How much does your 4 season tent weigh?

[Son of a Beach]

Having recently purchased a new single person tent to avoid carrying my large tent on solo walks, I'm just curious about how much other people's tents weigh. I'm pretty happy with the weight of my new tent, but I'm sure there are others that are lighter around.

For the purposes of this topic, I want to focus only on '4 season' tents. The definition of '4 season' may be debatable, and which tents fit into any given definition may be debatable, but for the purposes of this discussion, lets say that it means tents that:

• are double skinned (fly + inner tent)
• have less than 50% mesh on the inner tent
• are capable of handling strong winds
• are capable of handling heavy rain
• are capable of handling moderate snow fall without having to shake/scrape the snow off

What I'd like to compare about tents that fit into this category is:

• Brand and model
• Number of persons that could comfortably sleep in it (eg, 1 person or 2 person)
• Total packed weight, including all pegs, guys, bag, etc

To make it easier, you can (if you like) copy/paste the template from the code field below (you can even click the 'select all' link to automatically select the entire template then do a copy, reply, paste), and then add any further comments below your filled in template.

Code:

[list]
[*][b]Brand and model: [/b]
[*][b]Number of persons: [/b]
[*][b]Total packed weight: [/b]
[/list]


[Son of a Beach]

So I'll go first...

• Brand and model: Exped Vella I Extreme
• Number of persons: 1
• Total packed weight: 1.4 kg

I've not yet tried it in any extreme weather conditions, but I've seen pictures of it under heavy snow, and it appears to cope OK. It does have enough mesh on the inner tent to minimise condensation, but only about half the door, a small ceiling panel, plus two more small panels at each end which are zipped closed for cold/windy weather.

PS. My other tent is not light weight, but is built to for space, comfort and durability to survive anything, which it does very well:

• Brand and model: Macpac Olympus
• Number of persons: 2
• Total packed weight: 2.8 kg

This tent is built for comfort, strength and durability rather than for weight (weight conscious walkers who wanted a similar tent from the same brand would probably prefer the lighter Minaret for two person use). However, I've used the Olympus as my only tent even on solo walks, up until a few months ago. It seems to be able to survive anything, and has an enormous amount of space for two people, with my wife and I having plenty of room to spread everything out within the tent. I usually get absolutely zero condensation in it even with two people, but then I usually leave the solid fabric doors tied back, using only the mesh doors at both ends. On fine nights I sometimes leave the fly open at one end also so as to be able to see the stars (I don't sleep much while walking, so it's nice to have something to look at).

[dee_legg]

• Brand and model: Mountain Hardwear Spire II
• Number of persons: 2
• Total packed weight: 2.3kg

You'd want to be pretty cosy with the person you're sharing it with and i'm going to buy a ground sheet for it to extend it's life a bit but other than that, i'm very happy with it!

[johnw]

• Brand and model: Wilderness Equipment Second Arrow
• Number of persons: 2
• Total packed weight: 2.57 kg

Classified as "Expedition/Alpine" by WE. I like it as it has multiple pitch options, and has proven able to withstand very strong wind gusts. We've also stayed dry through rain and light-ish snowfall. Seems to shed snow OK which then collects on the ground, more or less evenly around the perimeter. It's a bit cosy for 2 but manageable. Design is well thought out and construction is high quality. I've carried and used it solo and it's cavernous for that but a bit on the heavy side. It's double skinned (not mesh) but the ends of the inner can be further unzipped to reveal mesh panels for maximum ventilation (eg summer trips).

Last edited by johnw on Fri 06 Nov, 2009 2:47 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[alliecat]

• Brand and model: Hilleberg Nallo 2
• Number of persons: 2
• Total packed weight: 2.1 kg

It's strong, it's light, it comes in red or green, it's a doddle to set up and take down and I love it

[Singe]

• Brand and model: Kathmandu North Star V2
• Number of persons: 2
• Total packed weight: 3.1 kg (manufacturer's claimed weight)

It's a bit on the heavy side, but a very solid design and warm enough that I've been comfortable on some cold nights.

[tasadam]

• Brand and model: Hilleberg Nallo 2
• Number of persons: 2
• Total packed weight: 2.1 kg

It's strong, it's light, it comes in red or green, it's a doddle to set up and take down and I love it

What he said

Will add that it's a bit more roomy than some 2 person tents I've seen.
Single vestuble, but lots of space.
And the way the inner separates at the doorway from the outer to make room for foul weather cooking is also a "doddle".

It's a great topic for discussion, but there's much more to it than weight alone.
For example, I always carry Tyvek for a groundsheet as well, which adds to the 2.1kg, do all tents listed here need tyvek or similar? Nallo2 might not "need" it, but it's good insurance.
But for the purposes of this topic, "what he said"

[Ent]

Content removed by poster

Last edited by Ent on Tue 16 Nov, 2010 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Son of a Beach]

only looking at weight as the major consideration is flawed

Agreed (for me). But it can be a useful starting point. In starting this topic, I was curious to simply see what other weights people carry for 4 season use tents, irrespective of other factors. I would personally not use it as the primary consideration when buying/choosing a tent.

