Camping - Compact Tents

[FZ6inNH]

Anyone have an ultra compact tent recommendation for carrying on the bike? I am looking for something that ends up a VERY small package when it's ready for travel. Two person only. What do you all use, if any?

I can tell you it won't be THIS one! Pinnacle Pass 2A I cannot afford that!

I had found one that was packed at 6"x6"x12" but never bookmarked it and cannot find it again. The best I've found is 18.5" x 6" packed. Not bad and may have to do.

Thoughts anyone? Thanks in advance!

[JohnP]

Click these links:
3 Season Aluminum Frame Backpacking Tents
or
3 Season Fiberglass Frame Backpacking Tents

then click the Check All link

then click the "<-CLICK TO COMPARE SPECS->" button.

Should give you a lot of tents to choose from.

-John

[The Rayman]

This one packs very small. Only one person though.

Chase Harper Pocket Tent :: 1 Person Tents :: Shelter :: Off The Road Again :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

Here are some 2-3 person tents.

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/...p-1-c-583.html

This 2 person packs 6" x 9".

http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=19128

[FZ6inNH]

Originally Posted by JohnP

Click these links:
3 Season Aluminum Frame Backpacking Tents
or
3 Season Fiberglass Frame Backpacking Tents

then click the Check All link

then click the "<-CLICK TO COMPARE SPECS->" button.

Should give you a lot of tents to choose from.

-John

Awesome site! The compare all feature makes it easy to select the pack size! Thanks John!

[shaggystyle]

It's not 2 person, hell it's not even really a tent, but it packs up smaller than anything and it'll keep you dry:
Black Diamond Winter Bivy Sack from Backcountry.com

This one claims a packed size of 6x9, but it might not do so well in the rain:
Black Diamond Lighthouse Tent 2-Person 3-Season from Backcountry.com

I've got a kelty quartz 4 season tent that I take with me on long trips. I usually just strap it to the grab rail on the back or throw it in one of my saddle bags....but then I'm always going solo, so packing space has never been a concern for me.

Here are some more sites worth checking out:
Outdoor Gear from Campmor - Clothing, Camping Equipment and More - Top Brands including North Face & Columbia Sportswear
REI: Outdoor Gear, Equipment & Clothing for Camping, Hiking, Cycling, Fitness, Kayaking, Canoeing and More
Backcountry.com: The North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Arc'teryx Skiing, Camping, Hiking and Backpacking Gear

[Cloggy]

In June I went canoeing in Belgium and travelled down on the bike (without family, met friends down there). Anyway before I went I was planning to strap the tent on the passengers seat, to my surprise I found I could get my tent in my Givi/yamaha top case relatively easily. The tent was a basic cheap nylon/mesh igloo tent for 3 people (2 people comfortably) with fibre poles. The poles just fitted (folded up of course). I first had to put the main part of the tent in (as the top case is tapered at the bottom) then the poles just layed on top, in the widest part of the case. There was still room for a (heavy) sleeping bag and some clothes.

I can't find the model of the tent on internet as it is about 10 years old (and still going strong) but it is similar to the most basic igloo tents on the market at the moment. When I see some of the prices of the really small tents I'm pleased that my standard tent fits in my top case

As for a gore-tex Bivi bag we had to use these (mainly on exercise) when I was based in Germany (military). Now I still have mine from those days, but I would never use it if I had an option. Now even with the very good sleeping bags we were issued (they were made to combine with the bivi bag) it was as uncomfortable as hell. This would only be an option if you could find a lot of leaf litter or hay to lay in.

[Denver_FZ6]

I do a fair amount of backpacking so space and size is a premium for me too. Unfortunately my favorite tents are no longer made. Guess like fashion clothes, tent mfgs have to be pitching something new. (Yuk, yuk)

I will offer a few features I look for and would expect to find in most 3 season tents:

• taped seams
• some type of either heavy vinyl of coated floor.
• rain fly that goes all the way to ground. Discount tents scrimp in this area.

Have you considered renting a tent from someplace like REI? Their rental equipment is typically good gear and well priced.

[bmccrary]

Man those aren't cheap!

I would get one of those cheap-o's at a sporting goods store that rolls up. Then strap it vertically to the side of my other bags. I believe that would works, somehow.

But I am sure those tents are extreamly nice and are actually waterproof and protect you much better. You get what you pay for I suppose.

-bryan

[Shafe716]

Dude... Walmart.


Victory will me mine!!

[Damnitsjeff]

I also do quite a bit of backpacking. I use a Sierra Designs "light year" tent myself. With the fly and everything pack weight is around 2 pounds 1 or 2 ounces. I would recommend anything from Mountain Hardware, Sierra Designs, and of course The North Face. They all make a great tent and will handles anything you throw at them.

Here are a couple of sites to check out...................

Sierra Trading Post - Save 35-70% on Famous Name Brands

Buy camping and hiking equipment from SunnySports.com

http://www.campsaver.com/index.php

REI: Outdoor Gear, Equipment & Clothing for Camping, Hiking, Cycling, Fitness, Kayaking, Canoeing and More

Backcountry.com: The North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Arc'teryx Skiing, Camping, Hiking and Backpacking Gear

Altrec.com - The North Face, Patagonia, Backpacks, Shoes, Board Shorts, Camping Equipment



Here is one of my favorite places..................

MountainGear.com; Outdoor gear and clothing for climbing, hiking, skiing, camping & backpacking.


Here is a site (magazine) that does a lot of reviews on camping and outdoor products......................

Backpacker Magazine - Your Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Gear, Adventure Travel, and Skills Magazine


Hope this helps