Post-Hike Tent Review: Gossamer Gear The Two

[@MrDynamik1]

Great review Dixie. You're still my favorite for unbiased info without an agenda. Keep up the great work, I appreciate your content!

[@lieutenantlucky5604]

I just ordered the tent yesterday and boy was I surprised to see Dixie post a review about it today! After watching, I’m glad I made the purchase and look forward to seeing it in person!

[@jimmac1953]

Cancel if you didn't get sale price!!!

[@lieutenantlucky5604]

Update: BUYER BEWARE. Thoroughly inspect anything you buy from GG. I got the Mariposa 60 backpack, LT5 trekking poles, and The Two shelter and a bunch of accessories for everything (I even bought the GG sticker sheet to rep them 🤦‍♂️). 2 out of 3 of my major items were defective. The LT5 poles had a terrible clicking sound and scratches. The Two shelter had poor stitching along the mesh and bathtub as well as what appears to be a huge stain on the nylon. They were able to replace the trekking poles fast enough, with no apology for any of the inconvenience. But the tent is 4 days late and I have a thru-hike of the Ocean to Lake hike coming up very soon. I explained this to their customer service and asked them to reach out to USPS. They responded with a copy/paste of the tracking message that’s not updating. I contacted my local usps and was told by a supervisor that something is definitely wrong with the delivery and GG needs to file a claim. I’ve had so many back-n-forths that I’ve basically become e-mail pen pals with their customer service representative, Gracie. Such a stressful headache to deal with, that I don’t even want to use their products anymore. TL;DR - I don’t recommend GG and I would absolutely not trust or depend on them during a long thru-hike.

[@andrewburchett4165]

Great review and very consistent with what I have experienced. I have The Two (nylon) and it works well. Holds up to wind and rain and is actually workable for two people because the vestibules are so spacious. I am always surprised at how little condensation I see in it. I prefer using a tarp, but when I pack a tent it is The Two.

[@craigbishop]

Over the past two years, I've had The Two, the Lanshan Pro 2, and the Duplex... Dixie, I completely agree with all your pros and cons concerning the Two. I did find The Two fiddly to tension, usually having to make two passes around the tent to get it right (vs the Lanshan and the Duplex which were simple to put up in one pass). I also preferred to stake down the bathtub floor, which added four stakes (although I used shepherds hooks, so they were light and compact). I also found it incredibly annoying to use a groundsheet when setting up in the wind. I actually prefer the doors on The Two vs the Duplex as, when its open, you don't have mesh sitting on the floor of the tent and accidentally step on it while you get inside. Overall, The Two was nice and roomy inside, great in the rain, and the vestibules were huge. But, it was just too fiddly and time-consuming to set up and I hated also having to use a groundsheet. Of the three tents, I'd place The Two at #3, the Lanshan at #2, and the Duplex at #1.

[@tamie341]

Lanshan is an amazing tent, extremely high quality for a great price!

[@ms7fam433]

@@tamie341 Still lovin my Lanshan...

[@gregoryemmanuel9168]

Great and thorough review Dixie, thank you. After trying out a number of different popular brand tents I’ll stick with the Duplex, it’s absolutely the most practical, sturdy, well designed, comfortable, easy to set up tent I’ve ever used. You get what you pay for!

[@suzannehedderly1331]

Fancy Mae in her little coat is adorable! ❤️

[@FredOutdoors]

If you are really tight in budget then I believe Lanshan 2 Pro is basically the same but half the price. And in my opinion Lanshan 2 pro has the best design in terms of bathtub stability sharing one stake with the guy out line.

[@ianchissy]

Hey Fred! Just wanted to say that I stumbled on your channel with this comment and really like all the reviews you've put up. I'm shopping for a shelter for a potential Pacific Crest Trail hike next year and your close-ups of all the shelters you use has been very helpful. I'm curious, now that you have the Pro 2, would you ever go back to your Pro 1? Cheers from a fellow Canadian :)

[@FredOutdoors]

@@ianchissy I actually returned 2 pro cause I realized I didn’t need all that space. I prefer smaller yet cozy inner space lol. Plus smaller footprint means easier to find spots to pitch the tent. Lanshan 1 Pro is still my number one budge friendly ultralight one person tent.

