Bikepacking tent recommendations please!

Trekkertent.  Intended for use with walking poles but you can also buy CF poles for them.  Probably a drift best at your height.  Made in Scotland and thus built for scottish conditions.  Long lead time on ordering but they do come up second hand sometimes - there is a facebook group for them

I have two - a stealth 1.5 and as drift custom 2 / 3.  Really well made, very light

https://www.trekkertent.com/home/

Very happy with my MSR Hubba NX. I'm not as tall as you but there's plenty of leg and headroom in it. Folded poles aren't as short as some but they still fit in my handlebar roll or frame bag.

This topic has been done several times recently, so it might be worth doing a search.   Just remembered... the search function never works for me!

Vango F10 Helium 1, outer pitch too.

Same height as you, and I don't touch the ends please can sit up straight.

I'm really happy with My Naturehike Could-Up tent (the slightly more expensive fabric variations whichever one that was).  It's barely heavier than my old (cheap) Gellert 1-person tent which was the default answer to this question 15 years ago. Packs up smaller. Can be used in any combo of fly / footrpint / inner depending on the weather, is big enough to sit up / get changed in at 6ft, and is long enough to stretch out and have luggage at your feet/head.

Downsides:

Obviously I bought it on price, and actually got it off ebay 2nd hand. If I'd spent 3x more at RRP (so more like 7x in actual money) on it from a big brand I'd have picked a tent that opened on the side to make cooking in wet weather a bit more pleasant.

There's no (that I'm aware of) carbon pole upgrades.

People will tell you unsolicitedly that it's a rip-off of a US designed tent. But generally can't then tell you which one. They're right in as far as it looks like a tent, and that most tents fall into a few basic designs.

SMD Lunar Solo. I likely have more nights camping in the Cairngorms than anyone on this thread so my opinion counts more 😂

TBH at 6ft 2in you'll struggle with many lightweight tents. I'd definitely want to lie down in a couple.

I like my alpkit soloist XL.

The only thing I'd change is the entry. It's tough to get in without brining a load of mud in.

I'm 6"4 and the XL is long enough for me

https://alpkit.com/products/soloist-xl

£160, 1.3kg.

Alpkit Soloist XL, or the new Ultra 1 if you have a larger budget.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of end-entry tents. Quite apart from the design cutting down on vestibular storage space, and the entry-exit issues when it's raining, I like having the doors open as wide as possible when I can. In fact I'll often sleep with the door of my Lunar Solo tied up (but then I also prefer the bivvy experience anyway).

I have one of these, it's side entry and inner opens up both sides for ventilation, my criticisms are it is really just ok for sleeping in and not sitting in, as it is too low, the other -ve  issue is it needs a load of pegs to set up properly.  Yes it's inner-first for pitching but it is lightweight and low-key, and good value 🙂

https://www.tiso.com/eatnz7ti0192/oex-phoxx-1v2-green

review (not mine!) here -- https://thetrailhunter.com/oex-phoxx-1/

I also have one of those, I haven't used it and doubt I will as I find it so claustrophobic even using it in the garden at home. It's not especially light for its size but it is cheap and doesn't feel cheap. I got it on sale and I think it's often reduced. I'm open to offers.

yep @stevenmenmuir it does seem small first getting into the tent, but once inside I find it's ok, especially with the sides open.

My 3 person n alpkit tent weighs the same as that oex tent!
The new 1 person alpkit tent may be worth a look. It is a 'proper' tent rather than a trekking pole tent so its 900g is pretty equivalent in weight to the c600-700g ultralight trekker pole tents once you've factored in poles.

Wow loads of good options there, thanks!

SMD looks great for the cost, but I'm not looking to learn how to waterproof seams myself. Not gonna get a lot of time to test this so don't want to find out I did it wrong in the middle of nowhere! Same for the trekkertent, looks great but not gonna be getting one quickly

The phoxx, naturhike and Alpkit solo also seem great for a lot less money, but do give up a fair bit in weight/size

New Alpkit one looks good but no packed pic, and the size for packed is the same as the soloist, probably a typo. Anyway not available yet so no good for me

MSR Hubba and Vango F10 seem like winners to me, probably the Vango

Nortent or Hilleberg?

Some of the OneTigris tents are getting reasonable reviews at the lower end of the price range too.

