Tent Recommendations ?

[alexbaker]

I am in the market for a new tent. If you or someone you know has had good (or bad) experiences with a tent that you think could influence my buying decision, I would be happy to hear about it. Thanks in advance, here is some info which could help:

 

1. If it has mesh I would like the option to zip it up w/ full fabric. I've had bad experiences in dusty areas (creek) with mesh.

2. I will be using this tent in car camping situations 75% of the time. Probably 20% backpacking and the other 5 maybe in the snow.

3. 2 person

4. Money is pretty important. 400 bucks seems like the most I would spend. Perhaps more under special circumstances, i.e. a single wall which does great in rain and is super durable.

5. Single wall would be rad, but I live in the northwest and I wonder if they do good in the rain?

6. The simpler the better. In general I can't stand features, gadgets and gizmos. I still use a phone from 2001 and sharpen my pencils.

 

Thanks all

 

Alex

[summitchaserCJB]

For a tent that you use backpacking only 20% of the time I'd say single wall is overkill. Save the cash for gear and beer. I use my old double wall Walrus for most backpacking/climbing excursions.

[summitchaserCJB]

But if you think single wall is cool/worth the money, whatever, go for it.

[Le Piston]

I tend to agree with Summitchaser...for a tent primarily for car camping, you don't really need a single wall tent. A roomy 2 person with a fly that is light enough for backbacking is the ticket. On fine nights leave the fly off and enjoy the stars safe from the bugs. In the rain, a waterproof fly will keep you cozy. There are dozens of tents that will fit the bill. Look at Sierra Designs, Big Agnes, and even REI. You can probably get a decent tent on sale. I had an REI Half Dome that worked well for me for many years. My main tent now is a Black Diamond Firstlight, but I don't take it car camping ever. I have a big dome tent for that...comfy!

[chirp]

This is a job for JDjr!

[layton]

With those kind of requirements I would get any double wall tent from a reputable manufacturer that is on sale. If it was primarilty alpine one nighters I'd get a betalight tarp, winter - a firstlight, exped a bibler. I seem to remember a sierra designs cliplight flashlight cd to be a great tent for the coin.

[nhluhr]

The tent you're looking for sounds like the REI Arete ASL 2 (single front door/vestibule) or the REI Cirque ASL 2 (if you want side doors with 2 big vestibules and won't be digging a platform on steeper snow).

 

They are pretty damn lightweight for a legit crossover tent that will handle both backpacking AND mountaineering without much compromise. I've been wanting one for a long time but I already have two tents that are nearly in the same category so I can't justify it.

[Vickster]

There was a guy selling a Hilleberg Allak for $400 the other day in Seattle, I would have bought it if I didnt already own one!

 

Find a good used Hilleberg, screw all that Chinese made crap.

[Julian]

My favorite tent ever in the "3-season 2-person backpacking" category is the unfortunately discontinued REI Sub-Alpine. Roomy, easy setup (all clips, no stupid pole sleeves, easy to set up even with only one person), pretty light, and it was very well-priced. If you can find a used one I would highly recommend it.

[BigSky]

There was a guy selling a Hilleberg Allak for $400 the other day in Seattle

If it is still available, buy it. Unless you're in a hurry I'd watch here and Craigslist to get a steal on something used.

[spotly]

For what you're doing, the REI Quarter Dome T2 might be a good choice. Light enough to backpack with and very comfy.

[aussie69]

Slept in an old Fitzroy during a Kentucky down poor. Don't know if you've spent any time down south but Seattle's rain ain't got shit on these monsoons... Anyhow, woke up dry as a bone and spent the next two days climbing over hangs cause everything else was soaked. The BD or Bibler tents all around rock for every situation.

[t_rutl]

MSR Hubba Hubba HP.

 

Super light (under 4#), roomy for two, dual doors & vestibules, waterproof fly, easy to set up, can find online for under $400

 

but for a car camper? check out STP, Backcountry's Outlet ect...you'll find something suitable for well under half your budget