[@brendonm.deverix8491]

Loved this! Just ordered my Two I’m excited to see how I like it. Glad I got to see you trying it out with a dog because I’m always nervous about ordering tents and having the dog damage the floor etc I never know if the materials are suitable.

[@MitchEmmons]

I have used “the Two” for quite awhile now. I also have “the One”. Love both tents, but Hank (my 80lb dog) and I fit much better in “the Two”. He actually knocked “the One” down on us during the night on out Roan Highlands hike. I know a hack for staking out the bathtub corners without additional stakes.

[@travisgrimm]

Good to know as my heeler will be joining my CT thru hike. The Two is often a little big for some camp spot found at dusk.

[@Plastikdoom]

Nice…and that’s a big two man tent…you should give a pup tent a go…oh, they’re heavy by the way, haha. Try getting two marines and all your gear you’re carrying into one. Each Carrie’s a shelter half, made out of Cotten canvas, and three tent poles. Plus 4 stakes apiece, so two guys have a complete shelter. Definitely is small, but works. This looks like a way better, like light years better gear.

[@TylerCampbellOutdoors]

I have the Two and the One. Used the One for hiking the JMT and Centennial Trail this year and worked out well. Hard to beat the price right now with the sale

[@jfifield20]

Thanks for the great review Dixie. The Two seems like a great ultralight tent option if DCF is not in the budget. I'm on the fence with buying The Two over continuing to wait for the Dan Durston X-Mid 2 tent to get back in stock. ( btw really hope you can review that tent as well). I think I still prefer the X-Mid 2 but just getting tired of waiting moths for it.

[@j.s.1270]

As a 6'4" tall guy with big feet (12 UK/13 US), it's something of a quest to find a tent that fits. Might have a look at this one so thanks for adressing the pro's and con's, Dixie.

[@j.s.1270]

@@Frontfight I'm in the EU too so the import duty will not be an issue unless I order from the UK.

[@patina_turner6791]

I’m 6’2’’ and I am currently using a Six Moons Designs Skyscape Trekker. Not quite as wide as the Gossamer the 2 but a good length for me. Happy Hunting

[@randomweirdo2701]

This is a neat tent. Thank you for trying it out and telling us about it.

[@janefreeman995]

I use polycryo ground sheet with my DCF fabric tent anyway. Couldn't imagine not with the price of the tent and minimizing dirt everywhere and compromising the life of the tent. :) I have seen the two on the trail. It appeared to be high quality.

[@gsmnp00]

Hey Dixie! Love your channel. Regarding knives, I've slowly been downsizing from a rambo knife to a really small Gerber. You said Gerber's are for babies, I disagree. Thanks for your channel and keep trekking on! John Feeney, Portage IN.

[@Bscott-390]

Great review. Thank you. I agree %100 about the seam seal. I don't buy gear that is not sealed.

[@ShartNpantz]

God bless your mother and father! Gosh dawg, I'm proud to be from the south! Good videos, good work! Today is my birthday, I think I will treat myself to a Gossamer for my AT hike in Feburary.....

[@takingawalkadventures]

I have the gossamer gear one tent. haven't had a chance to use it yet but I will be using next year and will be putting it to the test. it's my first free standing tent. I like how light wight it is coming in at 17.7 ounces. like your tent Dixie

[@delaneybrown9999]

Used The Two on trips in the Uintas, Sawtooths, and Glacier this summer. Got a small rip in the floor on the 4th night of use but was able to patch it. Had some solid rain in Glacier - the nylon definitely sags in extended heavy rain. Really roomy feeling inside - not claustrophobic. It's a great starter trekking-pole tent for the price!

[@jonathankuhn2180]

Would you still suggest it? Has it held up pretty good? Maybe bad luck you got the rip on the 4th day? Did you have many days after that without an additional rip? I am thinking about buyiing it, and it is on sale, the price is really attractive, for now I am in the west which is usually dry, but can be wet at times for sure! The colder times I fear the condensation issue, up at altitude on cold nights, especially if storms are around, or near a lake or creek (frequent on trails), or when I have my partner with me. How does it do in wind, I might be up at altitude with it, in areas that could get some significant wind at times. Thanks!

