SlingFin Portal 2 - One Year Review

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Have you bought a SlingFin tent or are you considering one? What tent are you using now?

[@tims8966]

I love this tent so hard! I've had a Portal 2 for four years and it's endured 50 mph winds, snow loads and abuse from me. I had to replace a few pole segments when one snapped in high winds (my fault, I didn't pitch it right for high winds) but that was super easy and cheap to do with the instructions and accessories page on the SlingFin website. It's like new. These guys know how to build a tent!

[@MountainsCallingMe]

That's awesome! Glad you're happy with yours and I agree, they really do know how to build a tent!

[@EspyLouie]

Agree these are all the reasons why I am looking at this tent. 2 doors, freestanding, double wall and being able to leave your fly off. I also keep all my gear inside rather than the vestibule. Being a smaller hiker, I may choose a 1 person tent and be fine but I choose to have the 2 person tent because of 2 doors and gear storage inside. Great review, thank you.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Thanks for watching! If you go with this tent you wont be disappointed! 😃⛺️ I used a 1 person copper spur for 1 season. Its was only marginally lighter than this, only had 1 door, and made keeping all my stuff inside difficult and was problematic when it rained. In 2016 I spent 4 days of rainy backpacking across Isle Royale. The 1P tent did work, but was not comfortable when it was raining - which was most of the time!

[@EspyLouie]

@MountainsCallingMe I saw your photo from Isle Royale. I went there on a freezing early spring day. I had not planned on camping and really wish that I had visited later in my year long trip to the 62/63 national parks. I'm really thinking this is the tent for me. Thanks again.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

@user-oo1no6sb1u - That year I went to Isle Royale twice. The first was early spring before the ferry started running. I only saw 3 other people over 4 days hiking from Windigo to Rock Harbor. I am closing in on completing all 63 National Parks! This summer I will be spending 2 months in Alaska - hitting all 8 national parks - which will put me at 62 of 63. Only American Samoa will remain for me which I plan to visit later this year or early next. During my time in Alaska I will be spending 29 days backpacking and plan to use THIS tent. I will be driving my campervan to Alaska and have enough space to bring along a backup tent just in case something catastrophic happens to the Portal at one of the parks. Of course I hope to not need the backup. :)

[@EspyLouie]

@@MountainsCallingMe What a treat!

[@misfireendurance]

I've been using my Slingfin Portal 2 for two summers as well and I love it! I jumped on the Durston Xmid v2 when it came out but I just never switched out despite the lighter weight of the Xmid and ended up selling it. I just love the features, the workmanship, and materials of this tent. I did buy the groundcloth but am still using the original poles. Thanks for a great review!

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Awesome! Thanks for watching. I used the Portal 2 exclusively all summer. Worked great! Planning to use it again next summer. The Xmid never appealed to me. As an old Zpacks Duplex user I am still partial to that design, however I havent used my Duplex since getting the Portal 2. ⛺ Have a great one. 👋

[@brycetheshredder]

Ah man you should have gave the x-mid a better chance! Its such a good tent for the purpose it was made for. But i can also respect wanting the extra features and ease of a freestanding tent over the xmid, especially if you don’t mind the extra weight.

[@VTchalk]

Great review, thank you! Your video filled in all the details not captured in print reviews so I appreciate your thoroughness. I'm strongly leaning towards the Portal 2 for an upcoming trip to Iceland. I've seen too many videos and heard too many stories about high winds and torrential rain to trust my old, barely waterproof Big Agnes JackRabbit.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Glad it was helpful! I went to Iceland in 2019 and used a different tent. (Big Agnes Copper Spur Expedition). The stories of wind are true. The Portal 2 will stand up well in the winds! Take a peak at my channel at "the guyline video" for additional tips on how I rig my guylines on the Portal 2. Happy trails ⛺️ 🫡

[@medicinegone]

I've had mine for almost 3yrs now, I still love it. I also have the Portal 1 which is just as great.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Awesome! Thx for watching 🫡🙂

[@OutdoorAdventureAwaits]

That’s a beautiful forest you’re in

[@MountainsCallingMe]

That is “The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park” California. Its the closest forest to my house. Its great! Lots of trails for hiking and mountain biking.

