Backpacking tents

[sleazy rider]

I've been shopping a bit for a new tent to upsize a smidge.  My current tent is a "two man", but it's snug for one with gear.  So, after traveling around the area a bit and perusing the offerings locally, I present to you the new travel cave.  Hell, for $86, it's almost a throwaway if it doesn't work.  

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=440086&pdesc=Gander_Mountain_GSX_3_Man_Dome_Backpack_Tent&aID=505K1D&merchID=4006



The GSX Backpack Tent offers ample room to comfortably sleep you and one or more companion, yet is lightweight enough for comfortable carry during those long hikes to your overnight campsite. Once fully constructed, aluminum poles offer a sturdy structure in a dome shape for optimum head space. No-See-Um mesh keeps bugs out while maintaining ventilation for a comfortable atmosphere inside the tent. All-seam tape on rainfly and floor make sure your group stays dry by keeping moisture out. Gobe Dry tub floor and rain skirt offer extra protection against the elements. Integrated 25mm plastic o-ring is perfect for hanging a lantern. Reflective guy out lines for visibility and security. Polyester carry bag features an EF label on the front side, an embroidered Gander Mountain logo on the back, and a convenient handle for easy transport.

• Dimensions: 108"L x 96"W x 60"H (3-Man)
• Floor: N/T 1000mm (14-4201TPX)
• Tent Body: Polyester Taffeta 800mm
• Fly: Polyester Taffeta 800mm
• Carry Bag: Polyester 300D
• P/Mesh 68 x 68
• All #8 zippers
• Mesh pocket
• Sr-buckle system


I can't wait for summer and my vacation time to renew.  It's going to be a heavy travel year.

[Justin]

Looks like a great tent for the price  

Anymore though I don't even bother with a tent. Just a sleeping pad and bag. And if it's colder I'll bring a bivy sack. By the time I stop and get a tent set up, I'm awake again  

[sleazy rider]

Naw, I gotta get my 7 hours on my walkabouts.    It's a different mindset from the LD stuff, but I like to sniff the flowers too.  It's good to relax around a campfire in the evening, then read an ebook in the tent for a bit.  From what I read about this one, I'll have it up in about 10 minutes tops.  

Right now, I'm wrestling with a direction and distance for June's two weeks of travel.  The only think I know is I'm not going south.  Labrador, Hyder or James Bay.  Tuff decision.  

[stromgal]

Wow, big tent, 5 ft. tall! I actually want to go the opposite direction; have a Eureka Apex 3 and want to downsize to a 2-person.

Hope the tent works well for you.  

[sleazy rider]

Damn, we should have talked before I ordered this one.  Trade maybe?  If you want to try it, just say the word and I'll pop it in a box to bring over next pizza meet.

I spend a couple weeks at a time on the road every year and get claustrophobic after about two days of rain.    At least I can put my chair in this one and sit upright.  

[stromgal]

What is your 'smaller' tent?

[sleazy rider]

Very similar in style to this, but a "two person" version.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=440087&pdesc=Gander_Mountain_Blazer_Solo_Backpacking_Tent&aID=505K1D&merchID=4006

ON my way to California in 2009:

[jeepinbanditrider]

Looks like a great tent for the price  

Anymore though I don't even bother with a tent. Just a sleeping pad and bag. And if it's colder I'll bring a bivy sack. By the time I stop and get a tent set up, I'm awake again  

Yup bivy sack camping is a good time but I usually only do it during the late fall winter and early spring due to bugs and snakes.  It is nice to have at least some kind of barrier even a thin one between you and the things that crawl or slither.

I use an MSR Skinny 2 which is a tube style tent.  It packs small and works great only problem I have with it is it's not free standing so it HAS to be staked down.  I've thought about going the MSR Hubba route since it's freestanding or one of the various other good free standing tents.

[stromgal]

This is what I'm considering:  http://www.mountainsports.com/msmain.asp?Option=Detail&Detail=081841&Product=Kelty+Grand+Mesa+2+Tent+2011

[jeepinbanditrider]

Nice simple, free standing, relatively low cost for a Kelty, and from a well known manufacture who builds high quality camping gear

[Reddog*]

Nice simple, free standing, relatively low cost for a Kelty, and from a well known manufacture who builds high quality camping gear

+1
I have a Peak 2man that is very similar works well for all but stuck in the tent rain days.

