Shelter System - Continental Divide Trail

imported
#1

I’m solo hiking the CO section of the CDT this summer. I’m looking to switch to a 1 person shelter setup for weight reasons. I think I’d be happy with a Tarptent Contrail, but am still undecided. I’m wondering about a SixMoon Wild Oasis tarp setup; does the lack of a floor pose water issues in the rain? I’m concerned about the whole freestanding issue too: is this just an old school, entrenched notion about the way tents ought to be?

I am considering the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 and the Marmot Eos 1P. These are both freestanding and double walled, but I’m not sure I actually need either of those features.

The top contenders for my $ are (in no particular order):
Tarptent Contrail
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1
Marmot Eos 1P (heaviest)
SixMoons Wild Oasis (lightest)
SixMoons Skyscape Trekker
Lightheart Solong 6 (may not have time to order/wait)
Lightheart Solo Standard

If any of you can comment on the pros/cons to any of these tents, I would appreciate it.
Thanks!

Goinboarding

#2

The Wild Oasis is a great little shelter. It may be a little tight for anyone on the taller side, though.

For any floorless shelters, Tyvek or something like a Polycro ground cloth works well. Tyvek can be purchased online and for free as scraps at construction sites. Polycro is sold by Gossamer Gear and also in the hardware stores as window/patio sealant.

Joe Hiker

#3

The Wild Oasis is a great little shelter. It may be a little tight for anyone on the taller side, though.

For any floorless shelters, Tyvek or something like a Polycro ground cloth works well. Tyvek can be purchased online and for free as scraps at construction sites. Polycro is sold by Gossamer Gear and also in the hardware stores as window/patio sealant.

Joe Hiker

#4

Freestanding tent designs are, and have always been, a convenience item in 3-season conditions. All “freestanding” means is that you can avoid having to anchor the tent to the ground when the weather is completely calm. The rest of the time, all tents - including freestanding designs - need to be staked down to avoid collapsing or blowing away. Your gear inside the tent, and even you, would not be enough to safely anchor an unanchored freestanding tent in rough weather. Except in the desert and in alpine terrain, staking a tent down usually isn’t that difficult. But woe be to he or she who heads into alpine terrain (or a desert) without tent stakes.

Freestanding tents can be easier to set up than non-freestanding, tent-pole-incorporating designs. They can also offer more usable living space, meaning less tendency to brush against the interior walls which, in the case of single-wall tents, usually collect condensation during the night. But let’s be clear: freestanding means having to carry dedicated (traditional) tent poles, while non-freestanding designs these days often incorporate trekking poles that you’re already carrying, and the differences in carry weight can sometimes be substantial. A long hike tends to be more about facilitating the walk than indulging every comfort in camp. The less you can carry over hill and dale, and still get 8 hours of shuteye each night, probably the better.

blisterfree

#5

I was thinking I would be fine with single wall, sounds like I will be. Thanks for pointing out how all tents have to be staked, makes me feel better about going with the non freestanding setups. I am more slight in build but on the tall side at 6’4", but honestly I sleep curled up and haven’t had an issue fitting in a “short” tent that other tall people complain about.
I’ve never hiked with treking poles before, and was thinking I would opt for a carbon tent pole rather than using treking poles. I’m young and in good shape with light gear;)
With that Wild Oasis, I hear they’re great, I’m just apprehensive of the floorless setup and rainwater on the ground. I understand using a sheet of Tyvek or the likes, but is that really enough to stay dry with?
I do agree about the decreased focus on the camping while doing a long hike. If I have a zero day it will be to hit a summit or swim or resupply, not sit in the shelter and count holes in the mesh.

GoinBoarding

#6

I can tell you from personal experience, that sleeping in a tent (mine is a Tarptent) with a sheet of Tyvek works fine when the weather is clear, but if it’s raining you are in for a long night. You will sleep lightly and will frequently flip your light on to check for any water running in. If your down bag gets wet lookout. There are so many tents that have floors and are in the 2 pound range that I won’t go back to a floorless. In my mind, a night’s sleep is too important to sacrifice, particulary given that all I will save by going floorless is less than 8 ounces, if that.

Hikerdonovan

#7

My wild oasis has served me well through a variety of conditions. I use a piece of 1443R tyvek (much lighter than tyvek house wrap and not near a crinkly. It’s available at


I’ve never had an issue with water entry and have survived some pretty wet conditions. Just don’t pitch your shelter in a hole, depression, dry creek bed etc. I too thought I needed a free standing tent at one time. I did have one that could be pitched that way but never did. Some times it’s good to ask yourself “why.” Whatever you get a number of shakedown hikes is advisable before hitting a long trail.

Still Lookin’

#8

I have the Wild Oasis’ twin brother - the Gatewood Cape. They have the identical footprint, shape, height, etc.

I’ve used the GC on both the PCT and CT and it is FABULOUS.

You can’t go wrong with either one, unless you’re over 6 feet tall, then they’re a little tight lengthwise. At 5’9" I fit inside with all my gear.

There are rumors of an up-coming Cuben fiber version of the Wild Oasis toward the end of 2012 or early 2013. That will cut 4 ounces off the 13 ounce silnylon model. Right now, SMD is busy getting the CF version of their Haven to market.

Wandering Bob

#9

I think the trick to going floorless in ultralight style is to choose a very lightweight rectangular tarp (such as cuben fiber, sub 7 oz) and to use it in conjunction with a UL breathable bivy sack and down quilt. Under the tarp, the bivy sack gives you splash protection, wind-resistance, and wet ground protection (esp. with a mylar or window film groundsheet). The bivy sack also allows you to cowboy camp without the tarp on storm-free nights while avoiding dew. Check out the forums and articles at BackpackingLight.com for reams and reams of discussion on such a setup.

blisterfree

#10

My vote’s on the Contrail, all the way. Mine has over 6000 trail miles on it, still going strong, and I’m taking out for another three month trip this summer. The thing is bomb-proof–nothing to break–and worry-free once you get past the learning curves of single-wall shelters (site selection and condensation) and pitching silnylon. It has cost me in the dimes per night range so far, and still dropping. I have never used a ground sheet with it. It pitches easily with one pole and four stakes, though I carry two spare stakes for extreme weather.

Garlic

#11

Well, I’m sold on the Contrail. Thinking I’ll opt for the carbon strut/pole for the foot of the tent. I own trekking poles for splitboarding in the winter, so I could just carry one of those for the upright. I’m leaning toward that option rather than a dedicated tent pole. Trekking pole would be more sturdy and could be used for stability if I’m crossing a swift creek or injure an ankle. I’ve just read some reviews where the aluminum tent pole is not as sturdy as a trekking pole. I think I’ll order the aluminum tent pole then try both a trekking pole and that aluminum tent pole to see what I like best (ie shakedown hikes!)

Thanks again for the reviews/opinions/knowledge/wisdom!

goinboarding

#12

yeah the contrail is pretty awesome. however, you are really going to want to use the trekking pole for the front of the tent. the pole from tarptent is kind of flimsy and in a storm your trekking pole will work much better.
adios
-Queso

Queso