Recommend me a tent!

[dougp]

Sure it can be cheap. You just make do with what you can get and you have fun. If you need to have everything perfect to have a good time then camping is not for you.

I know quite a few people who have gone "cheap" when it comes to camping, and they always bitch because they're buying a new tent every year. I'm not saying you have to go balls-to-the-wall on gear, but paying a little more offers a significant upgrade in equipment.

Hell, last Memorial Day, the wife and I went camping with my family. I don't have any of my good gear, so she said we need to go buy a tent. She laughed at me when I wanted to spend $150 on a new one, and made me go for the $50 one ... told her she'd regret it. Ends up raining real crazy the first night and it completely collapsed the tent and flooded us out. Did that to everyone in our group but my parents who are using a 15 year old Eureka! dome tent.

 

[jlee]

The Eureka Apex 2XT is $40 cheaper, and since I really don't need a 3 person tent, I'm tempted to save the money and go for that instead.

 

[shortylickens]

Avoid Coleman and Ozark Trail. Thats cheap-ass Walmart junk.
After that, just go with the least expensive.

 

[dougp]

The Eureka Apex 2XT is $40 cheaper, and since I really don't need a 3 person tent, I'm tempted to save the money and go for that instead.

It looks good, but remember that a backpacking tent for 2 people is literally going to be for two people on the inside, no gear. That's what the vestibule is for. Some people worry about leaving their gear out there, but it shouldn't be a problem.

Also, don't forget on sleeping bags that they're generally good for +15 degree weather, so those 30F bags are still good for you now. Heck, most of the time growing up I used my 0F mummy bag year-round - in south Texas.

 

[jlee]

It looks good, but remember that a backpacking tent for 2 people is literally going to be for two people on the inside, no gear. That's what the vestibule is for. Some people worry about leaving their gear out there, but it shouldn't be a problem.

Also, don't forget on sleeping bags that they're generally good for +15 degree weather, so those 30F bags are still good for you now. Heck, most of the time growing up I used my 0F mummy bag year-round - in south Texas.

I'm noticing that...the 3 person tent would add four inches of head room and provide another 12 square feet inside. I think it's probably worth it.

 

[rudder]

I had a tent this morning... but it was gone before I could take advantage.

 

[crashtestdummy]

What are you using the tent for? Backpacking or car camping? If it's backpacking, you'll want something on the smaller side. For car camping, I'd consider a 4 person tent,even for two people, as the room is a nice luxury and you don't have to worry about weight. I'll also say that you should try to find a tent with a rain fly that goes to the ground on all sides. There's nothing worse than a little wind soaking your tent, and it also provides you with a place to keep your gear dry.

I have a two person tent from Sierra designs that I snagged off Steep and Cheap for $100. I've been real happy with it. I think I'm going to get a larger tent for local car camping, though.

 

[ScoobMaster]

Don't forget to check out the Eureka Online Outlet

For a little less than the Apex, you can get an A-class second Grand Manan 7 that has vertical walls for better interior space.

I live close to the Eureka factory in Binghamton, NY. Back before we switched to a popup camper, we used to get all of our tents at their annual clearance and factory seconds sale. Many of the "A-Class" seconds are new with some cosmetic "oopsies" (wring zipper size sewn on the door, etc..)

 

[jlee]

I had a tent this morning... but it was gone before I could take advantage.

What are you using the tent for? Backpacking or car camping? If it's backpacking, you'll want something on the smaller side. For car camping, I'd consider a 4 person tent,even for two people, as the room is a nice luxury and you don't have to worry about weight. I'll also say that you should try to find a tent with a rain fly that goes to the ground on all sides. There's nothing worse than a little wind soaking your tent, and it also provides you with a place to keep your gear dry.

I have a two person tent from Sierra designs that I snagged off Steep and Cheap for $100. I've been real happy with it. I think I'm going to get a larger tent for local car camping, though.

Mostly car camping - I'm not much of a hiker (at all).

Don't forget to check out the Eureka Online Outlet

For a little less than the Apex, you can get an A-class second Grand Manan 7 that has vertical walls for better interior space.

I live close to the Eureka factory in Binghamton, NY. Back before we switched to a popup camper, we used to get all of our tents at their annual clearance and factory seconds sale. Many of the "A-Class" seconds are new with some cosmetic "oopsies" (wring zipper size sewn on the door, etc..)

Nice, thanks. Unfortunately I am trying to find one by Friday, though. :\

 

[JulesMaximus]

Coleman's tents typically are decently priced and work well enough for car camping. They won't do as well in a really heavy downpour but for decent weather camping it should do plenty well.

This one looks pretty reasonable, and has that vestibule that I mentioned so your gear can stay out of the rain.

As always though, buy a tarp and use it under the tent.

I have that tent. It's not a bad tent but it isn't great either. The stakes it comes with suck, especially in soft sand, but what can you expect for $65? Be careful with the poles because it is easy to catch on the fabric when inserting them into the tent and rip the sleeves open. I've had this tent for 4+ years now and have used it maybe half a dozen times? Other than a small tear in one of the pole sleeves it is still in good shape. It has been through some very windy nights but little rain, mostly just drizzle and morning dew.

If you do get it wet make sure you let it dry out before putting it away but that goes for any tent really.