[black hills]

I have a Eureka (can't remember the model) packs fairly small/light and I can get all my gear out of the weather if need be:

[bomber]

This is what I'm considering:  http://www.mountainsports.com/msmain.asp?Option=Detail&Detail=081841&Product=Kelty+Grand+Mesa+2+Tent+2011

THat's a GREAT deal --

keep an eye on REI . . . . quarter domes go for just about that amount of lucre on sale, and mine has been aces!

[knolltop314]

Good grief ... What a great location!

[ConPilot1]

THat's a GREAT deal --

keep an eye on REI . . . . quarter domes go for just about that amount of lucre on sale, and mine has been aces!

Yea REI tents are awesome. I have a Mountain 2, but the Quarter Dome is an EXCELLENT choice for travel and can be had pretty cheap.
REI is top-notch stuff.  

[Cablebandit]

And if/when it breaks, take it back for a new one.  

[black hills]

Good grief ... What a great location!

that is on top of little devils tower we hiked up the night before, watched the fireworks over Mt. Rushmore and spent the night, it was great

[stromgal]

And it was *before* mountain pine beetle.  I was just up there last spring and alas, the view is different.  

[black hills]

And it was *before* mountain pine beetle.  I was just up there last spring and alas, the view is different.  

yes, that was probably 4 or 5 years ago...thanks to the tree huggers all the hills will be brown before long.

[scottdc]

I'm a big fan of the REI branded tents but about two years ago replaced ours with a Nemo air-beam tent. Wife and I have the Nemo Morpho 2p and though a bit small for two it takes up very little pannier space and worked well over a two-week 5k mile trip to a HUBB meet and back. Perfect size for one according to my wife as she's used it on a solo trip, I've got the little Nemo bivy as well for when I'm going light. Best part about these tents is the speed and ease of assembly, literally just a few minutes and unlike my pole tents I don't forget how they go together during the off-season only to have to futz with it while tired after a long day on the bike. Worth the extra cost to me anyway.

[jsanford]

Used a Sierra Designs flashlight for years bicycle camping and motorcycle camping.  But then it got sticky.   I bought an REI 3-season a couple of season ago that has been great, but it weighs twice as much with the ground cover as the flashlight.

There are a lot of REI tents at the "gear garage" at the flagship store returned for such reasons as "let's in too much light"   or "too small for the three of us."

[Justin]

Used a Sierra Designs flashlight for years bicycle camping and motorcycle camping.  But then it got sticky.   I bought an REI 3-season a couple of season ago that has been great, but it weighs twice as much with the ground cover as the flashlight.

There are a lot of REI tents at the "gear garage" at the flagship store returned for such reasons as "let's in too much light"   or "too small for the three of us."

What exactly does that mean?  

[sleazy rider]

Well, the new tent showed up Friday.    I'll be visiting the local Gander Mountain to return it on Monday.  Huge package is an understatement.  28" long and 10" in diameter.  It'll never work with my setup on the bike.  Guess I'll be headed to REI to get one of them real lightweight backpacking tents from North Face or Kelty.

[Kneescrubber]

Well, the new tent showed up Friday.    I'll be visiting the local Gander Mountain to return it on Monday.  Huge package is an understatement.  28" long and 10" in diameter.  It'll never work with my setup on the bike.  Guess I'll be headed to REI to get one of them real lightweight backpacking tents from North Face or Kelty.

Ummm......http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,67613.0.html

[sleazy rider]

Ummm......http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,67613.0.html

   I'm thinking of picking up a camo Eureka military two man tent off Ebay.  Sooo tired of bright colors when stealth camping.  I have time, there's still snow on the ground up here and more on the way, I'm quite sure.   

[Kneescrubber]

Not a problem. Just offering.

[ConPilot1]

   I'm thinking of picking up a camo Eureka military two man tent off Ebay.  Sooo tired of bright colors when stealth camping.  I have time, there's still snow on the ground up here and more on the way, I'm quite sure.   

Eureka's tend to big packers and heavy also. FYI. Especially if it's a military grade tent.

My suggestions, the North Face Rock 22 or an REI Quarterdome. Either/or. The quarterdome is an EXCELLENT choice and should be very weathertight and durable.  

Both designs are super-simple to setup with like 3 poles, are quality tents, very well made. I wouldn't go with TOO compact of a lightweight backpacker because trust me gear and boots and valuables you want to take in the
tent with you take up more space than you can imagine.

