PDA

View Full Version : 3 person tent



Dartor
02-04-2017, 19:52
I am looking for a light,affordable tent that can sleep myself and 2 young kids comfortably. I need something that is light enough for backpacking and maybe split the carrying with my 10 year old. Under $250 if possible.

G-FOURce
02-04-2017, 20:12
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Big-Agnes-Fly-Creek-ul3-Three-Person-Ultralight-/112289286827?hash=item1a24f68aab:g:5UAAAOSw2xRYkjv A

Thats my first thought.

G-FOURce
02-04-2017, 20:19
http://www.backcountry.com/big-agnes-fly-creek-ul3-tent-3-person-3-season

there it is new for $300 (not $250, but pretty close)

bigcranky
02-04-2017, 20:28
We used the Tarptent Rainshadow when we hiked with our daughter, and it easily slept 3.

Franco
02-04-2017, 22:46
The Rainshadow is at $260 right now . Needs a minimum amount of experience in setting up tents 9not freestanding) or a few attempts before taking it to the wild.
This is my video clip on it, kind of rough but should give a good idea on how to set it up (there is a TT clip on that) and the space inside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNf837Dl1B0
As a tip, you can split the weight of any item whatsoever.
If you have a gallon of water in one container , give your partner something of yours that has the weight of 1/2 a gallon and you are even.

HooKooDooKu
02-04-2017, 23:47
I've enjoyed the Kelty Gunnison 3-person tent.

It's not the lightest tent, but that's because Kelty uses heavier weight fabrics than what is used in really light weight tent like Big Agnes Copper Spur. But at the same time, the Kelty isn't extremely heavy, and is bigger than typical 3-person tents. (The heavier weight fabric also keeps me from worrying about the kids damaging it.)

Most 3p tents I've seen have a spec of being only 66" wide... but for some reason, tent manufacturer get away with quoting tent sizes based on where the tent poles hit the ground and not usable space inside. I've got a 25" sleeping pad and 2 20" sleeping pads for my sons. Based on the math, those should fit a tent listed as 66" wide... but they do not. Even taking advantage of mummy shaped sleeping pads, it was impossible to put the three pads in a 66" tent.

Now I have the Gunnison 3.1... so I'm not totally sure about all the changes that have been made now that the current tent available is the 3.3, but the specs say it is 74" wide, which should be plenty wide for you and your kids. Many other tents you would need to go upto a 4 person tent for the 3 of you to fit comfortably with some extra space.

Right now, the Kelty Gunnison is on sale for $175 at Campsaver.

LIhikers
02-05-2017, 16:09
Another vote suggesting the Tarptent Rainshadow.
It fits me, my wife, and our 90 pound dog quite comfortably.
We've used it in all 4 seasons and even though it's not free standing we've always been able to get it up, even when the ground is too frozen for tent stakes.

soumodeler
02-05-2017, 16:18
My first vote would be for the TarpTent.

Also, REI has this on clearance: https://www.rei.com/product/862425/rei-co-op-quarter-dome-3-tent

Huntmog
02-08-2017, 23:04
I just posted on another thread about my Alps mountaineering chaos...I have a 2p for my two sons but will have to move up soon. It's heavy but sturdy....literally survived hurricane Matthew!! I take my fly creek if it's just one boy but I love the two vestibules on the chaos