Should you buy a 2 person tent for Solo Wild Camping?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ม.ค. 2024
- Should you buy a 2 person tent for solo wild camping? This is a dilemma many of us backpackers share when going out solo camping. Choosing a backpacking tent is difficult and often depends on where we are going wild camping, the forecast for our backpacking trip and our personal wants and needs.
To help explain the differences between a 1 person tent and 2 person tent I've used the extremely popular Wild Country Helm 1 and 2. These can be used for light winter camping too.
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Things to consider when choosing a 1 or 2 person backpacking tent for solo camping:
Where you are camping - low or high level
When you are camping - what season
The weather - wind or rain
Your size - short or tall
Your wants and needs - this is personal to you
Your backpacking gear - how much do you take
Tent weight and pack size
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Thanks, Andy.
#camping #wildcamping #solocamping - กีฬา
Hi Andy, great discussion of the factors. There's no right answer for everyone - it depends on your own needs. My tents are all 2 person ones (so far).
Hi Andy, it’s the search for the Holy Grail 😂. I’ve had a Nemo Dagger Osmo 2p and loved its weight, size, easy to pitch, pack size and took some weather. Also had a Durston X-Mid Pro 1p. Unbelievable tent, very light, easy to pitch, great internal size and no issue in bad weather. I’m now in Terra Nova SC 2 and it’s my favourite by far and the main reason is personal but I feel safe. Both the Nemo and Durston felt flimsy even though they weren’t!It’s so well made and perfect for UK wild-camping which is usually wet, outer and inner pitch together. If I camped in dryer summer climates then I’d definitely go lighter.
That’s my two-penneth. Keep up the great channel. Love it.
I ordered the Helm 2 compact today, can’t wait to get out in it folks!
Great points you made
I have both of those mate but also love my wild country blizzard 2 tunnel tent.👍
Useful vid. Thanks 😊
Good video. I have the Helm 2. Id take it all day long over the Helm 1. 300g not much to worry about and pack size is similar
Great video and a lot of great points too
I have the Helm Compact 2 for the space. Also, I'd like to say, when trying the Helm Compact 1, I felt very closed in and claustrophobic to me.
I like the space and seems a decent all rounder for what I want and need it for. Space is always decent and 2 good size Vestibules are always good
I solo camp in the Helm 2 for spacious feel and head height, but out last night the broad side without a guy line was a weak point in 40 mph gusts. They should make a 1 person tent of 100cm wide (plus porch)!
I have helm 2, great tent. I think you could possibly double pole it for high winds. It has the 2 eyelets and by the looks of it, enough room in the sleeves
@markbailey15 thanks yes, I felt sure that the tent would hold, its just that it would be good if had more guy points. Yes, it's a really nice tent!
@@Chilternwildcamperyes unfortunately that is an unecessary weakness of the tent 😢
the missing guy points was a weak point at 40mph and than what happened? Disturbing flapping or pole bending or what was the problem?
@Pasequale100 just flapping and being pushed towards my head in the night. No pole bending. I have since sold it and got a Helm1 for mountain use was fantastic in High winds and abit warmer with mesh just on 1 side option.
I’ve successfully bike-packed on four holidays this year using a Nordisk Telemark 1 and my old favourite the MSR Hubba NX. Both were just the job for my 3 season camping. I’ve also just bought, a few days ago, a Kampa Brighton 3 tent for summer camps this year where I stay in one spot for a few days. It is - for a bike packer like me used to tiny tents - cavernous, yet rolls up small to tie on to the back rack of my bike. It is a budget tent but I had one many years ago and it never let me down 👍🏻
I don’t tend to camp in winter, but if I did I think I’d have to save up for either your 2 man in this video (add a few extra guylines?) or a Hilleberg, purely for the reassurance both are likely to stand up to storms.
Hi Andy, great video and topic.
