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Tent Suggestions

Original Post
Brady3 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 15

I'm looking to make a tent. (I have heard the various things as to why not to, but I enjoy making things so I'm going to anyway) I'm wanting it to be 2 person, and relatively lightweight so that I can use it for backpacking. I've thought about having removable layers so that it could be used as a 4-season while not having to carry all the weight if it's summer. (Though I have yet to actually need a 4-season) And I plan to use one vertical pole (much easier to make).

But what features do others look for in a tent? I haven't shopped around for tents and there are a lot out there to look at, where should I begin? What features are superfluous?

DanielRich · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 5

I forget what it is called but having the tent outer layer/fly extend far enough out around the door to make a small "entryway" is amazing. If it is raining/snowing/windy the ability to get out of the weather to take off boots and maybe coat is a lifesaver in making the tent both warmer and cleaner.

You don't need much and it can be a really tight squeeze.

Edit: Vestibule for the name?

mark felber · · Wheat Ridge, CO · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 41

"Vestibule" is the correct term, and they are great to have.

OP: an A-frame tent might be simpler to construct, and would give more usable floor space for a given weight.

check out this website: us.hilleberg.com/EN/index.php . The owner of the company seems to have started about the way you're starting.

Kevin K · · San Diego · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 5

Check out the DIY Tarptent plans:

tarptent.com/projects/tarpd…

Merlin · · Grand Junction · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 10

What's your price range, primary use, and expected frequency of use? I've got about 5. You really don't need to spend all that much on one but if you do spend a lot, the nice ones are real nice.

Brady3 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 15

Daniel: Yes, I do plan on having a vestibule because they are very nice to have.

Mark: I was leaning more towards a single pole pyramid shaped structure, but an A-frame might not be a bad option. One extra pole isn't that much.

Kevin: These are similar to the shape I was thinking, but I was going to put a floor in and use heavier fabric.

Merlin: Ideally I would be doing a week long trip a year, but realistically it will probably get less use. I do want to make one, not buy one. This is more just I like making things than saving money and what not.

To all: thank you for the responses, I'm looking to be buying fabric and other materials in the next month or so but first need a design. I'll think more on using two poles and making an A-frame but currently am leaning towards a pyramidish design (maybe just a guy-line for one "corner").

Beean · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 0

Lots of people over on Backpackinglight.com have made various pyramid tents (mids).

I've got a mid myself, it's a do it all tent design. Light, spacious and sturdy. Its got a bathtub floor that I can clip to little mitten hooks sewn inside the four corners to stop rain splashing under the tent, but it's rarely needed. Also have no-seeum bug mesh sewn around the perimeter and inside door. Weight is around 900g including the floor.

Most are made out of a lightweight silnylon and set up with a trekking pole.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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