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Equipment – So Many Choices, So Many Opinions….
Big Three – Part I
It’s fun to plan the retirement walkabout and debate equipment preferences. We’re finalizing the Big Three and have plans for a few shake-down hikes in March to test the new stuff. First up – the tent.
Gimme Shelter
It’s fine to disagree on the stuff we carry separately, be we share the tent and need to agree (as much as a couple cranky old folks can) on shelter selection. We’ve been using an EMS Velocity 2 tent for our section and weekend hikes for 10+ years, and it has served us well. However, we, and our packs, have expanded a bit. So, we’re on the hunt for larger and lighter living quarters.
Max is lugging the tent in his pack so he is all about weight. Maureen doesn’t like bugs and snakes, so she insists on secure sides and a floor. Also, we would both love a little extra room for the space that will be home. Not interested in super ultralight trekking pole tents, tarps, etc. Pretty sure we want two exits (gotta pee), double walls, good headroom for two, and room for backpacks inside.
Our choice, so far, is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. Anyone have experience with this beauty? Haven’t committed yet.
Next up – Backpacks – we are in opposite camps on this topic but hiking your own hike is the name of the game.
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Comments 6
I have been using a copperspur 2 for years and love it. I hiked with a couple from Tasmania that had the 3 person and they were very happy with their choice
Hubby and I hiked a week with my Copper Spur UL 2-person last summer. It was good for a week, and actually not as cramped as I had feared (I got it for solo-hiking). We are debating getting the 3-person version for a thru hike next year, so interested to see what you guys end up with.
Look at Hyperlight Mountain Gear with full DCF-floor insert. It’s a pyramid-style shelter, and its about twice the cost, but super strong, and you stay dry even in the biggest storms. The peak is about 64-66″ giving you lots of headroom. If you split the load, its about 20oz per person, and about 1.5lbs lighter than the CS. The DCF won’t absorb water, preventing a lot water-weight after rainy nights, and if it is wet (surface tension moisture) from a big rain, it dries in about 10-15 minutes just laying it out. But most of that you can knock off with an high-absorbency towel… It also uses your trek poles with a strap. With the insert, it’s like a double-wall tent without the weight.
I carried one (with half insert) on my 2021 thruhike. The side with no insert, I used as a vestibule for my gear, and it was so large I could place a lawn chair inside (Angels Rest Hostel comes to mind)
Hi Max & Maureen,
We’re also old folks setting off on a retirement adventure. Our tent is the Copper Spur HV UL 3 which works great for the two of us plus the dog. Chris carries the tent and I carry the food prep equipment, plus whatever dog stuff doesn’t fit in Bodhi’s pack.
Hope we run into each other on the trail. We can reminisce about the 80s together!
Leslie, Chris & Bodhi
NOBO starting March 7th
We just bought the same tent for the same reason. The hiking equipment has gotten lighter since the 90s. 4lbs versus 6lbs… Tom calls the tent a chalet compared to our old green tent. We also like that it is color coded – the poles go into these corners. The two exits are also a nice feature. Similarly we split the gear weight. Finally, happy to let the 20 milers pass us. Enjoying the view.
We just bought the same tent for the same reason. The hiking equipment has gotten lighter since the 90s. 4lbs versus 6lbs… Tom calls the tent a chalet compared to our old green tent. We also like that it is color coded – the poles go into these corners. The two exits are also a nice feature. Similarly we split the gear weight.