Black Diamond Mega Light Shelter - 2007 BCS

Sometimes all you really need is a the MegaLight. You can save so much weight and be so comfortable. I've used them all over, but once I sat in Camp 4 in a four day rain storm, and had to dig trenches around the tent because of all the water. It was grim, but three of us and our gear were dry and relatively comfy the whole time. We didn't even have the floor - just groveling in the dirt..oh yeah-gotta love the valley.
If you are a minimalist you probably already own one of these, if not it's worth a try.

Big pros and cons. Pros: lightweight, and clearly a superior part of a snow shelter for winter/spring camping. Cons: the seam sealing is rough, with many seams. How water-proof will this be, given I was doing the sealing? Also, non-fireproofness is a serious issue. I tested the fabric by setting alight the stuff sack, which is make of the same stuff. Well, am now using another stuff sack, because it burned impressively. DO NOT COOK INSIDE THIS SHELTER. I will use it, and I really do like it. But it is not an all-purpose shelter by any means.

After just discovering snow camping i'm in love with this tent. Take along a lightweight bug mesh and its great in the summer too!

I bought my Mega Light three years ago and have used it on Shasta, Rainier, and an 8-day ski traverse of the Sierras. It has been a great purchase. The tent shines in the snow, after you set it up you can carve out sleeping platforms, tables, and a deep entryway so you can stand up tall while changing. Other benefits of floorless tents: You can set up your stove inside, you don't have to worry about spilling food, and when nature calls at 2am you just have to unzip your bag a little ways and take care of business lying down! I was at first skeptical of the ski pole coupler but it works perfectly. The tent does surprisingly well in wind, but strong gusts can get sketchy—anchor it well! It packs down incredibly small, sometimes you have to rummage around for it in your pack!