A tent for bike-camping???

[Ryan J]

I am in starting the "looking" phase of purchasing a tent for bike camping and was wondering if any of the group had any recommendations.  I need the tent to fit two people at most (I may go with the wife sometimes) but usually it will just be me.  I guess top priorities would be weight, I would like it to be free standing if possible, I have often camped in areas where staking would not work, and rain proof, I just hate getting wet at night.  Any thoughts?

[Lyle Bogart]

Well Ryan, this isn't the cheapest tent on the market, but I highly recommend it.

 

http://www.backcountrygear.com/black-diamond-mega-light-blue-grey.html?gclid=CPrYrYec5qsCFcjc4AodMjaGIw

 

When I was an Outward Bound instructor and worked as a climbing guide for other folks, I lived in one of these tents most of the year, year after year. They are very light, very roomy--I've camped with two people and our bikes and gear inside the tent and still had space to cook--hold up well to all but the worst winds and weather, and are very versatile. Generally they work best by staking out the anchor points, but tying off to rocks, roots, and the like, works very nicely.

 

Hope this helps!

 

lyle 

On 12 October 2011 22:34, Ryan J <rmer...@murraystate.edu> wrote:

I am in starting the "looking" phase of purchasing a tent for bike camping and was wondering if any of the group had any recommendations.  I need the tent to fit two people at most (I may go with the wife sometimes) but usually it will just be me.  I guess top priorities would be weight, I would like it to be free standing if possible, I have often camped in areas where staking would not work, and rain proof, I just hate getting wet at night.  Any thoughts?

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/4bWQtRtwDKgJ.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.

--
lyle f bogart dpt

156 bradford rd

wiscasset, me 04578

207.882.6494

206.794.6937

[William]

I bought a Northface Tadpole 23 about 19 years ago, and still use it.  I've been happy with it.  I was down at the Northface Outlet, and saw a brand new one on the cheap, and they had the footprint onhand, so I bought another.  It's a good tent, and you can get it for under $200.  That's my S24O tent.  It was cozy when it was me and BOTH my kids inside.  When my wife and both kids came along on an S24O I slept outside in a bivy sac and let the three of them snuggle in the tent.  It's roomy for two adults. 

http://www.campmor.com/north-face-tadpole-23-tent.shtml?source=CI&ci_sku=28574GRE&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}

All that said, I'm really tempted by the incredible light weight offerings from Big Agnes.  Whenever I get a 20% off coupon from REI I think about pulling the trigger on a solo tent that weighs under two pounds. 

[Stuart Fletcher]

I have (and love) a Tarptent (http://tarptent.com/). Mine is a
Contrail which sleeps one, and is not free standing, but they have
several 2 person offerings. The Double Rainbow is 2 person and says
"free-standing (with trekking poles)"
(http://tarptent.com/double-rainbow.html#overview).

The Contrail & Double Rainbow are both single wall -- some people
don't like (or don't trust) single wall tents but I've never had a
problem with condensation or rain getting in. Mine is under 2lbs and
packs reasonably small. I got it specifically for s24o-ing and it's
been great for that. I've been super impressed with Tarptent and
would get another (I'm only a satisfied customer, not a shill I
swear!).

I'm intrigued by Lyle's suggestion of the Black Diamond Mega Light --
I'd like to try that type of tent sometime.

I have several friends that use the MSR Hubba tent and seem to like
it. There's a two person version called the Hubba Hubba
(http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/experience-series/hubba-hubba/product).
The Hubbas are free standing.

All the suggestions in this thread have been good -- there are lots of
great tents (and tent-like things) to choose from.

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/RSUCDlM4UJcJ.

[Kevin M]

So what is the deal with tents without a floor? Do you just sleep on the ground? what about bugs and dirt and all that?

