rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Oct 31, 2015 9:50:01 GMT -8
The fly on our Copper Spur 2 has big the big one, and the rest of the tent (after 5 pretty good seasons, including a couple with a month of continuous use) is showing a fair bit of wear. I can ship the fly to BA, have them determine that it's toast, and pay for a new fly. But that will cost probably at least half of a new tent, and we'd still have the old tent body... So I'm looking at a new tent. The spouse is pretty stuck on freestanding (to large degree I agree, since we often camp in places where stakes and guy lines are tricky), so I was wondering if there was a viable lighter option. I'm not sure I'd trade the double door set-up for a few ounces, since that not only gives us more vestibule space but also allows for midnight exits without stepping on each others' faces. But I'll LOOK at anything  My research suggests that there aren't many better options out there, though the REI Dash 2 appears to have the same basic function for a few ounces--and a few bucks--less. No fly-only option, apparently, but we are unlikely to use that (I used that option in 2014 when I went bping with OlZeke and needed a solo shelter, but since then we have bought a solo tent, so I'd not do that again--too breezy!) Alternatively, if anyone has destroyed their tent body and has a functional fly (not likely, I realize!), I'd consider buying a used fly and eking out a few more seasons before we replace this. Please don't try to sell me on true UL tarp set-ups, etc. The spouse isn't interested. I just want to know if I've missed any good freestanding tent options. |
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zeke
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Peekaboo slot 2023
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Post by zeke on Oct 31, 2015 11:37:19 GMT -8
I went to REI site to look at new CS 2 specs. Listed 3# 7 oz as trail weight. $400.
Double Rainbow by Shire's Tarptents is 41 oz, so 2# 9 oz. Can be set up free standing as long as you have 2 trekking poles, which I know is your current fashion. $289
Given your own use and likes, it would seem like an easy choice, but if it was me, I'd look hard at the Double Rainbow.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Oct 31, 2015 12:09:33 GMT -8
I've got the new this year upgraded CS UL 1 and it's a solid shelter, I got hit with some pretty stiff hailstorms above tree line in the Sierra this July and it was solid. So I'd suggest taking a look at the current CS UL 2 version.
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Post by dayhiker on Oct 31, 2015 12:10:36 GMT -8
A few tents are compared to the CS 2 here |
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franco
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Post by franco on Oct 31, 2015 14:24:20 GMT -8
Some of those tents are VERY small for a double tent.
Pay attention to inward sloping walls and search on the net for photos with two mats inside.
(floor square footage is not a good indicator by itself of usable space)
The Double Rainbow (thanks for the mention...) is by far our best selling tent but not exactly a freestanding nor double wall tent, but it can be...
To get the freestanding mode you need 145cm plus poles.
We have pole extensions to do that with shorter ones but for me it works best if the total length is 155cm or so.
It is an hybrid shelter having the two door/side panels attached to the fly but a separate "liner" (about 4 oz) can be purchased and with that you have fabric that takes over where the mesh ends giving you a fabric roof between you and the fly.
franco@tarptent
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Oct 31, 2015 16:30:00 GMT -8
Thanks for the info, all. It really does look like the CS2 is still hard to beat (I am looking at the DR, but not sure...we've had a partially-single-wall tent before, and had major condensation issues). The spouse sleeps cold, so being able to keep things buttoned up and the wind out is important. Dayhiker, I looked at that comparison chart, but it looks like the affordable tents are heavy, and the really nice ones are...outrageously expensive. The Dash 2 www.rei.com/product/862419/rei-dash-2-tent is a bit lighter and cheaper than the CS2, but...vestibules are much smaller, peak height is lower, and it's actually only semi-freestanding. We have a while before we have to pull the trigger on this, since we don't camp again until spring break. Maybe I'll watch for big sales at REI |
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Oct 31, 2015 16:50:23 GMT -8
I have a DR (which I really like) and also have the liner for it, which I've never used. If you decide on a DR I'd be glad to get rid of the liner. It doesn't cover the sides (doors/vestibules), but does cover the rest.
Anything so that you don't turn me into one of those pumpkins.
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Post by rwtb123 on Oct 31, 2015 17:50:45 GMT -8
If you are set on your current tent it can't hurt to call BA customer service and see what your options are.In the current environment of unfavorable demographics causing flagging top line growth and threat of deflation, companies are going all out to encourage customer loyalty.I recently had my $900 HP computer completely rebuilt for around $150 after dropping it and cracking the base/screen/hard drive.And I just called Breville about options for the cracked glass pitcher for my $250 one-touch tea maker and they offered me a whole new teamaker for $150 plus sales tax shipped(they sell remanufactured ones for $180).Both the computer and teamaker were out of warranty...