I have a soloist xl as a way of dipping my toe back into having a tent to carry on the bike

Basically it works and is well made. But the door just too low for comfort or practicality

The i don’t think i could sit up in an ultra one, so that’s a no for me

I’m tempted by a hilleberg Enan. My last hilleberg was so good and went in for so long

This list is worth a browse

https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/one-person-tents/

Hilleberg looks fancy but over £700 and heavier than the £70 Naturhike one? I'm sure it's higher quality and alot more durable but I use a hammock 90% of the time so it's not gonna get tonnes of use

I have a Wild Country Zephros 2 for sale if it was of interest. I've used it once alone, for which it is fine. I've used it once with my wife, for which it's too small, hence why it is for sale.

I’m not looking to learn how to waterproof seams myself. Not gonna get a lot of time to test this so don’t want to find out I did it wrong in the middle of nowhere!

I wouldn't let that put you off. It takes minutes and the process is pretty much foolproof.

I like my alpkit soloist XL.

The only thing I’d change is the entry. It’s tough to get in without brining a load of mud in.

That's a pretty unforgivable significant issue - #1 priority for a tent should be keeping your living space dry and clean, especially on multi day trips.

Back to the OP, when I looked into this question a few years ago I ended up buying a Wild Country Zephyros 2 - Been a pretty good tent, well designed and never let me down. Light and spacious inside for 1. Would recommend.

I'm tempted by the Fjern tent on Sportpursuit, looks like the MSR Hubba but a fair bit cheaper. Not much in the way of reviews but I've been happy with most of the Fjern clothing I've bought.

I'm 6'2" and have the Vango f10 helium but got the 2 man because it's not much heavier than the 1 and a bit more space is always welcome

I've got a Tarpstar 1 from Alpkit it feels palatial compared to my Soloist.

I do fancy one of those trekkertents though.🤷

OEX Bobcat Ultralite comes out next week.

958g, £195 and a 6' 5" inner.

I'll be looking at that and the Alpkit Soloist next year

Wow the OEX does look good specs wise. Does that shape work well in the wind though? Seems like it’s gonna fly away!

Scotroutes I am very tempted to, and usually would just figure out how to do it but with the amount of good waterproof options out there I just don’t want the hassle and risk

That Bob Cat looks amazing for the money.

The inner is 2m which might be 6 foot 5 inches but I’d need a longer tent than that at 6 foot 4. Hilleberg work on 2.1m inner with vertical ends and 2.2m with a sloping inner at one end. That works for me.

I have the Vango f10 helium 1. Very pleased with, I am 6ft. You need to be fussy with pegging the flysheet out as it can flap if it's windy.

I fancy the Alpkit Aeronaut 1 - any thoughts?

Focus on loosing more weight and getting stronger, rather than loosing a few hundred grammes from a tent which then will be less weatherproof....

Not a review, but Paul Messner on YT has already done a pitching review of that ultralight Bobcat with a bit of a comparison as he goes, against the original. He also looks at the ultralight tarp

One thing I've found with bikepacking is to prioritise lack of bulk over less weight.

And as the OP is suitably tall, standard length poles fit fine in framebags on suitably sized frames 🙂

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I like my alpkit soloist XL.

The only thing I’d change is the entry. It’s tough to get in without brining a load of mud in.

That’s a pretty unforgivable significant issue – #1 priority for a tent should be keeping your living space dry and clean, especially on multi day trips.

Quote

Could have been user error, I've only used it a handful of times and was shattered the time I got mud everywhere. It was at least 1h past when I wanted to stop.

I'm 6ft3 3 and I've tried all sorts. My friends have the alpkit one. I like the alpkit soloist xl but it's difficult to get in and out of when it's wet (opens at the top) and when you open it in the morning it tends to drip into the tent due to how the door is designed.

I purchased the Lanshan one a few years back and I find it's the biggest solo tent I've ever owned. It's been good so far. Stood up to some poor weather in Scotland. It was a lot cheaper though when I bought mine. Seems a but steep now for a cheap tent. You also need to seam seal it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285045495350?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=twcwmqmrtlc&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=XQz0tf3FQJC&var=586882380623&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I changed from a Rab tarp tent shelter, basically a ridge-less ridge tent https://flic.kr/p/2oVc5g1

to a Sierra Designs tarp tent. I used alloy poles from decathlon that I cut to size.

https://flic.kr/p/2pN6RhF

I used carbon poles I made previously but got fed up with standing on them in the dark and breaking them.

I am also 6’2” and like to be able to sit up if possible. I have a GoLite SL3 for proper luxury when needed.

Must admit I do quite fancy having a go on the lanshan 1. There are a few different types so you need to be careful which one you get, depending on what you want.

The new oex bobcat specs look great..not sure about the colour though.