Kevin
Chicago, IL

[Lyle Bogart]

Well, you can just sleep on the ground, and I frequently do. However, you can use a ground sheet (which you should also do with a floored tent to keep the bottom of the tent from wearing prematurely) under your bag. One of the beauties of a floorless tent is that it doesn't really matter if you spill the soup :)

 

As far as bugs go, that's a regional and seasonal issue. In flying bug (blackfly, mosquito, etc) country, I use bug repellant (avon skin-so-soft). . . in creepy-crawly bug country I usually hope for the best :)

 

lyle

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/pao5Cq8EvfIJ.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.

[Jim Mather]

I sleep in my bag on a pad on a groundcloth on the ground. Yes, bugs
have easier access to you, as do reptiles, birds, and small mammals.

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/pao5Cq8EvfIJ.

[Minh]

Having spent a nite out among the bugs one time this summer (i grabbed
my rainfly when i thought i was grabbing my tent), i think it's really
a seasonal/geography thing if you can deal with an open tent. i
cannot :) i had about 30 bug bites that nite and one of the worst
nites sleep ever. But maybe you live somewhere that this is not a
problem.

For the tent advice, i have a big agnes one from a few years ago. If
you peruse the rei-outlet store you can find a few deals every now and
then, mine's a two person and i paid about $120 for it, totally fine
for the once a month that i use it. one thing i'd point out, a lot of
the superlight tents are free-standing (though not all are), but these
superlights usually require that you stake them out to fit two people,
and in those cases it's still tight. so if you plan on getting a two
person tent, to be used by two people test it out first. mines two
person, but its usually just me, and a second person would be cozy for
sure.

[Christian]

Lyle

The old Megamids--which were very similar and made by Chouinard, I
think, and awesome--used to come with a pole but I notice they all now
seem to use trekking poles--something I don't normally carry while
biking. Have you found an alternative or am I wrong?

Thanks

Christian

On Oct 13, 4:29 pm, Lyle Bogart <lylebog...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Well, you can just sleep on the ground, and I frequently do. However, you
> can use a ground sheet (which you should also do with a floored tent to keep
> the bottom of the tent from wearing prematurely) under your bag. One of the
> beauties of a floorless tent is that it doesn't really matter if you spill
> the soup :)
>
> As far as bugs go, that's a regional and seasonal issue. In flying bug
> (blackfly, mosquito, etc) country, I use bug repellant (avon skin-so-soft).
> . . in creepy-crawly bug country I usually hope for the best :)
>
> lyle
>

[Larry Powers]

After a tour a couple of years a go I wanted a lighter tent with some additonal features.

www.rei.com/product/787394/rei-quarter-dome-t2-plus-tent

I bought the plus tent becuase my wife and I are both tall.  It appears that they no longer have the regular and the Plus is currently on clearance.  They typically introduce the newer versions in the fall.

I liked the fact that it is lighter then then my older tent.  It is all mesh so cooler in the summer (although not as warm in the sprint and fall.  The biggest feature was a door on each side to that we could get out of the tent at night without crawling over each other.



Larry Powers
 
Get a bicycle.  You will not regret it if you live. - Mark Twain

---

Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:34:20 -0700
From: rmer...@murraystate.edu
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [RBW] A tent for bike-camping???

I am in starting the "looking" phase of purchasing a tent for bike camping and was wondering if any of the group had any recommendations.  I need the tent to fit two people at most (I may go with the wife sometimes) but usually it will just be me.  I guess top priorities would be weight, I would like it to be free standing if possible, I have often camped in areas where staking would not work, and rain proof, I just hate getting wet at night.  Any thoughts?

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/4bWQtRtwDKgJ.

[Kelly Sleeper]

Yeppers the bottomless tent sounds great to me.. NOT... :) Doesn't make them bad just not for me. Then again my Marmot 3 person that has lasted well, withstood 50 mph winds and torrential rains that soaked the ground around and under without getting me wet, will not appeal to others. They will like Eureka or Northface or something. All just as good.

I guess it comes down to how much room you want inside, how much protection you want, and then how easy is it to put up and take down. Putting up and taking down ease is more important to me than weight. Most name brands will be great for what you want.

