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Showing 1 of 5 conversations about:
Rango45
0
Feb 7, 2017
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Please recommend freestanding 1man, no trekking poles. Should be above 30 degrees unless something unexpected happens.
Thank you!
C_Elegans
11
Feb 15, 2017
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Rango45Hi, Rango45. Looking at the completion of seven decades on the planet in the not too distant future, my own needs are less demanding than those of some here -- for car camping, Kymco maxi scooter & Priority bicycle sojourns, two nights on the trail, or for emergency/resting shelter while afield doing landscape photography. So I've aimed for a balance among performance/comfort, ease of set up anywhere (freestanding), pack-ability, practical durability, minimal weight for the price class, a strong & effectively long mfr.'s guarantee policy (liberal interpretation), and a bargain price.
So I've ended up with these three tents, listed roomiest to UL solo: Mountainsmith Genesee 4; Big Agnes Jack Rabbit 2 (previous, non-'Glo' version of the Rattlesnake 2 design -- closeout); and the L.L. Bean Microlight UL 1. The latter is what you're asking about. I think it fits the bill on all the points listed above; but I had another requirement which was to have the most stealthy & practical 1-man "sleeping shelter" I could find for when I'm anywhere out of town in my car, it's 1 A.M., I'm getting tired, and I don't want to drop the bucks for a motel room or have the hassle of searching for one that's cheapest yet still clean & comfortable... and then getting there.
Here are the relevant additional advantages of the Microlight in that regard: • UL class (under 2 lbs., mfr.'s "minimum weight") • 90" length (all gear needed to hand inside!) & a roomy 30" at the widest point • Very large side entry door • Set up fly first or w/o the mesh tent part with Bean's own dedicated ground cloth • Light grey w/ citron accents (pleasant color palate, but still stealthy enough at night) • Low, but sufficient 31" max. height to keep the tent as inconspicuous as possible in suburban environments & to provide a wind-shedding profile (?). I figure to add some lightweight camo hunter's blind material, cut to form, as an accessory for maxing out the stealthy aspect in spots where that's advisable.
After a sale price + additional coupon discount, I think I paid $169; quite the bargain, especially considering Bean's rep for keeping the customers happy long term. A few user-reviewers on the website mentioned some condensation issues of apparently minor consequence. The current full retail price seems to have increased notably, though -- $299. I don't remember the full retail at the time ($229, I might guess?); and I don't know what kind of deal you'll be able to put together in the next few months.
I hope this information may help you and others, as well, with their own research. I myself am stoked by news of the upcoming Klymit 26" wide, Massdrop exclusive, insulated sleeping pad drop; which just seems perfect for my projected use of the Microlight UL 1.
So I've ended up with these three tents, listed roomiest to UL solo: Mountainsmith Genesee 4; Big Agnes Jack Rabbit 2 (previous, non-'Glo' version of the Rattlesnake 2 design -- closeout); and the L.L. Bean Microlight UL 1. The latter is what you're asking about. I think it fits the bill on all the points listed above; but I had another requirement which was to have the most stealthy & practical 1-man "sleeping shelter" I could find for when I'm anywhere out of town in my car, it's 1 A.M., I'm getting tired, and I don't want to drop the bucks for a motel room or have the hassle of searching for one that's cheapest yet still clean & comfortable... and then getting there.
Here are the relevant additional advantages of the Microlight in that regard: • UL class (under 2 lbs., mfr.'s "minimum weight") • 90" length (all gear needed to hand inside!) & a roomy 30" at the widest point • Very large side entry door • Set up fly first or w/o the mesh tent part with Bean's own dedicated ground cloth • Light grey w/ citron accents (pleasant color palate, but still stealthy enough at night) • Low, but sufficient 31" max. height to keep the tent as inconspicuous as possible in suburban environments & to provide a wind-shedding profile (?). I figure to add some lightweight camo hunter's blind material, cut to form, as an accessory for maxing out the stealthy aspect in spots where that's advisable.
After a sale price + additional coupon discount, I think I paid $169; quite the bargain, especially considering Bean's rep for keeping the customers happy long term. A few user-reviewers on the website mentioned some condensation issues of apparently minor consequence. The current full retail price seems to have increased notably, though -- $299. I don't remember the full retail at the time ($229, I might guess?); and I don't know what kind of deal you'll be able to put together in the next few months.
I hope this information may help you and others, as well, with their own research. I myself am stoked by news of the upcoming Klymit 26" wide, Massdrop exclusive, insulated sleeping pad drop; which just seems perfect for my projected use of the Microlight UL 1.
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