I would like to use my dividend and 20% coupon to purchase a new tent. I'm looking for light weight 1 or 2 man tent for use in the BW. I currently have a Mountain Hardware Drifter 3. I absolutely love it. I would like something a little lighter and smaller but still super water proof like the Drifter 3 for times when I am solo. I'm not saying that I would spend $1000 or anything but take price out of the equation for now.

Any suggestions?

Many on this site have recommended the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 person. I've only camped in a REI Half Dome and it was very roomy for two big guys and some gear. Fairly lightweight (didn't feel monstrous to carry at least) and solidly built.

You didn't mention a budget for this but here's another option that might be closer to your price point as well: Kelty Gunnison 2.3

Others can probably give you loads of better advice on this. Just a couple of ideas to start you off. Hope it all helps!

Stick with Mountain Hardwear You know the quality and this is top of the line

I own a MH Drifter 2 DP, 3 Skyledge 3 non DP and an older Skyledge 2.1 non DP.

Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2 DP Tent

Putting price back in the equation, I would get an Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 (4 lbs 12 oz.) for $100 and spend your 20% coupon on a Helinox Cot One. Or a Kelty Trail Ridge 2 (5 lbs 8 oz.).

I have the REI Passage 2 and like it a lot. relatively light and easy setup. Roomy for 1 person and OK for 2. Has 2 doors which is a convenient feature.

Moosejaw.com has some very good sales going right now on their tents. I scored a two man Marmot Stormlight 2P on clearance for $178, which was regularly $300. There are some other good deals as well for quality two man tents.

I'm about to pull trigger at REI sale and dividend on the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 3 mtnGLO Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 3 mtnGLO Tent. Primarily tandem canoe trips but probably weekend Scout camp out a as well. Then will look for a sub 2 pound 2 person for backpacking and maybe solo canoe trips. Just too many compromises to find one to do all. And still tempted to add a timberline for those Scout weekends, but probably should make it a winter canvas tent with stove for November through March.

I've been very happy with my MSR Mutha Hubba. They make a 2-man version as well

Hubba Hubba

The thing I like about their tents is their very versatile. You can pitch them with just the fly and ground tarp for an ultralight shelter. They're very airy, which cuts down on the condensation, and the biggest thing is the rain fly design. I have noticed when using the REI tents, if it's raining and you open the fly, water drips right into the tent, its a very poor design. That would dissuade me from ever buying an REI tent unless they change the design at some point.

Watch the level of waterproofing on the floor and rainfly - some of the less expensive tents have poor waterproofing ratings.

I have had trouble with Alps Mountaineering tents - cheap to buy but don't hold up in the long run. Big Agnes, North Face,or Marmot are much stronger and better made.

Watch the deals but like anything else, you get what you pay for!

+1 on the Copper Spur UL, 2 seasons now and no buyers remorse! I have the 4 and I am really pleased. It is the last model, but weight, set up, room, air movement, function-it has it all IMO. The height is an added bonus as is the interior pockets that remove the need to buy a gear loft. My only question is how it will hold up with time, but a UL tent, you sacrifice weight with, well weight of materials.


Good luck,
John