[@dannyknight8082]

Hey great review. I'm really close to buying this. But the specs make me nervous I'm in the UK and the weather can switch at any time. Would you rate it in heavy rain and winds. Cheers. Subbed as well 👍🏻

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Thanks! Glad to have you! 🫡 The tent is good in rain and wind. Site selection is key to ensuring that you dont get splash back. Because the inner tent is fully mesh - if you setup on hard surface you can get 'some' splashback. Not unmanageable, but if you can setup on grass or softer surfaces that wont happen at all. Also, if you really want to have the most rock solid pitch you should always set the guylines. I recommend attaching to both of the attachment points along the 4 polls of the fly/upper. In this video I share a hack for how I attach both of those points using a single line out to the ground. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2Klh5qMo5mWhtk -- also if you use/carry trekking poles you can use the outrigger attachments and then run a guy line from above the pole which would make it even more strong. After 1 year of using this tent I purchased the upgraded pole set from SlingFin which further increased the strength of the tent. That isnt really required if you use guylines and the outrigger+trekking poles, but it only adds a few ounces to the overall weight of the tent. In summer of 2023 during one trip to Yosemite I had both high wind one day - the tent didnt budge and I slept like a baby and then multiple waves of hard rain the following day - and stayed dry inside. During this trip kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH3ZkJyJft6Vhrc I got hailed on and some people on reddit were acting like it was apocalypse - and I was fine in my tent! ... I have 29 days of backpacking in Alaska scheduled this summer in June-July and THIS is the tent I will be using! LMK if I can help with any other Q's.

[@dannyknight8082]

@@MountainsCallingMe Bro thanks so much for the detailed response. Being in the UK we have to pay even more to buy it so it's eye watering here. I'm going to have this as my do all tent apart from heavy winter conditions as I have a nortent for that. Going to catch up on your other vids. Good luck with the channel you deserve a lot more subs 👍🏻

[@dannyknight8082]

Hey just want to say I bought the SFP2 and have loved it. Even shared it with my son was tight with a long 64 and 55 pads in but we went opposite ends and it worked well. Not sure I'd be happy with 2 wide rectangular pads in there. Also got the heavy duty poles. When it's all guyed put it's a tank. Would definitely handle very strong winds. Only thing like you said is the rain splashback. If I was going in more testing conditions I always take a lightweight bivvy bag just in case of emergancues so it would protect my sleep system anyway. Are you planning on any more vids soon?

[@Bunsly1]

Great review. Was wondering if you think two people and a 50lb dog could comfortably fit in this tent? Thanks

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Thx for watching! I think it would be a tight fit with the addition of the dog. Id want a Portal 3 for that.

[@bretosborne7504]

You had me at "Located in the Bay Area." I love learning that they are local for me as well. Probably just sealed the deal.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Awesome!! I am in Aptos/Santa Cruz, and have actually been to their warehouse in Berkeley. They are a great company and great people, and of corse also make great tents. You won't regret owning this tent! ⛺️ Have a great day. 🫡

[@iheartalgebra]

Appreciate your comprehensive review, thanks! I'd love to hear how you think the Portal 2 compares to the Zpacks Duplex and the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

[@MountainsCallingMe]

