2-3 person tent

I got this one last year and am happy, so far. About 3 lbs (if you don't bring all the stakes) and quite roomy. It is $380, though:

sierradesigns.com/lightning…

FrankPS wrote:I got this one last year and am happy, so far. About 3 lbs (if you don't bring all the stakes) and quite roomy. It is $380, though: sierradesigns.com/lightning…

No vestibule? Qurious how that zipper holds up on that unprotected door in driving rain... leak much?

Morgan Patterson wrote: No vestibule? Qurious how that zipper holds up on that unprotected door in driving rain... leak much?

I haven't been rained on yet (backpacking in the Sierra). There is a small "awning" over the entrance to the tent. However, if the wind is blowing much (in the direction of the entrance), the awning won't keep all the rain out. Then the zipper gets tested.

Edit: Watch the video on that link. It shows more perspective of the tent, including the awning.

My wife and I love the Fly Creek UL3. Fabric is thin but holds up well. One vestibule in the front.

I would go with the BA you selected. Not the lightest, but the setup is similar t the BA FC UL3, just with dual two-pole ends. The two vestibules are handy for keeping gear separate (not an issue with my wife and me), and disturbs other less when u exit. Bonus is you can set up the poles and fly first in rain etc, then build the tent inside. Same with the BA FC2&3. Sweet construction.

On the same tip as that at 5lb3oz is the Marmot Catalyst. I was really disappointed in it, but we bought it to withstand the kids. They demolished the BA Fly Creek UL2 tiny zipper and we had little to spend at the time. $170 is cheap for how roomy the tent is. I wrote a long review here:

rei.com/product/895637/marm…

Look for my user name at the bottom. Setting the slightly smaller vestibule towards the bad weather gives it almost 3.51386 season use, kinda 4 season with more mesh. Big durable zipper. Skip the Velcro on the stupid 3rd pole. Go to REI and set it up on their floor first, and insist on free stakes and guy lines to finish it off proper.

Kurt,

fyi, big agnes is on sale at campsaver.com

Nathan Self wrote:Kurt, fyi, big agnes is on sale at campsaver.com

Thanks, I actually saw that yesterday. I love that it comes with the footprint too!

REI quarter domes are now competitive:
rei.com/product/862425/rei-…

Do you need the tent immediately? Wait for black friday or other sales and the above will likely be very cheap. Or the Copper Spur UL3 might drop in price too. Basically the same tents, but now BA had a better warranty than REI.

Other option (gotta wait for big sales)
Nemo Dagger 3P $499, 4lbs 4oz

Kurt G. wrote: Thanks, I actually saw that yesterday. I love that it comes with the footprint too!

In my opinion, a "footprint" (aka: ground cloth) is unnecessary weight.