2/3 person tent

[ASUGrad]

I went to Target and stumbled across a 3 man "backpacking" tent for $20. I bought it for a goof but it was the last one so it could be discontinued. We tried it out this weekend. It was sturdy yet a bit heavy. I like sturdy. The wind blew all night but I couldn't tell from inside the tent. For short term hikes, it would be OK and I could fit two people and gear inside it so it is roomy enough. I loved that part. It uses a three pole system which could explain the sturdiness. It's a pain to put together because of that. Unfortunately, one of the Scouts on the trip had the same tent so that could get confusing.

It was worth more that $20. Check your Target to see if they still have one.

[YeOldeBackpacker]

Big Agnes, MSR, Kelty,
I have used all 3 brands, Like all 3 each have thier pro's and con's....

Big Agnes seedhouse 3 5lb 6ozs $235.00
Big Agnes Seedhouse 3 SuperLight is 3lbs 15 oz $419.00,
MSR Mutha Hubba 6lbs 2 oz $399.00
Kelty Ouray 3 5lbs. 11 ozs. $340.00
Kelty Gunnison 5lbs 14oz $220
I didn't list in any special order, these are all 3 person 3 season tents
Personally if I was looking at a 5lb tent I would look at the Big Agnes... but to each his own.

[Roland]

Sierra Designs Lightning fits your requirements. It's a solid 3-season tent, large enough to accommodate your needs.

It normally sells for $250, but lately, it's been selling for less than $150. Here's a place that's selling the Lightning for $145, with free shipping.

You'd be hard pressed to find a better quality tent for this price. It's not the lightest, but at 4 pounds, it's lighter than many.

[mudhead]

That is a lot of tent for $145.

A lot.

[Wags]

LOL i can hardly wait to explain this to my girl...

she's gonna hate you guys! (until we're out in the woods)

[DipDog]

Kelty Gunnison 2 is a little over 100 bucks, check on ebay or a local outdoor store. Great tent for the money; has a nice rainlfly with 2 vestibules, might be nice to have the extra storage for the doggie stuff too. Weighs about 5 lbs total. Also nice solo tent if you like having some extra room, which is what I use it for.

I would 2nd the Gunnsion. I spent 2 nights on a Cranberry Glades trip in pretty heavy rain. Never got wet. The 2 doors and 2 vestibules are very handy.

[Tinker]

I'd say that, whatever the cost, get her a nice, comfortable MATTRESS.

If you're camping in the summer and already have a large tarp, get an REI Bug Hut 2 (I believe that's what it's called). All mesh with a bathtub floor. Same as my old Walrus Bug Hut 2.
Very reasonably priced.
My son and I weathered a horrific night of rain on the AT in Maine a few years ago with the Bug Hut and a 10X12 Equinox tarp. Never had a vestibule so large. All together around 5lbs.

[Tinker]

Here: http://www.rei.com/product/724388

[Wags]

that looks great tinker, but not much privacy for me and the lady! heheh

[Heater]

ok ok you bastards!!! i will spend decent money and get a good product... any brands i should definitely look for? any i should definitely stay away from? any must haves and mustn't haves?
remember, no winter hiking winter is for football and the fireplace

I would go with the Sierra Designs tent for $115 that someone posted earlier.

[Heater]

Sierra Designs Lightning fits your requirements. It's a solid 3-season tent, large enough to accommodate your needs.

It normally sells for $250, but lately, it's been selling for less than $150. Here's a place that's selling the Lightning for $145, with free shipping.

You'd be hard pressed to find a better quality tent for this price. It's not the lightest, but at 4 pounds, it's lighter than many.

I have one. The lightning is a good tent especially at that price.

[Nearly Normal]

Get a family style camping tent, a couple of cots and mattresses and take her to a state park with hot showers and toilets. Good food and chairs for around the fire.
A park with hiking trails.

After you get her used to camping and hiking move into backpacking slowly.
One overnight then two and so forth. Go when your pretty sure the weather is going to be good and a season with no bugs. Easy trails at first.
After a while she will be asking you when the next trip is.

[Wags]

hmmmmm that actually sounds like a great plan!

[Tinker]

You don't plan on taking her hiking on those sharp Pa. rocks, do you?

Head south to Shenandoah. The Blue Ridge parkway is a great bailout point if she decides it's not for her.

[Wags]

i plan on starting us out in my backyard! complete w/ firepit

then we'll progress to a friendly campground in some state park

then she'll probably tell me to have fun and be safe when i suggest a hike

[Wags]

btw thank you guys for such a warm and friendly community. people like you all make me want to get into this even moreso

[jonathanb23]

This was my first "backpacking" tent...yeah, anyway it is saved by the 2 LARGE vestibules...sub 6 lbs...that seems funny to say but given ur requirements, this is my "new" tent pick $10 rebate

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

or if your fast

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

and if you go campmor you can pick up a 20 degree 3lb bag for 40

https://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/s...productId=7693


just some thoughts

jb

[Wags]

ok so i'm gonna go w/ 1 of these 3:

kelty teton
sierra designs sirius 3
sierra designs lightning ultralite 2

sell me on 1 of them!

[Wags]

sorry, kelty teton 2

[Cheesewhiz]

If you buy any 3 season tent for under $150 new than that 4th season that is not covered is probably rain season. You will need to carry a tarp also. Save a little more and don't wast your money. Get a tent that you will stay somewhat dry in at least. Thats right you can't stay somewhat dry in a tent during a rain storm. Thats why more and more people a smartinin' up and going the route of the Hammock.