... all depends on what you really want to do.

For the money, 2010 update with size (close to lightheart duo), ability to use in late fall, early spring and go free standing if I ever need to opportunity im going with the Tarptent Double Rainbow. I just read a huge debate over the lunar duo vs the double rainbow and since it was expanded a coule of inches seems like a winner to me!

Now before I make my order, does anyone have a 2010 model double rainbow that they wouldnt mind selling?

Edited by Nytro on 03/07/2012 10:13:41 MST.

Mine is the 2011 version (not 2010 version), just purchased in September 2011. I have used it for 2 nights, needs to be seam sealed, comes with liner and pole extenders..... I'll ship it to you for $300....
email me at skuhn152 at yahoo . com if you are interested.