After using a North Face VE-25 (a tent that I still believe is THE best built, period) for years, I decided to buy something as sturdy that didn't have the 12 pound weight. I found my answer in teh Bibler Fitzroy, a tent that weighs in at just over 6 pounds. The Fitzroy is a bombproof tent that has held up well. It is not without its drawbacks, however. Pros: Weight, sturdy, single wall (quieter). I've had no problems with sweating despite much use in above freezing weather. You just have to keep the doors open a bit on both sides. Cons: Price, size (a palace for one, two fairly comfortably with no gear, three very cramped), assembly has a steep learning curve. Regardless of what the directions say, ALWAYS insert the awning poles before inserting the rest. If you don't, you're asking for a seam blowout like I had.

Customer Service

I've read many negative things about Bibler support, but I have to say my experience was very positive. When I had a seam blowout (read above) when trying to assemble the tent the first time, Bibler immediately sent me a completely new Fitzroy, no questions asked. I can't complain about that.

This tent has saved my bacon more than once. Once while goat hunting we endured 70mph plus winds for two days. Solid rain. Ended up in a huge puddle about 6 inches deep. Tent did great - acted like a great big waterbed, but no leaks. On another hunt we got buried in more than two feet of snow with high winds. The tents with flys had snow under the flys and condensation problems, but the bibler no problems. Must say it is nice in the bibler in high winds not to hear the whacking of a loose fly (and what fly does not get loose in high winds). This is a very solid mountaineering tent, and really unbeatable in high winds. Expensive tent, but you definetly get what you pay for.

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Moss Big Dipper Moss Stardome

This is the best tent I have ever owned, It is stronger than any of my friends tents. But it is a specialty tent made specifically for high altitude climbing and winter use. If you use this tent for summer camping I would recommend only one person sleeping in it for condensation purposes. It is a excellent backpacking tent because of the weight. I would practive setting it up in your yard or house to master the setup and then use it in the outdoors. Expensive-but hey, you get what you pay for!

Finally I can stop upgrading, the bibler fitzroy is overall worth the money. Here are my pros and cons. I will start with the cons, I find it quite nerve busting to set up in the dark during a storm. The primary reason for this is that one has to go inside the tent to place poles in those little pockets, when you are soaked and full of mud you get to sleep in it. (Unlike other tents the poles go on the inside). The only flaw I found is these little pockets the poles fit in ripped right out of the floor, come to find out they are glued, I fixed that with a sewing kit 2hrs later. Besides the set up design, I love it. Completely rain proof, and wind proof (No noise from fabric flying around.) Not to mention very lightweight. Note of caution place your tent very far away (50-75') away from a fire, fabric does not tolerate any kind of small hot flying ambers. Also, do not pay full price, one can find these tents new and used on ebay for a lot cheaper.

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Now looking in to buying bibler bivy, any sugestions? Bipod?

The Fitzroy is on the expensive side, not to mention difficult to find in Canada. Neither the less mine has survived high elevation hail and snowstorms with little damage to show. In winter the poles do freeze form condensation, causing the poles'''' joints to freeze up. Taking apart the poles becomes more interesting. In summer, condensation droplets are always routine, hanging form the poles upon awaking. The tent hardly holds two thermarest side by side; aswell condensation would be unbearable. My opinion this is a one man tent, but great for tall people. Structurally the tent hold great against Chinook winds (70+ Km/h). The yellow attracts dirt, mosquitoes, birds and large wildlife (Moose incident). I have no regrets on purchasing my Fitzroy, it''''s been a great tent.

Customer Service

None.

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Timberline 2 man Nunatek MEC Trango 2.

I'm in love with this tent...for three hundred dollars. (I found one used on a board). I imagine that gripes would come more easily if I had payed the hefty 800 bones for it! I have had this tent in the worst that the Tetons could throw at us, and didn't miss one of those three hundred bills. It is a solid cold weather performer, handels harsh winds with ease, large snowstorms no problem, and generally any heavy precip. with five stars. It is light, roomy, comfortable, and practical. To utilize space I have purchased the gear loft & vestibule, which gives enough space to handle the bulk involved with three people. (with three people splitting the wt. of this tent, it's about = to three bivy bags).
Pro's outweigh the cons with this tent, though if I ever need to replace my current one... I doubt that I would pay that kind of $$$$$$ to get a new one. No tent is worth your first-born.

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Garuda Kusala, Kaja
TNF

Borrowed my bro's and here's what I have to say: Hmmm.... $$$$$$$$$$$ Oh, and $$$. Someone else already said it. Ought'a throw in a vestibule with it. I've overheard people call theirs 'lake Bibler' and there's much truth to it. If it ain't freezing, you'll be soaking. First trip out, the front awning, built in pole tore into the highly acclaimed "Todd Tex" material in three small circular cut spots. Man was I pissed. The Easton tube had been quickly cut at the manufaturer, and was left with a sharp (circular) edge. Customer service at Black Diamond in Salt Lake wanted to hear nothing of it. I think it's great those guys do alot by hand, and have some outdoor experience, but let's not bring our "I'm a big climber" hubris affect customer service. I'll give it Multiple stars for its sturdiness, one or two for actual fabric strength, Minus some for the built in bath tub, and minus some more for the cash issue... who the hell can afford one of these, except for the trust funders?

Customer Service

Not so good. Got a "even though those tears are the same size as the end of the sharp Easton tubing, there's like NO WAY it could of happened... maybe a squirrel with a pocket knife did it?"

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GO GARUDA. Mt Hardware don't suck. Born on North Face, but love my Garuda!

the fitzroy is a solid tent. it stands in ferocious winds. it has lots of room/head room. for two people on an expedition (or a long backpacking trip) it has enough room for to be very comfortable and to store gear inside. the weight per area is exceptionally good.

however, the single wall design, while light, is cold. and the attachment points for the poles don't quite line up with the poles, putting stress on the tent wall. i haven't had a failure, but realize the possibility is there.

the setup (with the internal poles) can be a bit tricky. setting up the tent alone in a stiff wind is tough.

Customer Service

i did talk with someone in customer service about the attachment placement for the poles. they are amenable to looking at the tent. i plan to send it back to them to see if the velcro attachment straps are properly sewn into my tent.

The vestibule is made of a lower quality material than the rest of the tent. I have found that moisture collects where the vestibule over laps the tent which causes the vestibule to freeze to the tent in below freezing temperatures. Overall I have found the tent to be very roomy for two people, packs down small, and is extremely easy to pitch.

Fairly light and bombproof tent. Plenty of room for 2 people and gear. You cannot fit three in this and stay sane for more than one night or so. No condensation in cold/high places. Extremely strong design. You DO need to seam-seal the four external ""buttons"" at the corners. For over $800.00 a vestibule should be included...

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