Help me decied on a new tent for backpacking!

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  • s3th

    Well-Known Member
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    Nov 6, 2016
    64
    6
    Mandeville
    I'm currently looking at...

    REI Quarter Dome 1
    BA Copper Spur UL1
    Tarptent Rainbow
    MSR Hubba NX

    I can not make my mind up... but I'm leaning toward the Copper Spur UL1. (I really hate the orange color of the copper spur and quarter dome.)
    My only really requirements are that it comes in less than 3lbs... ideally just over 2lbs trail weight.
     

    DAVE_M

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    Apr 17, 2009
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    I have the REI Quarter Dome 1. I think I paid $180ish on sale.

    I chose it over the Copper Spur, Fly Creek, MSR Hubba, and the Marmot Tungsten.

    The Backpacker in Baton Rouge is a great place to check out tents.
     

    jmcrawf1

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    Jan 20, 2008
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    Madisonville
    I'm rocking the Quarter Dome 2, because I sleep like a starfish and the weight is negligible. Honestly, you just listed the all star list of tents so it really will come down to price. The MSR might have the edge on the pack in quality but it comes at a cost.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    DAVE_M

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    (I really hate the orange color of the copper spur and quarter dome.)
    My only really requirements are that it comes in less than 3lbs... ideally just over 2lbs trail weight.

    The REI Quarter Dome 1 is advertised as 2 lbs 2 oz trail weight / 2 lbs 10 oz packed weight. I've never actually weighed mine, but it's fairly light. I tossed the instructions and the dinky stakes. I swapped them for a few DAC J-Stakes.

    The MSR Hubba and Copper Spur are both really good alternatives if you have the cash. They are high quality and you won't be disappointed. However, the Quarter Dome is damn near identical to the Copper Spur and even has some features that I prefer over the Copper Spur.

    Ignore the color, you're only using it to sleep in. I'd rather my tent be bright pink, so I could find it easily when we wander off from camp.
     

    s3th

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    Nov 6, 2016
    64
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    Mandeville
    Is the REI Quarter dome a true free standing tent? I know the Copper Spur is.
    I've read a lot about the Hubba's poles snapping and the sqft seems to lack when compared to others listed.
     

    DAVE_M

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    Is the REI Quarter dome a true free standing tent? I know the Copper Spur is.
    I've read a lot about the Hubba's poles snapping and the sqft seems to lack when compared to others listed.

    It can be if you want it to be. It has three main guy-line points, two at the head, one at the foot. Then it has two additional guy-line points on either side of the single point at the foot, so you can make the foot area more roomy.

    REI-Quarter-Dome-1-foot-area-stake.jpg


    As you can see, it's narrow without the extra guy-lines, but it's free standing. The photos are from this article: http://easternslopes.com/2015/09/22/rei-quarter-dome-1-tent/

    REI-Quarter-Dome-1-without-fly.jpg

    REI-Quarter-Dome-1-pole-configuration.jpg

    REI-Quarter-Dome-1-vestibule.jpg
     

    DAVE_M

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    Any issues? What about condensation build up?

    Not yet, but I haven't been in stormy weather either.

    I if I may toss out a few more..

    If money no object :D
    http://http://www.zpacks.com/shelters.shtml

    I have a BA Fly Creek UL2. 2lb 14 oz all in with footprint,stakes, everything. Many of the 2 persons add a lot more room for only a couple ounces more.

    The new copper spur will be out in Olive soon

    http://https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/copperspurHVUL2

    Z-packs shelters are not free standing. Add the weight of trekking poles to the tent weight and there are far better free standing options (if you don't use trekking poles). Considering that Louisiana is relatively flat, you don't need trekking poles.
     

    DAVE_M

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    Most important question in backpacking: which one is lighter?

    That's not the most important question.

    The most important question is "What works for you?"

    An ultra-silnylon tarp is lighter than a bivvy.
    A bivvy is lighter than a one person tent.
    A one person tent is lighter than a two person tent.

    But what works for you?

    I like my Jetboil, but others scoff at the weight and say that a pocket rocket is all you need. Well, the Jetboil works for me and it's worth the extra weight.
     

    Spleen

    Day of the Rope!
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    Jul 26, 2010
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    That's not the most important question.

    The most important question is "What works for you?"

    An ultra-silnylon tarp is lighter than a bivvy.
    A bivvy is lighter than a one person tent.
    A one person tent is lighter than a two person tent.

    But what works for you?

    I like my Jetboil, but others scoff at the weight and say that a pocket rocket is all you need. Well, the Jetboil works for me and it's worth the extra weight.

    I agree with this.
    My tent is a surplus military combat shelter (not the lightest but watertight and tough as nails) and my stove is an Optimus 8r since I collect and repair antique camp stoves.
    The rest is mainly lightweight items that I use to offset the heavy items.
    An ideal setup?
    Not for most but it is ideal for me.

    Find what works for you and happiness will ensue.
    Hopefully.
     

    tallwalker

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    Jul 24, 2012
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    Covington, LA
    Combat shelter is great for me too. I love mine and it fills so many gaps for me. I have packed it around and it really isn't that bad even for an old guy like me, but it mainly lives behind the seat of my truck along with a kelly kettle. The carbon fiber poles are super adaptable strong and light. Can't tell you how many times I have pitched it even in the bed of my truck on a whim in really bad weather.
     

    HiCapMag

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    Mar 11, 2009
    840
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    Baton Rouge, La
    Sorry, just realized my links were broken... fixed em.

    S3th, do you have a particular use or location in mind?
     

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