[919]

Used a Sierra Designs flashlight for years bicycle camping and motorcycle camping.  But then it got sticky.   I bought an REI 3-season a couple of season ago that has been great, but it weighs twice as much with the ground cover as the flashlight.

There are a lot of REI tents at the "gear garage" at the flagship store returned for such reasons as "let's in too much light"   or "too small for the three of us."

I'm also in the market as my last tent got 'sticky' as well in storage.  I was looking at this one on REI.com: http://www.rei.com/product/812849/alps-mountaineering-mystique-20-tent-special-buy

looking to go bigger this time, my last tent was an REI brand one person and I'd like more room for gear.

[Roadhound]

This one has caught my attention. https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/wyomingtrail2camp

That is a very interesting tent. The only problem with it is the packed size 27 in length is a deal breaker.

[sleazy rider]

I'm also in the market as my last tent got 'sticky' as well in storage.  I was looking at this one on REI.com: http://www.rei.com/product/812849/alps-mountaineering-mystique-20-tent-special-buy

looking to go bigger this time, my last tent was an REI brand one person and I'd like more room for gear.

Very similar to the one I just sold.  Great tent, but I wanted a bit more room for them crappy days stuck inside.  I could get all my riding gear inside, but ended up putting bags and stuff in the exterior storage.


Here's my new tent.  I finally scored a deal on eBay.  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300643280800?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_500wt_922

[1Arm]

I have replaced my Eureka Solitaire with this Kelty Salida, plenty of room inside (for me and the stuff I want inside, at least), fairly light and packs pretty small.


I can fit the tent, rainfly, and stakes all in one of my Great Basin pannier compartments, my Big Agnes bag and Exped pad fit in the center compartment, which leaves the 3 remaining compartments for tools, food, clothes etc.


The Eureka didn't offer much space, but mostly I shit-canned it due to the fact it's not a stand alone.  Mangled every stake and ended up tying it down with boulders on its last trip.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Yeah I have a MSR Skinny Too that is very similar to that Eureka and I figured a non-free stander wouldn't be a big deal.  Well it is kinda annoying to have to stake it EVERY time.  My buddies can put two poles together on non rainy days and bam they have their tent up and ready to sleep in.  It takes me about 10 minutes to get mine staked down and put up.

I'm leaning towards a Kelty now.

[Lasercut]

http://www.mountainsports.com/msmain.asp?Option=Detail&Detail=081841&Product=Kelty+Grand+Mesa+2+Tent+2011

Saw this Kelty Grand Mesa tent set up at Dick's Sporting Goods in Schaumburg, IL yesterday.  Was on closeout, 50% off the sale price of $99.97.  Looks like a great tent for 50 bucks!  They had 3 in stock (plus the demo) on Monday, might be worth a call/ride.

[Mr.Black]

I think this was $70.00 at Target.

Perfect for one,packs down to fit in a saddle bag.

[moto2wheelin]

This REI Half Dome 2 has been perfect for me.  One person and gear, it is great and packs easily in any bag I have had it in, the Givi V35, C14, FJR, Trophy 1200 stock bags.  Very easy to set up and the vestibule comes down all the way.

http://www.rei.com/product/794294/rei-half-dome-2-tent

[tankhead]

Just received the Eureka Zephyr 2 man.  5 lbs and packs small enough for my hard bags.

http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Zephyr-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B000MAOEB4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1326895012&sr=1-1

[ConPilot1]

I have replaced my Eureka Solitaire with this Kelty Salida, plenty of room inside (for me and the stuff I want inside, at least), fairly light and packs pretty small.

That's a great simple free-standing design. Kelty makes good solid gear for the price point.

[Jason F.]

I bought my Kelty Quatro 2 in the early 90's. I have used it at least twice a year if not more for nearly 20 years and it is still in very good shape. It is now only slightly starting to show its age with a bit of fading in the materials. It has survived some good wind and rain while staying dry inside. My only complaint is now that I am a bit, ahem, larger in size the entrance door is a bit low and small.

I am going to upgrade to a tent that has side entry doors and clip rather than fabric tube mounting for the poles. It will probably be a Kelty again after this last one held up so darn well for so many years. I think I paid $120 for it and feel like I got more than my moneys worth.

