Tents

[ceebus]

I'm sure a lot of Super Tenere people plan to camp on their trips, so let's talk tents. We're just killing time until our delivery dates anyway, right?
:'(

I've been using a Kelty Gunnison 2 (similar to this http://www.kelty.com/p-352-gunnison-21.aspx?category=tents-shelters) for about five years now for solo duty. It's decent as a weekend backpacking tent, although not super light, and great for a moto camping setup. Vestibules for gear, only 2 poles with easy clips, easy for 1 person to set up, and no problem to move after setup. I would buy another for solo work if mine disappeared tomorrow.

I'm putting together a 2-up system for my wife and I. We'll be testing it on our R1150RT this summer and moving it to the Super Tenere next season. Looking at the Kelty Gunnison 3.1 just because I've had no complaints with the 2-man, but we're still investigating other options.

Just for giggles, this is clever and it has a great name: http://nomadtent.com/

So, what's your tent setup? Why do you like it? What do you look for in a tent, and what do you avoid?

 

[Venture]

Hey Ceebus, welcome!

As far as tents go, for me it came down to a few things:

1. Size
2. Ease of setup
3. 3 season
4. Price

Weight to me meant nothing since I'm just carrying it on the bike. The packed size was of a bit more importance depending on how you want to pack it. Usually poles are the longest bits so look for that particular measurement.

I like a bigger tent so I have room to move around and stow my gear.

The newer tents all seem to have a "clip up" design to them, so they all should be relatively easy to set up, although some designs still are not self supporting, I'd watch out for those.

Price was my final factor, I don't live in this thing so I like to watch the outlet sites/stores for the going deals.

For you, if you're thinking about using your tent for two people I'd actually look for a 4 person tent. They don't pack that much bigger and the extra room would be nice. Some 3 man tents (such as mine) are barely enough for two people without any gear.

 

[trinc4me]

I'm sure a lot of Super Tenere people plan to camp on their trips, so let's talk tents. We're just killing time until our delivery dates anyway, right?
:'(

I've been using a Kelty Gunnison 2 (similar to this http://www.kelty.com/p-352-gunnison-21.aspx?category=tents-shelters) for about five years now for solo duty. It's decent as a weekend backpacking tent, although not super light, and great for a moto camping setup. Vestibules for gear, only 2 poles with easy clips, easy for 1 person to set up, and no problem to move after setup. I would buy another for solo work if mine disappeared tomorrow.

I'm putting together a 2-up system for my wife and I. We'll be testing it on our R1150RT this summer and moving it to the Super Tenere next season. Looking at the Kelty Gunnison 3.1 just because I've had no complaints with the 2-man, but we're still investigating other options.

Just for giggles, this is clever and it has a great name: http://nomadtent.com/

So, what's your tent setup? Why do you like it? What do you look for in a tent, and what do you avoid?

Welcome Ceebus!

 

[Jakeboy]

i avoid the single wall tents like the plague. Like to wake up wet? Not a bad thing when the lady is along, granted.

Stay with fast pitch, "fly-only", capability tents. Opt for the fitted ground tarps that are optional with most HQ tents.

Stay away from tents that require you to thread poles through fabric tubes. Go for the external clip systems.

I've been very happy with my Marmot Aeros 3. Plenty of space and holds up well in inclement, mountain weather, lightweight, dry and great venting. Granted, it's a high priced set up, but if you want to sleep well, look at the higher end stuff, like Big Agnes, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, North Face, etc.

I prefer the lower profile (less headroom and greater floor area), tents due to their ability to withstand higher velocity winds, while protecting my gear. I sometimes camp in mountain locations where high winds are a big factor. YMMV.

This is what I use:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/Stromdog/2951_117.jpg[/IMG]]
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i118/Stromdog/2951_117__fly.jpg[/IMG]]

For two people, you need a 3P tent.

 

[Bill310]

Catoma up in 60 seconds

I have the firefighting tent but the MC tent looks pretty good

http://www.catomaoutdoor.com/Catalog/ProductInfo.aspx?id=173

 

[Brntrt]

I went to the dark side

http://hennessyhammock.com/

 

[switchback]

I went to the dark side

http://hennessyhammock.com/

Always wanted to try one but not enough to jump in. Nice if you have lots of trees to choose from. Here in the desert tents seem easier.