I have not owned a Tiger Wall but I have used Big Agnes Fly Creek UL... I actually sold the Fly Creek after 1 use in Hawaii on the beach during high wind it was collapsing. The tiger wall and fly creek are single door which is a huge con. Having two doors is way better. I usually keep the doors open unless its crazy windy or actually raining. So the single door is just less views and ventilation. In Big Agnes lineup I would go with the Copper Spur over the Tiger Wall. I have most experience with the Duplex so I will focus on the differences with that - There are a bunch of advantages of the Portal 2 over Duplex. Portal 2 Pros: Headroom. I have a good duplex hack which raises the wall for more headroom, but the portal2 has more! Free standing. Simplifies setup in places where stakes cant be driven into ground. Double wall. I use the tent A LOT without the fly. On short trips where I know its not going to rain I leave the fly in my vehicle. Even when I bring the fly I dont actually put it on unless its bad weather. I love having wide open views in all directions. Better airflow. Pockets. Places to keep things off the floor helps with organization. Also use pockets to hold clothes which helps clothes dry sooner. Doesnt require trekking poles but can use with poles to add extra strength. I dont typically use trekking poles so I was just carrying them most the time. Weight difference in negligible. Factoring in the trekking poles the Duplex isnt that much lighter. Less issues with condensation. Slightly more sun protection. I have the thinnest duplex fabric and it only provides minimal protection from hot sun. The portal2 fly is very thin but its got a little bit more sun protection. Ventilation during bad weather. The kickstands on the portal 2 doors are not magical but at least they exist. I know the duplex zip has vents but I dont have that so I cannot comment how well they actually work. Storm worthiness - the duplex is not particularly bad but the Portal 2 is more resilient to wind. I also have the portal 2 pole upgrade and during my last trip to Yosemite during high wind the tent didnt budge at all. Duplex pros: Setup is faster and easier. I have the process dialed in and can do it in

[@asdf6892]

I just received a Portal 2 and set it up in my living room. First impression is that it is tight, especially in the head and foot area when lying down. I hope taking it out and staking it out will open up the floor space. I immediately saw why you added the shock cord to stretch the head area out, and I agree they should add the same to the foot. I also see why they didn’t add internal guy lines to the head area-they would reduce headroom. I am used to tents with prebent poles that add just that little bit of head/foot room when lying down. It is expensive compared to others it is competing with. I read all their technical articles to convince myself it was a good purchase. Was hoping that it would rock the living room test like the Copper Spur HV UL2 did (except for the zippers). The CS UL2 is nice and taut 100% freestanding (no stakes) whereas the Portal 2 is distinctly not taut when not staked. Granted every tent should be staked, but also these are supposed to be “freestanding” and we’re paying about 14oz of weight penalty for freestanding ness. Note that the return policy is reasonable but doesn’t allow one to set it up outside (I.e. properly) when evaluating it. Ultimately this results in a bigger leap of faith than with a tent that can be purchased at REI.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Are you saying that the inner body is loose when not staked or are you talking about the fly? I find that when using the inner body and not staked out the body is tight all around. When I put the fly on it is not tight initially, but after I tighten down the 4 corner lines it tightens up, even when not guyed out. I pretty much always have the corners staked/rocked even in the mildest of conditions. Securing the corners helps keep it from flailing around when attaching the first pole between opposing corners. I know the feeling about buying from places not REI or Amazon because the return process could be more painful. I have returned countless pieces of gear to REI. They even took a Big Agnes Shield 2 tent back on the very last day of the 1yr policy even when it was past order date but still within 1 year of actual receiving the shipped package. I had two issues with the Crossbow and worked with Tim @ SlingFin to resolve them. One of the fly door zippers had a catch spot and would only slide if tugged very hard. They replaced that no questions asked. Then after taking the tent to Yosemite for the first time I noticed a spot on the body that seemed to draw water unlike anywhere else on the body and bead up and drip. I emailed them a video of that they theorized it was a not visible oil or something spilled on the fabric at the factory. So they swapped out the body with a new one. If you are truly unhappy with it then just return it. If you think it might be a manufacturing defect you could email them to let them know the concern and they will help sort it out. Big Agnes is pretty good about warranty as well. My CS4 was within 5yrs of purchase date and they restrung my poles with new shock cord for free. I also have good things to say about Zpacks tent warranty. Any time I get a new tent I set it up in the yard on top of a cheap blue tarp. Its big enough that no part of the tent touches the ground directly. I would definitely encourage getting a cheap tarp so you can do a proper setup in the yard.

