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DS66
Mountain climber
Dislocated
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Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 24, 2011 - 09:36am PT
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I am looking for a bomber 3 person base camp type tent. I have a Bibler 2 person, great tent but a little crowded for two on extended stays.
Have been checking out Mt Hardware Trango 3.1 and Hilleberg Tents. Anybody have personal experiences or recommendations? Perhaps another manufacturer / model?
Thanks.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 01:11pm PT
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4 Season Tents
Not worth the extra money...
I have a Walrus. Good tent. Not worth the $350 I dropped for it though. Buy a good 3-season tent and Man-Up. What the worst that can happen???
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Srbphoto
climber
Kennewick wa
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Dec 24, 2011 - 01:31pm PT
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What the worst that can happen???
yur gonna die!!!!!!
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 01:36pm PT
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I have used a WildCountry Hyperspace for the last 20 years or so... maybe more,
a bit heavy, but totally secure when all hell breaks loose on the mountain
the tend design has outlived the parent company, and is now marketed by Terranova in the UK...
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Tents/Expedition_and_Mountain/Hyperspace_GREEN.html
I recently had to replace the rain fly which had succumbed to exposure to the elements (I'm proud of that)...
this tent has stood me in good stead for decades, including sleeping three with not much problem.
On the Columbia Ice Fields
at the toe of the Petain Glacier, Canadian Rockies
Mt. Washington
cooking in the vestuble, Boulder Camp, Bugaboos
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H
Mountain climber
there and back again
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Dec 24, 2011 - 01:43pm PT
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DS66, I think the extra room is worth the extra weight. I am partial to my Trango and my old VE. Trango has more pockets and space, but the height is what I like. The Hilleberg was easy to set up and did not seem as heavy. I don't like single wall tents. They suck in heavy rain and are not warm enough. The only thing going for them is that they are light. The only single wall tent I liked was the Megamid type.
Good luck in your hunt for the right tent.
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 01:48pm PT
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philo
Trad climber
Somewhere halfway over the rainbow
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Dec 24, 2011 - 01:52pm PT
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The concept of a "Four season" tent always amuses me. I don't think they actually exist. If it is burly enough for winter it is going to suck in summer. Conversely if it is light and cool enough for summer it will blow in winter. Or it will just be marginal in all seasons.
Buy the tent that fulfills your needs 75% of the time and deal with the rest.
If you are going to mostly be base camping in the frigid gnar gnar or mostly ratting around the desert you should get the tent appropriate to those needs.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 02:09pm PT
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Buy the tent that fulfills your needs 75% of the time and deal with the rest.
If you are going to mostly be base camping in the frigid gnar gnar or mostly ratting around the desert you should get the tent appropriate to those needs.
I guess that is what I meant by my earlier sentiments.
Unless you expect massive snowfall at basecamp, do you really need a 4-season tent. There are ruggid, water-proof, 3-season deals out there.
Is it worth the extra cash? I guess it depends on yer expedition....
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philo
Trad climber
Somewhere halfway over the rainbow
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Dec 24, 2011 - 02:11pm PT
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^^^ Xactly ^^^
Psst, hey Bluering ssshhhhh, don't tell any one we agreed. lol
Happy Chirstmas Eve!
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 02:30pm PT
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Philo, I hear ya. It's okay to agree on no-brainer common sense sh#t.
Politics and the rest, eh, it's an individual journey.
But there are real good 3-season tents out there!
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 02:45pm PT
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Bluering, 4-season tents are the shizz when the wind kicks up at JTree.
You sound like you're selling a tent.
Seroiusly though, 2-3 man 3-season tents are almost identical to "4-season" tents. The 4-seasoners are just designed to handle heavy snowfall. I'd rather have a tent that efficiently handles rainfall and is wind-ambivolent.
Ya know?
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 03:00pm PT
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I have had a Mountain Hardware Trango for 5 or six years. Use it for mountains and desert. It is heavy, but pretty bombproof in high winds and deep snow, with vestibules at both ends. Sleeps 3 fairly well.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 03:10pm PT
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I have had a Mountain Hardware Trango for 5 or six years. Use it for mountains and desert. It is heavy, but pretty bombproof in high winds and deep snow, with vestibules at both ends. Sleeps 3 fairly well.
This is why I have 3 tents. Pick a tent for the job.
Not a silly topic, just a silly discussion.
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philo
Trad climber
Somewhere halfway over the rainbow
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Dec 24, 2011 - 03:21pm PT
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You make mountain climbing sound so glamorous.
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Adamame
climber
Santa Cruz
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Dec 24, 2011 - 04:58pm PT
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Stephenson's Warmlite.
