2011-11-30

Looking for Shelter

I'm in the market for a tent, mostly for winter use, and going even more specific, mostly for fatbikepacking.
I have a GoLite Shangri-La 3, which is great, but I want an enclosed shelter for winter winds & cold and summer bugs.
I want it to be simple to set up in extreme cold, low volume packed size to fit on a bike, large enough interior for winter down bag & parka, and as light as realistically possible. I've debated just using a tarp, as I'm a keep it simple guy and love pyramid shelters, but go back to the tent idea, because they hold in so much heat and make camping below zero that much more enjoyable (warm, err... comfortable).

I'm looking for advice on which of the following tents I should get.
I like both, because they support themselves in the center and simply need to be pulled tight at the ends.
My question is, would the Moment be ideal year-round and worthy of Alaskan winter use? Or is the Scarp worth the extra weight for winter and suck up the weight gain for a bombproof summer shelter?
I'd probably be using either one in moderately protected areas, not on summit ridgelines, for instance, because you can't bike there and that's mostly what I do in winter, with some off-trail hiking, too. So, I'm not sure if strength plays a huge factor in this decision... maybe not as large as weight or inner tent material, i.e., tent warmth.
I could always use either one in summer with the mesh inner tent, or without it completely, which is more likely. If I used the Moment in winter, I'd probably just use the fly sheet and curved pole, unless I got the clip-in breathable liner, too.

Tarptent Moment or Tarptent Scarp 1?

Thanks for the help!

By the way, I have ruled out the Hilleberg Akto, as it is essentially the same tent, aside from a few minor differences, weighs about the same, but is A LOT more expensive. Plus, I've heard the Scarp is far roomier than the Akto.

9 comments:

  1. I have a Tarptent Moment, and while its a very nice tent, it is not really a winter tent. It has lots of mesh that is not possible to close up, so in blowing snow you would get pretty dusted. If you can find one, black diamond's lighthouse is a wonderful winter tent. Golite made similar tents that are a bit cheaper.

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  2. Jay! Can I take a look at it?!?! Thanks for the advice.
    I used to have a Lighthouse, but didn't like the side door, no way to guy out the long walls, internal poles, etc. My buddy in Nome, who bought it from me, likes it, but is probably going to set it aside for the Scarp 1, as well.

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  3. Sure, you are welcome to borrow it and take a look at it.

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  4. Hey all, I'm pretty much sold on the Scarp 1. Here is an awesome review of it, including the comments below: http://backpackingbongos.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/tarptent-scarp-1-impressions-from-the-first-3-nights/

    Now, to just get my hands on one...

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  5. Have you looked at the Golite Shangri-La 2? Even with a floor it is pretty light, simple to setup and stable. Very roomy for 1 also.

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  6. I'm familiar with it, but I have not considered it. I like my Shangri-La 3, but am not a big fan of the dual peak shelters, as they have a long, unsupported side that gets slammed by wind (in my past experience). Plus, it's not enclosed, even with the floor.
    Thanks though!

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  7. This guy sells custom winter inners in Ripstop nylon for Shangri-la 3 amongst others: http://oookworks.com/
    I'm thinking of getting one for my MLD Speedmid for winter use. It might be an option worth considering!

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  8. Hey Josh...what about the Stephenson Warmlite 2C? Expensive, but the dimensions are slightly larger with less weight than the Scarp 1. Plus if you ever did find yourself on that proverbial ridge-top, with the storm raging, you've got the lightest bomb-proof mountaineering tent on the market...as long as you aren't considering your shovel as your shelter, since that can dig you the ultimate bomb-proof shelter: a snow cave.

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  9. Ha! I try to NOT find myself in those places! I'd rather carry less weight, even if that means having a less storm-worthy shelter. I can usually find a place that's protected to pitch it or keep traveling until I do.
    I've thought about the 2C and have heard it's stellar... but haven't come to a solid conclusion. I don't like the poles they use - they're so fragile! And I don't like the venting options, either.
    2C, Scarp, Firstlight, or (cuben?) Duomid? Weight, pack size, free-standing, double wall, poles or trekking poles, size, vestibule, enclosed body, strength, ease of set-up, internal or external poles, clips or sleeves, etc... these are all the things I'm trying to prioritize.
    The jury is still out. I'd love to hear all comments and insight, though.

    Lonnie Dupre considers a shovel as his shelter on Denali in December & January :)

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