this post was submitted on
9 points (90% like it)
10 up votes 1 down vote
all 12 comments

[–]JimTheVagabond 1 point2 points ago*

I would stay away from Coleman personally, their stuff is decently cheap, but like with everything you get what you pay for. I would recommend you check out some of REI's stuff, it's a little more expensive, but a little better quality. Also I am currently living in an REI tent and have had no problems thus far (save for a little leakage, but that was totally my fault, nothing to do with the tent).

[–]lundah 1 point2 points ago

Agreed. One of the REI Hobitat models would suit the needs listed nicely.

[–]Dweller[S] 0 points1 point ago

It seems they made a change between the 2010 and 2011 models and the 2011 is more expensive and smaller. Thanks for the recommendation, but with the reviews the new model is getting I think I will either have to find an older one on a shelf somewhere or keep looking.

I DO like the configuration though.

[–]millerswiller 0 points1 point ago

How much are you looking to spend? Since you asked here (vs. just buying a nice tent), I'm guessing you're not looking to spend a fortune.

My 2 Cents:

http://www.wenzelco.com/details.aspx?NavID=408

Currently $59 on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Wenzel-Ridge-Four-Five-Person-2-Room/dp/B002PB0DVS

Other Wenzel Models:

http://www.wenzelco.com/tents.aspx

Wenzel isn't known for quality necessarily but I've known a few people who have used Wenzels for years w/o much trouble.

If you already know the tent's limitations and can deal with them/prepare for them, you should be fine.

Best of luck.

[–]Dweller[S] 0 points1 point ago

Ideally, $150 or less would be great, but as much as we use our tents I am considering stepping up a bit more. Maybe $300?

[–]millerswiller 2 points3 points ago

Hmmm. You may be able to happen upon a deal @ REI Outlet if you watch it somewhat regularly:

http://www.rei.com/outlet/

Also - Steep and Cheap (sorta like woot's woot-off) will have decent tents @ affordable prices from time to time. But you have to check often as they go through items rather quickly (hourly)

http://www.steepandcheap.com/

Department of Goods (backcountry.com powered) carries nice gear, too. Usually good prices as well.

http://www.departmentofgoods.com/tents

Example of something that may work for you:

http://www.departmentofgoods.com/kelty-screenhouse-kel0628

[–]GerniePain 0 points1 point ago

I dont know what type/area you camp in but a way to help with rain entering your tent is to string a tarp above it. I do it a lot when I drive into a camp, it is a fairly large tarp and can be used as a hang out in the rain also

[–]Dweller[S] 0 points1 point ago

Pacific NW, USA. Basically a rainforest 9 months out of the year. We invested in some great tarps last year. I am still working on better ways to hang them but we had a ton of mostly dry area last time we camped.

[–]GerniePain 1 point2 points ago

Oh yeah, its rainy there. I actually use tie down straps to attach to the trees, they are quick, easy and adjustable. slight angle to wash the rain away from the tent. I have also during winter months wrapped my tent in the tarp as an extra wind/water barrier and to attempt some insulation properties.

[–]Dweller[S] 1 point2 points ago

Wow, head-slapping moment right there. We are usually camping with our motorcycles, so have at LEAST 4 tie downs with us. Not sure why it did not occur to me sooner to use those! Great tip, thanks!

[–]GerniePain 0 points1 point ago

LOL. Do you ride in or truck in the bikes. When I said this is what I do when I drive in, we truck in our dirt bikes and ride for the weekend. (http://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/oxkor/was_a_good_weekend_even_with_the_snow/) this was last weekend

[–]Dweller[S] 0 points1 point ago

We truck or trailer. We have 2 dual sports, but I am the only one legal yet. I hope to change that before spring gets here.