I just purchased a larger Northface for my wife and I. It's 8 pounds or so with ground cloth. Things I liked about it ..

Larger doors and a bit taller for my bad knee.. easier for me to get out of. (not a concern for most)

Large enough for me at 6'5" and her at 5'11" and our gear to be inside for repacks etc. The Marmot though wonderful and worked well for us together is 6lbs. The extra space and ease for 2 lbs was an easy trade off.

Solid waterproof tub. -- I can't always find the perfect spot for a tent. Sometimes water is flowing under the thing. My down sleeping bag is pretty much useless wet so dry is huge priority for me.

I'm NOT a minimalist. For me it's a tent I'm gonna be in 30 to 40 nights per year in places where I don't have a car or school to go hide in.. I don't care about the weight for the sake of it .. a great tent will weigh what it needs to. I'm much less picky with my car camping tent.

Many brands and configurations out there that will do a great job. Just like the bicycle there are tradeoffs in comfort, and usefulness.. One person tunnel tents are great till you actually try to live in it for a couple of days of torrential rains and they become rather cramped. That 4lb weight savings doesn't mean much then.

Good luck shopping

Kelly

[Lyle Bogart]

Christian,

 

Mine was a chouinard 'mid and, yes, it was pretty awesome, even for winter camping. The spec sheet on the new 'mid (the link I attached in my first response) lists a single pole as standard and it comes something called a "pole link" which allows you to use a pair for trekking poles instead. I've even used downed branches trimmed up a bit for the center pole. Of course, if you're in the trees, you can do without the center pole entirely by "hanging" the peak of the 'mid from an overhead branch--now *that's* a spacious tent! 

 

Cheers'

[Michael Hechmer]

I'll second the Tarp Tent.  I have their biggest, which is described as 4 person, but I would urge you to subtract 1 from any tent mfg. claims.  Mine weighs 42 oz and is quite roomy, but packs very small.  Most of my camping is with a canoe so I'm not as sensitive to weight as I would be on a bike.  I have not had any trouble with the tent with standing heavy rain, but it is very important to get the tent pitch right, which basically means taut.  Remember that the rain cover will nearly dble a tent's weight, so a single wall tent carefully setup can be a big saving.

michael

[Amit Singh]

+ 1 on the Quarter Dome T2 Plus

 http://www.rei.com/product/787394/rei-quarter-dome-t2-plus-tent

I did a ton of research, tried different tents on, and this is such a fabulous tent.  Highly recommended.

[EricP]

Eureka Spitfire 2. It's very roomy for one, and can fit two, if need
be. I like the side doors and the little things - like the extra vent
up top. Used it in a strong storm this summer and it stayed nice and
dry the whole time. Downside is it does need to be staked out.

BTW, the tent was recommended by Grant when I was bugging him about
different tents as it seems they have a great selection to use at
RBWHQ at least from the photos.

Eric Platt
St. Paul, MN

[Ryan J]

Thanks for all the different tent suggestions, keep them coming, I love searching for a new tent.  

I used to do a bunch of canoe camping in the boundary waters area but sadly my old tent is pretty well destroyed.  8 years ago I got married and since then have pretty much car camped and the tents have grown huge so she is comfortable, which is fine for that kind of stuff, but have only recently really begun bike camping so I am in need of a new lightweightier tent.  My last s24o found me sleeping on the ground in my sleeping bag, no big deal but I would really rather have some sort of shelter.  Some of those Tarp tents look promising but I am still searching.

I wonder, does a manufacturer build a tent that uses the bike as a tent support?

[Robert F. Harrison]

I just bought an MSR Hubba Hubba for bike camping. It's not a cheap tent and you do need to buy the ground sheet separately (should be included IMHO). I love it here in Hawaii. It's for 2 but is very nice for one large guy.

We have really big centipedes here (think 4-6") so sleeping without a floor and a good seal is...um...not recommended. In any case I just went camping with it for the first time a couple of weeks ago and spent a couple of very comfortable nights. There were passing showers and the fly keep me dry while the inner portion, mostly mesh, kept me cool.