I’ve gone for the 2 person WC helm compact 2 for the same reasons. Regarding the guying points, I was thinking of doubling up on the guy lines and poles for windy conditions. I know it will be a bit extra weight, but safer in adverse conditions. Recently got a footprint and extra pegs.
great video to help people make the decision that is right for them. do you want a stronger tent just for rough camps with little gear, do you value space, do you value smaller pack and robustness. the only rule is, which ever one you buy 1P or 2P you'll wish you bought the other ! keep up the good work, I enjoy the clear thinking to help assess what suits me
Great review cheers, im a 2 person tent fan, that little bit of extra space makes it worth carrying the extra weight, but as you said sometimes pack space makes you compramise and on long walks like 3 or more days weight watching is important my kit vareys everytime i go out .
Hi Andy such a hard one.
My 3 go to tents now helm 1 love it.
Pioneers 2 really great but need more flat ground to pitch
Abisko lite 1 brilliant but is a bit more cramped.
Cheers Graham
Helm 2 for me by a mile! Theres not much difference in pack size or weight, and i love the amount of space you get, makes for a cracking all rounder 👍.
I do have a fair few 1 man units aswell, love my SC1 and my little OEX bobcat.
Great content as always buddy 💯 ATB
Great review. I've got both of those and find the one is warmer personally. Both good tents however the two is on the heavy side for me. Perhaps next time I will.leave the footprint at home.
Really great comparison between these two tents. This past week I had been struggling between these on which to buy. I eventually got the 2p one for the roominess. Yes it's a bit heavier but that just means I will be going on hikes a bit slower. It's also very easy to set up and pitches outer first.
Just a shame the price has almost doubled in basically a year. I bought mine barely used off eBay for just over 200 and it comes with the footprint. Can't wait for it to get here so I can try it out... when of course the storm has passed by.
Hi Andy I finally went camping first time with my 2 dogs in the nature hike cloud up 3 and it was a good experience and it kinda went alright but then by 4am it was windy as hell and raining a bit and tent caving in and ground too soft for pegs a bit and then packing the thing was quite long process lol but finally got there and took my berghaus 30l backpack like I said and it did pretty well and I could take everything I needed with it but deffo would want a bigger size tbh. there was one thing I don't like about the nature hike cloud up 3 and that is the zips are crap seriously. same on the Berghaus backpack I just bought the side pockets don't zip nicely or easily round the pocket. i also got a nature hike blow up mat and it didn't stay up well. the nature hike sleeping bag I got was good. I can't wait for next time camping and the weathers better. that jacket u just posted looks nice mate.
Double vestibule useful for cycle touring (as distinct from minimalist bikepacking). Chuck panniers and bar bags out of the way in the vestibule you’re not using. Believe you’re reviewing the OEX Rakoon soon. That’s what I use for cycle camping, and it’s brilliant for the money. Looking forward to the review. All the best.
Great video.
I've wild camped for over 50 years and up until recent years always had 1 person tents or hammocks.
However about 4 years ago i bought a labrador pup and as she grew I struggled with space so bought a 2 person tent which is far more suitable and comfortable. The downside comes with extra weight. Not only does the tent weigh more and take up more pack space but i have to carry dog food etc plus a waterproof sheet for bad weather as sleeping bags and wet dogs don't work well.
I've also found i need better ventilation in my tents as there is now 2 of us breathing and creating warmth which causes extra condensation.
Just shows that the choice of tent is all about the individual and their particular needs as you rightly stated.
the simple answer is
It depends
What is the weight difference
What is the cost difference
I have the Helm 1 as it is in the upper weight range for me, and it is fairly large as a solo tent
Long distance, the Durston 2 solid, where the difference in price and weight is minor to the one person version
The Lanshan 2 Pro is marginally heavier and more expensive than the Lanshan 1, but it is so much more roomy to the very small lnshan 1, so there is no discussion needed
2p tent every time the extra space for the often minimal weight increase is so worth it.i have the hilleberg niak which is 1.5p the space for me is perfect
I started off with the one person tent when solo camping but now I'm a wee bit older its always 2 person, I like the space.👍
I use an abisko shape2 with a huge porch area. I walk with my 2 dogs a lot but even when I’m on my own u can’t be the porch and the robust 4 season sturdiness of these tents. Highly recommend it.