[ConPilot1]

Guys FWIW:

Don't store your tent rolled and packed up in it's intended storage package/stuff bag
It's best to air them out, dry well and store LOOSELY wadded up in a large enough cardboard box or breathable fabric bag, something like that.
You don't want to squeeze, compress, or fold the tent while it's in storage.

Keep it in your house in a cool dry place, not in the garage or attic or basement.

[stromgal]

http://www.mountainsports.com/msmain.asp?Option=Detail&Detail=081841&Product=Kelty+Grand+Mesa+2+Tent+2011

Saw this Kelty Grand Mesa tent set up at Dick's Sporting Goods in Schaumburg, IL yesterday.  Was on closeout, 50% off the sale price of $99.97.  Looks like a great tent for 50 bucks!  They had 3 in stock (plus the demo) on Monday, might be worth a call/ride.

Although the other tents written of in this thread have been interesting, I still like the Kelty because it's free-standing, taller inside than some, packs reasonably small, and is clip, not sleeve design. Gotta see if there's a Dick's nearby, thanks!

[919]

Guys FWIW:

Don't store your tent rolled and packed up in it's intended storage package/stuff bag yup
It's best to air them out, dry well and store LOOSELY wadded up in a large enough cardboard box or breathable fabric bag, something like that. nope, didn't do that
You don't want to squeeze, compress, or fold the tent while it's in storage. yup, definitely did that

Keep it in your house in a cool dry place, not in the garage or attic or basement.  that too,  

Lesson learned via hard way.......  

[Strog]

If you can't find a Dick's nearby, they have the Kelty Zenith 2 on sale online for $69.99.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12248744

They just (6 weeks ago) opened a Dick's down the road from my house but I doubt they have any closeouts yet.



I don't know why I keep reading these tent threads when I've only done a couple overnights in my Eureka Apex2XT in the last couple years. It should be good for a while.  Hoping to get a few times this year.  

[ConPilot1]

If you can't find a Dick's nearby, they have the Kelty Zenith 2 on sale online for $69.99.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12248744

That's a steal. Good tent for the price. Simple, small, easy set up, decent quality.
I'd buy that over any Wally World tent anyday. That looks like the same one Mr. Black posted
a photo of.

[Mr.Black]

I have the Zenith 2.

They lied. It's a one person +stuff tent. Great for the road for a decent price.

[ConPilot1]

I have the Zenith 2.

They lied. It's a one person +stuff tent. Great for the road for a decent price.

Any two man tent on the market is a lie for capacity if you've got gear to store.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I have the Zenith 2.

They lied. It's a one person +stuff tent. Great for the road for a decent price.

They didn't lie it will fit 2 people  but the floor space is gonna be limited.  My experience with tents is always go +1 than the number of people you actually want to sleep in it.  I get a two person tent to have room for me and my stuff.  I'd get a 3 person tent if I wanted space for me and another and a little bit of gear.

[stromgal]

If you can't find a Dick's nearby, they have the Kelty Zenith 2 on sale online for $69.99.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12248744

I don't know why I keep reading these tent threads when I've only done a couple overnights in my Eureka Apex2XT in the last couple years. It should be good for a while.  Hoping to get a few times this year.  

Thanks for the info, good price! I think I'm gonna stick with buying the Grand Mesa 2, hopefully I'll be using it for a long time and thus can justify the extra bucks.  

My Apex 3XT has been great, just don't need that much space.  Suppose I'll be listing it here and Craigs come spring.

[jeepinbanditrider]

From looking around at the various backpacking forums it looks like the Kelty Zenith was a Target (the store) only tent for a while and they don't even list them on the Kelty website so I guess they got discontinued.  

I was on Kelty's website yesterday looking at some freestanders to replace my MSR Skinny2 and they now make the Kelty Acadia in 2, 4, and 6 person setups and it looks like a newer differnt color version of the Zenith with the huge mesh panels and a dual sided vestibule when you put the rainfly on.  And the 2 person model is only a 100 dollars.  I'm thinking of buying it and selling off my MSR now  

[Mastros2]

The Grand Mesa 2 packs lighter than the Zenith but is $40 more (on amazon).  

We have the Grand Mesa 4 and really love it.  I am considering the Grand Mesa 2 for solo trips.  

[jeepinbanditrider]

I'm thinking of selling my MSR Skinny 2 and picking up that Acadia.  I've got some other Kelty gear and love it.

