I'm on the hunt for a decent cold-weather tent for southern New England. I'm not looking for a mountaineering tent, just something a bit more suitable to the cold and frozen ground than my 2 pound trekking pole tent. I have been considering a TT Moment DW with the liner and crossing pole, and that is not out of the question. But at around $400 configured as such and shipped, I'm considering something a bit more affordable.
Ideally I'd like:
Freestanding (I stake everything, but I've found battling stakes with frozen-solid ground or setting up snow anchors to be easier after the shelter is up).
Solid inner body, very little mesh (and these days every tent out there seems to be almost all mesh to keep the weight down) *** this seems to be the hardest issue to solve ***
Something with decent venting (my old freestanding tent had no vent at all)
1 person or 2 if it is a small 2
Won't collapse under a light snow load (I can always get up and knock snow off)
Long enough for Long sized sleeping bag
Under 4 pounds and decently packable (I don't generally backpack long miles in the winter, typically just treks with the scouts. Still, lighter the better)
Under $300 (and I'd be happy being wayyy under that, but I am not opposed to paying a bit more something of quality)
I ran across the BA Fairview at $130 that looked promising, but it is too short. (I even considered a BA Slater 1 since it has no mesh and is big enough for me, but I am concerned about its durability under some snow and wind).
Any suggestions welcome.