This shelter can also be supported with trekking poles if you don’t want to carry the pole set. You have to thread the poles through the silnylon sleeve to create the main structure, but it does have extra shoulder room from a horizontal spreader bar. This tent sets up fly first, which hikers will find useful in crummy weather, though the pole setup and pitch is a bit trickier to get right than other pole-supported shelters. interior space and large vestibule allow room for a dog or extra space to spread out with gear. The Tarptent Rainbow is a reasonably priced, versatile shelter favored by solo hikers accompanied by dogs, or hikers who usually travel solo but might have a companion for part of the trip. We also considered REI’s trekking-pole shelter, the Flash Air I, but the price has gone up, and at 2.5 pounds for a one-person trekking-pole shelter, it didn’t have the specs we needed for price, space, and weight. We did consider the backpacker favorite Big Agnes Fly Creek UL, which is a great tent, but the front-facing door (and single door for the two-person) ultimately didn’t make the cut in favor of the brand’s Tiger Wall and Copper Spur. I looked for a range of styles-from entirely freestanding to trekking-pole supported-as well as one-person and two-person models that hit the sweet spot between weight, durability, and livable space. I have tested most of these myself, and the ones I haven’t owned or tested are vetted by my outdoor-industry colleagues and the thru-hiker community. These shelters are all lightweight, durable, and packed with features like large vestibules, single-hub poles, easy pitching, and internal storage to make them streamlined and comfortable for nights on the trail or at a campsite. These tents are all top-of-the-line lightweight shelters from legacy brands with a dedicated history of building gear for weight-conscious hikers and backpackers. A peak height of at least 38-40 inches will feel comfortable for most hikers. For one-person shelters, look for at least 16 square feet of interior space and a 7-foot vestibule. How much livable space does the tent have?įor two-person tents, we look for at least 27 square feet of interior space, and most people prefer two doors and two vestibules. If you want a double-wall shelter with an easier pitch and don’t mind a bit more weight, go for a freestanding tent. If you are looking to shed ounces, go for a trekking-pole shelter. However, trekking pole shelters are often lighter, and once you get the hang of the pitch, they are also quick to set up, though many of these single-wall shelters collect more condensation. Many hikers start out with a freestanding (or semi-freestanding) tent for easier pitch and more flexibility with site choice-it’s easier to pitch a freestanding tent on sandy or rocky ground. Do you prefer a trekking-pole style or freestanding? Plus, a two-person tent allows space to spread your gear inside the tent and not feel cramped against the walls. Many models are light enough to carry as a solo hiker, but it gives you the option of camping comfortably with a partner should the opportunity arise. If you’re buying one tent to do it all, we recommend a two-person tent. Lightweight tents typically come in one, two, or three-person capacities. There are plenty of ultralight tent options on the market, but you can narrow down the options by choosing your preferred tent capacity, style, and considering the livable space and vestibule area. All of these miles (and months) sleeping outdoors means I’ve spent a lot of time in tents-both overnight and during the day waiting out storms-and I have plenty of tried-and-true options to pick from. I’m also set to embark on a 2,700-mile bike tour this summer. I have thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, and Ouachita Trail, and I’m currently checking off sections of the Oregon Coast Trail and the Arizona Trail. Show more The Expert: I have backpacked thousands of miles and spent many months sleeping in tents.
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