I really like that it does have two door so you can leave on either side and because I stake out the fly on both doors I've got plenty of vestibule space.

It's not incredibly light coming in just over 4 lbs fully packed, but as I'm a big guy already that's not an issue. I'm just over six feet and I had plenty of room.

I also use a Hennessy Hammock when appropriate which I'm also very happy with.

Aloha, Bob

On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 4:34 PM, Ryan J <rmer...@murraystate.edu> wrote:

I am in starting the "looking" phase of purchasing a tent for bike camping and was wondering if any of the group had any recommendations.  I need the tent to fit two people at most (I may go with the wife sometimes) but usually it will just be me.  I guess top priorities would be weight, I would like it to be free standing if possible, I have often camped in areas where staking would not work, and rain proof, I just hate getting wet at night.  Any thoughts?

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/4bWQtRtwDKgJ.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.

--
Robert Harrison
rfhar...@gmail.com
statrix.com

[Seattle Smitty]

generally speaking... freestanding tents are heavier than tents that need to be staked out. Freestanding + lightweight + big enough for 2 is going to require a compromise somewhere.    

I have and use regularily a Tarptent Double Rainbow, an MSR Hubba Hubba, and a Hennessy Hammock. All are great shelters for different situations. 

The Hubba Hubba is the most normal + all purpose but is easily the biggest (set-up and packed) and heaviest. I bring it when need to share with buddy, when weight doesn't matter, or when weather might cause me to "wait it out" in the tent. 

Dbl Rainbow is light, compact, and quick to set up (once you've done it a few times). It can be fussy as far as where you pitch it and how you orient it, but once you learn how, it works great and you stay dry. I use it mostly as a roomy (lots of floor space but not very tall) 1-man tent but it is big enough to share with my wife. If I was planning to share with a buddy, I would bring the Hubba Hubba.

The hammock has a learning curve. My first night in it was miserable. Now that I've been using it for a few years and have figured it out, it's my go-to shelter if I know there's going to be adequate trees to hang it from. My best nights sleeping while camping have been in the hammock.

If I were to suggest one based on what you wrote, it would be the Tarptent...  even though it's not free standing it's light + dry (if you pitch it right), and sturdy (I've been out in 2 impressive wind storms without collapse). I'd recommend getting the bathtub floor (vs no floor) option. 

good luck on the shelter hunt.

Smitty

[Lee Legrand]

The thing about bicycle tents is that you want a tent big enough to be comfortable in, light enough to take while bicycle camping and be usable for all conditions you will be riding.   Let say you are doing a adventure cycling ride where you ride in groups and may be in places where you camp inside a gym or pavement area, a free standing tent is the most useable since you do not need to be staked out.  If you have anything other than this and you do these type of rides, then may find yourself in situation where you are constantly trying to find places to camp which may be difficult if you are in a city. Comfortability is another consideration sense although you may be able to get by in a single person tent, a two person tent may be idea sense you can put your equipment inside the tent with you thereby protecting somewhat your stuff in addition to more livable space depending how big you are. Dome type tents are free standing typically and tunnel tents are not so the use of a tunnel tent may be good if you know for sure, you are camping outside on dirt that can be staked into. 

 

L.

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/f9U5p3ylRmcJ.

[velomann]

I know I'm in the minority here, but I really think that for the
majority of what people need when bike camping, a tarp tent is an
excellent solution. There's a learning curve to setting one up, but
it's not a steep curve, and getting it right gives the same sense of
satisfaction as, say, successfully truing a wheel. I made my own 2-man
tarp using a Ray-Way kit and am thrilled with it. Plus I made it
myself, which just adds to the pleasure every time I sleep in it. It's
roomy, totally dry, gets excellent airflow, and if I think I'll sleep
in buggy conditions, I've got the inside net-tent with floor that
attaches to the tarp. I usually hunt up sticks for pitching (or
between trees works great) but have been considering getting about six
18" tent pole sections to take with me so I don't need to rely on
sticks. Silicone-impregnated nylon - silnylon - s pretty amazing
lightweight stuff. My roomy tarp, with titanium stakes and guylines,
weighs just over a pound, and with the bugnet and stakes I'm still
barely over 2, in a really small package.

