I have been looking for a new 2 person backpacking tent. I like the Big Agnes Scout or the MSR Fast Stash

Didn't know if anyone has any experience with either tent. both are on sale and I would like to get one for Christmas.

I plan on using it more for backpacking than in the BWCA, so I am looking for one that uses hiking poles for support. I know there are better ones out there but I would like to get a semi-starter tent,

thanks,

You can get the Fast Stash for $120 @ REI Outlet, and that is one hack-of-a price!

I don't have experience with either one of these, but that won't stop me from sharing my opinion. I like flies that extend to the ground. The fast stash is awful heavy at 4 lbs. It looks like the rear pole is inside the living space, which I don't like, but there might be an option to put it outside.

Check out the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo.

Yep, I've looked at Six Moons and also TarpTent. both are great products, but the price is a little higher than I like. Those would be my next level tent (once I have proven to myself that I will do backpacking trips as well as canoe trips :)

I like the Big Agnes just because the peak height is in the middle where the MSR is on the front wall where I wouldn't be able to take advantage of it as well.

Big Agnes also has the Scout Plus UL that would add a vestibule, but you loose a little height in the back of the tent.

Been trying to pull the trigger for weeks now but cant come to a decision.

Need more advice

The Lunar Duo is on sale for $248.

I don't think either qualify as entry level. Both are single wall non self-supporting, tarp style shelters. If you are looking for entry/trial level 2 person tent/shelter I suggest staying closer to a traditional small tent at a 4 to 5 pound weight/$200 range. Much more forgiving and useful, and many to chose from.

butthead

My vote is for the MSR Hubba Hubba. It's a bit more expensive but is an excellent tent.

When I went to Philmont, I narrowed to the BA Scout and a Nemo Meta 2 - regrettably no longer available. Both single wall and both trek pole supported and both about 2 pounds. No regrets - would do single wall and trek pole and would not go much over two pounds again. At this size - just space for 2 20x72 pads - we needed and used the two doors and two vestibules of the Memo.

There is a whole other group like Six Moons, but Nrmo, MSR, REI, and a few others seem to be in a price class I can consider. If I actually wear one of these out, maybe I'll move up to the higher price class.

As for entry level, I am talking more price than experience. Most of my gear is or is close to backpacking weight as it is. I would like to get the tent to save a couple of pounds in that area.

The Hubba Hubba is twice the price and almost twice the weight, that ones not an option. I really want to stay close to the 2#/$200 range.

I have same priorities chef. Besides cost and two pound range, as well as two doors and two vestibules, consider ventilation. I did not find a few inches of heigth to matter in my research and experience.

As long as you do not mind the rigging and details that accompany a single wall tarp style shelter, either will work fine. The Scout will allow simple access for both sleepers, the Fast Stash rear spot needs to cross the front sleeper position and has reduced headroom, but offers a useful porch style area. Both could be suspended from a ridge line to eliminate the support poles.
Have you considered something like a bug shelter suspended under a tarp? A combo of 10x10 silnylon tarp and bug net can be had for under $250, weigh less than 2 pounds.

butthead

You got me looking again. Curses! Check this one out - $280 on line but under two pounds.


MSR FlyLite

quote butthead: "As long as you do not mind the rigging and details that accompany a single wall tarp style shelter, either will work fine. The Scout will allow simple access for both sleepers, the Fast Stash rear spot needs to cross the front sleeper position and has reduced headroom, but offers a useful porch style area. Both could be suspended from a ridge line to eliminate the support poles.
Have you considered something like a bug shelter suspended under a tarp? A combo of 10x10 silnylon tarp and bug net can be had for under $250, weigh less than 2 pounds.


butthead"

My experience with single wall shelters is they are easier to set up than designs with flys. Stake the perimeter, pop in two trek poles, done. Also backpacked places with no trees to rig from.

quote dprochef: "As for entry level, I am talking more price than experience. Most of my gear is or is close to backpacking weight as it is. I would like to get the tent to save a couple of pounds in that area.


The Hubba Hubba is twice the price and almost twice the weight, that ones not an option. I really want to stay close to the 2#/$200 range."

Concerning the tents, you have answered your own question as only one tent is near 2lbs. From my experience it's better to pay a little extra for features or reduced weight if you can. That said I think the Big Agnes tent will work but you will wish it had a vestibule, the center pole isn't in the way and maybe a few other features like side entry versus this tent.

Do you need it for 2 people or just one?

quote boonie: "Do you need it for 2 people or just one?"

Planning on two but there will be times there will only be one person. I do like the looks of the MSR Flylite. I do have some concerns about the center trek pole on the Big Agnes. My luck I would kick it in the middle of the night.