I fancy the Alpkit Aeronaut 1 – any thoughts?

A friend had the 2 man one for a bit. Really struggled to get it set up nice and taut, and had loads of condensation issues. I was with him on one occasion, and I couldn't see that it was pitched badly. In the end he managed to get them to accept it back for a refund.

I'll be checking that Bobcat out when it's released for sale for sue

One thing I’ve found with bikepacking is to prioritise lack of bulk over less weight.

For me this is key. I have a Nilfisk Lofeton ULW for exactly the use you describe - I wanted a tent rather than a tarp for multi day Scottish trips with midge and rain. It's definitely compromised as it is more tender to pitch and size inside is definitely compromised (sitting up is not a thing) but you get tent features in miniature in something barely bigger than a water bottle when carried which can easily be carried on a bikepacking setup.  Not cheap mind.

I have a Hilleberg Akto. It's certainly not the lightest one man tent but it is absolutely bombproof. Has survived all sorts of wild conditions over the years. And it pitches inner and fly together, very quickly. It's also quite spacious inside, which is great when you're inside for hours and hours on winter nights. Or sheltering from midges on summer nights.

I paid about £300 for mine 14 years ago. I think they are double that now.  However I reckon I'll have mine for 30 years or so (basically I'll never buy another). From that point of view I think it makes them quite cheap.

I'm 6'3 and after looking around a fair bit decided on a hilleberg enan and I wouldn't want anything shorter. Also have a look at tarptent, I got a scarp 2 for me and the mrs and dog and its huge, probably bigger than you want but they do others. You do have to seam seal them but its an absolute doddle. Neither were cheap, but when I looked closely at the cheaper ones  they all seemed short, and end doors are a complete no in a small tent

Thanks again for all the advice, I think I’m going to try to get that Bobcat (thanks for that youtube link, very useful) on Friday when it releases, failing that I’ll get a Vango f10

Meanwhile I’ll take some time to learn to seal seams for future use

Also going to treat myself to a Vango Cobra 200 sleeping bag, as I have a very light and a very heavy bag but not an intermediate, and a Topeak Tetrarack so I don’t have to deal with swingy handlebar bags anymore

All I need now is some decent weather!

That Bobcat vid, Messner is out of breath just putting the tents up 🙂

Like his other videos, where pretty much every one is him walking at most 5 miles before pitching up.

Bobcat itself:

• a lightweight, slab faced tent is probably better with less guys and rely on the wind blowing it over rather than breaking poles and/or tearing.
• needs seam-sealing - fine for the first time but how often does it need doing, and no doubt you get a rainstorm to remind you it needs doing...
• only 1500mm head
• like most tents, should use a footprint/groundsheet

And even though Messner isn't a tall bloke, would still have been useful for him to have laid in them both to see the actually length/width.

Must admit I do quite fancy having a go on the lanshan 1. There are a few different types so you need to be careful which one you get, depending on what you want.

Mine is the plus model, same size internally as the single skin pro model. I got it with the 4 season inner, it's lighter than the summer one and it comes seam sealed.

Yes the guy does not give the impression of an intrepid wild camper, but you get a good look at the tents and he pulls them about a bit which is good to see

1500mm head seems standard for alot of these mega lightweights, same on £600+ tents which have multiple user reviews and youtube vids showing them in downpours not leaking. I did miss the seam sealing bit though, I had read it as being seam-sealed but you're right, it says "can be seam sealed" so I guess it needs doing

Vango it is then!

I've just bought an MSR Hubba bikepacking tent. Not a recommendation yet, but I'll be using it this weekend, so I'll report back. The 2p one as I'm planning on using it for general camping with my son.

needs seam-sealing – fine for the first time but how often does it need doing

I've never had to re-seal the seams on a tent after doing it once but the following video suggests a couple of years.

I have a Lunar Solo and last year I bought a Alpkit Tarpstar 2 which only got tested once before completing the WHW.

I was really nervous about using but it performed really well under some bad conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds etc. It stayed upright and most importantly it kept me and my kit dry throughout the trip.  Overall  I am very pleased with it, not a bad pack size and weight.

The 2p one as I’m planning on using it for general camping with my son.

Blimey, that's cheap!  Unless you mean Hubba Bubba, but I'm not sure how you could camp in a piece of bubblegum.

A different approach: there's the MLD Trailstar (copy for £50ish), huge interior, loved by hikers in Scotland, the Lakesand US due to it's weather-shedding abilities, bombproof design, light...

You could set it up with one pole and your bike.