Like I said, not for everyone, but if you have a strong DIY ethic - or
you're just cheap - it's a great way to go.
An added benefit most people are not aware of is that the air
circulation you get with a properly pitched tarp means less
condensation inside so you actually sleep warmer than in a tent, and
don't have the moisture issue to deal with when you pack up in the
morning.

See info here:http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Tarp-Kit/index.htm

btw - Ray Jardine used one of his tarp tents for his 2010 trans-
america ride, the same one (I think) he used for his through hike of
the Appalachian trail just before the ride.

[Ryan J]

That is pretty interesting, how long did it take for you to sew the tent?  Is the material pretty durable?

[Lee Legrand]

The tarp solution is limited to the condition that you will always be in a wooded area with trees and ground soft enough to stake your tarp up.  What if you are in plains area where you want shelter but there is no trees to hold up the tarp? I think if you are going to purchase a tent, you have to consider what condition you plan to be in while bicycle camping.  If you plan to be only in a certain type of area where conditions allow you to use trees, then a tarp or other non-free standing tents are available. If you do not know what kind of condition you will be in, a tent that can be set up anywhere will be your best bet.  It may be heavier but at least you know you only need a spot to put a tent up and not be restricted the conditions of the surroundings.

L.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

[velomann]

Lee,

If you have poles - I use trekking poles when I'm backpacking, but
sticks or tent poles work fine too - you can stake a tarp tent out
just fine, I've done it plenty, including on te beach and at Joshua
Tree. Of course, perfectly spaced trees are the ideal, but not
necessary. Nor is it necessary to be able to pound stakes, so long as
you can find rocks (or panniers) as anchor points. Using a tarp tent
certainly involves more creativity and careful scoping of the site,
but to me that's part of it's appeal, it's part of the craft of
camping.
here's a picture of my tarp tent staked out with sticks.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/116897251123335733984/albums/5642421845211455281/5642422532541239122?hl=en

And Ryan, I had a little sewing experience but it was still a pretty
big project and took the better part of 2 days to sew. But the thing
is, like making anything, there was an immense satisfaction in the
process. There are imperfections (that don't affect function) but they
are MY imperfections and part of the story of making My tarp tent. If
one doesn't have the time/patience/sewing machine, there are several
ready-made tarp tents available. Or do what Kent Peterson does.
http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2009/08/compact-comforts-of-home.html

[Lee Legrand]

Ryan, if there is a consideration for a tent, I think you should invest in a tent that can hold three people instead of two. If you and your wife are going to be sharing the tent, you may like the added room to store gear but you have to evaluate what you think you are going to do on the tour and what things you will keep outside the tent and what you would like inside the tent.

L.

On Sat, Oct 15, 2011 at 12:27 PM, Lee Legrand <krm...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Velo

This all assumes you are in places where it is wooded enough for you to find a stick if you did not bring a tent pole with you.  The pictures you have shown all show these tents are put up where there are trees in the vicinity to put up a tarp or stick that can be found somewhere.  That is why a person when picking a tent has understand if I want to do this, what can happen?  I may want to tent up at a gas station,trailer park or on ground where it is concrete or paved roads.  IF that is the case, what is the likely chance I can find sticks and somehow anchor the tent to the ground.   If you know for sure you will be in areas where a tarp will always be functional, then a tarp is a good choice for it's low weight, quick set up, openness to the wild and etc.   If you are unsure where you will be and the type of conditions you may find yourself and a tent is necessary, then you have to think of other options.

