GoLite Hut 2

For those who want to travel light, this is a great option. It's especially good if you carry at least one trekking pole or walking stick, which can be used as the main support -- inside of the vestibule, so place the pointy end down or use an end cap on it.

I also own the Golite Trig 2 and I like it because it includes a floor and an insect net as part of the system. If, however, you go into buggy or soggy conditions, I highly recommend you add the Lair 2 Nest (insect insert) to the Hut 2 to make a complete system.

The Trig 2 is a little cheaper when compared to a combination of the Hut 2 and the Lair 2 Nest (with your insect net and floor), but I like to carry this combination because the separate sub-systems allow greater flexibility.

With the Hut 2 and Lair 2 Nest, I can either pitch the Hut alone (when bugs are not an issue); the Lair 2 Insert alone (when there is no threat of storms and stargazing is desired); or the combination (to allow protection from all of the elements).

I must warn you, however, that this tarp suffers from the same condensation issues associated with the Trig 2. Neither shelter contains a peak with the ability to vent warm air unless you open the door. Additionally, it's a one-way zipper, and so you can't even pull the top part and prop it open (but I suggest you add another zipper pull for this function).

In fact, I have found that no matter how much I try to encourage air to circulate through these single-wall, SilLite shelters, condensation is usually an issue in damp weather -- especially when they're used for the rated, two persons. In its defense, however, the GoLite Den is much worse when it comes to condensation -- bring a rag to mop it up...

Practice setting the Hut 2 up at home before you hit the trail. I find the easiest way to do it (GoLite instructions not included) is to plant your first trekking pole as the main support; place the tarp over it; place the front three stakes (right-front, then vestibule front, then the left front); then go to the rear and place your second pole, wrapping the rear guyline around it several times and then place the rear guyline stake; followed by placement of the rear stakes; and then finally the center stakes on both sides. Once this is done, tighten the four corners and then place the front guyline stake.

This method sounds worse than it really is. NOTE: If you want more space between the tarp and the ground, add corner or side guylines and tie these points to trees, branches, etc.

CAUTION: I don't consider the Hut 2 a two-person tent, although GoLite says it is. The sides are very steep when pitched at normal trekking pole height, and so two normal sized adults will find it difficult to use all of the advertised floorspace. Your only other option is to shorten your pole, widening the shelter, but then you'll not be able to sit upright in it. I need to tell you also that adequate shoulder room in the forward section gives way to a low-overhead and restricted foot room in the rear of this shelter.

BEST USES: As a single-person tent (at least if the person carries a multi-day backpack); perhaps with a dog (since there is a vestibule; for lightweight backpacking or short overnight hikes where severe weather and insects are not expected (at about 1-1/2 pounds carry weight)-- otherwise, add the Lair 2 Nest (for a little over three pounds carry weight).

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Up until this year, you could buy this in either "Stone" or "Sage." This year, they no longer produce it in "Stone." The grey color tends to be cooler in the summer (although SilLite allows a fair amount of greenhouse effect in direct sunlight), and the green seems a little warmer in cool weather (yes, I own both colors and the top color of my Trig 2 is "Stone").

Enjoy.