It seems that I always start looking for new equipment before the water freezes.

I have decided that I need a new tent. This tent would be used primarily for solo trips. It should have 2 doors with vestibules and be free standing, I like getting a 2-man, because I can get all my gear into the tent at night.

I have narrowed down a couple of tents, but would like any input you might have.

The REI Half Dome Plus 2 is at the top of my list. I understand that I might get this for in the $100.00 range if it goes on sale. 5lb. 2oz. and 34.5 sq. ft.

The other is the REI Quarter Dome UL currently selling for $229.00, but could go on sale. 3lb. 11oz. and 28 sq. ft.

OS you know my thoughts. The only things I do not like about the REI half dome plus 2 (which I own) are:

The door on each side is centered on the wall instead of near the end. I like the two men tents where the two doors are offset from each other and each person sleeps with their head at the opposite end a little better. Because I use this mainly for solo sleeping-it is not a big deal.

The other thing, which is a little bit bigger issue, is the screen in the doors does not have a way to close the screens off. As a warm sleeper this is not a big deal until the temps get to freezing and below. It does help with ventilation and condensation build up, but it also means it retains heat less than if it had the covers. With the vestibules and rainfly they are not necessary for precipitation-but would be nice to have in cold temps to retain any warnth it might.

If you had slept with my brother you would not be so quick on the head to toe arrangement. Again since this tent would be used primarily for solo tripping, the door alignment is not an issue. I also am a warm sleeper so the 3 -season nature of these tents are not a problem either.

Eureka Timberline 2 man with two vestibules, approximately 6 pounds. This is one tough little tent and has seen many days in the BWCA and used buy thousands of campers. This used to be a standard tent offered buy many of the local outfitters. I use mine with one or both vestibules depending on weather. It is roomy enough for me, my personal gear and a medium sized dog. Mine has been used all four seasons. It is a little wanting for ventilation with every thing zipped up tight, especially for winter. With the vent in the vestibules opened wide and the tent screens opened up I get pretty fair air movement. I use the foot end vestibule to store my pack, life jacket, etc. at night and use the head end vestibule as an entry / mudroom and leave my boots and anything else wet out there keeping moisture and dirt from the tent interior.

The half-dome is probably a solid tent. I have had good luck
with Kelty tents. Now called the Gunnison 2 is a good tent
for one man and gear. I too now only use my 2 person tent for
solo excursions except if the wife comes for backpacking. I love
my Timberline 4, so I bet the Timberline 2 would work out
nicely. If I were to go to the boundary waters solo, I would
probably still bring my Timberline 4. The 2 person is now strictly
designated to backpacking where weight is an issue since the timberline 4 really isn't bulky. Good luck, I wish I was in the market for a tent, but I suppose 4 is enough.
MTM