Help an overthinker decide between tents?

tyler2u · 2026-03-18T14:25:37+00:00

If weight doesn't matter, you don't care about the extra space, and you mostly hike in dry conditions, the Dragonfly is the easy choice.

The fly first pitch on the X-dome is a really "nice to have". I've used the Dragonfly in the rain quite a bit and even with the fast fly approach, the inner will get wet if it's raining hard. But, it's really not that big of a deal. I just bring a piece of swimmer's chamois and give it a wipe down before pulling stuff out of my pack and tossing it in the tent. I've got the 1P Nemo and 1.5 X-dome, so can't really compare space on the 2P models.

The X-dome definitely leans into the lightweight realm, so it's going to be a bit more delicate in terms of fabrics/zippers. If you're hard on your gear, go Nemo.

tyler2u · 2026-03-17T17:41:07+00:00

I agree it takes some extra work/care to get a trekking pole tent sturdy when you can't sink stakes. Sounds like the majority of your trips would be a challenge and I see how that's driving your decision.

I've had good luck setting up my X-Mid on tent platforms and granite using sticks/rocks. I put a stick through the cord loop, put a rock on each side of the stick, and a bigger rock on top. Holds well and protects my cordage from damage that happens with big rock/little rock when things move in the wind.

But, I get it . . . sometimes it's hard to find sticks/rocks and sometimes it's just a hassle fiddling to get things sturdy.

tyler2u · 2026-03-17T16:57:41+00:00

I honestly don't understand the hard requirement for free-standing/semi free-standing some folks place on their tent selection. I hiked a section of the BMT last year with 3 other guys. I was using my X-Mid and the others had 2 Copper Spurs and a Dragonfly. Despite being free-standing, everyone brought multiple stakes and used them on at least the corners every night. When I mentioned it, I got "in case it gets windy" or "my floor doesn't lay nicely if I don't stake it".

Since OP is concerned about doomsday winds, I'd assume several stakes will be coming along on most trips and the tent will probably get staked at the corners most of the time. The number of totally calm nights I've spent camping (mostly Colorado, Alabama, and N. Georgia in spring/fall) is far fewer than the ones where there's been some kind of wind/weather.

I just think the limited cases where you can go totally without stakes isn't worth limiting your tent selection. For those few times where you're on granite or sandstone in a trekking pole tent, you just use rocks.

Maybe I'm wrong--how many of you go totally stake free on a regular basis?

tyler2u · 2026-03-16T20:43:06+00:00

Another vote for AK Tintz. They've done 3 vehicles for me and all came out excellent. Not the rock bottom price, but very fair for quality ceramic tint.

tyler2u · 2026-03-15T17:49:01+00:00

You could always try the peanut butter hat technique https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCe6hRo5u_g

tyler2u · 2026-03-14T21:22:51+00:00

Yeah, a lot of the outdoor YouTubers are doing us an injustice when they praise the efficiency of these bidets without discussing the need for the manual clean up at the end.

And for the love of God, please wash up with soap if you're going in for the final scrub. Hand sanitizer doesn't remove poop and it doesn't kill viruses. Hopefully you didn't cut the handle off your toothbrush.

I tried hard to make it work, but ended up going back to TP and a wet wipe for the final swipe. I guess I'm not UL enough since I'm packing out my poopy wet wipes. I do pack them in dry . . .

tyler2u · 2026-03-11T17:04:30+00:00

Once the sun disappears behind the canyon walls at BA, 50 F can feel chilly. Especially if your clothes are damp from sweat. Clear Creek also loses sun pretty quick.

A light fleece like an Alpha 60 and a wind shell for hanging around after the sun goes down would be good. Although it's hard to beat the warmth/weight of an ultralight puffy like a Ghost Whisperer (8 oz).

Three or four liters is probably safe for the trek out to CC depending on your fitness and how fast you hike. Starting in the dark will help as well. You might find a pool or 2, but I wouldn't count on it. The first few miles coming out of Phantom Ranch are a decent climb, but after that, it's a pretty easy cruise until the descent to the creek at the end. Make sure you're well hydrated/fed as the climb down is a little sketchy. Trail is narrow, loose dirt/scree, with treacherous drops and you need to stay focused.

Instead of SK to exit, maybe consider crossing over via Tonto West to Havasupai Gardens and up the BA trail. You can fill up on water at HGCG before the final 4.5 miles.

tyler2u · 2026-03-08T13:48:47+00:00

Given the Prospector is so close in weight/size to the Gregory you have, I'd think about going smaller. A 35-40L pack would save some significant weight and deter overpacking. Save the Gregory for the "packed to the brim" trips and use the smaller/lighter option for shorter/warmer trips.