[sleazy rider]

The saga of the Ebay tent continues.  It finally arrived today after being assured it shipped not once, but twice.  I eagerly open the box and pull out a tent that absolutely reeks of dryrot.  I roll it out on the floor, carefully inventorying  the contents.  Fly's in decent shape, all the stakes are here and the poles look new.  I then flip the tent out to see about footprint and see a 6x6 gash in the side.     Needless to say, i contacted the seller and opened a dispute with ebay.  I then packed the scrap material up and shipped it back to his sorry ass.

[Mastros2]

The saga of the Ebay tent continues.  It finally arrived today after being assured it shipped not once, but twice.  I eagerly open the box and pull out a tent that absolutely reeks of dryrot.  I roll it out on the floor, carefully inventorying  the contents.  Fly's in decent shape, all the stakes are here and the poles look new.  I then flip the tent out to see about footprint and see a 6x6 gash in the side.     Needless to say, i contacted the seller and opened a dispute with ebay.  I then packed the scrap material up and shipped it back to his sorry ass.

Wow. That sucks.  

[jeepinbanditrider]

Speaking of pack weights I was looking at the Acadia 2 and it has a minimum weight of 6.5 lbs    The Gunnison 2.1 which is the one I'm looking at now has a pack weight of 4 lbs and some change IIRC.  Not a big deal on the bike but I also use this stuff as backpacking gear and 2 lbs is alot of weight.

[sleazy rider]

Great news!  Full refund, including my return shipping on the POS used eBay tent.  I just got off Amazon (a much more reliable source of NEW gear) and picked up an Alps Mountaineering Equinox 3 backpacking tent.  I think that's a screaming deal for just $107.98.  It'll be here in about a week and I'll post up a review when I get to play with it.

http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Equinox-3-Person-3-Season/dp/B00506YM44

Product Features
Material: [fly] 75D 185T polyester; [floor] 75D 185T polyester taffeta
Freestanding: yes
Doors: 2
Number of Vestibules: 2
Poles:
Pole Material: 7000-series aluminum
Pole Attachment: clips
Floor Space: 48 sq ft
Floor Dimensions: 6.75 x 7.583 ft
Interior Height: 50 in
Vestibule Space: 36 sq ft
Packed Size: 7.5 x 19 in
Seams: sealed
Ventilation: zippered mesh windows, mesh roof vents
Fast-pitch Option: no
Trail Weight: 7.375 lb
Recommended Use: camping
Manufacturer Warranty: lifetime

[919]

Went to a local store and picked up a Eureka Tetragon 5 for $80.  Climbed in it in the store and there should be enough room for me, my Teiz Lombard, and helmet.  At 6' 3" I can sit up comfortably.  For that price, with the amount I'm going to be able to use it, I was sold.

Packed up it is 24" long, plenty short enough to fit in my dry bag strapped to the back seat.  Not a great backpacking tent but for moto camping it should do just fine.

website of the store I bought it from:
http://www.gleasoncamping.com/eurekatetragon5.aspx

[ConPilot1]

The saga of the Ebay tent continues.  It finally arrived today after being assured it shipped not once, but twice.  I eagerly open the box and pull out a tent that absolutely reeks of dryrot.  I roll it out on the floor, carefully inventorying  the contents.  Fly's in decent shape, all the stakes are here and the poles look new.  I then flip the tent out to see about footprint and see a 6x6 gash in the side.     Needless to say, i contacted the seller and opened a dispute with ebay.  I then packed the scrap material up and shipped it back to his sorry ass.

Well that just sucks. I'd probably never buy a used tent anyway.

Here's a photo of my REI Mountain ll which is a true 4 season tent, this thing is bombproof and would probably stand up to 2ft of snow if ya did get dumped on.
This is a mountaineering grade piece of tentwork. I paid a good buck for it but it's been awesome in colder weather.
Shown with one of my "toys" I used to take camping with me a couple years ago. Ms. Funbags here loved to camp.

[Mr.Black]

Went to a local store and picked up a Eureka Tetragon 5 for $80.  Climbed in it in the store and there should be enough room for me, my Teiz Lombard, and helmet.  At 6' 3" I can sit up comfortably.  For that price, with the amount I'm going to be able to use it, I was sold.

