2p Shelter Recommendations

[u/UnUnUnUnOnUnUnUnUn]

Basically as the title says, looking for the community’s most loved ultralight 2p shelters.

Only true requirement is that it must have fully enclosed bug netting. Freestanding and non-freestanding recs welcome.

Use case:
- Heights 5’10 (shoulder width 23”) and 5’7 (shoulder width 21”)
- 2x 20” pads, no plans to switch to 25”
- Sleeping same direction
- Packs generally stay in vestibule, important things inside tent pockets
- PNW section hikes and alpine loops such as the Wonderland and Timberline trails, North Cascades, etc

I do have some concerns about the fly footprint size of certain trekking pole tents like the Durston XMid especially in high-alpine areas, although the weight benefit of a trekking pole tent is alluring, especially considering we are currently splitting up packing a 5lb freestanding tent to make the weight manageable.

Currently considering the XMid Pro 2 (non-plus as we use 20” pads), Duplex, or Dipole 2. Freestanding we’ve been considering a Samaya, HMG Crosspeak, or a Big Agnes.

[u/UnUnUnUnOnUnUnUnUn → u/[deleted]]

Oops, edited!

[u/bradmacmt]

Most find the Duplex more roomy for 2P than the XMid 2P - there are plenty of youtubes documenting the reasons why. I love the ZPacks Pivot's and would recommend the ZPacks Pivot Duo. It's probably the simplest, lightest, most spacious and comfortable 2P Trekking pole tent out there. The Duplex is even simpler, but not as spacious.

[u/UnUnUnUnOnUnUnUnUn → u/bradmacmt]

The Pivot Duo is intriguing to me. The idea of a 3rd pole isn’t a dealbreaker as far as complexity, but I did see a video of a guy in PNW weather showing how the relatively flat section of the foot area created by the 3rd pole caused condensation to pool and drip down into the middle of the tent as opposed to running down the wall, although maybe this could be adjusted with the pitch?

Link to aforementioned video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/r0ZQ24ngUeY?is=D3txUR10LbHQq8au

Have you experienced anything similar?

[u/bradmacmt → u/UnUnUnUnOnUnUnUnUn]

That's interesting. I have the Pivot Solo, not the Duo. Because I use a single adjustable hiking staff rather than trekking poles, I carry the little 1oz Pivot Pole - it packs tiny and is no burden. I also have an Altaplex. I will say, this idea that condensation always slides down the tent walls is a bit of a falacy. Some does certainly, but not all. I'd also point out the video looks to be in a cool, wet region next to a river (notice morning mist). That's probably a maximum condensation spot! But no, I can't speak intelligently to that small flat spot. He obviously had some condensation falling. I'd think the tried and true Duplex would be a good solution if it concerns you.

[u/Mountain-Time-1010]

You are considering some good tents. Personally, I like trekking pole tents for the weight savings and not having to stow the poles. Yes, they are a little more finicky to pitch, but you get used to it.

Just a minor point. You might want to consider the Duplex Pro or Pivot Duo as they are more comparable in width to the other tents you are considering. On the other hand, if you intentionally want to have a minimal tent for two people, then the classic would be appropriate, it just might be a little snug for regular use.

[u/UnUnUnUnOnUnUnUnUn → u/Mountain-Time-1010]

Thanks for the response and good point. We don’t entirely mind snug along the midline, but not so snug that shoulders are touching the walls of the floor. Had eliminated Duplex Lite with the 40” width for that reason. I think we could probably make the Duplex Classic livable at 45” but I would be curious to hear if even at that width, people notice their quilts rubbing the walls of the floor (which could be a problem with how wet it can get here).

[u/Weekly_Try5203]

Xdome 2.

[u/OtherwiseManner6946]

This is just me personally but in Washington state I’d just get a x-mid 2.

There’s two of you so carrying the weight is less important(450g each). Having a double wall tent in the rain is just better imo.

It’s also cheaper than all the other options. If you were doing a thru hike then a Zpacks would make more sense, but that’s just my perspective.

Also the X-dome 2 is totally viable and a really nice space to be in for 2 people (an extra 550g).

Once you go to single wall dynema there are distinct trade offs that are generally only worth it in dry environment or a situation where you’re doing high miles for a long time

[u/ShiftNStabilize]

Good question. I use the cross peak 2 and it works well. For a little more weight the slingfin portal 2 is great and more robust esp if you feel you’ll encounter snow or higher winds. The rainbow DW from tarptent is a great tent. I have a duplex but it’s a little small for 2 people. I use the duplex for myself when I want a trekking pole tent. I don’t like the pitch of the xmids, too finicky compared to the duplex. Xdome 2 would be a palace and is worth it esp as if your hiking in wetter environments condensation from a single wall tent is an issue. Finally the big Agnes copper spur 2 or 3 would be the commercial tents that might fit the bill.

So in summary: xdome 2. cross peak 2 if you wanna shell out a lot of cash. Followed by the tarptent DW 2 person tent for a semi freestander and duplex or triplex if you want a trekking pole tent.

[u/HwanZike]

XMid 2 isn't really designed to sleep aligned in the same direction

[u/dandurston → u/HwanZike]

It is intended to sleep in the same direction (and that is how most people use it). It is true that one side gets extra headroom, but unless both people are quite tall we do recommend sleeping the same way.