I agree and am willing to hold out and pay a bit more for the perfect tent.

The biggest draw about the Big Agnes scout Is that with a google coupon I can get it for $189. Hard to beat that.

I have always liked the TarpTents, but they are double the price.

More suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

billconner, I did not say it was easy or more difficult, but they do require more consideration in placement and setup/rigging, than a self supporting tent.
I used a tent almost identical to the Big Agnes Scout on my first several trips into Quetico, still use a CCS Lean +1, and the tarp bug net setup I mentioned. Each with and without support poles.

Fast Stash review
Big Agnes Scout review

Both reviews note that patience, practice, and adjustments, are needed for a tight pitch.

If it was my choice I'd go with the Fast Stash. Like the side entry and Baker/Lean design better. Weight differences look like the poles included with the Fast Stash and not with the Scout, and slightly heavier fabric. You could put it on a diet with lighter stakes and cordage. Fast Stash offers some setup/staking out options with the wings.

butthead

PS; Six Moon Designs, review $250 and 2 1/2 pounds, Tarptent Squall 2 $210 just over 2 pounds, possible alternative??? bh

Personally, I do not understand the need to save a pound or so to risk the condensation issues that inherently define single wall tents. That is just me, however. At 3 pounds 4.6 ounce, I really like my Copper Spur 2. Right now it is $319 @ EMS with free shipping, and that is a great deal on a very well regarded tent.

This Tarptent was the reason I asked.

The Tarptent Squall 2 is what you are looking for except that it's $50 more.

Campsaver has Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 on sale for $300 right now plus if you enter a code you get another 5% off so it takes it down more.

If you're truly looking for a backpacking tent that 2 people will sleep in, then I have a suggestion. I find that most 2 person tents are not large enough for 2 people and gear. I bought the REI Half Dome 2 Plus for backpacking with 2 people. It's a little larger than a 2 person, but smaller than a 3 person tent, which makes it perfect for me. I really like this tent.

quote butthead: "billconner, I did not say it was easy or more difficult, but they do require more consideration in placement and setup/rigging, than a self supporting tent.
I used a tent almost identical to the Big Agnes Scout on my first several trips into Quetico, still use a CCS Lean +1, and the tarp bug net setup I mentioned. Each with and without support poles.


Fast Stash review
Big Agnes Scout review


Both reviews note that patience, practice, and adjustments, are needed for a tight pitch.


If it was my choice I'd go with the Fast Stash. Like the side entry and Baker/Lean design better. Weight differences look like the poles included with the Fast Stash and not with the Scout, and slightly heavier fabric. You could put it on a diet with lighter stakes and cordage. Fast Stash offers some setup/staking out options with the wings.


butthead

PS; Six Moon Designs, review $250 and 2 1/2 pounds, Tarptent Squall 2 $210 just over 2 pounds, possible alternative??? bh

"

And what I said was my experience with single wall and trekking pole tents is that its easier. That's the Eureaka Xeus3 and Nemo Meta 2. I'd expect the MSR Flylight also to be very easy. Ultimately I did not care for the Scout, the reason we chose the Meta2. How well it did in high wind - Scout not so well and Meta 2 quite well - was important.

quote boonie: "The Tarptent Squall 2 is what you are looking for except that it's $50 more."

Looks promising. Thanks.

Just wanted to give an endorsement for the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo. Great space, my son and I used in as a duo once and it was adequate. Advertised weight was right on, with optional carbon fiber poles and homemade tyvek innie total of just under 3 lbs. Single wall design is one piece and easy to setup, even on bare rock (rocks piled on stakes). Ventilation was good, only had condensation when it gets below 40 deg. Wind resistance was great, it survived the blowdown in July 2014 pitched in the open (we had extra lines tied out on the provided loops). No leaks, even in a couple all day downpours.

I have not tried the Squall, but we tried the 3 person version, which is called the Rainshadow 2. I returned it because we found our sleeping bags rubbing against the walls, which are steeply sloped. I'd rather have the head/foot sloped than the side walls. I prefer side entry with vertical side walls.

An option chef. REI Dash 2 $170, 2 lb 7 oz, 2 doors.

quote billconner: "An option chef. REI Dash 2 $170, 2 lb 7 oz, 2 doors."

Maybe this link

Thank you everyone, I now find myself in option overload. I have been looking at all the responses and comparing all the tents. I have found some new favorites and eliminated others.

Single wall tents, although they seem perfect with the weight being light, can have condensation and stability issues. Also gear storage is usually limited or non-existent.