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corniss chopper
climber
breaking the speed of gravity
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Dec 24, 2011 - 06:01pm PT
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Wow. A person could start a tent making business with that one, some space in the garage and 2 seamstresses from Costa Rica.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Dec 24, 2011 - 06:07pm PT
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Tried and true North Face VE-25
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Dec 24, 2011 - 06:43pm PT
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I've managed in everything from a plastic tube tent to my high end 3-man tent that I have now..
we made a tent in 1980 because we couldn't afford a good tent...
I think I bought my latest tent in the late 80's early 90's....
have a bunch of other tents for non-extreme situations.
If you are going to spend weeks in a tent, in weather that is unknown of in California, it makes sense to invest in a tent that is made professionally and will stand up to the abuse of the mountain environment.
You have to assess what you are going to use it for, and then ask around about a good value that matches your criteria, just like everything else. People in the business usually make tents at a higher quality than anything you can make at home... and the cost of those tents are high because the market is not that great, and the tents tend to last a long time (in my case, 30 years, which is a lot older than many of you reading this).
People who have 4 season tents, by and large bought it because they used 3 season tents and realized that such a tent wasn't adequate for the purpose they had in mind.
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reddirt
climber
PNW
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Dec 24, 2011 - 06:57pm PT
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How come MH Trango got more than 1 mention but no one's mentioned the MH EV3?
Packed wt:
EV3/Trango 3.1
7 lb. 13 oz./3.53 kg vs. 11 lb. 6 oz./5.15 kg.
49 sq. ft. /48 sq. ft.
$125 difference
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reddirt
climber
PNW
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Dec 24, 2011 - 06:58pm PT
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Wow. A person could start a tent making business with that one, some space in the garage and 2 seamstresses from Costa Rica.
yes, but the seam sealing would still be a total pain in the ass!
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Tahoe climber
climber
Davis these days
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Dec 24, 2011 - 08:07pm PT
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black diamond squall
best 4th season tent i've owned and roomy
bought 'cause 3 season tents didn't cut the mustard
tc
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LuckyPink
climber
the last bivy
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Dec 24, 2011 - 08:32pm PT
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avoiding the never ending gear discussion of best tents, for which I am normally a sucker, here's a link for the current self made gear hounds:
http://www.oregonphotos.com/Frostline1.html
H found a Frostline bag at a gear sale and snapped it up.
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Dec 24, 2011 - 09:22pm PT
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4 Season tents are vital for camping in snowstorms and high wind positions.
3 Season tents will collapse or flap badly.
I only have experience with the earlier version of the REI brand of 3-Man/4-Season. Works fine. It's about 9 pounds. Really comfortable for 2 people.
Here is the current version: http://www.rei.com/product/739349/rei-mountain-3-tent
Dirt baggers just dig a snow cave. They are cheaper but require some time and work. Plus you have to have a shovel. Lot's of cheap plastic ones out there this year. They work fine if you are careful with them.
So, where are you taking this tent?
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Dec 24, 2011 - 10:31pm PT
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A lot depends on how good, or bad, a job you doing pitching the tent. A well pitched three season tent may do better in adverse conditions than a poorly pitched four season. And pitching tents is something of a science and art.
A true four season tent for two or more people almost always has four (or more) criss-cross aluminum alloy poles (7000 series), poles that thread mostly through fabric rather than mesh, heavier and more heavily-coated fabric (especially the floor and lower walls), a fly that goes to the ground or nearly so, two doors, and a full vestibule. Plus a lot of minor features that combine to make it more robust and habitable in rough conditions, if properly erected.
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philo
Trad climber
Somewhere halfway over the rainbow
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Dec 24, 2011 - 10:54pm PT
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Maybe the correct term ought to be "winter tent" or the "fourth season tenth". Right on Lolli.
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bmacd
Mountain climber
100% Canadian
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Dec 25, 2011 - 01:06am PT
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I just researched this subject and used Chris Mac's reviews, very helpful. So I replaced my aging North Face Evolution 45 with the Mt Hardware Trango 3.1 @46 sq ft. 600 bucks from back country.com
I use the winter tents for car camping in the summer, as well as the intended use of winter backcountry in the winter. Thread the first 2 poles thru the clips rather than clippety clip.
The 4 man Trango is only one pound heavier than the 3 man, and that will hardly slow your snowmobile down at all
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Dec 25, 2011 - 01:59am PT
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Coo-coo-ca-chhhooooooo!!!
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Dr.Sprock
Boulder climber
I'm James Brown, Bi-atch!
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Dec 25, 2011 - 04:58am PT
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just get a 3 season tent and carry a wood stove,
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mark
climber
san diego, ca
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Dec 27, 2011 - 05:31pm PT
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http://slingfin.com/Depends on what you are doing but a friend of mine used a tent from www.Slingfin.com on Denali last season and it was the best he has used...
