I've got a futura, and I'm looking into an ultralight camping tent either a 1 man bivy or 2 man dome depending on the pack size, What type of tent would work best with the Futura?

Hey James, I really love the Microlight 2 man tent from LL Bean. If you are looking for an incredibly high quality piece of a gear, a lifetime warranty, and pretty decent compressibility (1ft by 6in) this is a very good choice. As for cons, lately I've been switching to ultralight solo hiking, so that means I'm now carrying a lot more weight than I need to which kinda sucks :/. (I'm looking into selling the microlight for a one man). But if you're are splitting the tent weight between two people it is an excellent choice for backpacking. As for the freestanding part, I've never had a problem with it holding up. If you are tenting in a field which pegs can penetrate than you'll be all set; you can pitch the tent so tightly that its like a freestanding tent. Non-free standing means you just have to peg the tent down for it to stand up. I was a little skeptical at first but I find the Microlight easier to setup(and an overall lighter tent!) than freestanding models. Even if you are on a tent platform you could tie the tent down and that wouldn't be a big deal. So overall A+ tent if you're looking for a high quality 2 person tent!

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