Old school tent vs. new ultralight - which one held up?

I had to choose between my dad's heavy canvas tent from the 90s and a 2-pound modern backpacking tent for a 4-day trip in the Smokies last fall. I went with the ultralight because my knees just can't handle 30 extra pounds anymore, but the zipper gave out on the second night and I woke up with a face full of dew. Has anyone else traded durability for weight and regretted it down the road?

3 comments

3 Comments

kai_burns7312h ago

Dude the zipper thing is exactly what happened with mine. I bought a silnylon ultralight for a trip in the Rockies and the zipper busted on the third night. Woke up with bugs crawling on my face because the mesh flap was hanging open. I feel you on the knees too. I'm 42 and carrying that old canvas monster just isn't possible anymore. But honestly I'd rather have a heavier tent that actually keeps the elements out than save two pounds and wake up wet. My buddy still uses his dad's old Eureka Timberline from the 80s and that thing has been through hell and back. Makes me wonder if we're trading real durability for a marketing gimmick sometimes.

abby_martinez11h ago

Have you tried a mid-tier hybrid tent like the Sierra Designs Clip FL? I switched to one last year and it's light enough for my knees but still handles wind and rain way better than the ultralight stuff.

betty_perry2412h ago

Fair point but I've had good luck with newer materials myself.