Tent Question!

[toccoaspinner]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good tent under $150.00? I'm mostly a 3 season camper though I may get into some mild winter camping.

[toccoaspinner]

Forgot to say that I'd want a backpacking tent, 2 person preferable.

[karoberts]

Hit up an REI used gear sale and try to find a Hubba Hubba, Seedhouse UL2, or even a Quarter Dome T2. Used, they should all be under $150. Make sure you get in the front of the line to get the best deal.

[unclemjm]

Good suggestion from karoberts. All good tents.

Also watch the gear for sale forum here on Whiteblaze.

(Cheap gratuitous plug for a tent I have for sale here (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56835).)

It's also worth while to watch Craig's list - there are occasionally some sweet deals there.

There are also usually some pretty good clearance sales at places like REI.Com sometime in January and there is nothing wrong with going for a past season tent that works fine but is not the newest model on the shelf.

I suggest getting something, even if it is not exactly what you want so you can get out on the trail and then over time decide what you like most about different types and what is most important to you.

At that point, pay the big bucks if necessary to get what you really want. When you consider that the cost of a good tent that will last you many years is less than four or five nights in a mid-range hotel on a vacation then the several hundred dollar price tag is much more palatable.

[copythat]

just a bit over $150.

http://tinyurl.com/yc6jaj7

[srestrepo]

hey listen, for 150 bucks there is guy that is selling a big agnes seedhouse sl1. he's on backpackinglight. anyway there's a lot of people on that website and they have a VERY VERY BUSY gear trade section over there. and since they're all a bunch of weenies that don't want to carry any more weight than they want to, what they think is too heavy is probably ridiculously lightweight for us...

give them a shot and good luck!

[Connie]

"google" MSR Twin Sisters

$149

[white_russian]

Hit up an REI used gear sale and try to find a Hubba Hubba, Seedhouse UL2, or even a Quarter Dome T2. Used, they should all be under $150. Make sure you get in the front of the line to get the best deal.
January 2nd at Asheville REI

I just got a Quarterdome T2 for $50 at the garage sale at the REI in Buford, GA a couple of weeks ago.

[toccoaspinner]

Good suggestions everybody! Thanks!

[Ladytrekker]

Hit up an REI used gear sale and try to find a Hubba Hubba, Seedhouse UL2, or even a Quarter Dome T2. Used, they should all be under $150. Make sure you get in the front of the line to get the best deal.

Another good site with good deals is campsaver.com they are in Utah no sales tax and usually free shipping and sometimes will throw in a footprint for free. They sometimes have some really good deals on tents.

[Singletrack]

Eureka Spitfire 2, $109.90 at Campmor.

[Tinker]

If weight is more important than freestanding, and you hike mostly in warm weather, this is a quality tent and worth a look. I used to own one but hike solo mostly now.
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=microlight-tent-two-person&categoryId=53422&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1

[mister krabs]

Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 (http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Zephyr-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B000MAOEB4) or 3 for 103.50$ with free shipping. I love my zephyr 3, easily comparable quality with an MSR or SD or REI tent.

[lazy river road]

Its a bit over your price range but check out the marmot aura 2p. I have the 3p version and it's bomb proff. I love, great tent.

[Wags]

i would combine this:

http://www.amazon.com/GoLite-Shangri-La-2-Tent-Nest/dp/B001M4HLMI/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=sporting-goods&qid=1261669157&sr=1-22

with a nice 8x10 or 10x10 tarp. so versitile

[toccoaspinner]

That Zephyr looks awesome, huge fly, like that.

[toccoaspinner]

So many dang choices....aaaarrrggghhhhhhh!

[mister krabs]

That Zephyr looks awesome, huge fly, like that.

That's a big reason I got it, full fly to the ground all the way around. Two doors, two vestibules, good ventilation. The mesh tent body is charcoal colored so at night it disappears when you're lying inside. It's a bit breezy inside when the wind is blowing, but bone dry.

[brooklynkayak]

i would combine this:

http://www.amazon.com/GoLite-Shangri-La-2-Tent-Nest/dp/B001M4HLMI/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=sporting-goods&qid=1261669157&sr=1-22

with a nice 8x10 or 10x10 tarp. so versitile

This would be my choice compared to all the ones mentioned so far. The others are either cramped, too heavy or both.
We are talking about backpacking, not car camping, correct?

[Bags4266]

Under 4 lbs for 2 people, bomb proof. Been around for a while. $12 more than your target though
http://www.altrec.com/sierra-designs/clip-flashlight-2-person-tent?sku_id=491900&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Sierra%20Designs-_-49696-491900&mr:trackingCode=7A4960CB-C181-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA

[toccoaspinner]

[quote=Bags4266;938740]Under 4 lbs for 2 people, bomb proof. Been around for a while. $12 more than your target though

I like the Sierra Designs model but it's not freestanding is it? In all actuality, does freestanding even really matter?

[brooklynkayak]

Regarding freestanding:
Everyone lives in their own reality.
How often do you think you will use that feature? Or should I say how often do you really need that feature. For me never.

I say no to freestanding, but I also say no to double wall dome type shelters.
Don't believe the hype that the outfitters are pushing on you.

[Tinker]

Freestanding is only a reality in mild weather use. When the wind blows every tent needs to be staked somewhere or it will blow away or over. Nearly every tent on the market has a vestibule which requires stakes to be of any use.
In short, when the weather is nice and you have to pitch on wood platforms a freestanding tent is nice. Other than that, it's just heavier than it needs to be.

[Bags4266]

Yea double wall is a pain, espicially if its raining. BUT, its nice without the fly on very airy.

[toccoaspinner]

Well, everyone's advice was highly appreciated and gave me quite a bit to think about when selecting a tent. Santa brought me a gift card this morning so I did some online shopping, and review reading, and we have a winner!

REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent
http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/766994

[Wolfmaan]

You might be best to hit eBay, Craigslist or even Kijiji for something in your price range. Often you can get a great used tent which has only been on a few adventures for a fraction of new cost. Just be careful when buying so you don't get a worn out pile of garbage.

[Bags4266]

AAAA that's a one person tent. Didn't you say you were looking for a two man tent?

[toccoaspinner]

Yeah, I change my mind....sorry :-) But! Some of the reviews said two can fit inside it tightly...

[unclemjm]

Yeah, I change my mind....sorry :-) But! Some of the reviews said two can fit inside it tightly...

The great thing about REI is you can try it and return it. If two fit great, if not, you're not out any more than postage. Enjoy!

[toccoaspinner]

I'm looking forward to it! Thanks!