Hey Friends! Today we're talking about tents. Specifically my three favorite tents when it comes to backpacking solo, with my dog, or with a partner. I hope you enjoy this video, and I hope some of what I share here helps inform your decision if you're considering buying one of these tents.
Features Overview
| LanShan | Fly Creek | Copper Spur |
Weight (according to my scale) | 2 lbs 8 oz (w/o trekking pole) | 2 lbs 10 oz | 3 lbs |
Capacity (claimed) | 1 person | 2 person | 2 person |
Capacity (actual) | 1 person (under 5'11) | 1.5 person | 2 person |
Materials | Fly: 15D silicone and PU coated nylon Inner: 20D nylon mesh | Fly: Silicone-treated, polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon Inner: ripstop nylon and polyester mesh | Fly: Silicone-treated, polyurethane coating ripstop nylon Inner: ripstop nylon and polyester mesh |
Design | Non-free standing | Semi-free standing | Free standing |
Doors / Vestibules | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Internal Pockets | 1 | 3 | 4 |
1. LanShan 1
This is my go-to tent for backpacking solo.
Pros:
It's light weight at just 2lbs 8oz.
Uses gear I'm already carrying (trekking poles) in the set up.
The set up is easy, once you get the hang of it.
It's compact! Doesn't take up much space in my pack or at camp.
It's ideal for the minimalist. This tent has the perfect amount of room for just me. Not too much not too little
Budget price point! $120-150
Cons:
Not ideal for taller hikers.
Probably not enough room for a wide sleeping pad.
Condensation has been an issue.
2. Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2
Next on the list is my favorite tent for when I'm backpacking with one of my dogs.
Pros:
Like the LanShan this is also a light weight option at 2lbs 10oz.
Plenty of space for both our gear in the vestibule.
3 gear pockets.
Enough room for us to sleep comfortably and reposition throughout the night without getting a paw to the face.
Condensation hasn't really been a problem
Cons:
Not enough room for two humans (in my experience)
Higher price point $380
3. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2
Last but not least my favorite tent for backpacking with another person.
Pros:
Once again fairly light weight at around 3lbs.
Can be split between hikers to carry about 1.5lbs each.
4 gear pockets.
Double doors and vestibules.
Actually has enough room for two humans to sleep comfortably!
Cons:
I'm not a fan of the tapered trapezoid shape which limits the ability to sleep on either end of the tent.
Rectangular sleeping pads won't fit.
Higher price point $450.