#1…Is it important or advantageous to have a freestanding tent for a thru-hike? #2…I found a couple tents online and in a catalogue and in the description, it says they have a “mesh door” or “mesh panels.” Do these tents generally come with a panel to close in case it rains? Or some kind of tarp addition? Thanks for you help.
C-Giddy
You’ll get the most out of one that’s ALL mesh on top. Like the Canyonlands. Cold weather isn’t a prob but in the summer heat you’ll die in one that’s not very breathable. The rain fly will cover any exposed netting areas. A free standing tent weighs a little more from the poles but I find them easier to set up in a hurry. You don’t have to stake it down if you don’t want to. Other than that tarps weigh less. What tents were you looking at?
Bushwhack
Check out the Squall at Tarptent.com. It’s the most breathable chelter I’ve used. With a sewn-in floor it weighs almost 2 lbs. It’s the perfect balance between weight and comfort. It’s not free-standing, but it’s not necessary to have a shelter that is. Setup time is about 1.5 minutes.
guru
The best tents are ones that are basically mesh, with a tub floor, and have a outer waterproof, windproof tarp. You get protection from bugs and rain. If its hot in the summer you can set it up without the tarp. I used a Eureka that weighed 5 lbs on my 2000 hike. Now I carry a Hilleberg that weighs 3 lbs. Thinking of going to a larger Hilleberg that weighs 4 and half lbs. All of these tents when ste up with outer tarp have a vestibule for cooking or storing gear. So far Hilleberg has been the best brand tent Ive used.
Chef
I think I’m going for the Cloudburst for me and the wife. Room, height, low weight, nice looking etc. Cheap.
Bushwhack
May I sugest to you the MSR Zoid line… I’m pretty big and used the 1.5, smaller folks can use the 1 and really small people can use the micro. The tent cost are in the 150-190 range which is a little steep but the tents are great and the company stands beheind their product. After my thru hike and 77 days of rain, the seam tape was coming up, I sent it in to the company, 2 weeks later I had the same tent back with new seams. Low weight and stay dry.
casey
One of the tents i found on sale and was thinking of getting is the Kelty Clark Ultralight Tent. Anyone heard of it or know anything about it? Not freestanding, but i think it’s less than 3 lbs.
C-Giddy
Looks okay. Similar to many other types of double hoop tents like the PCT 1,1.5,2. Can’t beat the price.
http://www.overstock.com/se/Kelty_Clark_Ultralight_Tent.html
BW
FYI Henry Shires as just added a new option on his tarptents with sewn in floor that will allow you to zip the door the the floor. He’s working on pricing for retrofits for you previous tarptent owners. I doubt I will have it done to my cloudburst, but I know many tarptent owners who have long wished for the ability to zip the door to the floor. H.S. has by far and away the best customer service of any company I have ever had the opportunity to deal with.
JinE
I use a golite cave 1 tarp for me & my wife. Does anyone have any experience using the nest 2 with it? We’re hiking the JMT in July and I trying to figure a solution for bug protection. The nest looke like it might be a little small for two, although if it’s primarily mesh…
viabledaddy
I have noticed that Tartents seem to be very popular. My question is what are the advantages and disadvantages of using the floorless version vs the sewn in floor version. Which version are most people using?
Jayco
I have the Cloudburst with the sewn in floor. Haven’t used it in wet weather yet. Sets up quick and plenty of ventilation so condensation should be minimal or nonexistent.
In retrospect I would have gotten the Squall b/c the Cloudburst is too big for one person. And 6 oz. more than the Squall.
steve hiker
Steve’s wanna sell it? Wife and I are looking at one. Perhaps you could then get the smaller one.
Bushwhack
Bushwack, I sent you an email. If you don’t get it email me at stevehiker2003@yahoo.com.
steve hiker
Okay, i thought eventually i’d figure it out…but what exactly is a tarptent? By the name, it’s obviously a tarp/tent hybrid…but how? I don’t get it. I tried looking for pictures online, and if found the right pictures, it seems to be a tarp, but with some structure resembling a tent…is this about right? The “sewn-in-floor” models…does that mean it has a floor, but still isn’t fully enclosed on all sides? Thanks again everyone.
C-Giddy
It’s funny… When you think about it, a tarptent is just a tent, in the traditional sense. Unfortunately, the word “tent” has been hijacked to refer only to 5-pound, 2-walled monstrosities. 
I love Henry Shire’s tarptent. I recommend a sewn in floor to deter ants. They’re not deadly, but kind of annoying when you’re trying to sleep.
Eric
If the ground is all wet from a good hard rain…does this make it difficult to stake in a tent if it’s not free-standing?
C-Giddy