Xmid 2 (or Tarptent Stratospire2 if got at a good price). We've used both extensively in the Pyrenees. They do well and you get a little more ground space and sitting up height than a heavier tent like the Hubba Hubba, though a little less volume at the ends.
Lanshan 2 is a good lightweight cheaper option, but not as quick to erect or as protective from wind . My friend has one, and I've had to help her erect it in windy conditions recently, and it's definitely more faff to set up than Xmid or Strat.
One handed PCT thruhiker '22 here.
I had the tarptent StratoSpire (2?) Li
Amazing tent and you get used to pitching it. First the corners and then you carefully place the trekking pole where it belongs and then pull the whole thing up.
Tarp tent also sells poles if you only use less than 2 trekking poles.
No matter what tent you're using: practice with a friend to figure out the logic of steps to pitch it.
You will find a way I'm absolutely sure. Don't let a tent stop you! Also not pitching a tent is amazing! Doesn't matter how many hands a cowboy camper has.
Happy trails my friend!
Stratspire tarptent design has a much larger vestibule and a taller zipper opening which is nice if you have rain ( don't need to kneel or be as bendy) than the rainbow.
That said I switched to the rainbow for the freestanding and no sidewall sagging, lots of clearance inside even in rain.
Own one, can confirm, and it almost doesn’t matter which side you pitch as the wind breaks off most of the angles ([although Henry Shires prefers to pitch one way](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/s/grG1318olA)). In very windy/storm conditions I would get out and check that the pegs are holding.
I’ve got a hiking pole “tarp tent”. It’s the best. Structurally better in wind than frame tents, more roomy, lighter, better ventilation possibilities etc. mine is the stratospire from Tarp tents but there are much cheaper options. Here’s a cheaper option I’m looking at: https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/products/arches-1p-and-2p-backpacking-tent?currency=USD&variant=31870096441417&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxYOiBhC9ARIsANiEIfa_LPoyV7tpcOx38eKPL8XWn9T7oMqdk4sMjfm-8JJIfxHq1x0ph_YaAkKfEALw_wcB
not sure why 30° enters the equation since tents are not what keeps you warm. They keep the wind off you and they keep you dry in the rain. If you get a hot tent designed to be used with a wood stove, that’s not really great for backpacking unless it’s winter and there’s snow everywhere so you can put it on your pulk. And it only stays warm while the stove is operating.
If year around doesn’t include lots of wind and snow, any tent designed for three season use will do. If you intend to use a tent in winter blizzards, you need two tents, one that works well in high winds and takes a load, and a three season tent. True four season tents are designed with extra guylines inside and out, and durable materials to withstand snow loading and 50+ mph winds, often floorless so one can increase space by digging down into snow. You’ll want snow stakes instead of regular nail stakes. Tents with steep sides to shed snow or long dome type with a large vestibule work well. Hilleburg and MSR have models that are designed for 4 seasons- heavy and weather worthy. I have a GoLite Shangri La - floorless, vented at the top, three person version, weighs 2.5 lbs with a single pole. I didn’t bother with the mesh inner because I never intended to use it unless there is snow. It is not freestanding and doesn’t have to be. it’s no longer in production, but there is a similar version that I believe is made by the company that bought Go Light.
The other tent will have an inner bugnetted layer to keep mosquitoes off, regular stakes, lighter waterproof fly and be whatever shape you want. I have a variety of these that I have purchased over the years. My favorites were the Lightheart gear - I wore out the first one, replaced it with the same model, and then it was stolen from the garage when a roommate left the door open. I replaced it with a Durston Xmid.
In the past, I have used several models of Tarptent. They also have a four season model called the Scarp. You might have a look at their various models. They do a balance of weight and durability. They are far too light for true severe winter conditions but would be okay generally for use in snow with appropriate stakes.
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The North Face
Wawona 6
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Spacious vestibule, strong in storms, but rainfly tricky solo.
MolejC