[@asdf6892]

In my Copper Spur UL2, the head end of the tent is super tight and there is ZERO sag even when not staked out. I think that is partially due to the hub spreading the head end poles apart from each other. In my Portal 2, every panel of the tent sags. In the end it isn’t a dealbreaker, as the sag isn’t extreme, but it does rob the interior of space to the point where it is worthwhile to work around it. Setting them up side by side, I would say that the Copper Spur is notably stronger freestanding at the sides and at the head end, but notably weaker at the foot end, without guy lines. The portal is stronger at the foot end, and stronger when using the outrigger and/or carefully guyed out. The Portal 2 does pack down a liter or so smaller than the CS UL2.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Other than this and the height of the solid wall, have you noticed any other key differences? Pluses or Minuses? I would imagine you may find other things over time that make the Portal 2 better or worse.

[@jennifermao-jones6746]

So helpful! Thank you! Do you think the green/brown SFP2 model wouldn’t be as advisable because of the darker fly maybe causing the interior to feel darker, and darker floor so perhaps harder to see/find things (vs. the bright orange)? I’m new to camping, so only just thought of this when you mentioned how you liked the lighter color fly.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

I think certain people might prefer the dark green color for hunting or other situations where you might want to "blend in more" in a forest where there is more greens and browns. I do more camping in the mountains around granite which is white mostly. Blending in really isnt a concern of mine anyways. I camp a lot in places above treeline or with few trees so the darker green color would absorb more sun and make it hotter. I looked at their website right now and it also mentions that the green/brown does not have reflective trim which makes me believe the primary difference is intended for "stealth" in forests. The fabric is still the same thickness so it probably still allows roughly the same amount of light through. The green/brown wasnt available when I bought but I would still choose the white/orange if I could do over again. 👍

[@peterpenner7838]

can you please tell us how wide the inside space is? the tent is square? not a trapezoid? do two insulation mats that are 65 cm wide, fit inside?

[@MountainsCallingMe]

The floor dimensions are 85" x 51" (head) / 42" (foot) (216cm x 129cm / 107cm). The head-end is slightly wider than the foot end. It is not a rectangle, more of a trapezoid... Two "wide" sized inflatable sleeping pads will fit! Thanks for watching! 🫡

[@bicyclebob9565]

Yup, love my Portal 2! (Backpacking tent for my wife and I)

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Awesome! thx for watching 🫡

[@tonyhartman273]

Really nice video! Do have a question - have you considered the 1P? Lighter, smaller footprint, smaller packspace. The only thing holding me back on it is the single vent on door. Tim mentioned to me there is only the one. I'm not concerned about single vestibule, possibly worried about the backside being more vertical and less wind resistant. Thx.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Hi. Thanks for your comment. I have looked at the new 1P and 3P. I only considered the 3P for trips with my wife. I haven't pulled the trigger yet. I have used a Copper Spur 1P for a full 2016 season. Ended up selling that tent after that season. I got rained on for 4 days in Isle Royale with the 1P tent. It was sort of manageable. I had to put my pack and everything down by my feet. I much prefer a 2P tent now, even with the weight penalty. Being able to spread out and have things somewhat organized is important for me. I do also like having 2 doors so I have more of a view, and better ventilation. In my experience the kickstand door vent does work. I just dont like that its a separate piece that I might lose. Having the doors staked out crosswise also works well even without the vent when its not raining hard. I hope my answers help. 🙏 🫡

[@tonyhartman273]

Yes it helps thx. Did IR last year, 5 nights. I stayed at all coastline campsites that had shelters and only 1 night didn't get one. Walked 17miles from N shore to S shore on an all day thunderstorm as internal campsites were full of water. Used the Xmid 1P. I sold it as was V1. Now have the 1P Pro. That works great on milder summer excursions. Next trips, will have mix of above treeline, more Lake Superior shoreline and tent platforms. So looking into freestanding and more wind capability, but still have ventilation. The Portal 3P looks perfect for 2 people, have that in my in basket. Thx for reply and again, great video.

