An Excellent Ultralight Tent

This summer, hiking Vermont's Long Trail, my partner and I used an excellent lightweight tent, made by Kurt Russell of Wanderlust Gear (www.wanderlustgear.com. The tent is so excellent, and so light, that I have to spread the word. I am not affiliated with Kurt's company at all, just a very satisfied customer. Visit his website for photos of the tents and detailed specifications.

Kurt's tents are single-wall, so you don't have to carry a heavy fly, and they have a large vestibule. One whole side of the tent is screened window, so being in the tent is more like sleeping in a tarp--it's very open and airy. However, the vestibule overhang prevents rain from getting in, even in windy storms. Although the vestibule can be brought down to close the entrance for privacy or storm protection, I never found this to be necessary, and in fact, the tent is less claustrophobic and less prone to condensation than other tents because of the large screened wall.

Kurt's tents have clever design features, For example, if you hike with manufactured trekking poles, you can use them as the supports for the tent, saving the weight of tent poles. If you don't use trekking poles, he will provide very lightweight poles with the tent.

My partner and I used Kurt's two-person tent, and found it was large enough for us and all our gear, which was definitely an improvement on other tents--especially in the rain, when you don't want to go out and get soaking wet just to retrieve something from your pack. However, if you do use the two-person tent, be sure you're very good friends with your hiking buddy, because you will be close. The two-person tent weighs 3 pounds, much less than comparably roomy two-person tents made by big manufacturers. Kurt's one-person tent offers plenty of room for a lone hiker and only weighs 1.5 pounds.

When I called Kurt to ask about his tents, he sent me a sample tent that I could try out for a few days before I ordered my own. In addition, since each tent is individually made, you can choose from several colors and also get any special features you may need, such as a larger or smaller vestibule or different size. Kurt is pleasant and easy to work with, and will repair or replace any defective tent.

Because he is a one-person operation, however, be sure to order your tent many months in advance. Fall is not too early to get your tent in time for a spring start on a thruhike. I ordered my tent in November and had it by February.

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