The perfect tent (freestanding, double walled, 3-4 season, 2-3 people, under 5.5 lbs)

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Mar 8, 2023
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I am looking for the jack of all trades tent:

A free standing tent that can comfortably house 2 people - I have mostly been looking at 3P tents - that works in 3-4 seasons. It can be a tough 3 season tent, or a well ventilated 4 season tent. Hoping for it to be freestanding (not semi-freestanding) and under 5.5 lbs - under 4.5 is seen better.

Any recommendations?
 
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Look into some of the tarptent options. They have some that might fit your list. The free standing portion might be the only thing that might be close. I haven’t looked at them in a while so not exactly sure what the specs are.

I also think Hilleberg just put out a 3 season tunnel tent that might be close to your needs as well.
 
OP
T
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Look into some of the tarptent options. They have some that might fit your list. The free standing portion might be the only thing that might be close. I haven’t looked at them in a while so not exactly sure what the specs are.

I also think Hilleberg just put out a 3 season tunnel tent that might be close to your needs as well.
Thanks for this, I actually have one of the Durston tents, but am looking specifically for a freestanding option...
 
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Thanks for this, I actually have one of the Durston tents, but am looking specifically for a freestanding option...
There’s a brand specifically called Tarptent. Different than Durston and other “tarptents”. The company has some models. Sorry. It was confusing how I wrote it earlier.
 

taskswap

WKR
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Oct 6, 2021
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Have you seen the Zpacks FreeTrio? https://zpacks.com/products/free-trio-freestanding-tent
That's 2.1lbs which might be the llghtest "2-3p" free-standing tent I'm aware of.

I have the Duplex which has a free-standing add-on kit you can get. I rarely use it but it's nice to have if I'll be on sand or slick-rock.That might be too small for your needs though.
 
OP
T
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Hilleberg Rogen 3+ Season Tent, 2x vestibule entrance/exits for two people, frreestanding, 4lbs 10oz

Seems to me this is clearly in their yellow label '3 season' section - do you know it well and think it works for 4 seasons? I know that Hilleberg doesn't comment on seasons, but this is defined as 'an excellent choice for any trip during the snow-free months of the year where very light weight is of the highest importance'
 
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Seems to me this is clearly in their yellow label '3 season' section - do you know it well and think it works for 4 seasons? I know that Hilleberg doesn't comment on seasons, but this is defined as 'an excellent choice for any trip during the snow-free months of the year where very light weight is of the highest importance'
A Hilleberg 3 season tent is stronger than 95% of the 4 season tents available.
 
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The stone glacier skyscraper 2p might fit what you're looking for. Advertised weight is 5.1 pounds, 4 seasons, its not going to be super spacious for 2 people but you'll be hard pressed to find a typical tent under 5.5 pounds that will have room to spare.

I've been rocking the Hilleberg Nallo 3GT since 2017 and it's been great, but at close to 8 pounds with the footprint it's not light. I recently picked up the skyscraper and I'm looking forward to trying it.
 
OP
T
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The stone glacier skyscraper 2p might fit what you're looking for. Advertised weight is 5.1 pounds, 4 seasons, its not going to be super spacious for 2 people but you'll be hard pressed to find a typical tent under 5.5 pounds that will have room to spare.

I've been rocking the Hilleberg Nallo 3GT since 2017 and it's been great, but at close to 8 pounds with the footprint it's not light. I recently picked up the skyscraper and I'm looking forward to trying it.
Yes - will be curious to hear how the Skyscraper does. Reconsidering the earlier recommendation for the Hilleberg as well - as well as other Hilleberg tents...
 
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Yes - will be curious to hear how the Skyscraper does. Reconsidering the earlier recommendation for the Hilleberg as well - as well as other Hilleberg tents...
Any Hilleberg that'll fit 3 is gonna be pretty heavy. They simply aren't on the ultralight program, they're all about making the best product they can for a given scenario and weight takes a back seat to function and durability every time with a Hilleberg.
 
OP
T
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Any Hilleberg that'll fit 3 is gonna be pretty heavy. They simply aren't on the ultralight program, they're all about making the best product they can for a given scenario and weight takes a back seat to function and durability every time with a Hilleberg.
Agree, but the Rogen, Nyak, and to a lesser extent the Allak, Jannu and Unna (red label are all heavier) all come in close enough to the weight. I am curious how yellow label Hilleberg tents stand up to occasional 4 season use?
 
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Hilleberg yellow label is better than almost anything available. Tons of snow and monster wind might damage them, but they'll take more than anyone else's three season model.
 
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If not a HIlleberg, then look at the Kuiu Mountain Star.
Thanks - I ordered a Hilleberg, although it will be on backorder for a little; why do you see the Mountain Star as better than the Stone Glacier Skyscraper (which can have either a mesh or solid interior)? That was my second choice...
 

chasewild

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Thanks - I ordered a Hilleberg, although it will be on backorder for a little; why do you see the Mountain Star as better than the Stone Glacier Skyscraper (which can have either a mesh or solid interior)? That was my second choice...
I don't have much experience with the SG Skyscraper (I have the Solus) but when I was looking, I liked the Mountain Star weight, its a bit cheaper, and it has a really good reputation from people up here.
 

Cody111

FNG
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Jan 8, 2021
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I am looking for the same type of tent, ideally under 4.5 lbs. Was seriously looking at the Nemo dragonfly 3p but now I can't seem to find it in many places
 
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