Packed up it is 24" long, plenty short enough to fit in my dry bag strapped to the back seat.  Not a great backpacking tent but for moto camping it should do just fine.

website of the store I bought it from:
http://www.gleasoncamping.com/eurekatetragon5.aspx

How'd you find that place?

Shown with one of my "toys" I used to take camping with me a couple years ago. Ms. Funbags here loved to camp.

It's amazing you have so many exes.

[919]

How'd you find that place?

Some guy told me about it.  Pretty good camping store and I like giving my money to a local business owner, and I got a great deal IMO.  Thanks for the info.

[Mr.Black]

Some guy told me about it.  Pretty good camping store and I like giving my money to a local business owner, and I got a great deal IMO.  Thanks for the info.

They have everything all crammed up in there sometimes. Good sales too.

[sammyseaman]

Ms. Funbags here loved to camp.

   

[bomber]

If the tent you want is ust a lil bit too long (packed size), keep in mind there's nothing keeping you from putting the tent, fly and footprint into a compression sack and squeezing the daylight outa the things (my REI Quarter Dome is about the size of a cantalope) -- this leaves you with only the poles strapped along the long axis of the bike, interfering with little or nothing.

;-}

[spd2918]

If the tent you want is ust a lil bit too long (packed size), keep in mind there's nothing keeping you from putting the tent, fly and footprint into a compression sack and squeezing the daylight outa the things (my REI Quarter Dome is about the size of a cantalope) -- this leaves you with only the poles strapped along the long axis of the bike, interfering with little or nothing.

;-}

That's a great idea.  

[sleazy rider]

The Alps tent showed up today.  I immediately set it up to see about size and time involved.  DAYUM!!!  I had it up in less than 10 minutes and it's awesome.  Free standing, lots of room, poles pack down to about 14" in length and the tent/rainfly will fit perfectly in my compression sack.  Ceiling height is all of 48" and lots of room inside for all my riding gear.  Unless something drastic occurs during use, I'd vote this one a keeper for the long term.  It's worth every penny IMO.  The best part?  It's NOT an obscene dayglo green or orange, but a muted tan and dark brown, well suited to blending into the woods for stealth camping.

Is it time for the Region 6 campout yet?  

[Mr.Black]

The Alps tent showed up today.  I immediately set it up to see about size and time involved.  DAYUM!!!  I had it up in less than 10 minutes and it's awesome.  Free standing, lots of room, poles pack down to about 14" in length and the tent/rainfly will fit perfectly in my compression sack.  Ceiling height is all of 48" and lots of room inside for all my riding gear.  Unless something drastic occurs during use, I'd vote this one a keeper for the long term.  It's worth every penny IMO.  The best part?  It's NOT an obscene dayglo green or orange, but a muted tan and dark brown, well suited to blending into the woods for stealth camping.

Is it time for the Region 6 campout yet?  

[sleazy rider]

[Mr.Black]

 

And a rare +1 to you.

[sleazy rider]

 

And a rare +1 to you.

   

[Bravo12]

Wow, these went up in price! I bought one of these back in the summer of 2010, on sale for about $70. http://www.cabelas.com/view-tents-cabelas-xpg-8482-ultralight-tent-1.shtml

I coated the rain fly and the solid parts of the tent walls with two coats of Camp Dry. The tent worked great for four weeks on the road. I only used it maybe half a dozen times, but at least two nights saw significant rainfall, and no leaks or any other discomfort.

[Ken Phenix]

+1 that four season tents are generally more durable. Sometimes you can get lucky on ebay too. Back in 2008 I scored this four season North Face Polaris for $60.  The seller communicated that it had a rip in one of the screens which I was able to repair easily and otherwise it's in perfect shape. It's tough as nails. I wish it was a little bigger but I can't wear the thing out.  

[ConPilot1]

Just another little tip here for you campers who are fairly new to this.......whatever stakes are included with your tent,
forget about the stockers and get yourself enough of these Coleman's plus a spare or two to cover all your stake-down points.

These tent stakes are available at K-Mart or probably any Wal-mart....same ones sold under the MSR brand, which are even more pricey de to the branding.

These stakes are very lightweight, damn near indestructible, and hold fast very well. These are amazing stakes and you won't
be sorry you spent the money. They are a little pricey but very, very well worth the money.