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johngenx
climber
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Dec 28, 2011 - 01:22am PT
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I got a great deal on a Black Diamond Squall, and I've been pretty impressed. It's damned roomy for a three person and easily handled any weather I've exposed it to, including Columbia Icefields and other Canadian Rockies stuff.
I have a BD Firstlight. Ridiculously light, but not much room. Not a base camp tent by any stretch.
Hillebergs and stupid strong and tremendous tents.
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Dec 28, 2011 - 04:02am PT
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Stephensons or stupid .. your choice. It's that simple.
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laughingman
Mountain climber
Seattle WA
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Dec 28, 2011 - 05:50am PT
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Find a used North Face VE25 or a Hilleberg tent.
Also if you can find one "redfox" (russian tent brand) are well priced and generally super bomber. Many hardcore russian alpinist use redfox tents.
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Bargainhunter
climber
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Dec 28, 2011 - 05:58am PT
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I agree with the North Face VE-25. Perfected over decades, heavy but roomy and strong. I've used them on multiple trips in Alaska and was comfortable while others in lighter tents (e.g. Bibler equivalents) seemed to suffer from lack of space, had to put on boots outside, no vestibule to cook in, etc. They looked miserable to save a few pounds of carrying weight.
For lighter winter trips I use an old 3 hoop Sierra Designs Superflash (similar design to the old Northface Westwind)...strong in winds and heavy snowloads; I often just take poles and the fly if I don't anticipate a ton of snow and spendrift. In really cold weather (e.g. Denali) heavy packs aren't a pain, they keep you warm.
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JimC
climber
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Dec 28, 2011 - 09:04am PT
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I'm on my second VE-25 in 30 years! Literally wore out the floor in the first one and the NF replaced it at wholesale cost. I use it year round with no problems and when it hits the fan I don't even think about it blowing down or leaking. At 11# and change complete there are times and places I don't pack it along but as a base or extended stay tent it rocks.
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DS66
Mountain climber
Dislocated
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 28, 2011 - 11:22am PT
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Thanks for all the feedback. I had forgotten about the Northface ve 25. I like the idea that Hilleberg appears to be really well made and not made in China. Is there any American Made companies still around. Not ultra nationalistic just a pet peev. Also like the idea of things not so super massed produced which I guess everything is to some degree nowadays. Will chaeck out "Redfox"
Thanks again,
Dan
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rockermike
Trad climber
Berkeley
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Dec 28, 2011 - 11:50am PT
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I was happy to see that REI has a new tent that is light like a summer tent, but without all the mosquito net in the walls. You can actually zip the thing up tight when it gets cold. Not built for high winds though.
http://www.rei.com/product/794287/rei-cirque-asl-2-tent
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Dec 30, 2011 - 04:33am PT
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Did I mention stephensons you goofballs.
Best there is.
Best.
Incase you don't comprehend english.
Best means everything else sucks.
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DS66
Mountain climber
Dislocated
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 30, 2011 - 09:55am PT
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Goofball question, Stephensons Warmlite? Checking it out now.
Thanks
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Dec 30, 2011 - 11:28am PT
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Yes . They make them in various sizes and features. Pretty much a custom tent. Nothing comes close to the lightness and small pack size per volume. Very easy to pitch and rock solid of course. There are bivy sacks that weigh as much as their climber setups.
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DS66
Mountain climber
Dislocated
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 30, 2011 - 11:34am PT
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I havn't spent a tremendouse amount of time on the site yet. How are the vestibules? Do you know if I can get two? Made in N.H.?
Thanks,
Dan
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rockermike
Trad climber
Berkeley
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Dec 30, 2011 - 11:39am PT
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I had a Stephenson - decades back now - and felt totally ripped off. First the tents don't work in wet climates, despite there advertising. The condensation in the Oregon rain made the tent unusable. Then the first time in significant wind the pole snapped and tore massive whole through the tent canopy. I sent it back for repairs and the repair would have cost near the cost of a new tent. Total ripoff in my opinion. Would much rather have a BD first light, if you really want a light tent. But then, light is not always what you want.
Does the guy still put his naked daughters in his catalog? I think that was what peaked my interest. ha ha
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Dec 30, 2011 - 11:51am PT
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My tent isn't setup with a vestibule so just can't say. Call the company they will spend the time on the phone with you at least they used to. Last time I called years ago got the old man himself, spent quite a bit of time listening to him.
is 2lbs lighter and has more room than a BD Itent.. Crazy. I have had no issues with durability. the poles actually are something i love about the tent.. stout awesome. Have had some mild condensation (same as any single wall tent I have used) but have not tested it in really extended days wet weather.
surprised by the above poster on the poles issue for sure. My tent is only a decade old though so maybe improved by then.