[@edduff875]

I like 2 lite same material as the portal now since redesign and a smaller foot print still bomb proof compared to other tenets

[@asdf6892]

How much do you think the internal guy lines actually help? Thanks for posting this. How would you compare the stormworthiness to the copper spur based on your personal experience? I noticed you used your crossbow on the beach in another video. Do you think the mesh on this tent starts too low for beach/desert used? That’s the one big advantage that the Copper Spur has over this, though maybe the CS is also too open.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

The logic behind the internal guy lines makes sense. They do seem to help with forces hitting the long side of the tent. During my most recent trip to Yosemite there was strong wind one night and it didnt budge at all. I have a Copper Spur 4 (older version) and a CS HV3 Expedition. I also had a CS 1 for a season. I believe the Portal 2 would be more storm worthy. The internal guy lines as well as the trekking pole integration are two things the CS does not have. The mesh inner of the Portal 2 is similar to the Copper Spur Platinum. The Copper Spur HV UL wall body does go up higher than the Portal 2 but I dont think either one would be my first choice for desert/beach camping. When the wind is blowing the sand and dust will come up and over the wall of the Copper Spur. When I used the CS HV3 Expedition in Iceland in 2019 the first night I had both door sealed but not the roof window. Sand/dust came in through an open window which is on the roof of the tent. It doesnt matter how far up the wall goes - sand will blow and move vertically along the tent and come in. Few things suck as much as blowing sand and dust getting into the tent. For sustained usage in desert/beach/dusty locations with wind I would want a full wall tent that can be closed entirely. All windows should have the ability to be sealed completely. I am happy with the lack of higher wall on the Portal 2. No wall helps it perform better in hot conditions. I would rather have better airflow. In the event its actually windy I close the doors facing the wind, which I think provides good enough wind protection. I hope this helps. Happy trails.

[@asdf6892]

Thanks! That all makes sense. I think it’s unrealistic to expect a backpacking tent to do everything…although the PCT kind of requires such a tent. I definitely see how trekking poles make this much stronger than other tents could hope to be. I do wonder how much two guy line anchors per corner helps. I am going to try to anchor the upper ones to four separate stakes, and then have the lower pair on each side anchored to a shared middle stake that also holds the fly (like Big Agnes suggests the CS should be anchored). Separate stakes at different angles for top and bottom anchors makes a lot more sense to me. The toggles and the hooks that connect the pieces to the poles allow a lot of play…much more than I anticipated. If they could tighten u those connections it would be easier to be convinced that their system is as effective as they suggest.

[@Emily.risney]

I just picked this tent up. I did use a Dan Durston 2P Solid, and I like it, but candidly, I agree with your assessment; I don't really use trekking poles. I was attracted to this tent, for some of the same reasons you explained : roominess, quality of construction/materials, relative lite weight, and color scheme :) my questions are : would it be better to add stake outs- lines outs - than not ? Do you have an opinion on a ground sheet for this tent ? How easy is it to pitch and break down, compared the ZPacks Duplex ? What other tents did you consider ?

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Definitely put lines on the tent. I actually have a vid on my channel talking about tent lines and the Portal 2. I am presently using the SlingFin ground sheet with it. That works well. I have used Gossamar Gear polycryo sheets before. They dont have nearly the same durability as the SlingFin sil-nylon groundsheet. I like not having to worry about it. I camp in lots of "rough" places. I have also tried tyvek previously and didnt care for it. Was noisy and didnt get down as compact. The tent is very easy to setup and take down. About the same as the Duplex. Getting the fly fasteners attached to the poles does require some bending and crouching to get in there and attach those. Its not difficult. Just an extra step. I considered Big Agnes tents. I have several other BA tents. I also looked at all the other major tent manufacturers but didnt see anything that caught my eye. Enjoy the new tent! :)

[@drytool]

I have an X-Mid with the vent sticks attached on 1 end and it makes rolling the tent up somewhat annoying

[@MountainsCallingMe]

The Portal 2 rolls up easily, and the body, fly, and add-on ground sheet all fit in the included stuff sack with room to spare. I hate it when the tent is hard to put back into the vendor included stuff sack. Some of my other tents are like that... Fortunately, this tent does not suffer from that issue at all. It's a great tent! Thanks for watching! 🫡 👍

[@edduff875]

I got the sling fin 2 lite and like it a lot. I also have a big agnus Cooper spur 3 person. I got 2 lite to save me 2 lbs and the space of the copper spur is a little over kill for one person. The tent is about sturdy as they come and I having 2 walls to sleep with the fly off nice nights