Personally I’d prefer to carry a little bit more weight / larger pack than go without descent equipment.
Pack light - cold at night
i can feel you! I struggle especially between the helm 1 vs 2 🫣
Got the Southern Cross 2 for winter solo. I’m 185cm, and need some space for longer nights.
I go for 2p since you can keep all your gear inside the tent if you want to. Also less claustrophobic than 1p.
Regarding Helm Compact the 2p was about 8 GBP cheaper than the 1p when I bought mine and hence an easy choice.
Many 2 person tunnel tents don't have 2 vestibules. Have two 1 person tents, the Soulo BL and Akto. Prefer them to my Anjan 2 as they have enough space for 1 person when hillwalking but no more. The anjan 2 extra space I need though when going cycle touring as need to get my luggage inside, particualrly if using campsites.
Hi Andy, great video, Thanks.
I discovered a fantastic tent a little while ago that you hardly ever see, it's amazing to me and ticks many boxes all things considered, it's the Vango Heddon 1, if you haven't, take a look.
Will do 👍
back to backpacking :)
I've got the Helm1 as I wanted the lighter tent for hiking and backpacking, but wish I had bought the Helm2. I have also considered the Helm3 but for when I've got the car or with the Scouts etc
This question has been driving me nuts for days . I'm doing a solo 7 day 100 plus mile hike and on last trip like this there was two of us sharing a two person but this trip it'll just be me and I don't fancy taking the lanshan we used as condensation was annoying. So I don't know whether to go 1 person or 2 person but I like space and two vestibules but it's a game trying to find the perfect tent for weight so it is a constant mind fxxk 😂
2P is a must after I provided 1P for motorcycle camping trip in the States and my friend from Finland said I gave him a kiddie tent. :) (He was right, ridiculously small and no room for gear, and it rained a lot). Still a great trip and we slept dry.
These tents are very similar to my Tarptent Double Rainbow Li. I only camp solo in a 2p tent.
You gotta embrace the bigger backpack Andy to accommodate ur bulky kit preferences, all part of a delicate and intriguing trade off. Just as with tent, robust, storm worthy or light and compact. I do own an x-mid 2p solid but it wouldn't be first choice for a windy summit 😂😂
Recently bought the Helm 2. I’m 6’2 so it was a no brainier for me. Couldn’t imagine being in a 1 man tent, like being in a coffin. Used it recently on a 2 night trip and absolutely love it. Plenty of space inside. Vestibule space is plenty. Looks and feels very well made. Ok some might turn their nose up because it’s not Fyallraven or Hilleberg but if you’re doing about 20-30 nights a year wild camping mainly in the Lakes District, why would you pay £500-600 more!
My only 1p is an Elixir 1, which despite a small footprint is quite efficiently shaped and doesn't feel confined. My other tents are all 2p though as I prefer the space and flexibility, and there needn't be much weight penalty. I'd like to get pack size down more but don't want to trade off tent space or robustness, so probably have to find it in other equipment. I think you less lanky people have an advantage that you can be comfortable in tents that taller campers find cramped. I'm preparing for some duo trips, buying a 3p to share, Cloud Up 3 looks promising despite single entrance. Suggestions welcome for tents of comparable capacity no more than 2.5kg and equal or smaller packing.
Great video mate , I've a helm one but have considered selling it and getting a helm 2 because of the head rubbing at the top, and the inner touching my head when im lay down. Have lookes at the msr access one but the footprint is rubbish and doesnt come right out to the vestabule.. I want something similar to the helm one but so I can sit up properly in it ? Any ideas TIA. Scott
Good topic, I am a tent buying man at the moment and have been wondering. Being hobbit sized I'll probably get a 1 person tent so that it's even more lightweight.
I think that a smaller tent will be warmer actually.
