drc5900
Bemidji, Minnesota
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A friend is looking for an ultra light weight tent for hiking.
Anybody got some good advice, weblinks?
Who of you know of any worthwile tentcamper show in Minneapolis/ Fargo/ Winnipeg/ Bismark.
Any help appreciated, thanks in advance!
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Francesca Knowles
Port Hadlock, Washington
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There's a big variety out there, and a lot depends on the terrain and time of year your friend will be hiking in.
Unless we're going where there are LOTS of mosquitos etc. we do just fine with a big waterproof nylon tarp and some nylon cord.
It weighs almost nothing and folds up very small...
In fine weather we use it just as a ground cloth to sleep on and perhaps pull over our bags against morning dew.
For shelter, it can be rigged various ways very quickly (using hiking staffs if poles are needed).
" Not every mind that wanders is lost. " With apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien
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drc5900
Bemidji, Minnesota
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Thanks Francesca. The tarp sounds like a good idea, we talked about it, but my friend dismissed that idea because of chances of, indeed, mosquitos. The main reason for the tent would be to hike the Apalachian Trail, and canoe camping in Minnesota (where the mosquito is the state bird..).
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Eyegor
NY
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How much room does he need? Long distance hiking implies ultralight gear. There are bivy sacks that come with netting. Too confining for me but light. I am partial to Eureka tents but they are not the lightest. In lieu of a show I would suggest a well stocked REI or EMS store. They will have knowlegable staff and a variety in stock.
P.S. If going solo I would also suggest Hennesy Hammocks.
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crosscheck
Coldstream, BC
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Eyegor wrote: In lieu of a show I would suggest a well stocked REI or EMS store. They will have knowlegable staff and a variety in stock.
I would talk to someone in an outdoor store(REI) or similar who knows what is available. Many brands and many options.
There are hiking forums that you can access to ask questions about light weight backpacking tents.
We have over 250 nights on our MSR HUBBA-HUBBA (half backpacking, half cycle touring), and although it is getting tired, we are happy with the product.
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drc5900
Bemidji, Minnesota
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Thank you all for the suggestions & ideas, I have been forwarding them to my friend.
Nearest REI store is 240 miles away, might pay a visit there to see tents before buying rather than ordering online.
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hikenhunter
where ever
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Check out campmor.com for some good choices at the best prices.
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cspears
Berkshire
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I was actually looking for a lightweight tent that will prove to work really well within my needs and though there are a number of available ones in the market, they really cost a lot. But being lightweight and prove to be really sturdy is really a feat some people would pay for, but I guess that is not something I will be ready for, or just yet. Any good ones that are a little cheaper?
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Francesca Knowles
Port Hadlock, Washington
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I'm a great user of the "wanted" section of Craigslist...
You'd be surprised what folks have stored away that they aren't thinking of getting rid of 'til they see an ad posted by somebody looking for it.
I've bought lots of things using this method...I usually decide how much I want to pay and then advertise that I'll give that much for the best "whatever-it-is" offered.
I even bought a house that way one time, years ago, only in that case I advertised in the local paper.
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tplife
SoCal
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Campmoor is not a bad place to start your search, but consider that due to large production volumes, you can buy tents by Sierra Designs, Northface, REI, (some) Eureka!, Mountain HardWear, Big Agnes,MSR, Marmot (possibly in that order) from Ebay for 60% off MSRP. I've bought three, so it can be done. This is high-end gear with lifetime manufacturer's warranties honored with fairness (in my experience anyway). Go quality or go disposeable, that's my motto!
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