 

[hANNAbONE]

...Mountain Hardwear...

excellent stuff and tough as it gets.

I have a 2 season & a 3+ season.

 

[Mellow]

I use this one at the moment - includes attic, footprint and very nice tent stakes. I like having just one vestibule as it makes the overall size smaller and you can be a bit more flexible in where you set it up.

http://www.rei.com/product/791634/marmot-limelight-2-tent

 

[Brntrt]

Always wanted to try one but not enough to jump in. Nice if you have lots of trees to choose from. Here in the desert tents seem easier.

Trees, I don't need no stinking trees.

 

[2XADV]

That Alaska Pipeline pic holds a hammock perfect!

You're lucky no one caught you near the pipeline because the pipeline is considered a terrorist target and punishments are Federal National Security type punishments!!

 

[spklbuk]

I too am a confirmed hammock camper, however spkldoe is definitely not.

So in the interest of maintaining relative peace and tranquility, I just pulled the trigger on our 2nd S10 farkle...Eureka Mountain Pass 3XTE tent: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___29055.

Reviews from other motocampers give it a big thumbs up and I have not managed to completely do in my E. Timberline 2 in the last 30 years. Together, that made the decision an easy one.

So, when 2-up I will once again be groundling...<sigh>...not so easy a decision

 

[~TABASCO~]

Got a Half Dome Plus.... sets up in about 4:23 sec, I dig it... For heavy wind I need to go order some better steaks..... Good for two people and gear but kinda tight if you pull off all your stuff... If your pulling your bike bags in the tent its really nice one person size wise...

 

[tubebender]

For heavy wind I need to go order some better steaks.....

Porterhouse or Ribeye?

 

[colorider]

Porterhouse or Ribeye?

;D )

 

[switchback]

Back in the tent market. Eureka Apex works well but would like to put the poles inside the Micatechs which means a pole length of 17" max. Looking around 18" poles are fairly common but 15-17" are a bit harder to find. Any suggestions out there for a small packing tent (yes I know about hammocks but not ready yet). Wanting a 2-3 man tent.

 

[Salty]

The Ténéré Expedition Tent by Nomad Tents has caught my interest. Plenty of stand up room and storage, appears to be all weather capable easy to put up and durable. Has anyone used one of these or have a bad experience with one.

Salty

 

[Torque6988]

I use a Cabela's Xpg Ultrlite 3. Aluminum poles. Wt prox 5 lbs. 6ft 3in wide. 7ft 6 in long. 47in tall. Pack size with poles about 18 inches. Clip on pole setup. I have about 6 tents. This is the best tent I have ever owned for motorcycle camping. roomy, light weight, small pack size. goes up fast . Rain fly goes all the way around all the way down with vestibule for your boots. Also has vents that you can open or close. Very waterproof. Slept thru many strong storms in it. Check them out. Would like feedback from anyone who has one or gets one.

 

[Tremor38]

I use a Cabela's Xpg Ultrlite 3. Aluminum poles. Wt prox 5 lbs. 6ft 3in wide. 7ft 6 in long. 47in tall. Pack size with poles about 18 inches. Clip on pole setup. I have about 6 tents. This is the best tent I have ever owned for motorcycle camping. roomy, light weight, small pack size. goes up fast . Rain fly goes all the way around all the way down with vestibule for your boots. Also has vents that you can open or close. Very waterproof. Slept thru many strong storms in it. Check them out. Would like feedback from anyone who has one or gets one.

I'm definitely digging that pack size. Time to check that one out. My company buys from Cabela's often.

 

[eemsreno]

Yes I know I ride different than a lot of guys out there, just read my Alaska R.R., but I never pack a tent in a pannier. I don't wait till noon for them to dry out and often I'm on the road by 7:00 am. If you pack your tent in a pannier they get everything wet and never dry out. I never pack dirty close in there either, they get everything else stinking.