I'm 5'11" and I have to really crouch down or crawl to get through that opening to the vestibule area. The opening to the tent itself is larger and easier to get in and out of. Once inside, it is roomy enough for 3 but you can't stand up in it.

Oh, and the color of that rain fly seems to attract black flies for some reason.

For utmost comfort I bought one of those 4" memory foam mattresses from walmart and use that as a bedroll. Great for car camping. Way too heavy and bulky for backpacking though.

 

[jlee]

Any recommendations on something about the size of that Coleman but higher on the quality scale? After researching a bit I don't mind spending $100-120 but I'd like it to be of fairly decent size.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Nice, thanks. Unfortunately I am trying to find one by Friday, though. :\

Are you a student? EMS has a 15% student discount (20% on EMS branded items). You'll probably find your best deal there, as you won't have to pay for quick shipping.

 

[jlee]

Are you a student? EMS has a 15% student discount (20% on EMS branded items). You'll probably find your best deal there, as you won't have to pay for quick shipping.

Nope, not a student. I do have a local EMS store but they're at $140 for a 2 person tent, or $180 for 4. I get overnight shipping for $3.99 from Amazon, so shipping cost isn't much of an issue.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Nope, not a student. I do have a local EMS store but they're at $140 for a 2 person tent, or $180 for 4. I get overnight shipping for $3.99 from Amazon, so shipping cost isn't much of an issue.

Perhaps try this guy, then?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

If ALL you will be using the tent for is sleeping then any of the ones you have linked will do.

But if you want a tent that can also be used effectively to escape the sun and heat or as shelter if it rains I would recommend spending a bit more and getting a cabin style straight walled tent which is much more usefull and functional. Like the copper canyon

http://shop.vtarmynavy.com/eureka-copper-canyon-10-tent-p7049.aspx

 

[rivan]

Have an Uncle Sams near you?

http://www.unclesams.com/

 

[dougp]

How about this one, jlee?

http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Sunrise...147678&sr=1-26

 

[jlee]

If ALL you will be using the tent for is sleeping then any of the ones you have linked will do.

But if you want a tent that can also be used effectively to escape the sun and heat or as shelter if it rains I would recommend spending a bit more and getting a cabin style straight walled tent which is much more usefull and functional. Like the copper canyon

http://shop.vtarmynavy.com/eureka-copper-canyon-10-tent-p7049.aspx

At this point, just sleeping. I can't justify $220 on a tent right now.

Have an Uncle Sams near you?

http://www.unclesams.com/

I'm in NH..I barely have people near me.

Perhaps try this guy, then?

Not a bad option - there's also the Kelty Eden.

How about this one, jlee?

http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Sunrise...147678&sr=1-26

Hmm, I really like that one...would the fly keep windy rain out, do you think?

 

[crashtestdummy]

Not a bad option - there's also the Kelty Eden.

I'm personally picky about my rain flys, and prefer the Grand Mesa's, but otherwise Eden looks nice and has a little more ventilation.

 

[jlee]

Well, I need to sleep...I went with the Eureka Sunrise 8 Adventure. Thanks dougp!

 

[BurnItDwn]

EDIT ... doh, I see you have just picked one, well, enjoy your sleep

Dunno if you picked one yet or not, but I've actually been thinkin about getting this one for myself.
http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Wood-...8148924&sr=1-9

Not sure if "Texsport" is any good or if it's garbage, but it appears to be under $100, claims to be a 3 season tent (in case it gets chilly), and looks like it won't take off during heavy winds, and doesn't look like it would leak in a rainstorm....

 

[jlee]

EDIT ... doh, I see you have just picked one, well, enjoy your sleep

Dunno if you picked one yet or not, but I've actually been thinkin about getting this one for myself.
http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Wood-...8148924&sr=1-9

Not sure if "Texsport" is any good or if it's garbage, but it appears to be under $100, claims to be a 3 season tent (in case it gets chilly), and looks like it won't take off during heavy winds, and doesn't look like it would leak in a rainstorm....

Unfortunately that one isn't eligible for Prime shipping, so it wouldn't work for me - but thanks anyway! :beer:

 

[yh125d]

do NOT buy a polyester interior sleeping bag for warm weather camping. You will wake up soaked in sweat and miserable. Get a traditional fleece/cotton/flannel lining so it can breathe


As for the tent, a cheap coleman would probably be fine in dry, not too windy weather if you're careful with zippers and stuff, but they're not a tent you'll be able to use often for years for just a few uses now and then though, they should do ok. If you choose to spend more, I'm partial to my kelty, but they're pretty pricy and if you're not backpacking and need a full fly and vestibule, they're probably not best for you

 

[krunchykrome]

Amazon has a sale on Coleman products over $100. They'll take $20 off of any $100 Coleman purchase. There are some nice Coleman tents available.

Also, REI is having a 20% off one item from their outlet. There are a couple of nice REI tents available last time I checked.

 

[dougp]

Hmm, I really like that one...would the fly keep windy rain out, do you think?

Yah it will keep it out, because you'll zip up the windows enough to breath, but keep out rain. I prefer this style of rainfly because it gives you a great breeze from 4 directions, and doesn't allow the rainfly to touch the tent.

Under no circumstances should you allow the rainfly to touch the tent - any moisture will immediately leak through and start to cause drips. This goes for all tents, doesn't matter how good the waterproofing is!