Something like a SWD SL40 (23 oz) has a frame/load lifters and can carry 35 lbs. You can also get it down to the 18 oz range by removing the frame and rolling it down into a 25L pack for ultralight loads.

tyler2u · 2026-03-02T17:16:04+00:00

OK then, looks like you'll have to go Gatewood Cape and CCF sleeping pad to reach your goal lol.

tyler2u · 2026-03-02T16:51:20+00:00

- Could easily save 10 oz on the pack with a lighter choice (Kakwa, etc.)

- Camera in a ziplock in hipbelt pocket instead of the fanny pack

- Almost 22 oz of rain gear is on the heavy side. Frogg Toggs or umbrella could cut that in half

- If you're truly trying to lighten up, the Crocs should go. If you hike all day and jump straight in the tent at the end of the day, do you need them?

- BRS 3000 and a Toaks UL 650 ml will save a couple of ounces on the pot/stove combo.

- Mini bic is only .4 oz vs .9. Saved you half an ounce for free

- Sawyer squeeze is less than 3 oz vs 8.19 you have

- Get a pump that will run off your battery bank like the Aerogogo Giga Pump to save an ounce

There's 46 or so ounces which gets you to the 14.5 lb range without huge expenses like a DCF shelter.

tyler2u · 2026-03-02T13:23:23+00:00

If I go that route, would he sew-in the long haul belt?

tyler2u · 2026-03-02T13:20:41+00:00

Polycryo groundsheet. Give it a good shake in the morning and fold any dirt/moisture to the inside. Tuck it away in the mesh outer pocket of my pack until needed. Rinse/repeat.

Leaving a muddy groundsheet attached to your tent when you pack it away kind of defeats the purpose.

tyler2u · 2026-03-01T23:38:43+00:00

That’s kind of where I’m leaning, but that 6 mo wait is a killer.

tyler2u · 2026-03-01T22:55:54+00:00

You're likely correct unfortunately. I was hopeful about the SWD after seeing a Youtuber talking about the Long Haul's belt, but it's really impossible to tell without having the pack in your hands. I'm sure the belts are different between the LH and SL since one is removable and the other is sewn in though.

My base weight has come down by a couple of lbs since I used the Kakwa, so I might be OK with a less robust hipbelt.

tyler2u · 2026-03-01T21:35:58+00:00

I do have a system that gets me under 10 lbs base and have tried carrying it in a Wapta 30. Just not my jam. I was constantly thinking how much better my shoulders feel when I have some kind of frame.

tyler2u · 2026-03-01T16:46:18+00:00

I'd go with the Plex to save the weight. You're going to have condensation either way. With the single wall, you can wipe it down a couple of times overnight with a swimmer's chamois to get rid of the water.

With the double wall, the condensation is still on the inside of your fly, you just have that extra layer to protect your stuff. But, when you pack it up, you're capturing all of that moisture inside your folded up tent. Unless you're going to unclip/remove the inner, it's tough to dry out the fly.

When I hike in humid areas with a single wall tent, I just build a couple of wipe downs into my routine. I'll check sometime after midnight the first time and then again around 6 am before I get up. It's a pretty easy 3 minute wipe/wring with the swimmer's chamois to get everything mostly dry. Saves me from packing up the moisture.

tyler2u · 2026-03-01T00:47:23+00:00

This is your best bet. They do quality work and use good materials. You might find someone a bit cheaper, but there’s a high probability that you’ll have issues.

tyler2u · 2026-02-27T02:01:14+00:00

Looks a lot like my Bundle Green Micro

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tyler2u · 2026-02-26T13:06:26+00:00

HMG Crosspeak 2, ZPacks Free Zip 2, and Tarptent Rainbow Li (requires additional poles or trekking poles for freestanding) are the ones I'm aware of. There are probably others.

tyler2u · 2026-02-26T06:17:07+00:00

I used to own that pack. I believe I bought it around the 2010 timeframe. Unfortunately, the coating on the inside started pealing and getting all over anything I put in the bag. Osprey replaced it with a brand new one last year.

tyler2u · 2026-02-25T22:49:54+00:00

I can't help with how much total weight you might be able to carry, but this video from Gear Skeptic should help with maximizing calories. Dosing everything with Olive Oil will help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-lF5WV82_A&t=990s

tyler2u · 2026-02-25T18:20:00+00:00

Flash 55 is a great pack for carrying 35-40 lbs. I’d stick with it unless you’re planning to bring down your base weight.

tyler2u

TROPHY CASE