Need help to choose a tent for overnight trip?

Question

I want to do an overnight kayak trip. I need a two person tent that can fit in my dry well compartment. The trip will be in the summer. I'm down to these two :
Ultra Dome 2
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=ultra-dome-tent&categoryId=45601&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=500106&cat4=1096&shop_method=pp&feat=500106-tn

Microlight
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=microlight-tent&categoryId=36548&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=500105&cat4=1096&shop_method=pp&feat=500105-tn

It has to be LL bean because I have a gift certificate. Hope you guys can help or if you have either of these tents. THANKS

Answer 1

I'd have to say the microlight. When you are on a kayak trip you would probably want to pack as light as usual. If you don't have a lot of stuff to put into the tent than this one would be a lot better. It also said on the websire specially for kayaking, biking etc.

Answer 2

I was going to say not to buy an LL Bean because they are over-priced but if you have a gift certificate you might as well go with their product. Both seem to be very good tents that are equally priced. The Ultra Dome 2 is going to be much easier to setup, but is heavier. The Microlight is lighter and will be easier to carry, but might be harder to setup.

Personally, given these choices, I do think the Microlight is a slightly superior tent. It will be lighter and its design will make it withstand rain, wind, sleet, or snow better than the Ultra Dome. I would definitely practice setting it up, taking it down, and repacking either tent before you head out.

Good luck on your trip.

Answer 3

my choice would be ultra dome if i was going for a 2 person trip.microlight will be harder in seting up since it`s more a bivy tent than a rest tent and it will need more pitching points because that tent stands up on the pitching points not on the poles. if you get a sudden shower it will be a nice place to stay in and you would have more privacy.in kayaking you will not carry your stuff so much cos the kayak will that for you so dont sacrifice your comfort and healthy night sleep for weight.
if i was backpacking in mountains with up and down on the route and low chance of finding nice and roomy tent footprint then i would go with microlight but even in case of backpacking i have seen that an extra pound of weight is well acceptable if it would provide you more comfort and rest ability in your camping zone.you will be refreshed with a good rest in a nice tent.... good luck and have fun

Answer 4

either one is a good choice, personally, i'd go with the ultra dome.