Which Tent?

**Rick** · 08-01-2009, 08:34 AM

Hossfly started a good thread but I thought it needed to be expanded. There are not only a LOT of tents makers on the market but a lot of sizes and types so I thought I'd solicit some input based on practical experience.

I know a lot of you carry tarps. I've gone that route myself but I would like to focus just on tents for this thread.

Let's make this a bit easier and look only at size. That should let you cover all the ranges of materials, makers and uses.

Solo Backpacking
2 Person Tents
Family regardless of size
Expedition
Base Camp

I think that covers most tents. So, if you own a tent,

1. State which size your tent falls into.

2. Which tent do you think is the perfect tent for that size?

3. Why?

I own a Marmot Twilight 2P. It's a two person tent for my wife and I. I've only owned it for a couple of months but, so far, it has worked out well. It's heavier than a solo tent but can still be backpacked. It's roomy, two good vestibules to cover gear. Plenty of storage inside including pockets and a loft. We haven't experienced a storm yet but we were in a slow soaking rain for several hours and no leaks. Easy to put up and take down.

**oly** · 08-01-2009, 08:53 AM

I still have the two person dome nylon tent, the reason I chose it was that I could store my gear without getting crowded, then I took the wife with me and it was me or the gear gets kicked out. The two man tent is light and easier to get to remote areas
I sure miss those outings before my lower back and the wife's knee turned to crap.

**pocomoonskyeyes** · 08-01-2009, 10:14 AM

we have 2 a family and a 2 man. The family tent is one we got from Gander mountain has 3 doors( so nobody crawls over anybody if they have to get up in the middle of the night.), a window on every side and a "skylight" in the rain fly Which is really cool! I want to be able to see all around me if need be. it can be partitioned off into "rooms" , a total of 3. We have been in a storm that was so bad we had to evacuate to safer shelter. Fortunately we were in a campground that had concrete bathrooms. Afterwards the tent held up and was fine, I was very pleased, i had expected some damage at the least but there was none.
Our 2 man is a wally world special we got 'cause my other kids (I have 5 kids altogether) wanted to stay with us and we needed more space & privacy for the girls. It's Ok I guess, not really tested,except for the same storm and some clothes in it got a little wet. Probably needs better waterproofing. Not much room in it. It's Ok for what it is.

**Ken** · 08-01-2009, 10:35 AM

I have three:

1. A North Face Bivy - weighs 2 lbs 2 oz;

2. A Black Diamond HiLight 2 person - 3 lbs. 2 oz. and 6" x 9" packed size; http://www.rei.com/product/748586

3. An old 9 x 15 Camel tent (bought it when I was 12) with aluminum poles that's still in pretty good condition. Canvas is still in good shape, but I would waterproof it if I were to set it up. Thing must weigh 1,000 lbs.

**Sarge47** · 08-01-2009, 12:25 PM

I have many tents, some I got for free, some I bought! The ones that got the most use are mainly Colemans. I don't backpack, so it's all "car camping", usually at the Cornerstone Fest. They are all Nylon & listed below in size and field use results.

2 Colman "Caves."
Small, nylon, dome tents gotten for free from a Marlboro promotion. I still have these as they're very strong, although kinda small. (4 foot center height) Will handle two adult sleepers and a little gear.

2 Coleman "Pop-up" tents" (Marlboro Promo)
These go up in 60 seconds, but need an additional tarp back up for nasty weather. Will sleep 3 adults or two with gear. (1/2 star rating)

2 "Off-brand" igloo type 3-season Nylon tents bought from Sam's Club.
These tents are a "North-Face knock-off" that boast they sleep 3 people; I use it solo with my gear. The poles are made out of aircraft aluminum, came with a "footprint ground-cloth", as well as a small "loft". They cost $60 10 years ago, & alledge to be a "backpack tent" despite the fact they weigh 20 lbs.

2 Coleman "Red Canyon" Cabin tents.
These huge, nylon, 3-room cabin tents were/are made by Coleman exclusively for "Wally-World" & the price was cool at $80 each. I use mine as a 3room apartment at the Fest since I'm out there for 10 days. Plenty of room for a cot, camp table, & a camp chair or two. The center ht. is a bit over 6 ' so you can stand up when changing clothes.

Hope this helps.

**red lake** · 08-01-2009, 02:49 PM

I like Eureka Tents. They have all the features of more expensive tents but less money.

Whatever size, you must have a full waterproof fly. Partial fly? Forget it!!!!

Tub style bottom, aluminum poles and seams that are seam sealed are other pre-requisites. I currently have about 7 tents but use my Eureka 2man and Eureka 8man the most.

**SARKY** · 08-01-2009, 05:16 PM

I have 6 tents a 1 person name brand (can't remember the name). I have 4 North Face tents, 2 of them are 3 season 2-3 man free standing tents, the other 2 are 4 season 3-4 man tents (a VE-25 and a WindyPass). the 6th tent I have is an 8 person dome I picked up from Sportsmans Guide for car camping.