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Nice! The 2 Lite looks like a great tent! Copper Spur is also great! I have an older 4-person CS for trips with my wife when weight is not a concern and also a 3-person CS "expedition" version for cold weather trips with her. Im a bit of a tent collector. 🤠

[@apleparulo3958]

Really nice video. What the actual weight of the whole tent with the heavy duty poles, stakes and bag? The mfr states the weight is 3lb 5 oz and that the heavy duty poles add an incremental 5.8 oz, so it should be ~3lb 11 oz. This would make it about the same as the Hilleberg Niak. The Portal has two doors, though. I am also wondering about the length of this tent --this is a touch shorter than some other two person tents. What height person would be too tall for this one? Thank you.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Hi. Thanks for watching! I am out of town right now visiting family so I cannot throw the whole kit on my scale and get you an exact weight of my setup. I will be back home on the 19th and can get an exact weight that weekend and follow up...In any case, I recall weighing all of my SlingFin tents on the scale and all being almost exactly what the MFG website states. In addition to the standard Portal 2 kit, I do have the "upgraded poles", I also have lots of guylines which might add a few OZ, then I also use the SlingFin groundsheet. I am 5'10" and this is very comfortable for me. The tent floor is 85" long (7.08ft)... I would think that someone who is 6ft-something could use this ok. Being a mesh inner, if your brushing up against that you wont pickup any condensation like a single wall tent, fwiw... I will checkback once I am back home and weigh the tent. Have a great day!

[@MountainsCallingMe]

My tent body + fly + 2 stuff sacks + heavy duty poles is 3lbs 10oz. With groundsheet it is 4lbs exactly. My stakes in their bag adds 5.3oz.

[@apleparulo3958]

Does the 4lbs include the stakes?

[@MountainsCallingMe]

@@apleparulo3958 4lbs was without stakes.

[@pascalhaering]

Planning to buy this tent, but not sure whether to go for the colour you've got or the new darker green one. All my previous tents have been relatively dark. What are your thoughts on the white colour after two years of using it?

[@MountainsCallingMe]

I definitely like the lighter color. I often end up camped in exposed places, and believe that the lighter color soaks up less heat from the sun. If you are camped in shady areas mostly that might not matter as much, but also the darker color would probably then also make the inside feel darker blocking more light in those shady areas. It might feel smaller inside also being darker, but that is pure speculation. I also am fond of the SlingFin orange color for the floor. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your new tent. Either color cant go wrong. 👍🫡

[@pascalhaering]

@@MountainsCallingMe , thanks for the quick reply!

[@OneWeekGetAway]

Very curious about the new Slingfin Portal 3 - which is new and seems reviewless. Thanks for the great video

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Thanks for your comment. Looking at the product web page for the Portal 3 it seems that other than the size there is only a change to the internal pocket and slightly thicker poles. I would think the Portal 3 is a little more stable than the stock Portal 2. I have the "Heavy Duty" pole kit for my Portal 2 and it definitely makes a difference having thicker poles. I was just in Yosemite this past week and there was high winds and I had zero issues with the Portal 2. I slept like a rock during storms 2 nights in a row. I also have the SlingFin Crossbow and Windsaber tents and plan to post review videos for those sometime soon. If SlingFin sent me a Portal 3 I would gladly review it! 😀⛺

[@nathanaelburlando3638]

Great review. How tall are you? The Portal 2 looks short.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Thanks! I am around 5ft 9in. There is plenty of headroom. I often use it with a 4" thermarest NXT and nemo switchback

[@karmaisaqueen]

Nice tent!

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Thanks!

[@christianb8228]

What’s with all the guy lines?

[@MountainsCallingMe]

I have lines on all of the tie-out points...nothing more. I actually have a single line that runs between the two of the fly attachment points to minimize the total number of lines and stakes required. I also use extra long lines so I can do a slipknot and attach to big rocks or logs or branches when possible. Having this line setup enables me to camp above tree line or in exposed places and not have issues with high wind. I have a video about my line setup here where I talk about this in more detail, have a peak :) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2Klh5qMo5mWhtk

[@christianb8228]

@@MountainsCallingMe awesome that’s interesting, thanks for explaining. Have a good day!

