Solo tent

[bd]

See, this is why it's valuable to have someone from Cumberland Transit on this board.  This is a man with expert hiking knowledge!!!

bd

[Travis C.]

There is No way I'd hang in a hammock during winter. The extra blankets you'd need to not die would weigh more then a tent.  A tarp and bivy would be a better option. At just over 3 pounds my tent is light enough that I'll bear that weight.

The coldest I have slept in mine during winter camps was low 40's. I use the reflective wrap and a bag that zips all the way up. Also, I did not extend the rain top all the way up but instead dropped it down so less air would blow through. A little more difficult to get in but better for air blockage. It wasn't all that cold.

A tent would be more comforting and have more options in bad weather obviously but I think a hammock is more comfortable to sleep.

I have also slept on the Caney's bank in late Nov & Dec after chasing night fish with no tent, a pad under, sleeping bag, small tarp and hot rocks from the fire. That next morning the temps on our thermometer was 30-31

[Steve H]

There is No way I'd hang in a hammock during winter. The extra blankets you'd need to not die would weigh more then a tent.  A tarp and bivy would be a better option. At just over 3 pounds my tent is light enough that I'll bear that weight.

You can do it without a lot of extra weight, just have to plan properly. Poncho liners are great for this.

[MikeA]

Well, after the first trip on the MH Sprite I think its going back. With the footprint its just too dang much trouble to put it up. It's a great little tent but it took me 30 min to put it up (in the dark) and that's just too long. It requires several stakes to work and driving those in rocky soil is a pain and the lack of headroom detracts a little bit too though not much. After some more looking I think I'm going to try the MSR Hubba solo. Plenty of headroom, room for two to sit in and play cards, < 4 pounds, and looks really easy to erect.

[Steve H]

Mike, if you want to try my Hubba out before you plop down the cash, let me know and you can test drive it. I have last years model plus the footprint.

Tent is super easy to put up and the hub system on the poles makes it roomy for a solo tent.

[MikeA]

I just couldn't spend $300 on a solo tent. I ended up with this one. I've set it up and I must say it's impressive. It reviews well on all the sites where it shows up, very roomy, super easy to set up (free standing), has a gear loft, seems to made from same material as the more expensive tents, sealed seams, high quality alum poles. I like the tent so far and for the price I couldn't find anything comparable. The rainy nights will be the real test but I've had some pretty nice tents leak on me so it's always a crap shoot.
http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Zephyr-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B000MATC52/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1330784780&sr=1-2
This is the two person and at just a pound more offers alot more room. Also reviews well.
http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Zephyr-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B000MAOEB4

[Steve H]

Alps makes some really good outdoor products. I think you have yourself a winner.