Keen has a wider toe box than some other manufactures. they are nice for wider feet. they systematically run a .5 size small so by a half size up to get the proper fit

Jeff has not used this bag. my tent (MH Helion 2) and sleeping bag (MH Spectre 20) fit perfectly in the bottom compartment of this bag. I have used this pack on a 5 day trip on the AT with food split btw my partner and it worked great. if you get creative with packing this bad boy and dont carry the biggest gear available a weekend is simple. Jeff must be confused... it also make a fantastic climbing bag! I fit 80 ft of static rope, my climbing cord, plenty of slings and biners in here no problem plus lunch and all the extras

I have played around with both tents and i decided to go with the Helion. Here is why.

the floor seems to be a bit tougher (as mentioned) and so do the poles. I am also not a big fan of the single pole w/ hub configuration on the seedhouse. I find it is harder to pack the single pole compared to the 3 separate ones on the helion. The single pole design on the seedhouse also makes it less stable and less able to withstand harsh winds and rains.

I am a bit disappointed with the ring design instead of clips on the helion. this isnt that big of a deal though because you can actually use a bunch of mini wire gate biners as clips. I got some at EMS and it works great. I am also a "happier camper" inside the Helion. it is a tad bit smaller floor space but i was not all that thrilled with the steep slope of the seedhouse side walls.

Both tents are VERRY small 2 person tents. if you are a big guy you will not be sharing this tent unless you are spooning and laying against the walls. I highly doubt i could fit 2 big agnes mummy aircore pads in the helion together.. it may be possible in the seedhouse but still very tight.

MH was also smart to put adjustable pole grommets on the floor of the tent. this makes it easier to put up and take down while also providing greater stability when tightened. over all the helion is more advanced and better built.

both tents are extremely packable (I can get mine with footprint in a small cordura sea to summit compression sack compressed all the way down no problem at all) the hubba hubba is much bulkier and requires a medium sack. it is much roomier though.

if you have the extra change I would go with the helion

I do a lot of lightweight packing and I am starting to use the MSR E-wing tarp. I ripped my last tarp (not sure who made it tho) so I will let you know what I think after I test it out a few times in various conditions.

I use a lightweight tarp with an ENO hammock and bug net, leaving my tent and sleeping pad at home (if i am in an area with trees). I like the hammock as well bc it keeps me up off the ground so i dont worry about rain water running under me and getting me wet the way you do sleeping on the ground. They take a little longer to set up though which is a pain. just an alternative idea for you to consider

If a bivy is what you're looking for I know the O.R. alpine bivy is CRUCIAL! pricy but amazing. O.R. hasnt made a product I have not loved yet and that bivy is light and goretec so its built to last and be dry.

I had a question for you too, actually. I see you have been using the L.L. Bean microlight tent. What do you think about it? and would you recommend it? Pros? Cons? I know that it is not freestanding and I have only used freestanding, have you had any issues with that? I am interested in the 2 man version. any feedback on it would be a great help!! It looks like a great value. let me know, please

Thats a good question but prob. one for the people at Deuter, not backcountry.com... The good news is if you order it from here you have a lifetime warranty cause you can just send it back for another one if it craps out on you. happy outdoorsing!

This bag is much roomier than most bags due to the stretch feature. it also zips up from the bottom in case you wanna hang a leg out of it.