[@papajeff5486]

I have the ZPacks Duplex.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

@papajeff5486 Zpacks Duplex is a great tent! Check out my 6 Hacks for Duplex vid. 😃

[@christophdollis1955]

I see little point in trekking poles.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

👋 Agreed! I haven't hiked with trekking poles in over a year. And I have never used the trekking pole feature of the Portal tent in the field.

[@christophdollis1955]

@@MountainsCallingMe I did a lot of civilian hiking starting from a teenager without them and rucking/wilderness traversing in the infantry without them, indeed, often with my hands carrying something else that didn't touch the ground, and I was fine.

[@thewanderingsoul71]

Lol. A $500+ tent that weighs 3 lbs. Massively overpriced. So many good tents under $200 that are 3 lbs or less.

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Ok. Rattle of a list of those many tents...

[@MrJLewis59]

Do tell? Lots of folks would be interested in seeing it.

[@mcw24216]

Oddly quiet…..weird.

[@countduku9470]

“Crickets”

[@michaelbattin6717]

were neighbors I am new to backpacking, I bought a nimo hornet but I like the features you have mention about the sling Fin 2. I might return the the hornet. I know Nisene blindfolded. Could you recommend some cool weekend trips in the sierra's ?

[@MountainsCallingMe]

I really like the SlingFin Portal 2. I just googled the nemo hornet and I would say the Portal 2 looks like it would feel more roomy and have more headroom. The hornet is a little bit lighter... Trade-offs! I am sorta new to this area. I have lived in Aptos since June 2020 and have only scratched the surface of Nisene. I'd actually like to know where are your favorite places to hike in there? Any secrets you can share? I mainly stick around the Old Growth Loop area. With all this rain the creek has been really moving! I know the Sierras way better than the local trails. In the Sierra here are some of my favorite backpacking trips: 1. Rae Lakes Loop. Can do in 2nts but 3nts or more better. After doing that for the first time in 2016 I knew I wanted to hike the JMT and did that the following year. I am tentatively planning to go there in early June. But might pivot to Yosemite Valley due to snow levels. 2. Yosemite Valley area - tons of options, loops, out-n-backs, zig-zag routes. Half Dome cables. Little Yosemite Valley. Up Merced River. Merced Lake. Clouds Rest. Your hike can connect to anything starting from there. Happy Isles or Glacier Point trailhead. 3. Tuolumne Meadows - there are multiple trailheads to choose from. and really any direction you go for a weekend trip will be great. also some off trail routes which are less "popular" and therefor permits available in peak season. The offtrail routes have use trails and are not difficult to navigate. There are also overnighters starting at Sunrise Lakes trailhead. 4. Piute Pass - Desolation Lake. There are a lot of good trailheads on the east side but this one is the highest and the basin it leads to is amazing. Relatively easy hiking to because it starts up so high. 5. Sequoia - High Sierra trail. I have hiked out to remote Sequoia grove and camped under a Giant Sequoia and I was the only one there. Also the Lakes Trail area.

[@michaelbattin6717]

@@MountainsCallingMe great suggestions. My goal is pack to a lake and fish, Nisene is very narrow. I have spent many years exploring almost every trail. Calling it the epicenter is a joke. They were closing the park when the quake hit. They put a sign saying epicenter on "big slide" which help gain people to visit. The fisher were huge, trials were missing after the quake. I was on duty at the fire station in Soquel the day of the quake. Big slide was very different looking after the quake. My favorite loop is West ridge or Hoffmans to Sand point. Big Slide is cool also. We should talk if ever need any help. Not sure how to share info here. Enjoy Aptos

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Thanks for the trail tips. As soon as things dry up a little I am going to hike one of those loops. Its a bummer they close the parks when it rains. I am checking out Henry Coe this weekend. Will be my first time over there. My contact info is [e-mail] - feel free to drop me a line. 👋

[@michaelbattin6717]

@@MountainsCallingMe when it rain head to Henry coe the soil has more sand less mud

[@michaelbattin6717]

thank you

[@MountainsCallingMe]

Glad to help. :)