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Freecloud
climber
San Francisco
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May 15, 2012 - 01:19pm PT
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On December 27, 2011, "Mark" wrote about a 4-season Slingfin tent. Does anyone know more about these tents? Or used one?
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sierrakid
Ice climber
Berkeley, CA
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May 16, 2012 - 12:54am PT
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Hilleberg is great. Pricey as all get out, but the best tents I have ever laid eyes upon.
Northface VE25 is an expedition classic. A little heavy, and a tad expensive, but a time-honored design.
Third on my list would be Mountain Hardwear's EV2 or EV3.
In winter, my Firstlight comes along over 90% of the time, but it's probably the worst base camp tent ever.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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May 16, 2012 - 01:43am PT
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the Firstlight is way-legit. For one- or two-nighters, it's more than good enough. As mentioned above, not a Base Camp tent, but that goes without saying.
I've taken this to 17,000 feet on Denali; I've taken it car-camping in Minnesota in the middle of July; I've pitched it in Camp 4 in a deluge without seam-sealing, and have slept warm and dry.
I'm looking at Integral Designs now for a burlier version of the I-tent.
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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Dec 11, 2018 - 10:44pm PT
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PSA bump - Slingfin, http://www.slingfin.com , has 25% off 2 person tents, use code "SendIt2018", as advertised on their homepage.
This is apparently the 1st time they've had sale prices. I'm looking forward to buying and using the Crossbow 2, w/StormPack, 4 Season and Mesh Drop-In options.
I have no commercial interest - just hoping for a strong versatile tent, with good useable space!
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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johnkelley
climber
Anchorage Alaska
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Dec 12, 2018 - 06:18am PT
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Currently I’m using a
VE 25
MSR Access 3
Mountain Hardware Direkt (unfortunately no longer made)
BD First light
The VE 25 is pretty heavy but dependable. Waited out some truly nasty weather in them. On my 4th one. The Access 3 is nice, because of it’s weight, but isn’t really up to 4 season use. Snow piles up on the fly pretty quick. Gotta get out and dig pretty often. The Direkt is the best bivi tent I’ve used. Unfortunately out of production. If anyone has one in good condition I’d be interested? First light is ok for a bivi tent. Breathes good, light.
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johnkelley
climber
Anchorage Alaska
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Dec 12, 2018 - 09:38am PT
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A little too much for me.
The Access 3 is a pretty good tent. It’s just not up to 4 season use is all. Not good with the snow. Other than that pretty good
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johnkelley
climber
Anchorage Alaska
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Dec 12, 2018 - 11:52am PT
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I no longer use the Access 3 if there’s a chance of snow at all. It doesn’t take much to collapse it. I bought it to use in the Himalayas because of the weight but it’s just not up to it. It does ok for non-winter use in Alaska. Pretty good in the rain. Even Southeast Alaska rain but like I said it will fail you if it snows more than a few inches unless you are there to remove the snow from the fly...
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Dec 12, 2018 - 04:49pm PT
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Philo had it right with an early post on this thread. You need different tents for different trips. Weight, waterproofness, breathability, comfort, durability, resistance to heavy winds etc. all are important features that often work against each other. Additional waterproofness means less breathability and increased durability comes with added weight.
I have several tents that I choose from when planning a trip.
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Dec 12, 2018 - 05:47pm PT
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I just bought my first VE-24. Less than $300 on form. After years in the Bibler I tent, i decided to invest in the Family Fun Time Base Camp Party Tent. I'll still need an I tent but, man-o, I sure do feel rich. Like buying a house.
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cavemonkey
Ice climber
ak
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Dec 12, 2018 - 06:24pm PT
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johnkelley
climber
Anchorage Alaska
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Dec 12, 2018 - 06:28pm PT
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Oven? Nice! One of the ultimate base camp set ups
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Dec 13, 2018 - 07:01am PT
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The tents I own which each serve a very different purpose are the Fitzroy and Firstlight from BD and a Himalayan Hotel from the NF.
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Bargainhunter
climber
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Dec 15, 2018 - 02:12am PT
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Gottasay Kunlun_shan, those if those Slingfins come from a guy with that pedigree (Berkeley tent designs from North Face, Sierra Designs, and Mountain Hardware since the late '80s), those are going to be some bomber tents. That era/location to me was the apex of tentology.
And Flip-Flop, consider checking out Mountain Hardware's Ueli Steck designed Direckt 2, as modern version of the Bibler I-tent. Sadly, since MH was acquired by Columbia, that tent disappeared from their line up. Glad I got one while I could.
I've also heard that the modern NF VE-25 doesn't hold up to the same standards as the original (VE-24)?
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