[@delaneybrown9999]

@@jonathankuhn2180 Yeah, I'd still suggest it. I repaired the floor rip and it's done well, no rips since. Held up well to the wind in the wind rivers last summer, as long as you stake it out properly. I modded mine a little to make the guy lines at the head/foot of the tent adjustable, and that's helped. I'm actually looking to sell mine though since I picked up a dyneema tent.

[@jonathankuhn2180]

@@delaneybrown9999 Oh thanks for the quick reply, glad to hear. Its on a good sale right now. I am finally giving in to the UL movement, I have so much non UL gear, and the money has been a deterrent, and replacing gear that already serves me, but I will repurpose to shorter hikes and extend life of both! What dyneema did you go with? And as far the The Two, how was the condensation for you? Are you solo or with a partner? Thanks!

[@delaneybrown9999]

@@jonathankuhn2180 The condensation has been manageable - I usually wipe it down with my buff or a small quickdry towel, or leave it in the sun whole I eat breakfast and it dries out pretty fast. I've used it both as a single and with a partner - I've been able to fit two 25 in wide xlite pads inside. The dyneema tent I picked up is the durston x-mid pro 2.

[@jonathankuhn2180]

​@@delaneybrown9999 Awesome, I went ahead and ordered it. I am excited. I was thinking about getting the durston x-mid pro 2, maybe in the future, or I can get some other tent, or even newer tech by then! Yeah, I carry a little towel that can hang on my pack, the condensation should be alright, nice to know about the two 25 inch pads! Thanks again!

[@nicebopo]

Hey Dixie, great vid, I’m a fan, of your channel and the GG tents, for the price it’s a great value , but yes, few things that could be better for sure. I’ve been using the One and it’s held up well, I did a mod w the bathtub by attaching small shock cord loops and stretching them to the corner stakes, that way I don’t have to use as many stakes. My main complaint w most trekking pole tents is the footprint real estate, finding Six Moon Design tents to be little easier, better design IMO. Really enjoy your attitude w all your vids, it’s inspiring and very inclusive, thank you👍🏻

[@DoseofDirt]

Been looking at transitioning to a trekking pole tent, so was looking forward to this review! I still think I'm leaving towards the triplex since I'll be taking two large dogs with me sometimes and will be glad for the additional room (and lighter weight with DCF). Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience!

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Bought this yesterday, surprised to see this review

[@chemistryflavored]

I have The One and I actually sleep with my head on the “foot end” so I can put all my stuff where it’s wider. I think the logo is also on the head side? I also had to make self tensioning guy lines to help combat wet nylon here in the PNW. Generally I love how you broke this tent down, while it is a favorite of mine, my next tent will be DCF since I hate the nylon sag!

[@Skeptic2006]

How have you liked The One? Lots of great reviews by youtubers but they are sponsored mostly so I tend to be skeptical. I'm trying to decide between The One vs the Chinese Lanshan 1 Pro. As a european I could get 2-3 Lanshan's for the price of The One. I mean they are both nylon and very similar designs.

[@chemistryflavored]

@@Skeptic2006 for me it’s worked well the last 3 years but was also my first and has remained my only backpacking tent I own so I can’t compare it to anything else. I have an older model from a few years ago so not sure what the new ones have that’s different. It is very roomy for a 1P tent (my husband has a Nemo hornet and it is TINY!) but like Dixie said that’s not always good if you have limited options for where to pitch since I’ve definitely had to cram it against a tree or rock face more than once lol. I will say the GG stakes suck, they never stayed in the ground so I replaced them. If I had to do it all over I’d go straight to DCF since I live in a wet rainy climate, nylon sag is very real! I made self tensioning guy lines following a gossamer gear blog post and that has helped with sag some. Even if I replace this tent down the road I’ll still use it when it’s dry since I have grown to love it and can pitch it perfectly now. The material feels thin, but I’m gentle with my gear so haven’t had issues and I use a tyvek groundsheet. No holes or tears yet. I got mine on sale so it for the price and weight it was great for a newbie getting into backpacking. I can see why others prefer other tents but having owned this tent I also see why it does get consistently positive reviews. But if you can find a comparable option for less honestly there’s nothing super “unique” about it either in terms of design. Sorry for the length my reply :)

[@Skeptic2006]