[Lee Legrand]

Hello Velo

This all assumes you are in places where it is wooded enough for you to find a stick if you did not bring a tent pole with you.  The pictures you have shown all show these tents are put up where there are trees in the vicinity to put up a tarp or stick that can be found somewhere.  That is why a person when picking a tent has understand if I want to do this, what can happen?  I may want to tent up at a gas station,trailer park or on ground where it is concrete or paved roads.  IF that is the case, what is the likely chance I can find sticks and somehow anchor the tent to the ground.   If you know for sure you will be in areas where a tarp will always be functional, then a tarp is a good choice for it's low weight, quick set up, openness to the wild and etc.   If you are unsure where you will be and the type of conditions you may find yourself and a tent is necessary, then you have to think of other options.

On Sat, Oct 15, 2011 at 11:45 AM, velomann <velo...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Christian]

Thanks Lyle. I'm glad to know they're still making them--or something
similar, anyway.

Best wishes,

Christian

On Oct 13, 5:41 pm, Lyle Bogart <lylebog...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Christian,
>
> Mine was a chouinard 'mid and, yes, it was pretty awesome, even for winter
> camping. The spec sheet on the new 'mid (the link I attached in my first
> response) lists a single pole as standard and it comes something called a
> "pole link" which allows you to use a pair for trekking poles instead. I've
> even used downed branches trimmed up a bit for the center pole. Of course,
> if you're in the trees, you can do without the center pole entirely by
> "hanging" the peak of the 'mid from an overhead branch--now *that's* a
> spacious tent!
>
> Cheers'
>
> lyle
>

[Mojo]

Ryan,

 

For years I used a North Face Tadpole, but 6ft long I was very nearly touching the top and bottom of the tent. Plus with just one door and vestibule it was a bit awkward at times with my wife. I wouldn't want to share it with just a friend, too intimate. Weight 4lbs+

 

Last year we invested in the Big Agnes Copper Spur http://www.rei.com/product/764121/big-agnes-copper-spur-ul3-tent during REI's 20% off sale that happens to be going on now. We have used it for about 20 nights so far and here are my impressions: 

set up is easy with color corrdinated clips for the tent-fly interface,

really light weight material that looks flimsy but has shown no wear or tear,

excellent design with two doors and two vestibules & vertical walls when erected,

longer floor for more comfort for me but a little tight on the width (luckily I like touching my wife),

plenty of room for setting up,

pockets are not generous but sufficient,

light weight still at 4lbs+ which is impressive to me with the extra door and vestibule,

has maintained its shape well in gusty winds (estimated to 30 mph) and has kept us dry in two light rain events,

a negative: the doors unzip down so that the door lays in the tent or on the ground when open.

 

I recommend the custom ground cloth.

[Kelly Sleeper]

Marmot, Northface and others have Rainflys that setup alone with just the poles. If you don't want the tent just take the rainfly shelter and ground cloth. Gives you the best of both worlds.

Kelly

[donavanm]

On Oct 13, 6:41 pm, Ryan J <rmerr...@murraystate.edu> wrote:
> Thanks for all the different tent suggestions, keep them coming, I love
> searching for a new tent.  
>
> I used to do a bunch of canoe camping in the boundary waters area but sadly
> my old tent is pretty well destroyed.  8 years ago I got married and since
> then have pretty much car camped and the tents have grown huge so she is
> comfortable, which is fine for that kind of stuff, but have only recently
> really begun bike camping so I am in need of a new lightweightier tent.  My
> last s24o found me sleeping on the ground in my sleeping bag, no big deal
> but I would really rather have some sort of shelter.  Some of those Tarp
> tents look promising but I am still searching.

Another vote for TarpTent. I've been using a Contrail for a few years
now. Held up well through a stormy week in the boundary waters last
Sept. Including a pole and extra stakes it's ~2 lbs, as light as a big
bivy sack. I'm of the free camping in the woods persuasion and haven't
had *any* issues with durability yet.

[TSW]

+1 on the hiking poles and tarps.

Or staked off one's bike?

