1 person+gear 4 season tent/shelter deciding

[Nickwild]

Hiya folks, I'm looking for a tent to fit said needs. The stability of a tent is very much welcome but the modularity and options of tarp shelters is also desirable. I would be using it for overnighters as well as up to a week, solo... with gear... possibly a lot of gear, depending.

Im not looking for a super ultra light weight shelter that folds 300 times to fit in a mint tin, but it would be nice for it to weigh sub 8-ish lbs and pack decently well. Also might be using it with a wood stove for my longer winter outings.

And there's something that no one seems to talk about but, does anyone consider terrain where there is absolutely no flat, desirable spot for pitching camp?

So far im thinking of one of Kuius tents, something from Kifaru or possibly if im going to be more traditional, something from tentsmiths.

anyway, if you've read this, thanks for dropping in. Any advice or ideas would be welcome

 

[Unionsparky46]

stone glacier makes some great backpack tents. I have the skyscraper 2p. Light, water/ wind resistant with plenty of room for 1 or 2 people. I like having room for all my gear,…. Since they make items for mountaineering, it's designed to be set up in all kinds of terrain. Good in high winds too! Their bags and pads are hard to beat as well! Seek Outside makes some dang nice stove tents. I'd look at one of their combos they have. Good luck on your search and hope this helps!!

 

[zerosprk]

Kifaru Sawtooth, liner and medium stove is the answer you are looking for. I'm 6' tall and the Sawtooth lets me get dressed standing up and the stove can make you sweat without trying too hard.

 

[KSB209]

I have the Kuiu and really like it. Haven't had to "test" it in the snow yet but it's a nice tent. Whatever direction / brand you decide I would highly recommend a 2 person tent for extra room for gear. 1 person tents are tiny and are made for minimalist trying to save weight

 

[Wallrat]

If you insist on it being 4-season, then it's guaranteed to be heavier than a 3-season. My choice for a big tent: North Face VE-24 or 25. For a small tent the Black Diamond ElDorado. Either will stand up to major storms at altitude. I used the Eldo up to 17,000' on Denali. Bombproof.
These days though, I'm going in the direction of the hot tents. My hot-tipi weight is under 2#, plus 10# for the stove.

Absaroka 4P Tent

The Argali Absaroka 4P tent was designed for lightweight backpackers that want a lightweight, fast pitching tent that can be pitched in a wide variety of terrain. Made with a 20D silpoly ripstop fabric, the Absaroka is a spacious four person tent that is stove compatible and designed for 4...

argalioutdoors.com

Stay away from Luxe…the US distributor turned out to be a ripoff.

 

[Troutslayer2]

I did a lot of winter trips with a Bibler tent which is now Black Diamond. I think the model I had is now called the El Dorado. It got stolen out of my truck. If I wanted one now for true 4 season I'd probably look at Hilleberg pretty hard. I have a tipi and stove. I'd probably spend all day looking for a big enough spot to set that thing up in the country I hunt, and though it's comfortable I do not think i will ever pack it in on a solo trip. I agree that Stone Glacier is worth a look. They didn't design that they licensed or bought the rights to a very tried and true tent design.

 

[Wallrat]

I actually have the Bibler…but referenced the Eldo because that's what's available. The Ahwanhee is very similar, but much easier to live out of. Side entry, plus a vestibule.

 

[Troutslayer2]

I actually have the Bibler…but referenced the Eldo because that's what's available. The Ahwanhee is very similar, but much easier to live out of. Side entry, plus a vestibule.

The 3 season version of that side entry is what I use for most trips. I can't remember what's it's called. Not the lightest in class but it's been a good tent. The fabric started leaking after many years and black Diamond sent me a brand new one for free so I have 2 sets of poles for it.

 

[Troutslayer2]

Come lately brands trying to capitalize on this backcountry hunting trend should be avoided. The mountaineering community has been working this stuff out for a hundred years. This statement covers a lot of categories- boots, sleeping bags, socks……..

 

[Nickwild]

thanks y'all for all the advice. beyond the obvious, what are the felt/performance differences between single wall and double wall tents?

 

[Troutslayer2]

Double wall will breathe better and have less condensation in the winter. It will be heavier and harder to set up. Trade offs. I prefer single wall.

 

[Koda_]

if you want ultra light look to the backpacking community.

something to consider is if you really need a true 4 season tent. IMO you dont unless your camping above timberline exposed to high wind.

Single wall tents and tarp shelters are UL and not whimpy. I also recommend getting a 2 person rating for solo hunts because storing your gear outside in the rain sucks.
Ive used my Six Moon Designs Haven shelter for several years now including a backcountry hunt. Very lightweight and a solid classic design.

Haven Ultralight Tent

The Haven Ultralight Tent now includes the Haven Tarp and the Haven NetTent, formerly called the Haven Bundle.

www.sixmoondesigns.com

 

[Wallrat]

A small single wall 4-season tent like the ElDorado adds about 10* of warmth. It's very noticeable. That tends to make it a 3-season tent, but the other way, because it's too hot in the summer. They have mesh doors, so that helps a lot, but because the fabric is Nexus, it's thick and warm.
The non-breathable single wall tents tend to get more moisture buildup inside, unless you leave them some ventilation. The fabric is totally waterproof/won't breathe. That quart of water you breathe out during the night has to go somewhere, after all.

 

[ridgewalker]

I did it a bit different. When I backpacked hunting and fishing a lot, I only used a bivi bag. Gortex top and waterproof bottom. I did this because I hunted with my pack on and loaded moving all day and never spending the night in the same spot. In the evenings I'd find a nice flat overlooking a meadow, trail, or water hole.
My pack rarely weighed over 25 lbs (without elk parts in it…LOL!)
I've waked up with 6" of snow covering me and roasty toasty. Also could stay out over 5 days at a time. Weight would go up a bit for extra food.
A lot of 1-2 nighters I only carried cold foods, but tea bags and a metal Sierra cup in case a small fire was needed to warm up.
A tent would have been more comfortable I guess, but I didn't want to be tied to the same spot. Elk are either in an area or not and if not, you just have to keep relocating until you find them.
JMO&E best of luck in you choice!