Most Lightweight Tent?

OpenAir · 03-08-2010, 07:23 AM

The summer is approaching and so we'll need less protection. What is the most lightweight tent for carrying, and the one that packs up smaller than any other?

2coastcamper · 03-09-2010, 04:40 AM

More information would help with suggestions.Mostly, how many people will be sleeping in it?

jason · 03-09-2010, 08:34 AM

If you want to go super light, grab a tarp and make a A-Frame tent from natural resources. They are nice in the summer as you do not need to worry about keeping warm as much.

Another option, for an open style tent, is a whelen tent. Again, all you will need is a tarp cut to design and some rope. Find two trees close together, with a sturdy log to tie to each tree. Tie the top of the fold to the cross beam log. Tie the front flap to a tree or use some log posts to hold it up. Stake down the back and sides.

I have attached a small diagram to get a view.

There may be small single man tents that can be just as light s the above, but I am not sure how many people you need a tent for and what level of protection you are looking for.

OpenAir · 03-10-2010, 07:57 AM

Four people needed to be housed, and that includes two children who suffer badly when bitten by bugs. So it would be preferable to have a more complete enclosure.

2coastcamper · 03-10-2010, 04:54 PM

What I would suggest then is just visiting outdoor equipment websites and using their search options. Most websites I've been on will allow you to search not just for tents, but for "backpacking tents." That option, usually just a click, will filter out all car-camping type tents, and leave you with only the lightest options.

To be quite honest, there aren't that many true "lightweight" four-person tents out there. You might have better weight options by getting two 2-person tents.

Or you can take apart a lighter 4-person tents, or just the 4-person one you have now and divide the weight among your family. One person carries the poles, one carries the tent body (probably dad on that one), one person carries the rainfly, and another person carries the tent stakes and other accessories.

Also, if you know, know, KNOW, know, know it's not going to rain, you can leave the rainfly at home. But, I would rather carry the extra weight. Flys aren't that heavy anyway, and imaging the looks from your wife and kids if it did happen to rain on them in their sleep. It ain't worth the risk, in my opinion .... but it's an option.

Newanderthal · 03-15-2010, 02:27 AM

Something I might suggest would be the Eureka Spitfire 2 tent. Purchase two of them. Put an adult and a child in each. They're lightweight and big enough for 2 people each. And since they're made for only 2 people,you can still use them if you have a smaller party going out. There's no sense in bringing a 4 man tent if you only have 1-2 people camping. Use 2 small tents instead of 1 big one. Also, splitting up the weight will be easier.

OpenAir · 03-15-2010, 07:03 AM

The Spitfire seems like many of the two man I've been seeing. It seems like there are a wide range of two man tents in the pop up style too and they seem pretty good.

We already divide the weight, but since they want to carry more stuff and less tent, it would be nice to reduce if we can.

SQuirrel · 04-11-2010, 01:11 AM

A brand like Big Agnes or if you don't live in CA whitch has stupid fire retardent laws, Black Diamond.

The Big Agnes Seed House is probably one of your best bets. REI also make really good more affordable tents.

The Eurekas are heavy and not free standing. I do not think they are a good choice even thought they dont take much room.