Hey everyone, I’m trying to decide on a good 2-person tent. I’m 5’11" and will mostly be using it solo for 2-3 night trips in Southern California during spring, summer, and fall. Occasionally, my 5’0" girlfriend might join me, and I’m also open to taking this tent to other regions or conditions down the line. My options right now are:
X-Mid 2 Solid
MSR Hubba Hubba 2P
Copper Spur UL2
Nemo Hornet OSMO
Any suggestions or advice on these options? Or is there another model that might be better suited for my needs?
I have the Nemo Hornet, and it’s been fantastic! I actually got it on eBay for a really good price. Super light and compact, though it’s definitely just for sleeping – there isn’t a ton of room inside. If you’re considering a slightly bigger model, I’d look at the Dragonfly. It’s just a bit heavier, but you get larger vestibules and overhead storage, which really help with organization.
I’ve been using the MSR Hubba Hubba and really like it, but I’m thinking of upgrading to a 3-person tent for extra room. Having the space for both people’s backpacks inside, plus the ability to sit up without crowding each other, has been worth the slight weight increase for me. If you’re often camping solo, a 2-person tent will be spacious enough, but with two people, it can feel a bit tight.
One thing to consider is the width of your sleeping pads. A lot of 2-person tents taper at the foot, making it hard to fit wider pads side by side. I went with the Durston 2P because it’s one of the few that fits two wide pads without adding too much weight or bulk.
Check the tent dimensions, especially if you’re using wider sleeping pads. I have a Copper Spur UL3, and even though it’s a bit heavier, the extra space is totally worth it when camping with someone else.
A 3-person tent might be worth considering, especially if you’re planning to camp with your girlfriend occasionally. The extra room makes it easier to bring your gear inside, and the bigger vestibules come in handy for cooking or storing things outside the tent. I’ve done a lot of camping from Canada to California, and that extra space is always a nice comfort!
For Southern California, the Copper Spur would be a great option. If you’re considering places like the Sierra Nevada during cooler seasons, maybe look into the MSR Hubba Hubba.
I was looking at a few on your list but ended up getting a Sea to Summit Telos. It’s spacious and fairly lightweight, and it has a convertible setup that’s versatile for different conditions.