Currently planning a 2-week solo trip in mid May, going around the Outer Hebrides, Isle of Skye, and bits of the West Highlands Way. Mostly on road but would love to explore some off-road sections (give me a shout if you some any good routes!) where realistically possible on a fully loaded gravel bike.
I plan to wild camp the whole way, and despite having spent a good portion of my week relentlessly researching every bit of information around tents and camping gears, I’m still at loss on whether to pick:
* Outer pitch first: Thinking of the beautiful [Terra Nova Pioneer 2](https://www.terra-nova.co.uk/products/pioneer-2-person-tent/) here. Seems to be the perfect choice for the Scottish weather: 3/4 season, sturdy, relatively lightweight, no risk of getting the inside of the tent wet while setting up camp in torrential rain, reasonably priced. Only downside, I worry that the slightly baggy inner layer will drive me insane. Plus, not a lot of extra room for 2 people so will probably need to get another larger tent in the future if travelling with other people.
* Inner pitch first: [MSR Hubba Hubba](https://www.msrgear.com/ie/tents/backpacking-tents/hubba-hubba-nx-2-person-backpacking-tent/06204.html) is probably the obvious choice here. Super light and compact and probably more than sturdy enough to comfortably navigate all kind of Scottish weather at that time of the year. Quite (very) expensive, but the [MSR Elixir 2](https://www.msrgear.com/ie/tents/backpacking-tents/elixir-2-backpacking-tent/10331.html) seems a valid alternative if willing to trade off for a better price for some extra weight (+ 1kg). Only concern: that the inner layer is going to get soaked every time that I set it up and take it down.
Any advice?
by BiolumiscentPlankton
6 Comments
Have you looked at the Exped Venus 2?
I got the MEC Spark 2.0 for a recent tour and was very happy with it. If you also get the footprint, you can set up the outer first.
I own the MSR Hubba Hubba and am very happy with it. There is a way to pitch it with the outer tent first, if you have a fitting footprint which can secure the poles. This way the inner tent stays dry.
To me the question would be if you’re looking for a long-term investment for future trips or just something to try out backpacking. In the latter case, I’ve heard good things about the 1 person tent from Decathlon.
Don’t worry about the inner vs outer pitch first too much. Many “inner pitch first” tents can be set up outer tent first if you have a footprint. It’s just a bit more of a hassle but it keeps the inner tent dry. See this video for the Hubba Hubba for example (this setup works pretty much the same for similar tents like the Copper Spur UL): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RTakBn9ehOs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RTakBn9ehOs)
My experience from camping in Scotland in May, in the same area you are visiting, is that in some places the ground can be very wet and boggy. Make sure your tent floor is water proof and has a decent water proof wall for the lowest couple of inches. I had a 3 person tent and finding a flat space that’s big enough proved to be a challenge in some areas.
Double check that the seams are water tight. Consider bringing some seamgrip just in case.
I have an MSR elixir. I’ve used it extensively (months) and only a couple of times was the rain an issue. On those occasions a cloth is a must to wipe round the floor of the inner. If you have the footprint you can drape that over the top of the inner until you have the outer in place, as long as it’s not too windy.
I have owned all three of these tents!! terra nova is excellent quality but I found it a bugger to put up. it took me ages to fathom how to peg out. its also not totally freestanding and only lasted a couple of summers begore the seams started peeling. the hubba hubba is, lighter, easiest to put up – less than 10 mins to pitch and loads of space. it lasted me 10 years before sun damage caused a tear in the fly. I replaced it with the elixir 1 as i wanted something with less of a footprint so i could more essily stealth camp. it has been my favourite of the three. robust, easy to pitch and a massive porch area. I’m only 5ft 2 so I can fit all of my gear at the end of my short sleeping pad.