Best stake I've ever used, and the little nylon loop lanyard at the top is perfect for putting a stick or hammer handle through for some extra
leverage when pulling them out if you've got them pounded into hard ground or soil that has a lot of tree roots and stuff.

[Mastros2]

I don't use the stock stakes either but I replaced them with 12" galvanized nails.  They are cheap and if you can't get one out of the ground, leave it behind.

[ConPilot1]

I don't use the stock stakes either but I replaced them with 12" galvanized nails.  They are cheap and if you can't get one out of the ground, leave it behind.

Too heavy. Now you're talking about 3-5 pounds of steel.
A handful of those red aluminum ones weighs next to nothing. I think it's the triple spine design of the things that makes them so strong.
You CANNOT bend these things.

[stromgal]

Yep, I use the nails with my big ol' car-camping tent, but the lightweight type for moto-camping.

[Cablebandit]

One advantage to the nicer backpacking tents is they come with the lightweight titanium pegs.

[ConPilot1]

One advantage to the nicer backpacking tents is they come with the lightweight titanium pegs.

True, but just a round peg design with a little sheperds crook on the end don't take to very firm holding well.
These red ones bite into the ground, don't twist, and you can really pull your tie downs tightly with these.

[Cablebandit]

Both my Marmot and MSR tents came with top shelf tent pegs.  Not the little round jobbers.

[ConPilot1]

That's good. Even my REI came with the little nail/hook round type. Useless if ya ask me.
I'll take a triangular or v shaped cross section profile stake anyday.

[Mastros2]

Too heavy. Now you're talking about 3-5 pounds of steel.

Not that heavy but I get your point.  If I was going for the minimalist backpacking way, yes, I would go with the lightweight pegs.  On a motorcycle with a frugal motorcyclist, the galvanized nails weren't a big deal.   I threw them in a pair of shoes in my tail bag.  

[ConPilot1]

I have a bag full of those big bastard 12 inch nails. They are GREAT tent stakes for car camping, but no way in hell would I carry those on a bike. I need the space and weight vacancy for doughnuts and beer.  

[Mastros2]

I need the space and weight vacancy for doughnuts and beer.  

 

[motormike]

Bump.

I was just reading through this thread.  REI has a Sale this weekend with a 20% coupon valid through May 28.

For me, the three tents that standout forr value/quality are:

1. Kelty Salida 2 Tent (Backpacker Magazine 2011 Editors' Choice Winner)
2. REI Camp Dome 2 Tent (Backpacker Magazine 2010 Editors' Choice Gold
Award Winner)
3. Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent (not at REI, but the link earlier in this thread for $107.95 at Mountain Sports is the cheapest of the three)

[ConPilot1]

Bump.

I was just reading through this thread.  REI has a Sale this weekend with a 20% coupon valid through May 28.

For me, the three tents that standout forr value/quality are:

1. Kelty Salida 2 Tent (Backpacker Magazine 2011 Editors' Choice Winner)
2. REI Camp Dome 2 Tent (Backpacker Magazine 2010 Editors' Choice Gold
Award Winner)
3. Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent (not at REI, but the link earlier in this thread for $107.95 at Mountain Sports is the cheapest of the three)

Nice. I'd stick with the REI tents. Lifetime replacement warranty.

Kelty's are good at the price point.

[bluepoof]

I've been really happy with our REI half dome (here's my review of it). I was a little sketchy on buying an REI brand tent -- I don't know why, I guess I was just brainstormed into thinking the "name brands" were better -- but I've had nothing but good luck with it.  

Note that for a 2-person tent (i.e. camping solo), I have and adore a Sierra Designs Sirius 2.  I'd also really recommend that one.

[bomber]

I've been enjoying my REI Quarter Dome tent for 3 years, now -- it's a great tent, suits my needs (I specially like the vestabules), and won't need replacing unless I do something stupid (decent chance of that happening, yes).

The only reason I would consider replacing it would be for something I could actually stand up in to dress . . . los-crawling out the door in the morning IS getting a lil old ;-}

[motormike]

I have a four-season REI Mountain 3 tent that's about ten years old.  It hasn't seen much use and is in great condition so I agree with some of the above comments on REI tents.  It's probably too large for one-person setup.  I like REI tents but I'm not really in the need of a two-person tent as I don't have any immediate plans to tour on my SV650.

I was just thinking ahead of what tent I might use for touring if and when I ever do.