Small packed, up to 2kg and $500, free standing (2P) tent

[PeterH]

Hello,
I'm looking for free standing 2 persons.

- 2 persons on paper, I'll use it mainly solo but with camera gear so need a space to store it safety from elements
- free standing, but doesn't have to be free standing at all times, but I would really like to have such an option to use it from time to time (without pegs or just 1?)
- small size when packed
- up to 2kg (less = better)
- up to $500 (considering import from overseas, less = better, $400 would be good!)
- double wall with inner mesh (not entirely mesh!)
- 3 seasons with ability to use it sometimes with a bit of snow
- well made, with good waterproof materials and good floor/bath (don't want to carry footprint)
- vestibule
- single entrance is fine
- preferably dark colour, but can live with other (MSR Nook colour is perfect)

I've made some research and came up with following:
- MSR Nook (really small packed)
- Mont Moondance 2 (quite big packed!)
- Goondie 2: 30D fly, mesh inner (maybe...)

What are your options and suggestion?

[Ellobuddha]

Im going to beat Strider - a Tarptent Scarp 2, as an alternative to those you are already looking at.

[Strider]

Im going to beat Strider - a Tarptent Scarp 2, as an alternative to those you are already looking at.

He wants free standing. And although the Scarp will do it with the crossing poles, it doesn't do it particularly well.

[Mitchc]

Im going to beat Strider - a Tarptent Scarp 2, as an alternative to those you are already looking at.

He wants free standing. And although the Scarp will do it with the crossing poles, it doesn't do it particularly well.

What about the Double Moment then?

[Parrish]

I'm also interested, what about the we space2?

[Franco]

Those 3 (the OP's choice) tents will stand up with one peg but with a bit of wind they will need 5 or more.
The Double Moment sets up with two pegs or 4 with the side guylines in place.
http://www.tarptent.com/double-moment.html

(with end vents open)
As a comparison with the Nook, the DM has more headroom ,213cm of fully usable length, packs a bit smaller (46x13 vs 51x15)
The weight is about the same.
Incidentally the DM is our first tent with an inner with mesh walls but fabric roof.
As Strider has pointed out the "freestanding " mode for our (TT) shelters is not really for leaving the tent up without pegs, just makes it easier to move it around .
So the DM also takes a cross pole that sort of makes it freestanding but it is meant to help with wind or snow.
In the DM product page we have a new video that compares the Scarp 2 with the Double Moment and the Strato Spire 2.
franco@tarptent

[Scottyk]

I own a Goondie 2 and use it as solo tent.
So far I have found it to be excellent. Its palace for 1 person but no too heavy to carry.
I wouldn't bother with the mesh inner for where I live but it may be a good thing for NSW.
With the nylon inner the opening sections of the 2 doors that have fly screen on them aren't all that big so through ventilation whilst adequate isn't as big as the door itself. In really hot weather this might be problem.

[PeterH]

Thanks guys! I'll have a look at those, but... anything else which can be sourced locally?

[Avid Hiker38]

You could get the Marmot Earlylight 2P Tent http://www.mountaindesigns.com/store/equipment/tents/products/140871/marmot-earlylight-2p - I personally haven't used it, but it looks like it suites your needs (may be a little heavy at 2.4kg). Your a bit limited on selection in Aus so check out some international stores.

US stores are running lots of sales for the Holidays, so if you find a tent make sure you check out the current coupons -> http://greatoutdoordeals.com/top-20/ to save some money to offset the shipping.