@@chemistryflavored Thanks, no problem the more info the better. I'm buying gear for my first thru-hike(in Spain) so a DCF tent is out of my budget for many reasons. I'm not even sure if I like staying in a tent for over a month so trying to be frugal. Already spend thousands on gear but most of them like clothing can be used off-trail as well unlike a tent or a sleeping bag. Already bought the Thermarest Xtherm sleeping pad and kinda regretting it a bit since it's heavy compaired to others and not really a summer pad. My logic was to buy a pad that I could use in all seasons but that was a mistake. Unforttunattely there is no gear that is well suited for every season. Tent and sleeping bag is all I need now so not going to rush buying something I'm going to regret. Again, thanks for the review.

[@ashmaybe9634]

@@Skeptic2006 If you look at Haze Outdoors review of The One he compares it to the Lanshan 1 and he says for a similar footprint the One is more spacious inside. Go have a look.

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

Have you ever tried the Dan Durston Drop X-Mid 2P tent??

[@michaellundphotography]

Nylon is much quieter in the wind, that’s a huge plus nobody mentions =)

[@wolfeadventures]

And much much more packable.

[@rangerinthewoods]

Had the same issue with the vestibule line and my pole. Use a tyvek sheet for the ground. Spent 3 nights on the AT last month and had a little condensation on the first night. The other two it stayed bone dry.

[@toocleanpappas5397]

I have the dcf One, and I agree on the guy line, don't know why they have it on the inside. And I definitely did have to watch which way the wind was going to be able to use just one open vestibule to block the wind. I will say, even with those caveats it is still my favorite tent for Thru-Hiking I have found so far. Still have my eyes on a Bonfus though. :)

[@jamessorenson2272]

Wonder if you put silica packets in tent for moisture?

[@johneason6540]

Thank you for your review! I'm a duplex guy. At this points still pretty happy with it. I'd better be for 600 bucks, hahaha 😆

[@rvboondocker2559]

Thanks

[@kimsubacz9829]

There is a hack for the duplex bathtub floor that doesn’t require extra stakes. Zpacks sells extra stick on loops and loops with clips. I stuck four of the clips on each corner of the bathtub and use the extra line from your corner stake to tie off. The hooks weigh almost nothing and now my bathtub floor is taught. Someone has a video of this hack here, but I don’t remember his name.

[@keithconnor1443]

How do you think the DCF version of the Two would compare to the Duplex/Triplex?

[@mhaney1111]

I have the same tent and found it easier to get a good pitch if you zip up the vestibule before inserting the poles.

[@loriann2194]

What kind of sleeping bag do you use for fancy?

[@angelikasusanne2830]

With your videos it is completely safe to first press the like botton and then watch :-) I love your videos. Greetings from Germany.

[@jimmac1953]

Have the One and it's a great tent. BothThe One and The Two just went on sale -- 20% off.

[@Karen-dq8nw]

If your pack is wet from rain, how do you put it under your feet at night without getting your quilt damp?

[@boredandagitated]

She said in another video that she carries a painters plastic drop cloth or other water proof thing or garment and wraps the pack up in it before placing under her feet

[@carmenhernandez6102]

Thanks for the info

[@iviewthetube]

Even for one person, double doors are great -- one side dedicated for the vestibule where gear can be stored, the other for ingress and egress.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Have you looked at the Durston X-Mid Pro 2P tent.

[@draekko_]

i'd would interesting to hear how it compares to this years new lanshan 2 pro (also a single wall design)

[@ashmaybe9634]

Tons of Lanshan 2 pro reviews out there. It's basically a Duplex copy so has very similar features. I love mine, so much space (my first UL tent).

[@Tbonesjones79]

I just bought a DCF version of the 2 on Ebay and I'm super curious how it compares to the duplex

[@Sundheden]

With the current sale, it's actually just 60-70 bucks over the Lanshan 2 Pro! That's a pretty awesome price!!

[@Boneyard44]

How’d it preform in the rain?

[@tonysmith7665]

Every time I watch Dixie I learn something. I never would have ever thought about washing my dishes with vodka. Game changer!

[@meganprovost1483]

Love your videos i was looking for a user friendly video program to use for my future vlogs. and was wondering what type you use .