After looking at many options, I think I may have to change my priorities of backpacking tents. I need to really look at the difference between a 2# and 4# tent. Although I would like to do some pack packing, I realistically don't see it being my main outdoor activity or find myself doing extremely difficult climbs/hikes. A week in the RMNP or one of those great parks in lower Utah. So I don't know how extreme of tent I really "need" vs. just actually wanting an extreme tent ( if that makes sense)

A couple of people mentioned the MSR line of tents. I actually like the Hubba Hubba and the Mutha Hubba. I also like that I could add the Gear shed to the Hubba Hubba for a canoeing trip.

I know that I just basically doubled my cost and weight, but it might turn out to be a good compromise.

Thanks again for the information everyone.

Well, if you're going to consider 4#, hiker direct has a cyber Monday deal - Alps Zephyr 2 - $70, and the 3 person for $75.

What is the website, I googled it and found one for Boy Scouts, but didn't see those tents

I had the precursor to the Fast Stash, the MSR Missing Link. Mine did not have poles, you provided trekking poles (I used my old downhill ski poles). Someone mentioned the poles being in the way? Not at all, and the poles made for the tent should be even better than my old ski poles that I used? Mine had solid side walls, unlike the double wall side walls in the Fast Stash. Even with the older model, condensation was tolerable; it would definitely be improved in this newer model.

It set up easily and fast and even though it was not free standing, I had no problems setting it up on gravel bars and Canadian Shield (as long as I could find a little soil). It would "Sag" a little with morning dew. Looks like the adjustable tie outs easily solve this issue too?

I really liked my tent and I sold mine because my wife hated the one door design. I miss it and regret selling it. With the "Updates," the Fast Stash looks to be improved over the one I already liked? I've been looking at this new model for a few months and have almost pulled the trigger. This extra 25% off may put me over the edge? I think it's a heckuva price for what I feel is a darn nice tent? Here's my older, less refined Missing Link.

If you're thinking of doubling the weight and cost, don't forget to take a look at some of the double wall tents that TarpTent makes. There are several that are 2-person, double wall tents under 4 lbs. and $400. Some can be set up with trekking poles or an optional pole set that adds minimal weight for canoeing. The inner tent is attached to the outer tent and set up as one on several models.

There are just too many options out there! With too many variables too! Good luck with making a decision ;).

quote dprochef: "What is the website, I googled it and found one for Boy Scouts, but didn't see those tents"

Traveling all day. Yes, you need some connection to scouting, but i think it can be " remote".

Sierra Designs has really nice, innovative gear selling at up to 50% off right now (25% off everything). I have the Lightning 2 FL tent but the regular Lightning 2 (thicker floor/walls) is 1/2 price. All top notch components - I know from experience. Don't think you can find a better 4lb(ish) tent for $135.

Flashlight series is awesome too if you end up leaning towards the non-freestanding.

No idea how long their sale is on for however - sale prices were still advertised today (and free ship on all orders!)

Have fun... new gear hunting is a task I never complain about!

Sierra Designs Backpacking Tents

There seems to be a great variety of opinion regarding what constitutes a backpacking tent. I keep reading four pounds, and while that's certainly not egregiously heavy it's pretty hefty for a backpacking shelter, not to mention the amount of pack space a traditional tent requires. There are lighter and cheaper options if you really want a true backpacking weight shelter.

For example, for true backpacking trips I carry a Go Lite Hut 1 @ a pound including guy lines(more modern silnylon and cuben fiber shelters are even lighter), six lightweight stakes at 4.5 ounces total (they came with my Marmot Ajax so no expense incurred for those, but one can get a set of eight for $15, and when I think I might need it an OR Bug Bivy at one pound. The Hut 1 sets up with trekking poles which I'm already carrying, so total weight for my shelter, which I find very roomy and comfy and I'm a touch claustrophobic, is 1.5 pounds without a bug bivy and 2.5 pounds with. And, when pitched properly it's bomber. Best of all, the whole setup cost me less than a C note and is about the size of a Nalgene (or half a Nalgene without the bug bivy).



Please understand I'm not knocking tents though I know someone will interpret my post that way. I have several and always pull them out for canoe, raft and car camping, but IMO given the advances that have been made in shelters the last 15-20 years backpacking and tent are two mutually exclusive concepts. If you really want a backpacking shelter and not just a relatively light tent that will do in a pinch I strongly encourage you to look into a shelter. You can find some great deals on backpacking gear swaps. Here's my fave. BPL Gear Swap

The people there are like the people here. Happy hunting!

While dprochef is considering different shelters, thought I'd post Lunar Duo- for any bargain seekers. Something to watch. Other interesting stuff from GoLite and TarpTent.

butthead

Guess I'm a little late on this, but for what it's worth my wife and I love our tarptent double rainbow for backpacking. One of the few pieces of gear I have that I wouldn't change anything about. Very well designed for the intended purpose.