I'm a fan of freestanding. I can't count how many times I've set up then realized there's a bit of slope or bump, and had to remove the tent, then again and again. (More evidence against the flat earthers...)
Putting stakes in dodgy ground is never fun. I only use them on my freestander if it's blowing hard. Tunnels need them all the time, of course.
It also makes drying wonderful. Turn it to face the sun, put it on its side to dry the bottom, hang it from a tree wholesale to let it dry in a breeze.
The light, comfort, and convenience (getting in and out) are superior. Who wants to sit in a tunnel, usually pretty blind - no view. Sucks.
I said feck weight, and am going with a 3 man Hilleberg Allak 3 even though I travel solo most of the time. Only another 400g over 2 man and 5cm more inner height. Heavenly feeling so roomy, and 2 man tents are barely big enough for two anyway, when I do have a lass along.
Biker here, so the weight isn't so critical. Just piss more often.
Last edited by siltsunrise; 06-08-19 at 10:46 AM.