Light tent for hominid & dog

imported
#1

I’m looking for suggestions regarding a 1.5 to 2 “person” tent for my 2007 AT thru hike attempt with my medium sized dog. I don’t use trekking poles, and don’t really want to switch from my old school wooden staff (it’s served me well since my ’93 thru hike), so tents that don’t require trekking poles for vertical support are more interesting to me. I’m also shy about single wall tents due to my familiarity with eastern humidity and the perils thereof. I want something that provides an escape from airborne predators, and I’d sacrifice the convenience of freestanding configuration if it shaves weight. We don’t require two doors and the extra weight would be wasted – my dog lacks thumbs. Ideas?

Terrapin Flyer

#2

MSR Zoid 1.5? I carried the Walrus Zoid 1.0 on my thru-hike and still do, and can get my 70 lb dog in there when I have to, but a 1.5 would probably get the job done better.

Bluebearee

#3

I have a Sierra Designs Lightning Tent, freestanding, 2-pole, double wall and one door. It all weighs just about 4 lbs (manufacturers wt). The tent is 30 sq. ft. with a 10 sq. ft. vestibule. Although I’ve only used it aa a solo tent there is enough space for two people. I only used the tent out West so as far as ventilation it was very good but never used it in a humid climate like the S.E.
May be a little pricey but for the space to weight ratio it tuff to beat.

Pete Ricci

#4

My 65 lb Golden Retreiver mix, Tasha the Wonder Hound, shares my Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 with me fairly often. She has a dog pad to lay on so she doesn’t plant her ample rear on my legs. But the tent is great, impervious to rain with fly attached, very light (3 lbs 10 oz?). Fits nicely with the rest of my stuff in my GoLite Speed…there - have I shilled for enough gear manufacturers today?
:slight_smile:

4wheelbob

#5

I am pleased with my Tarptent Squall. They said it was 2# 3oz, and it weighed out exactly that! I put it up in my yard and it rained 2 inches, and there was no water in it. Look at it online at tarptent.com Jakebrake

Jakebrake

#6

I have the zoid and loved it… Dead animal had the hubba which was THE tent in 05… I hear they have a new hubba out… 2 lbs… Msr makes it… check it out.

yappy

#7

I second Pete Ricci’s appreciation of the Sierra Design Lightning, great tent. I’ve used it in VA and had no problems. I broke a pole (my own stupidity) and Sierra Design replaced it quickly at no cost except for the shipping charge for sending the broken pole back to them.

Squint Eye

#8

Akto is a great choice if you can afford it. It’s made for expeditions like mountaineering, polar or yukon conditions. I don’t know that the BD Firstlight will provide as much ventilation as you’d like. Might I suggest looking at the Big Agnes Stratos. Half single wall, half mesh, free standing and is offered in both 1 & 2 Hominid versions. There’s even an Epic model which had been reduced to half price last year due to fire safety concerns. The BD Firstlight is also Epic. Great breathable lightweight material. The only problem is that it smolders (doesn’t go up in flames) without going out, like cigarette paper. Also not available in some states for this reason.

Ablejack

#9

Thanks to all who’ve responded with ideas about my next tent. I’ve been offline for a few days, and now have some surfing to do for further details on your leads. Of those, the only one I know much about is the Seedhouse SL2, which seems like a good option if nothing proves better, thought the Epic sounds very exciting, Ablejack!

Terrapin Flyer