[@michaelpreddy5514]

I’m sure you have answered this previously but just curious what was you favorite state or stretch of the AT

[@richardbartley3089]

This tent seems alot like the 3ful gear tent. Any major difference? I really like my 3ful gear 2 person tent.

[@chrisfinley]

Very thoughtful and detailed review, thanks! Can you get that tent wet and tell me how much it weighs? It seems like there are a few hidden weights with nylon tents. The extra ground cloth, the extra stakes and then the water weight after the first night with condensation or rain.

[@jurassicstroller803]

Really good point. We have the BA UL2 and I would hazard a guess that after a night of rain the tent weighs twice as much. We end up laying it over bushes at our noon stop to let it dry. Love the tent but if you camp in more rainy climes than New Mexico I could sure argue for the Dyneema.

[@Plastikdoom]

And hey, I got one of the BA UL3’s can’t remember the name, but the tent, rain fly and ground mat for it is like 5lbsnot bad for the size of it, a tiny amount bigger than most non backpacking 2 man tents. Can fit two people and gear, fairly comfortably, at least not rubbing shoulders while sleeping.

[@ZincHikes]

For the weight sounds like the copper spur

[@Plastikdoom]

@@ZincHikes yeah, pretty sure that’s it, got it on clearance on REI’s site, was discontinued, so it was like $150 less, so far happy with it.

[@whaddyaa]

Your dog is so cute 🥰

[@larryd9068]

Thanks Dixie since I was just looking at the "Two". I've been using a Sierra Designs Flashlight FL 1 (discontinued) and have been contemplating adding another to my collection. The Two looks like a good choice for a light weight, spacious and reasonably price tent for a section hiker like me!

[@Pharisaeus]

I used it this season and I love it. I had the same issue with the tension cord getting entangled with trekking pole during setup! I had 3 additional ropes (two for the tension and one for the clothes line) so I'm afraid you either lost yours or somehow didn't get it :(

[@archangel9845]

I’m 6’4” do you think I would fit without hitting my head on the inside? Great video

[@bernielamont825]

Hey Dixie! The Gossamer the 2, Fancy Mae aproved, if she likes it it should be OK!

[@AmblingMan]

With a single door like that I tend to sleep with my feet by the door, I find it easier to get in and out that way around, but agree, if you're wanting to reach out to the porch you need to have your head at that end.

[@leavesfalldown3191]

What music do you hikers like if I get a chance to listen to some music when on my hiking trips I always choose music like Delta Parole or Guns N Roses, the rawness is the best with nature.

[@bswede3220]

Whats the sleeping bag you use for your dog? Everything I've ever tried is really heavy

[@kennethschaidle5995]

I am not positive but I think the website is correct about the lighter floor weight; Last year gossamer gear lightened their one and two by using thinner material and cutting the length by 4 inches. So I'm guessing they are just using the same old instruction sheet. Hope you use the two enough to let us know how it stands up, especially to fancy may's claws.

[@hikingadventureswithshanba1365]

I noticed someone had the xmid. Would you consider trying that?

[@KìŧŧyDąrlìng2024]

♥

[@Alex-and-Joker-Hikes]

What puffy blanket Fancy is using?

[@juliamichelle2770]

Fancy mae is such a cute dog name

[@jessdunaway8423]

Making me feel cheap, my tent has been patched so many times we call it "the tent of many colors".

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@ewik939]

Is that the Groundbird Gear Turtle Top Quilt that Fancy is using? How do you find it’s working out? :) it’s the only lightweight (although expensive) sleep system option for dogs that I’ve found, other dog brands seem to lack an understanding of hiking and pack weight..

[@TanukiParis]

A X-Mid 2P in the video ?

[@colinnorthcott9219]

Wouldn't it be good to have a two person tent that could also set up as a one person tent if ground space was at a premium. Happy hiking.

[@baysword]

While I watch tent reviews my wife is laughing at me and telling me to stick with our Motorhome.

[@Wizx13]

So far I have been sticking with the hammock setup it is really my favorite. I will probably keep that set up until I find a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad that weighs less than my current setup.

[@eristicfreethinker2098]

I went heavier when I migrated from a tarp ground system to a hammock and tarp system but the comfort and better sleep made up for the slight weight penalty.

