Tent Questions
#26
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I was right where you are, and those are the exact same two tents I had narrowed my search down to. In the end I went with the "Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO". I just received it, but haven't done a setup with it yet; I will in the next week or so. I got a great deal on it packaged along with the matching footprint for only $209.97, so I got it for about $200.00 off of the normal price.
Here's the thread I have on it. Their may be some info there you will find helpful,
Time for a Tent
Here's the thread I have on it. Their may be some info there you will find helpful,
Time for a Tent
#27
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I was right where you are, and those are the exact same two tents I had narrowed my search down to. In the end I went with the "Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO". I just received it, but haven't done a setup with it yet; I will in the next week or so. I got a great deal on it packaged along with the matching footprint for only $209.97, so I got it for about $200.00 off of the normal price.
Here's the thread I have on it. Their may be some info there you will find helpful,
Time for a Tent
Here's the thread I have on it. Their may be some info there you will find helpful,
Time for a Tent
1. Are the lights actually useable?
2. Is it durable enough WITHOUT footprint. I don't have enough money for the tent and the specific Big Agnes footprint, but will use a layer from Wal-Mart for $10. It's roughly 7oz.
The Nemo is still the one I'd love to have but for 5lbs 6oz WITHOUT included footprint it's upwards to 6lbs total. Love the look of that darn thing, too.
#28
The Seedhouse SL2 is a fine touring tent. I used mine for several tours, including two across PA and one 10-day trip in the Black Hills until I went with the lighter Fly Creek UL2. I keep the Seedhouse for when I do shorter, flatter trips and want more room.
The shipping weight is not reflective of the tent's actual weight. I would definitely use a plastic tarp underneath to protect against damage.
The shipping weight is not reflective of the tent's actual weight. I would definitely use a plastic tarp underneath to protect against damage.
#29
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Haha! I actually read your whole thread and was like "Wait, is this me?" I can get the Rattlesnake 2 for about $20 less than you. I think I'm most worried about two things with that tent:
1. Are the lights actually useable?
2. Is it durable enough WITHOUT footprint. I don't have enough money for the tent and the specific Big Agnes footprint, but will use a layer from Wal-Mart for $10. It's roughly 7oz.
The Nemo is still the one I'd love to have but for 5lbs 6oz WITHOUT included footprint it's upwards to 6lbs total. Love the look of that darn thing, too.
1. Are the lights actually useable?
2. Is it durable enough WITHOUT footprint. I don't have enough money for the tent and the specific Big Agnes footprint, but will use a layer from Wal-Mart for $10. It's roughly 7oz.
The Nemo is still the one I'd love to have but for 5lbs 6oz WITHOUT included footprint it's upwards to 6lbs total. Love the look of that darn thing, too.
#30
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I would just say if you want to camp with 2 folks, get a 3 person tent.
#32
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I should've been clearer, sorry. This will be used pretty much as a solo tent when bicycle touring, general camping, weekend backpacking (no longer than a weekend). 2-person is what I would like to have available on those summer excursions where I may have a friend or partner join. So about 85% of the time will be me solo, 15% will be a second person.
#33
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A Two person Tent 1s just right for One person and all of your gear.
Spent 44 nights in mine. Comes in so handy when your stuck inside for hours during a rain storm.
Spent 44 nights in mine. Comes in so handy when your stuck inside for hours during a rain storm.
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#34
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From all the videos and other reviews I've seen with "mtnGLO", the lights are said to be very functional, and appear to be. As for durability, it's in their Superlight category, so unless you're going for a thicker and heavier 4-season, Expedition/Mountaineering class tent, it's as durable as any other, and made of the same materials as the Seedhouse, just a different layout. As with any tent, paying attention to the ground you're laying it on, and removing things that might pose an issue will always be important. Any durable layer between the tent and the ground should work. People also make their own from a material called "Tyvek", that's relatively inexpensive and easy to do.
Thinking more about the Rattlesnake, I'll still need to bring a light anyway to use at night so the extra lighting system, while nice, is probably redundant. I think the Rattlesnake would be great for backpacking/bikepacking for sure. The Galaxi is also going to be a bit more open when it comes to fitting two people in there.
#35
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Yep! That's my thoughts on it. Going with the tent will be my original thought: Nemo Galaxi 2P. It is 5lbs 6oz, but I'll split the weight across the bike. I generally pack VERY light (no sleeping bag, no cookware, minimal clothing, etc.). I'm ok with the heaviest thing being the place I'll be staying in night-to-night. With the included footprint AND repair kit it's also an awesome value.
#38
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That's a really beautiful looking bike setup you have there! What model and year is it?
I know you've mentioned the fan use for moisture management before, but how exactly do you use it and/or mount it in the tent? Any close up pics of this?
I know you've mentioned the fan use for moisture management before, but how exactly do you use it and/or mount it in the tent? Any close up pics of this?
#40
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Found a neat minimalist/cheap/lightweight list somewhere that includes a cotton sheet folded in half and sewed to make a liner, a military "Wubbie" for a mid-layer, and a medical bivy for the top layer. All of those together should clear me pretty well for any weather possible and is REALLY light and costs literally $50 total (and that's pushing it). I'll be staying in campgrounds so I have some convenience there for cleaning and such. The only other extras will be repair equipment for the bike, a stuffed sack (or 2), light, phone, charger, and maybe a book.
#42
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My plan for every stop is to top off both bottles and bring a spare. I've mapped out my upcoming tour to cover 50-70 miles per day with a stop at the halfway point (or thereabouts). I should have plenty of opportunities between gas stations, camp sites, restaurants, fast food joints, etc. to stay topped off. Luckily, I'm also going to be in the SE USA in February so hot weather won't be an issue whatsoever. I think if I were to do a summer tour I'd invest in an adaptor.
#43
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My plan for every stop is to top off both bottles and bring a spare. I've mapped out my upcoming tour to cover 50-70 miles per day with a stop at the halfway point (or thereabouts). I should have plenty of opportunities between gas stations, camp sites, restaurants, fast food joints, etc. to stay topped off. Luckily, I'm also going to be in the SE USA in February so hot weather won't be an issue whatsoever. I think if I were to do a summer tour I'd invest in an adaptor.
#44
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Good idea! I've seen some pretty darn expensive water filtration systems. The best, cheapest, and also very light is the LifeStraw. It's like $15 on Amazon.
#45
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I'm going to buy bits and pieces and put together my own gravity system. This way I can have the exact system I want, and at a competitive or even better price. It just depends on what level of filtration you want and how much you can afford to spend.
#46
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Sawyer will be your best bet. Get the larger filter for gravity feed, and the male to male adapter also. Also cheaper than anything else.
#47
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#48
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#50
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Well you kicked my ass then. I got about 3000 this year.