Ultralight double wall tents?
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Huntnful
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I have one of the big agnes UL 2 person tents. It's pretty easy to set up and comes in around 3lbs I think. I used it for a season before I decided on something single wall and lighter. But it's a great tent, and I do miss not having condensation inside my tent sometimes lol. It has a double vestibule, one on each side, which was SUPER nice for gear storage and saving tent room!
diablo
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I have a tent I designed and built that’s similar to the Tarptent and its great - very light (about a pound) for western backcountry hunts. I also have a Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 and Fly Creek HV UL 1 that I really like. However, I try not to use them in really bad weather. I have a Kuiu Mountain Star 2p that I prefer if the forecast looks bad. I think the Mountain Star or Storm Star would be a much safer choice for Alaska or Canada. Ive heard great things about Tarptents but I personally would take something sturdier to AK.
Ltsheets
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I’m not too concerned about the sturdiness of Dyneema fabric. My understanding is it’s as durable as silnylon if not more so. Am I wrong?
It’s also my understanding that Tarptents are frequently used in AK. It’s an Aug or Sep hunt. Not late season.
Huntnful
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I was in Alaska hunting caribou on Sept. 3rd and it was a cold MF. Damp air all the time and also snowing a little. Couldn’t believe how cold it felt compared to 0 degrees up in the western mountains. That wet air is something else.
diablo
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Its a great tent no doubt. I’ve considered them for western UL backcountry. Dyneema composite/Cuben/Challenge Ultra are fantastic fabrics. Ive made lots of stuff with it. Very strong. But good luck getting a trekking pole-supported ultralight to stand up in rocky ground with rain and high winds. They aren't really designed for that. Ive spent several nights in mine in high wind and rain and you end up trying to keep the whole thing from blowing away all night. And if it blows away/over while youre out hunting and your pad/bag are damaged/wet, that’s dangerous. I think if the weather ends up being good - no problem. If not, you’ll be miserable. Most guys I know use freestanding 4-season tents on sheep hunts. The extra weight is worth it. JMO
grizzly
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^^^ +1
If you are wanting other options though, check out Seek Outside. When it's cold, I use the Cimarron with a Nest to go with a TiGoat stove. A hot tent with the double wall and bathtub floor for the sleeping quarters is really nice.
c3
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I have a Tarptent StratoSpire Li. It's an exceptionally light tent and extremely well made, but it's super low in height and for two people in wet conditions, it would be a nightmare for more than a night or two. https://www.tarptent.com/product/stratospire-li/
When it's damp you need to have room to spread out your gear to get things to dry. Just my opinion, but a larger dome tent would be worth it's weight in gold if you got stuck in a three day down pour.
If you're going a single person per tent it could work. Just make sure to bring lots of longer stakes to tie it down in the wind and get the carbon poles for the tent so you have your trekking poles during the day.
Cheers, Pete
When it's damp you need to have room to spread out your gear to get things to dry. Just my opinion, but a larger dome tent would be worth it's weight in gold if you got stuck in a three day down pour.
If you're going a single person per tent it could work. Just make sure to bring lots of longer stakes to tie it down in the wind and get the carbon poles for the tent so you have your trekking poles during the day.
Cheers, Pete
BackcountryRob
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Big Agnes Copper Spur has been good to me. Seekoutside/kifaru tipi or tarps are great options too but often run single wall and thus condensation inside.
Founder
Founder Since 1999
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I’ve never thought about the condensation and a small sized single wall tent. I use the Copper Spur UL2 and I get condensation, but it’s always on that outer layer and not a problem. I’ll have to remember that if I’m ever looking at a small single wall tents again.
johnnycake
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I have run a zPacks triplex with my trekking poles for the last 4 years up here in Alaska, including lots of time in the high country. I don't have any problems setting it up well in rocky country despite heavy winds, rain, snow, and hail. It just takes time to learn how to rig it up, and reposition a few rocks from time to time. This thing is bullet proof.
HIcountryman
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copper spur UL 1 person double wall. I always use the fly and tent, carrying weight is about 3.5 # with stakes and footprint. Have been in some pretty good thunderstorms in early season high country and condensation was present but not really an issue. no complaints but if i was buying new tent i would look at the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 or 3 P is about 3#. They are not freestanding - they have to be staked to pitch, i guess. Probably not an issue but i would check it out in person first.
Hillenberg have great reputation for being bombproof in heavy weather but you pay in $$$ and weight.
Hillenberg have great reputation for being bombproof in heavy weather but you pay in $$$ and weight.