Just ordered the alpkit viso2 for £139.its a bit of a lump but I,m 67 so I,ve decided to reduce the mileage but have a good shelter with more room.
Good attempt at the conundrum of tent buying. I always use a two person on my own. I like my kit in the tent, it drys well. I'm 5'11" but have a baxk length similar to someone around 6'5", i also want the height. I've used a Cloud Peak 2 for around 60 nights. Its a great tent, strong, taught inside and out, great large pocket , great floorspace and height for 2.5kg. there are a couple of minor nighles, but for the money, i don't think it can be beaten. I'm currently using a Terra Nova Pioneer 2. Its a 1.5 tent, I can't see how they call it a 2 person? Less condensation on the fly so far and a much smaller footprint. Happy with it so far and as small as I'd like to go. The main reason for the swap was for the footprint, the Cloud Peak was so big, it was sometimes difficult to find a good level spot that size. Its a shame the bigger tents don't have more fixing points to strengthen them.
That's why I love the Pioneer 2, I feel it's the perfect size.
Hey Andy. What about the Terra Nova Pioneer 2? I feel it fits perfectly between the two of these tents, yes being more expensive (currently £349 with a footprint included too), but it seems to have the best of both, what do you think?
100% agree 👍
The weight difference between the Helm 1 and 2, including footprint is close to 450 grams and that matters on your back(pack).
Don't bring the footprint if weight matters that much
@@markbailey15 You could do that.
Have you any thoughts on the one Tigris Stella 2 man 4 season tent ?
Good video Andy. I’m currently considering a 2 man tent for me and the boy to get some camping done this year. Was thinking of getting the Helm 2 or Panacea 2. Any thoughts on which you think is best ?
Oh and just saw the Pioneer 2, more money but willing to consider if you think it’s worthy of the price increase.
The Pioneer maybe a bit small, it’s more of a 1.5 person tent. The Helm 2 is great. I’ve heard the Panacea isn’t taught unless you use trekking poles.
@@BackpackingUK Thanks Andy👍 Any thoughts on the sierra design meteor tent? I know it’s inner pitch first but this won’t bother me as I plan on using it in fair weather.
Try a oex Jackal 2 great 2man tent
To carry on with the theme, my girlfriend and I take a three person tent on our backpacking trips. I carry the fly, she carries the body. Well worth the extra space:)
For me it depends on whether you want to get dressed inside the tent in the morning
They don't look that different in size when they are side by side. If you hadn't told me they were different birth tents, I wouldn't have known. They also looks pretty much identical size when packed up. Seems a no brainer to go for the 2 man tent version for these models.
Hi andy .ive just bought a vango helium ul2 .ive had the ul1 for a few years now .ive found as i get older and am less able to crawl about and bend in small spaces the bigger 2 man is easier for me to live in especially rolling up mats putting on socks etc .
Looking forward to gettingvit out this summer .im definitely a april - September camper .so warmer and dryer weather this makes it easier to choose a smaller tent . I think a 1.5 man tent is ideal for me soloing or with my dog .
2 person with 1 vestibule, so dome with front porch or tunnel. (solo wild camping)
A one person tent with one person is much warmer in cold weather
Ironically I am seeing this today after having gone to a big retailer here in Australia and picked up a pretty cheap two person tent for myself, me myself and I, one person. The idiocy of the situation is that the two person tent is 2 inches wider than the one person tent and there’s no way on gods own earth that two even small adults could sleep in it. But for me, the very average 5’10”, it should be perfectly adequate. And I said to the salesman that one person tents are designed for a child. Two person tents accommodate one average person, and likewise a three person tent is ideal for two people 🤷♂️.
Definitely 2 man unless it’s the MSR elixir 1
Personally I don't have the need to use a 2-person tent for myself.
Simple you need 6 tents or make your own tho might need to brush up on trigonometry and materials 😮
😂😂😂
2x man everyday.
A tent is a tent is a tent. Standby for my video coming soon on a 30 year old tent. Assuming the mice haven't had it
Get a bivvy, I'm not going to lug all that kit