A New Tent?

[QUOTE user='Millsy'] On the previous version, you had to loop the poles through a fabric slot to make your structure. The poles would become caught on the fabric while attempting to put them through. The REI Cirque uses the same type of system now. With the current version, do you believe the structure is significant enough for a substantial wind load?[/QUOTE]
I can defintely understand the complaint about the sleeves for the poles. For me at least, this was always just a very mild annoyance -- I think I perhaps figured out some tricks to make it easier.  I think our newer version has the clips which is a great improvement.  Not sure of wind loads, I don't think we're usually doing stuff to test the winds too much.  We did have one very windy evening on the Pacific Crest Trail with the older version of the tent, where our tent was one of the only ones left standing, but that's in comparision to ultralight backpacker tents.

 Forest, I should have specified. This was 3 years ago (time flies) and was the previous version of the quarterdome, which was new at that time. On the previous version, you had to loop the poles through a fabric slot to make your structure. The poles would become caught on the fabric while attempting to put them through. The REI Cirque uses the same type of system now. With the current version, do you believe the structure is significant enough for a substantial wind load?

[QUOTE user='Millsy'] 
I can't endorse the quarterdome. I owned one, used it once and craigslist-ed it.   [/QUOTE]
Out of curiosity, what didn't you like about the quarterdome? 

 
I can't endorse the quarterdome. I owned one, used it once and craigslist-ed it. For a 1 person tent, I use a Big Agnes Seedhouse. It's in the 3lb range and the pack size is small. I have a Marmot Aelos 2p if I expect inclimate weather a Big Agnes Copper Spur 3. I love the Big Agnes options.  REI garage sales are a great place to find deals on tents. Often people purchase a tent for a one time use and return them. You can score some amazing deals.   

We just bought an MSR Hubba-Hubba (well, we used our REI dividend for it, so it was kinda free).  We ended up with that one first, because we have friends who like theirs very much, second for the weight savings (it'll save us two pounds over our previous tent), and finally, because of the dual doors.  We won't get to use it for a couple of months, though, but I'll let you know what we think.

Unfortunately I think my ideal tent was the original REI Quarter Dome.  We got the same tent, but it's a newer version that I don't think I care for quite as much.  The other one was very simple to put up and was easier to get into and out of (they redesigned the rainfly which makes access a little harder).  The newer version is still a good tent, I just miss my old one!

 This is an old post, so I was wondering if Forest had found his ideal tent yet?

I have access to REI friends and family coupons if anyone needs them.

Regards,

Millsy

you should check out the new tent by Kelty, Salida 2. My dad just bought this tent and I will probably get it too. its very light just 3.14lbs and is a true two man tent.I am just above 6' tall and can fit easily with out really touching my head of feet. The only thing that I would change, would be to put a second door. But then again that would increase the weight. Nice pack size, real easy setup, good size door and the price was great at only $150.00. check it out, you can get it at REI.

I go with the Henessey Hamocks! Better sleep than on the ground.

Thanks erlall, good info.  I would actually have preferred to just get it fixed (seems really wasteful to replace a good tent when that is all thats wrong with it, and as mentioned, we really liked the tent).  I did take it into REI and asked if they knew of a place to get it fixed.  They then replied that they would rather just replace the tent, which I didn't argue with too much--so we got their latest version of the quarter dome. 

In the future, I will try harder to just get it fixed (I feel a little guilty about the replacement, since this is the second time they replaced it, and we used the tent for half of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail--so its not like we didn't get a good life out of it).  I added Rainy Pass Repair to the TrailsNW directory so I can look them up in a couple of years when the zippers on this one wear out!

Perhaps another option for you would be to call Rainy Pass Repair in Seattle.  I do not know what they will charge you to repair the tent zipper (probably very little), but whatever the price is, it will be less than a new tent.  Rainy Pass is the place that many of the warranty work jobs from major retailer send their work.  Here is the website:   www.rainypass.com.

I have used them in the past and can attest to their work.  Top notch.

Just an option.

Eric

Thanks for the replies...I'll definitely check these out. 

I love my tent...have been using it for two seasons now: MSR Hubba Hubba HP
www.rei.com/product/762726

It's kinda spendy, but used my 20% coupon at REI. I think it's worth the $$ as it weighs less than four pounds and has ample headroom. I don't like having to hunch over inside the tent.

Since MSR uses lightweight fabric (feels like parachute material), it's dog-friendly. Max would shred any tent that saves weight by using mostly mesh for the walls. And, the fabric walls make it more of a 3+ season tent. It feels stable in high winds and definitely stays warm in colder temps...again thanks to the fabric walls :0)

One person complained about the white walls reflecting too much light...but I really like this feature. My backpacking partner who made this comment isn't a morning person like me and Max.

The other feature I really like is how easy the set-up and break-down/packing up is. I have made several solo trips, and the single-pole/freestanding design is awesome.

Here's a picture from a backpacking trip last summer at McNeil Point on Mt. Hood:

I've always used Sierra Designs and loved them.  I stopped packing a tent when I went ultralight.  Check this out.  http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/FlyCreekUL2
I don't own one, but this got Backpacker Magazine Editors Choice.  You would have a hard time find a lighter 2 person, freestanding tent.  Next time I have an extra $350 in my pocket this tent may end up on the trail with me.