May 11, 2000


Which tent should I get for solo backpacking?

Gear Master, I'm trying to outfit myself for general three-season, multi-day solo backpacking romps here in Colorado. Currently I have a three-person Sierra Designs Lookout, which is great when there's more than one to share the load. But I'm desperate for something more suitable weight-wise for solo treks. The current convertibles don't give me the withstand-it-all confidence I'd like to approach Colorado's unpredictable climes alone. If weight, performance, and quality were paramount features (over cost), what would you recommend? There's certainly a confidence quotient with a Bibler I-Tent on one end. Would a Clip Flashlight do just as well at the other? Your experience would be greatly appreciated for many stormy/tranquil/windy nights to come! Thanks Gear Guy.

— Mike Allspaw, Denver, Colorado

Well, you're right — at one end of this continuum is a Bibler I-Tent, a super-tough, very light (three pounds 12 ounces) single-wall tent that should be able to weather anything Colorado can throw at it. Of course, an I-Tent also goes for $575, so whether your wallet can withstand the abuse is another matter.

There are other options. Since you're already a Sierra Designs kind of guy, you could go with an Ultra Light Year CD ($349), only two pounds eight ounces. It's very sturdy, made with carbon-fiber poles and rugged, lightweight fabric. You have to stake it out, but that's a small sacrifice. Another good choice is Moss's one-person Outland. Not very sprightly at five pounds, nor cheap at $379, but it's roomy, self-supporting, and four-season tough. Marmot's little Eclipse ($190) is a self-supporting, solo three-season tent that I like a lot. And lastly there's the venerable Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight, three pounds ten ounces, and $185. It also requires some staking out, but once up it can take a lot. I've got to believe it or the Eclipse would be fine. The Ultra Light Year mainly has "wow" factor, but saving a pound is hardly worth close to $200. Get the Bibler or Outland if you plan to throw some winter trips in.