[@TexasRoast]

Is a fancy included as well? XD

[@davidbuben3262]

Have to say, you are a breath of fresh air darlin'. God bless.

[@hikebot]

Duplex it is

[@davegoodridge8352]

How does it handle the rain?

[@Pharisaeus]

I used it in some serious storm and had no issues at all. Keep in mind it can sag a bit over time during rain, so if you have OCD, you might need to go outside and pull tension cords.

[@Boneyard44]

Have you ever done any hiking in the Adirondacks ?

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

I was literally just looking at this tent since it’s lighter than my lunar solo

[@mikebeatstsb7030]

This a re-upload?

[@TheDoddsworth]

X-Mid replaced a Duplex, Hornet and The Two for me. Too bad they aren't readily available.

[@chemistryflavored]

For some of us it’s a weight thing. Agree the design is brilliant from what I’ve seen online, but for the minimalists unnecessary esp if you can get by with a single walled shelter :)

[@HM-gk3rq]

@@chemistryflavored that’s coming soon.

[@chrisfinley]

@@HM-gk3rq Dan, is this your kid's account :) Also, very cool. I look forward to seeing it.

[@HM-gk3rq]

@@chrisfinley haha. No. Just have X-mid 2p and like it.

[@TheDoddsworth]

@@chemistryflavored Kept the Duplex for the desert.Recovering ULer here. Decided I like backpacks with frames and double walled tents. (Still sleep on a half pad.)

[@hikerJohn]

What brand of tights do you prefer.

[@vietadvisor6781]

Well that was your opinion, how about Fancy's?

[@chrisfinley]

Ha, set them both up and see which one Fancy gets into.

[@kenweathers6818]

Hey Dixie, love your reviews, they are really helpful. Question on needing an umbrella for my thru hike of the AT next year: since I saw your CDT hike video I have been taking a backpacker umbrella on my hikes. I'm just wondering if I would use it much on a thru hike of the at since I really rely on both my trekking poles to keep my feet on wet slippery, rocky terrain. If you were thru hiking the at again would you carry an umbrella?

[@joepanter9571]

I did not know I had such a beautiful neighbor lol I live in Georgia

[@AronOutdoors]

They should probably mark the head, so you don't have to wonder when you're setting it up.

[@chemistryflavored]

The older versions had the GG logo at the head end. Not sure about the new ones but that helped!

[@joeykerr5517]

I wish I could afford something like that. Do you know of any budget friendly knock offs? Lol!

[@boredandagitated]

3FUL lanshan pro 2

[@travisgrimm]

I didn't get a clothesline either

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Interesting!

[@MrSrtman18]

Do you want to sell the two?

[@Henning_Rech]

10:22 you seen to enter the tent with your head first (what I do, too) 11:00 while you leave your tent head first, which implies a turn inside (what I don't - I prefer to leave it foots first, especially under wet conditions)

[@lakorai2]

Got to get Dixie a Xmid 2p

[@lakorai2]

Actually an X-Mid Pro 2p

[@erichlf]

Our dogs look exactly alike. One might say they are doggelgangers.

[@henryhawk978]

If you're not using your Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 anymore......can I have it.....with free shipping? "I put ketchup on my scrambled eggs..... and everybody thinks it's funny..... I don't get mad"......"and I don't laugh cause you don't shave your legs.....but everybody thinks it's funny.....no need to get mad". OK I'll pay the shipping.

[@alertowl856]

Pls help some tips for LEECHES, please Yess Dixie... Leeches 😟😟

[@davidhall8874]

Everything which is recommended by all of these KZbin review sites is UNAVAILABLE! Do people rush out and buy them up like hoarding toilet paper??????

[@tysonwilliams1739]

Please private message me. I'd really appreciate being able to talk and get to know you. No reason other than getting to know you. I know that you might get a lot of creepy requests. No negitive motives or thoughts. I'm very transparent and honest. My trail name is Index and I share a lot of the same interests that you do. Including my mother in my hiking hobby, love of dogs, and being outgoing and adventurous. I'd like to share a hike with you in the Pacific Northwest or anywhere honestly. I love a great adventure. I'd sponsor and finance the adventure if interested. I have always wanted to start my own hiking KZbin channel. I'd really appreciate an adventure with you to decide whether it is right for me. Anyway, hope to hear from you. Thanks