Other people have differing priorities, and weight may be the major consideration for them, which is fine so long as it isn't the only consideration and doesn't cause them to end up using a tent in a situation which makes it unsafe.

[Ent]

Content removed by poster

Last edited by Ent on Tue 16 Nov, 2010 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[DonQx]

• Brand and model: Hilleberg Nallo 3
• Number of persons: 2 very comfy, 3 quite doable
• Total packed weight: 2.3

[north-north-west]

• Brand and model: Salewa Sierra Ultra
• Number of persons: 2
• Total packed weight: Ummmm . . . . 2.8 kg, I think

Yeah, I know that's a lot for a single person, but I like the room. Will probably go for the Nallo 2 or a Macpac Minaret when this needs to be replaced. Or when I just get the urge to buy another piece of gear because it's been so long since the last bit . . .

[Peaksnik]

• Brand and model: Exped Sirius Extreme
• Number of persons: 2 very comfortably, 3 squeezy
• Total packed weight: normally 2.8kg but more with snow pegs

This is a very roomy tent for two with an inner floor of 3.25 m2 and a big vestibule 1.5 m2. I like being able to increase the vestibule size by unclipping the front of the inner. The tunnel design is easier to put up and handles high winds in exposed alpine situations very well. Condensation has not been a problem. The attention to detail and quality of manufacture can't be faulted. I bought this in preference to the Hillie Nallo and not been disappointed. Because it is a tunnel it is long at 3.2 m but still shorter than the Nallo (just!).

However, I am soon to acquire a Soulo as I can't justify to my aging body carrying such a large tent for solo use.

• Brand and model: Hilleberg Soulo
• Number of persons: 1
• Total packed weight: stated at up 2.1kg but I'm hoping to get it down to 1.8kg

Apart from the smaller size and lower weight, I'm hoping to appreciate the freestanding design but having in common with the Exped the ability to detach the inner from the outer fly.

[whynotwalk]

• Brand and model: Aarn Pacer 1
• Number of persons: One
• Total packed weight: 1.38kg

I would add a footprint for greater waterproofness, as the floor is skimpy compared with my wonderful 2-person Macpac Olympus. I haven't used the tent in the bush yet, but hope to do so in the coming months, and will post a report,

cheers

Peter

[photohiker]

• Brand and model: TarpTent Scarp1
  
• Number of persons: 1.5
  
• Total packed weight: 1320g
  
• Total packed weight: 1660g (With crossing poles for snow load and/or freestanding)
  

Apparently you can squeeze 2 people in there if you have to, and they are good friends. It's reasonably spacious for 1, so I don't doubt it.

Will go up 50g apparently with the new 'down to the ground' fly.

[Drifting]

•Brand and model: Hilleberg Nallo 4 GT
•Number of persons: 3 in palatial comfort, 4 in a cosy fit, but not with wide rectangular sleeping mats
•Total packed weight: 3200g (haven't measured it, those are the specs)
What an awesome tent! The vestibule is incredibly handy, especially for base camp applications. The option of a mesh inner tent is good too. No condensation yet.

[frw]

* Brand and model: Wilderness Equipment I 2nd Arrow
* Number of persons: 2
* Total packed weight: 2.5 kg
Roomy enough for people less than 2 metres tall. Good ingress and egress and fairly roomy vestibule.

[climberman]

• Brand and model: Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT
• Number of persons: 2, with a stonkingly good and large forward vestibule, could stick two in there in a pinch/storm/etc. Three pole tunnel design.
• Total packed weight: stats of 2.6kg. My scales aren't accurate enough to check against this but I reckon it'd be close.

Have only had one night in it so far. Very impressed. Considering the size of the vestibule I am considering using it for the family while the kids are little.

[Darren]

G'Day Photohiker
What have you heard about a new lower fly for the scarp1. I have one and at the time of order henry said no. Any info would be great
Thanks
Darren

[Darren]

Never mind Photohiker.
I did a bit of your search and found some more info. Unfortunately I've had a lot on this year and been out of touch of updates.
I contacted Henry and he filled me in.
If i get my act together ill test it out on Mt Anne in feb and ill post how it goes
Thanks
Darren

[Liamy77]

Well since my Macpac Olympus finally died i have been using a "POS" tent....only bearly 4 season-ish (with decent gear -NOT multipitch and I wouldn't really recommend it unless you are strapped for cash at the time) - while I save up for a Nallo 2.... drool... or maybe a minaret.... [wanna SWAP iluvswtas? ]

• Brand and model: DMH hikelight Tasman
• Number of persons: 3 cosily, 2 plus packs with room
• Total packed weight: 3.7kg with a tyvek ground sheet, 3.4kg just the tent

.... Not quite what your after i guess.... more 3 season.. hopefully by then you have saved up for a better tent b4 winter....

Last edited by Liamy77 on Sun 22 Aug, 2010 12:37 am, edited 1 time in total.

[ILUVSWTAS]

I have 2 I use.

# Brand and model: Hilleberg Akto
# Number of persons: 2, maybe...
# Total packed weight: 1.56kg.

# Brand and model: Macpac Minaret
# Number of persons: 2
# Total packed weight: 2.4kg


Both excellent tents. The Minaret is definately still the most robust, strongest proven tent I have ever seen.