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 1, 2015 9:14:12 GMT -8
We have contacted BA. They won't even quote a replacement price unless we send in the damaged part first, at our expense. My husband did some research, and got an idea what it's apt to cost to replace (the tent is very long since out of warranty). That's where it gets iffy, because while a new fly is cheaper than a new tent, it's not that cheap, and the whole tent, as noted, is worn. I'm not sure I'd even feel right if they DID offer a new fly free or super cheap, because it's not a failure on their part. I think it's a combo of materials that are a bit fragile (in the interests of light weight) and too much UV exposure. Not their fault. I just wish they would tell us straight out what it would cost for a new fly so we could make an informed decision without spending an extra $10 or 12 to ship the ruined fly. I was also of course hoping there had been some amazing new developments in the area of light and affordable tents It looks like the technology might have plateaued. We could go lighter, but would need to be willing to rethink some of our approaches, and we don't seem to be there yet. |
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Post by dayhiker on Nov 1, 2015 10:06:14 GMT -8
www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Tent-Reviews/compare?gearid_array[]=51638&gearid_array[]=51774&gearid_array[]=50638&gearid_array[]=51642 seem pretty similar to me, but the CS looks to have a bit more space than others including the Huba Huba, and is longer (if you are tall). Weight is about the same , the Hillenburg is expensive, no surprise there. I think they can only test so many tents, and look at allot of different ones so they are not comparable exactly , but depends on what you want. They liked the Huba Huba over the CS, but I think that is because of the fast pitch options which I never use. They also seem to think the fabrics of the CS are too fragile , giving it a (slightly) lower weather resistance rating than the others, inspite of saying it does well in the wind (They don't comment on other things like splash back) . That is odd that they want to see the old fly if they are going to replace it. They must be going to offer you a deal if they think it is due to their product failing as opposed to mistreatment why else would they need to see it to replace it. The Terra Nova looked interesting to me, but very small for 2. I use the DR with a warmer sleeping bag - solo.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 1, 2015 17:51:07 GMT -8
What are the details of "the big one"? General fabric failure or what? Some things would be worth the ten buck shipping on the chance they'd replace it especially given you're looking at another CS ul2 and what new tent prices are, though the rei sale would ease that somewhat. Other types of damage probably not.
For out of warranty gestures I would expect a physical inspection to be routine.
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Post by dirthurts on Nov 1, 2015 18:12:44 GMT -8
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Nov 1, 2015 18:35:53 GMT -8
SD FL 2 is a pound heavier than the CS 2. Not sure any of us are going up in pack weight.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 1, 2015 19:33:01 GMT -8
A front entry isn't as easy to enter compared to side entries like the CS or Emerald Mountains etc. for me.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 1, 2015 20:38:08 GMT -8
SD FL 2 is a pound heavier than the CS 2. Not sure any of us are going up in pack weight. That would be pretty much a deal breaker for us. Minimizing pack weight gets more important with each passing year  A front entry isn't as easy to enter compared to side entries like the CS or Emerald Mountains etc. for me. This, too. Front entries seem to me to usually be a bit shorter on vestibule space, too. That is odd that they want to see the old fly if they are going to replace it. They must be going to offer you a deal if they think it is due to their product failing as opposed to mistreatment why else would they need to see it to replace it. Actually, their official stance is to repair if possible, in the interests of reducing waste. But this fly developed a 10" rip during a windstorm, and since we have discovered many small holes. Some of those had to be patched in the field, i.e. with duct tape. When I went to remove the tape (as instructed by BA) one small piece created a huge tear as the fabric stuck to it better than to itself. I get where BA is going with repair rather than replace. But I know enough about sewing and fabric to say that this one's past that. And the more I think about other issues--due soon for zipper repairs, spots where the mesh is pulling apart, and a couple of holes in the floor that I've also had to patch--the more I think I new tent is in our future. Maybe we'll wait for our REI Dividend and get it for "free." |
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My research suggests that there aren't many better options out there, though the REI Dash 2 appears to have the same basic function for a few ounces--and a few bucks--less. No fly-only option, apparently, but we are unlikely to use that (I used that option in 2014 when I went bping with OlZeke and needed a solo shelter, but since then we have bought a solo tent, so I'd not do that again--too breezy!)
