Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
- Aushiker
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:42 am
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby avolve » Mon Sep 11, 2017 2:42 pm
I am (still) looking for a new tent. Ideally, a one-size fits most option. I have a twin vestibule 2.5 person Salewa dome tent I have used in a few forests in Oz and Canada (hiking and cycle touring). At more than a decade old, it is showing some signs of age (along with a couple repairs). Weight is not the most pressing criteria.
I have toured a few times (longest 11 day self-supported), and ridden some long days (~220kms). I have pulled quite heavy trailers (originally a Yakima BOB clone, and later a BOB Ibex) over the mountains in upstate New York, and mountain passes across BC and into Alberta.
I am more looking at solo bike packing (several days, less than a week), and two-person gravel touring. More relaxed/slower paced days enjoying the scenery and longer times in camp.
I have gone between something light like a ProTrail, to something more one-size like a MSR Hubba with gear loft (as in, only take it when wanted).
The Hubba 2 Tour looks like a good option for longer mornings, and likely some of the places for two-person camping (poles on the outside pitching looks like a good feature too). The 2 person is not that much heavier than the solo, so could be a workable compromise.
Alternatively, a Hubba 2 with seperate gear loft, though loses the external poles/simpler pitching (and a used Hubba 1 is then an option for solo)
Interested in other's thoughts.
[I only came across the Hubba Tour given the return to green fly material —> stealth camping compatibility]
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby RonK » Mon Sep 11, 2017 6:47 pm
The Protrail is a great little tent for bikepacking for its light weight and small packed size. But in my experience it is definitely not suitable for cool weather camping. I spent a couple of cold, wet and uncomfortable nights in the Protrail this April in New Zealand. Sure, you expect some condensation with a single skin tent, but really, the Protrail is really only suited to warmer weather.
For an all rounder that has all the attributes I've grown to appreciate - freestanding, single-pitch, external poles, dual entrances, vestibules supported by the poles, I'm convinced the best all-rounder is the Big Sky Chinook with both mesh and fabric inners. Even the 1P Chinook has dual entrances and would be my choice.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby battler2 » Tue Sep 12, 2017 1:50 am
looks pricey, will keep an eye on deals, let me know if you find a good sale on it. initial searches show importing from UK is a bit cheaper
wish there was a way to secure a bike properly. depending on where you're touring, can be stolen while you sleep.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby brumby33 » Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:16 am
Just a few ideas.
Cheers
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Cycleops70 » Tue Sep 12, 2017 1:01 pm
I've used the Hubba one person for single bikepacking outings, & a Elixir 2 for more family stuff. I bought a detachable gear thingy, but not yet had a chance to use it.avolve wrote:
The Hubba 2 Tour looks like a good option for longer mornings, and likely some of the places for two-person camping (poles on the outside pitching looks like a good feature too). The 2 person is not that much heavier than the solo, so could be a workable compromise.
Alternatively, a Hubba 2 with seperate gear loft, though loses the external poles/simpler pitching (and a used Hubba 1 is then an option for solo)
Interested in other's thoughts.
[I only came across the Hubba Tour given the return to green fly material —> stealth camping compatibility]
If you're after a one size fits all, the Hubba Hubba or Elixir with a gear shed I think would be a versatile option.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby avolve » Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:45 pm
Gives the option of not taking the gear shed. I can't seem to find the tent in green, though I can find the gear shed in green... It comes is in a light (closer to white) grey.
Bike24 has the best prices I have found so far.battler2 wrote: looks pricey, will keep an eye on deals, let me know if you find a good sale on it. initial searches show importing from UK is a bit cheaper
wish there was a way to secure a bike properly. depending on where you're touring, can be stolen while you sleep.
I have never had an issue leaving my bike outside when thing across Canada. I have though, angled a wheel under the fly and set gear on it at times.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Warin » Wed Sep 13, 2017 10:10 am
930 ukp + shipping .. will attract GST charges too. Single entry, fly looks see through .. may not be water proof in a heavy down poor? 3 season. No thanks. Too much money, needs review of actual use in heavy rain.Aushiker wrote:Cheap as chips too
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Wed Sep 13, 2017 10:25 am
Its cuben fibre ... it is waterproof, well my Zpacks Duplex isWarin wrote:930 ukp + shipping .. will attract GST charges too. Single entry, fly looks see through .. may not be water proof in a heavy down poor? 3 season. No thanks. Too much money, needs review of actual use in heavy rain.Aushiker wrote:Cheap as chips too
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Sat Sep 16, 2017 10:15 pm
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby avolve » Tue Sep 19, 2017 3:42 pm
Do you have experiences with using it in warmer weather?RonK wrote:The Protrail is a great little tent for bikepacking for its light weight and small packed size. But in my experience it is definitely not suitable for cool weather camping. I spent a couple of cold, wet and uncomfortable nights in the Protrail this April in New Zealand. Sure, you expect some condensation with a single skin tent, but really, the Protrail is really only suited to warmer weather.
I have looked at a Protrail before for solo bikepacking adventures in the summer months. I regularly come back to it as a very good option...
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby RonK » Tue Sep 19, 2017 6:19 pm
I have not used it in summer but I expect it would be fine in warmer conditions. But that is not when I usually go touring. I dislike the heat and summertime crowds so tour in spring or autumn.avolve wrote:Do you have experiences with using it in warmer weather?RonK wrote:The Protrail is a great little tent for bikepacking for its light weight and small packed size. But in my experience it is definitely not suitable for cool weather camping. I spent a couple of cold, wet and uncomfortable nights in the Protrail this April in New Zealand. Sure, you expect some condensation with a single skin tent, but really, the Protrail is really only suited to warmer weather.
I have looked at a Protrail before for solo bikepacking adventures in the summer months. I regularly come back to it as a very good option...