+1 For the Alpkit Soloist, it's super reasonably priced and not that heavy. I've had mine since 2021 and it's not let me down yet! It's also easy to repair. Stupidly, I had to repair the outer layer as my bar bag ended up slipping meaning my tyre burned a nice hole through the bag & outer 🙃

That Bobcat vid, Messner is out of breath just putting the tents up

At least he is not one of the multitude of numpties who head up the hills in a gale, pitch on an exposed ridge line, and then do pieces to camera while the tent is torn to shreds around them, trying to suggest the tent is not up to 60mph wind, leaving them with a cold walk out before breakfast but seemingly lots of youtube clicks....and repeat...

On a bike packing tangent, I thought this was a nice idea (set up by two Belgians who rode from Brussels to Tokyo): Welcome To My Garden

Just bought a Bobcat U/L and Feral tarp (15% off the tarp) from Go Outdoors

I've just been debating whether to get a hoop bivi to bridge the gap between my 500g tarp/bivi bag option and my 1.7kg Alpkit Ordos 2.

I'm about to do a week long trip and it looks like I'll be staying on campsites most of the time, I suddenly realised an open sided tarp is not only going to leave me with little privacy especially if I'm given a pitch in the middle of other campers, but also will probably leave me unable to lock my bike whilst I'm showering/eating etc (as I use it to support the tarp)

So this evening I just pitched the Ordos using the footprint and outer with no inner. That saves nearly 500g and overall weight is now just under 1.2kg...i really want to keep the weight down but at the end of the day it's 550g more than the tarp but gives me loads of space and I'll be a lot more comfortable after 6 nights!

I've tried a couple of hooped bivis in damp conditions and I think after a few days my gear will become quite wet from accumulated condensation so I'm holding fire on those. Even the tarpster 1 isn't much lighter once you add in a pole.

https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-2-solid

These get excellent reviews and price up with import etc at checkout.

Room for up to 6 foot 4. There is a lighter mesh inner version but to be honest, in the UK I would prefer a bit of extra warmth for the sake of a little more weight.

Trekkertents are indeed a great shout too.

Cheers

Sanny

Ps I love my Hilleberg Niak. Amazing quality and design but eye wateringly expensive these days.

I'm very happy with my X-Mid 2 Solid, very easy to pitch and it packs really small: I can put the whole tent plus footprint, quilt, trekology pillow and some underwear in a 12L dry bag.

It also fits 2 25" wide mats.

At the risk of having a lot of eye rolling over cost, it's worth taking a look a Zpacks tents which are made from Dynema and are pretty spacious.

Obviously, not cheap, but I bought mine in 2015 and use it for quite a few events and S24O and apart from one trip when I forgot the poles it's been very good.

You may find that you get people coming up and asking about the tent then telling you all that's wrong with it including it not being waterproof, but they're wrong 🤣

Got out in my new Vango f10 tent and cobra 200 bag last weekend. Coming from a hammock the ground is a bit less comfy but that tent feels huge!

Somehow my local woods had more mozzies than the Amazon (not an exaggeration but my actual experience) so I had to hide in the tent all evening and it’s great, you can sit up and move around in there

Sleeping bag was super cozy considering how tiny it packs down as well. Just need dry bags for both and I’m sorted

Tetrarack is awesome, haven’t even taken it off

Nice. What Vango f10 did you go for? It looks like there are a few different models. The Radon looks interesting.

That sleeping bag looks like it might be good value for money - quite small at the foot end though?

I got the Helium UL1

Yeah the bag is pretty narrow but I’m not one for comfort when camping anyway so doesn’t bother me. I am 6’2” with size 12 feet though so if you’re smaller than that you should have loads of room. Packed down it is smaller than my mountain warehouse 18C summer bag though!

I've the Helium UL1 too, you can attach the inner to the outer plus the groundsheet/footprint - means it goes up in 'one' go.

Yep I left it all attached when I took it down so hopefully tonight I can pitch quickly. Not using a footprint though, seems like carrying one negates the benefit of an ultralight tent a bit

Slowly putting together a bikepacking kit.

Don't want to spend a fortune, as it won't get used that often. OEX seems to be the sensible option for everything.

Anyone any experience with the Flux sleeping mat (considerably cheaper than a sea to summit equivalent) and the Fathom 300 sleeping bag? Circa £46 each with available discounts

Have a look at the decathlon 1.man tent. I have it door is on the side decent room for storage, inner first pitching though is my only down side.

Decent price for about £150 stood up to some strong winds last year.