Tentwise, I can highly recommend Sierra Designs. I have an earlier
version of this:

http://www.sierradesigns.com/p-154-zolo-1.aspx

which I love, and which my partner loves- she was amazed at how easy
it was to set up.

Simple geometry- just 3 poles: 2 long, identical ones, 1 short one.
You don't need a phd in hyper-Riemannian topology to set it up.

On Oct 15, 8:45 am, velomann <velom...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Lee,
>
> If you have poles - I use trekking poles when I'm backpacking, but
> sticks or tent poles work fine too - you can stake a tarp tent out
> just fine, I've done it plenty, including on te beach and at Joshua
> Tree. Of course, perfectly spaced trees are the ideal, but not
> necessary. Nor is it necessary to be able to pound stakes, so long as
> you can find rocks (or panniers) as anchor points. Using a tarp tent
> certainly involves more creativity and careful scoping of the site,
> but to me that's part of it's appeal, it's part of the craft of
> camping.

> here's a picture of my tarp tent staked out with sticks.https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/116897251123335733984/albums/56424...

>
> And Ryan, I had a little sewing experience but it was still a pretty
> big project and took the better part of 2 days to sew. But the thing
> is, like making anything, there was an immense satisfaction in the
> process. There are imperfections (that don't affect function) but they
> are MY imperfections and part of the story of making My tarp tent. If
> one doesn't have the time/patience/sewing machine, there are several

> ready-made tarp tents available. Or do what Kent Peterson does.http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2009/08/compact-comforts-of-home.html

[Lee Legrand]

Ryan

Here is the website talking about the things you need to know about tents.

http://www.cyclocamping.com/Tent/guide_how_to_choose_the_right_bicycle_touring_tent_free/ARTI_how_to_choose_bicycle_touring_tent-92.aspx

If you are still looking for free standing tent, the website has a collection of tents that they recommend and sell.  Some are tunnel, some are dome and some are tarp like.   You have to consider what you plan to do, and what you are willing to deal with.

L.

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/H6hBBP5Y2acJ.

[basho]

I'll second (or third) the endorsement of the "mega light". I've used
the chouinard pyramid and megamid ever since they first came out, long
ago now -- they became the black diamond megamid, and now it's the
mega light (lighter fabric and a carbon pole). I was already a
dedicated tarp user, and these are just what i would call a deluxe
tarp -- they are not a "tent" -- you'll be open to drafts and bugs and
crawlies, so if you don't want the chance of those, it's better to go
with a real tent. As far as tents go, i've been using the MSR hubba-
hubba for years and i really love it. Not the lightest for going solo
though...

On Oct 13, 11:55 am, Lyle Bogart <lylebog...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Well Ryan, this isn't the cheapest tent on the market, but I highly
> recommend it.
>
> http://www.backcountrygear.com/black-diamond-mega-light-blue-grey.htm...
>
> When I was an Outward Bound instructor and worked as a climbing guide for
> other folks, I lived in one of these tents most of the year, year after
> year. They are very light, very roomy--I've camped with two people and our
> bikes and gear inside the tent and still had space to cook--hold up well to
> all but the worst winds and weather, and are very versatile. Generally they
> work best by staking out the anchor points, but tying off to rocks, roots,
> and the like, works very nicely.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> lyle

>
> On 12 October 2011 22:34, Ryan J <rmerr...@murraystate.edu> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > I am in starting the "looking" phase of purchasing a tent for bike camping
> > and was wondering if any of the group had any recommendations.  I need the
> > tent to fit two people at most (I may go with the wife sometimes) but
> > usually it will just be me.  I guess top priorities would be weight, I would
> > like it to be free standing if possible, I have often camped in areas where
> > staking would not work, and rain proof, I just hate getting wet at night.
> >  Any thoughts?
>

> > --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> > "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> > To view this discussion on the web visit

> >https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/4bWQtRtwDKgJ.

> > To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
> > rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> > For more options, visit this group at
> >http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
>