Can you give me an example of this style of tent? I'm not sure I can think of any that I've looked at which would meet this criteria.

Also, regarding stove usage, my initial thought is I wouldn't be cooking in the tent or vestibule. Since those wintery camps are most likely to be with the Scouts, I'd be out with them.

So very true!

That said, regarding size, I am pretty set on the 2 man. In most cases I plan on using the tent alone. At Scout camps my son is paired with another Scout, not with me, and on any backpacking trips (only one planned so far for this year) the plan is not to share tents (so far at least!).

That's not to say there will not be occasional trips where I share the tent (I have been planning 1-on-1 weekends with my kids for example), but I haven't been able to justify moving up to the 3 man because of the amount of solo use I am currently anticipating.

The Force 10 Vortex 200 would be an example.




http://www.sportswarehouse.co.uk/products/Vango-Force-Ten-Vortex-200-2-Person-Tent.html

Thanks for the link; I think that's a bit more tent than what I was thinking of right now though.

According to my requirements and what I am hearing I ideally need: a nice light 2 person, 3 season tent for solo use; a reasonably light 3 person, 3 season tent for those times I'm not alone; and, finally, a more robust 4 season tent for those more wintery outings.

I guess the challenge comes in finding a tent that, with reasonable compromises, can meet all of these needs while excelling at none.

Thanks again!

have a look at the Hilleberg tents.i bought my first one seven years ago,Atko, as a light weight canoe tripping tent and have been very impressed by it quality.if i knew about them years ago i would have spent a few extra bucks and skipped the more popular brands.
http://www.hilleberg.com/usa.htm

That's always the case. You want a tent durable enough to withstand 90% of the weather you encounter, but you don't want to be always be lugging around the extra weight of a 4 season tent that you may only need 10% of the time. A 3 season is a decent compromise, you'll be carrying a heavier tent than a lightweight solo, but then you can also extend its use into 4 seasons by careful placement and setup.


I've been happy with a 3 man Sierra Designs Meteor Light (old version). Not a true 4-season tent, but a very robust 3 season. The new version will just barely meet your <6lb requirement, but I don't know if the strength is compromised with the new pole design, and even then it's still a pretty heavy tent. The full coverage rainfly and igloo shape really sheds wind and rain. But it only has 1 large vestibule, which might not work for your requirement of not getting the inner tent wet. The good thing is there are 2 exits, so you can always enter and exit on the leeward side, and I like the window in the vestibule so you can see outside without actually exposing yourself to the weather.

I remember watching videos of SD testing their tents in a wind tunnel with 100mph winds, so I think it should hold up through most any storm. I think there are internal guy lines to strengthen it if the wind gets that bad, but I've never tried it. If the wind ever got that bad, I'd probably pack up and go somewhere else.

if it were me, I'd probably take it slow. Get a three season at first and see how it goes. Invariably, my understanding of what I need changes as I'm exposed to new types of gear and gain more experience.

I myself have been pretty happy with a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 for three season solo use. I find myself unwilling to schlep around a two person tent anymore for solo use. My knees aren't holding up like they used to.

HJ

That's great advice Jim. We learn a lot along the way!

Individual groups vary, but Scouts Canada is very firm that kids and adults (and boys and girls) shall not share tents, or sleeping quarters in cabins, unless it's absolutely necessary (i.e. a 2 room cabin, with all the females in one room and all the males in another) or a "family camp" where each family is responsible for sleeping arrangements.

That is good advice Jim. After getting some use out of the first one I use I should have a better idea of what I like and what I don't.

One of our local stores is having a gear sale this weekend which is why I started asking about features to look for; they don't have their products online so I don't know exactly what they'll be selling. This thread has definitely helped clarify what to look for.