Optimal Tent for an old guy or old guy + old gal

[Shhsgirl]

Until our 60's, my husband and I used the Integral Designs single wall 2 man tent. It is bombproof, weighs slightly over 5 lbs, and does not allow a single drop of condensation to form. It is a four season tent that will last for years, but it is not a great big, oversized room. There is just enough room for two six footers to sleep comfortably. But being snug doesn't matter when there is no condensation, does it? Packs and boots need to stay outside, unless you attach the vestibule, which we never did. When we got too old to carry 2.5 lbs. apiece, we switched to two individual Hexamid Solo tarps with bug nets. I use the Solo plus, and he uses the Solo. With everything, they weigh about 10-12 oz. each. Stakes are extra, but we usually use rocks. The tarps take up a bit more groundspace than the tent, and take some practice to set up efficiently. We have been in some pretty good storms with them, including one four-hour heavy hail storm last summer, and one rain and wind storm in which I had to hold the tarp pole, for fearing of it blowing over, but have always stayed dry and warm. I should add that I supplement my tarp with a 4 oz Mountain Laurel Designs cuben fiber bivy. Keeps my bag from getting wet with splash or from when I crawl into the tarp wet. The tarps are very roomy.

[oldranger]

Shhsgirl

The day my wife sleeps in a separate tent is the day we stop backpacking together!

Mike