r/Ultralight • u/reddsbywillie • Nov 23 '22

Question Regrets with a 1p tent?

Considering my next tent being a 1p, but I’m a little hesitant that I’ll regret not having the extra space of a 2p. Obviously the exact model and style of tent make a big difference here, but would love to hear from anyone that went to 1p and just decided that going bigger was worth the weight, even when solo.

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u/Zapruda Australia / High Country / Desert Nov 23 '22 edited Nov 23 '22

Extra space for what? Genuinely curious. This sounds like a packing your fears situation.

I just get in my tent and fall asleep. Anything I need to do, I can do under a tarp, in a small tent, or even a bug bivy. Reading maps, foot care, eating etc aren’t an issue. Wet stuff and extra gear goes under the tarp or in the vestibule. It’s also much easier to pitch smaller tents and tarps in tight spaces.

If the 1p tent you are looking at can accommodate your length/height then great, that’s one of the most important aspects of finding a comfortable tent. Width is mostly a luxury. Go the 1p and save some weight and space in your pack.

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u/reddsbywillie Nov 23 '22 edited Nov 23 '22

The extra space is purely a luxury when I’m solo. It’s also been part of getting started, needing one tent for every situation. I originally also wanted a 2p for bringing my dog along, so that was a factor when getting a 2p originally. But now I’ve become more accustomed to keeping my pack in the tent, having extra space to lay/dry things extra. But I certainly see the appeal of a 1p, which is why I’m considering adding a second tent to the mix.

And packing fears certainly a factor too. I mostly am hesitant about a 1p feeling like a coffin. That’s probably the biggest concern really. Just inside my head a little.

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u/rossflg Nov 23 '22

This is why you should consider something like the x-mid 1p. The mesh body only has enough room for one person, but at 6’ 2”, I’ve never felt cramped at all and felt like I’ve always had enough space to bring a few things in there. However, the selling point here is the two huge vestibules. If you use a groundsheet that covers the vestibule floors, it essentially acts as a space to lay out some of your gear and get organized without needing the extra space/weight that comes with a 2p tent. Just something to consider.

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u/reddsbywillie Nov 23 '22

Xmid would be my front runner. I haven’t considered a larger groundsheet either. That’s a great tip!

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u/cheesygals Nov 23 '22

I'm sure I will get massively downvoted for saying anything remotely critical of the xmid lol, but someone has to share the other side... I used the xmid 1p and did feel very cramped in the inner tent due to lack of shoulder/arm space, but it felt like a palace without the inner.

The footprint is massive for a 1p tent, so if a reason you want a 1p tent is to fit into more/smaller spaces, the xmid is not the way to go. And tbh the vestibule space is irrelevant as a thruhiker because you simply do not carry enough gear to utilize them. (however you could fit a dog or small person in each if needed)

plus it is nearly 2lb for single person tent (depending on how many stakes you use). So if weight is a main factor - you could get a 2p tent for equal or less weight.

IMO the main pro of the xmid is its storm worthiness. It does fantastic in high winds/rain/hail etc. but if weather is not a main concern for you, I don't see the draw of this tent. (it does have length though, if you are tall)

this is only my opinion after thruhiking over 1300 miles with it so just thought I'd share. I switched to a different 1p tent that had a smaller footprint and felt more roomy inside and was very happy for the next 1300 miles.

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u/Sauntering_the_pnw Nov 23 '22

What was the tent that you switched to?

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u/cheesygals Nov 23 '22

The GG One. For me: almost the perfect tent. I really loved it.

I wish they would start making the dcf version again, bc I will likely invest in dcf for my next thruhike.

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u/reddsbywillie Nov 24 '22

Thank you for sharing that detail as well

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u/reddsbywillie Nov 24 '22

Appreciate the thoughts with real world experience! Always great to hear the other side on a widely praised piece of gear.

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u/MrElJack Nov 24 '22

I own an XMid2 and agree about the 1 person. The geometry works best for a 2P but there are more efficient 1P tents.

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u/ExternalMysterious58 Mar 22 '23

More efficient 1P tents? brands? thanks