I'm looking to upgrade from my cheapo wal mart tent and start camping more, but I don't know much when it comes to tents. I'm looking around the 3 man range and also I want a vestibule. Weight isnt really a big issue. Any suggestions that won't absolutely break the bank??
Camping... well you can always get the next size up from what you have and look at what Cabellas offers also. I prefer a small one / two man tent with a 7X7 max foot print mostly because when the "house" is built I am a quarter mile away and fading. There is a bunch of tents to look at, mine are bare bones but the bag, pad, and blankets are top shelf. Shop around and you will find something but consider set up and assembly parts.
I gotcha. I typically won't be camping far from my truck so that helps a little. Our camp flooded and we don't have the money yet to redo it so I need a new shelter!
Get the "dome" again it is like thirty bucks. Mine it trashed from high winds last season and relocating here and there but them little ones set up quick and are easy to replace. Tip: get a carpet base that you can roll out under it and set up on that.
Check out Target's website, They surprisingly have quite a few nice tents for relatively inexpensive.
Look on Sierra trading post. They usually have last years models. B certain to find one with a footprint. Kelty, marmot, high Sierra, nemo... All quality tents Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
TJ is certainly correct... you can get by with another cheapo tent, but you'll just be getting by. If you want something quality that will last several years, through storms (while keeping you dry) & minor abuse, you're going to have to spend at LEAST $200. my rules for my tent: 1) fly that covers the entire tent. most inexpensive tents do not offer this... an inexpensive tent will have half a fly of sorts that may only cover the top of the tent while leaving the lower sides exposed. a good fly that covers to the ground is also important in wind blown rain for obvious reasons 2) good ventilation - self explanatory, but while the fly is off there should be plenty of ventilation. there should ALSO be plenty of ventilation while the fly is ON. the fly should stake out beyond the edges of the tent but remain off the ground for venting underneath and through the tent. this is really important like on a recent trip where it rained for 4 days straight - we stayed dry and cool... 3) tent must me long enough to service my length - in other words, I am 5'10"... I want a tent with PLENTY of room at my head and feet so that I am not forced to press my head or feet on the tent wall. 4) ease of use - my current tent is very easy to go up and down - under 5 minutes. 5) ground fly - I have a footprint made for my current tent, but it can be accomplished with a tarp cut to size or as S&S said a piece of carpet cut to size. it should be smaller than the actual size - i.e. should not stick out from underneath the tent, otherwise if it rains, the rain will go right under the tent. 6) free standing setup - the tent when assembled will stand freely if needed in an emergency - this will also make it rock solid when staked down - more so than a tent that is not free standing. this is some of my best advice from 40+ years in dozens of tents... until I started using good quality gear... I've only owned 2 tents for the past 20 years... a kelty streamside that is still serviceable for me while solo, but too small for my family. the fly gave up it's water repellency long ago and I have it coated. it's ugly now, but works. 2 years ago, due to my expanding family, I upgraded to this tent: Limelight 4P | Marmot.com The best thing about this tent over any other tent I have owned is it has ample vestibules and doors on *2* sides - eliminating the need to have to climb over another person to exit/enter the tent... expensive? certainly... but it's uncomfortable enough sleeping on the ground as an old fart even with a high quality sleeping mat/pad to also be wet or hot or cold... but I've spent too many nights as a kid & young adult suffering... and since I'll never own a camper or an RV, I'm not gonna skimp on my home away from home...
looks like you might be able to get into a decent one for about that... depending on the size yer after 3-Season Tents - Backpacking, Family, & Solo | Backcountry.com if you really need a 4 season tent, you're going to have to pony up. most 4 season tents are really expedition class and are obviously more expensive... 4-Season Tents - Single & Double Wall | Backcountry.com
I would probably be okay with a 3 season as it doesn't get super cold very often down here in LA. And it might even be cheaper for me in the long run to buy a better tent that will last me longer. Thanks for all of the help guys!
I purchased a Quest tent that lasted through thick and thin, rain and wind, and I think I maybe spent $60 when it was on sale at Richard's Sporting Goods. I've slept in it well over 30-40 times and easily got my moneys worth. If you don't already have one, get an air mattress to get off the ground and a good sleeping bag. Unless you spend some good money, (a few hundred bucks), I wouldn't expect a tent to do much more than protect you from the wind and rain.
The conditions should absolutely be factored in when getting a tent and you don't want to get caught under prepared for the duration of your hunt.
I'm a big fan of Big Agnes tents. I have a small 2 man backpacking Trent that had never failed me. High quality and excrement easy to put up and take down. They are pretty pricy, you you can catch them on sale or clearance at times. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