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby avolve » Wed Sep 20, 2017 8:11 am
I might start with an MSR Elixir 2 for its versatility, and look into a lighter option (pro trail or tarp set-up) for solo adventures in warmer months..
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Tue Oct 03, 2017 7:13 pm
Also if anyone has a Tarptent Double Rainbow that you would be interesting in selling you are welcome to PM me Other possible options I would consider are a Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo and a Lightheart Duo but my preference is the Tarptent.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Tue Oct 03, 2017 7:14 pm
Also if anyone has a Tarptent Double Rainbow that you would be interesting in selling you are welcome to PM me Other possible options I would consider are a Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo and a Lightheart Duo but my preference is the Tarptent.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Rodgerbiltit » Tue Oct 03, 2017 7:24 pm
I have a Tarptent Double Rainbow (not for sale) that I've just converted to being able to free-stand (I don't tour with trekking poles). Interested in what appeals to you about the Rainbow over the Blowfin?
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Tue Oct 03, 2017 10:02 pm
Interested in your conversion ... I was thinking sticks if neededRodgerbiltit wrote:G'day Andrew,
I have a Tarptent Double Rainbow (not for sale) that I've just converted to being able to free-stand (I don't tour with trekking poles). Interested in what appeals to you about the Rainbow over the Blowfin?
As to the Blowfin 1 simply space. I have found that I have been spoilt with my last two tents: a Zpacks Duplex and a Tarptent Scarp 1 and I am not adjusting to back to having a single person tent. Not the end of the world but I can sell it and get a Double Rainbow I will, otherwise I will live with it.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby avolve » Wed Oct 04, 2017 8:00 am
I am interested your blowfin Andrew. Is the inner the full mesh sides version, or does it have material on some of the side walls?Aushiker wrote:If anyone is interested in a Tarptent Blowfin 1 I have put one up for sale over the Bushwalking forums. You are welcome to check it out
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Rodgerbiltit » Wed Oct 04, 2017 8:12 am
According to the Tarptent site both the Blowfin 1 (127cm) and Double Rainbow (127cm) are the same width of floor?
Perhaps a Blowfin 2 (178cm) would be a better option? I'll try PM with a photo of the free standing setup...
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Wed Oct 04, 2017 10:44 am
Full mesh interior, so no material on the side walls. They describe it as a hybrid.avolve wrote:I am interested your blowfin Andrew. Is the inner the full mesh sides version, or does it have material on some of the side walls?Aushiker wrote:If anyone is interested in a Tarptent Blowfin 1 I have put one up for sale over the Bushwalking forums. You are welcome to check it out
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Wed Oct 04, 2017 10:54 am
The Tarptent measurements can be a bit misleading. Yes it is 127 cm but only at the centre point and only when the floor is fully pulled out and the vestibule space is reduced. At each end and for most of the length of the floor, the width is 51 cm.Rodgerbiltit wrote:Andrew,
According to the Tarptent site both the Blowfin 1 (127cm) and Double Rainbow (127cm) are the same width of floor?
Also you actually don't get a lot of expanded space even when pulled out. Not like you are getting with your Double Rainbow. To be honest it is a good space for a single person tent; it is just me getting old and wanting a little more luxury. My previous single person tent was a Big Sky Evolution 1P and I used that for a lot of nights. The space was more than enough in those days.
Compare this to your Double Rainbow ...
The floor is rectangle and hence the width of 127 cm is consistent the full length of the floor.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby RonK » Wed Oct 04, 2017 11:43 am
What became of the Evolution? Did you wear it out or pass it on? What was the quality like?Aushiker wrote:My previous single person tent was a Big Sky Evolution 1P and I used that for a lot of nights. The space was more than enough in those days.
I'm quite taken with the Big Sky Chinook 1P. Having owned a Hilleberg Soulo I came to prefer a three-pole freestanding tent with external poles, but until I spotted the Chinook every similar tent I've seen has been as heavy and as bulky as the 2.5 kg Soulo. The Chinook 1P would satisfy all my preferences and at around 1.5 kg is only around 600g heavier than the Protrail. I can't find any information about the packed size however. There is also a 1.5P version of the Chinook but I think that might push the packability too far.
The Tarptent Protrail I used in NZ this autumn was a great compromise for packability in bikepacking mode, but it proved not a good choice for autumn temps, and I spent a couple of uncomfortable nights. I think the compromise between packability and liveability is too much for my mode of usage, which is usually in the cooler seasons.
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby avolve » Wed Oct 04, 2017 2:02 pm
I have a SynMat 7 LW, and not sure it would fit inside at 25" — http://www.exped.com/usa/en/product-cat ... ynmat-7-lwAushiker wrote:Full mesh interior, so no material on the side walls. They describe it as a hybrid.avolve wrote:I am interested your blowfin Andrew. Is the inner the full mesh sides version, or does it have material on some of the side walls?Aushiker wrote:If anyone is interested in a Tarptent Blowfin 1 I have put one up for sale over the Bushwalking forums. You are welcome to check it out
I'll have to check the size of my old thermarest (and how small it packs)
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Re: Tents, Sleeping Mats, and Bags
Postby Aushiker » Wed Oct 04, 2017 3:40 pm
I have a SynMat 7s which is claimed to be 51 cm wide. I will try it on the weekend for you to see how it fits. I would be very surprised if it does not fit but.avolve wrote:I have a SynMat 7 LW, and not sure it would fit inside at 25" — http://www.exped.com/usa/en/product-cat ... ynmat-7-lw
If you look at the videos at https://www.tarptent.com/bowfin1.html you can get a bit of an idea about the interior space usage. Section Hiker also has a review on it but Philip does not mention what pad he used. I have asked in the comments as curious myself now.
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