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Jade Orchi
We bought a pretty expensive tent at Walmart last year and it leaked when it rained (horribly), was hotter than all get out, and blew flat to the ground in a stiff wind. We are going to buy a new one this year and trash the other. Which tent should I buy or what features should I look for to combat rain, heat, and wind.
Thanks.
Answer
No, you did not buy an "expensive" tent at Walmart. Walmart does not sell any expensive, high-quality, lightweight tents. Walmart does sell cheap tents that can be effective for casual use IF you buy a strong seam sealer, like a silicone rubbery adhesive, and spread it across every seam and joint between different fabrics. Furthermore, the reason that your tent "blew flat" or contortioned is because you purchased a tent with cheap fiberglass poles that flex in the wind rather than break. Your existing tent is fine for car-camping in fairly pleasant weather. I even use one for certain car-camping outings when I want a little higher ceiling and am not concerned about weight. For backpacking, I have two $300 tents, a one-person and a two-person backpacking tent, weight respectively two pounds and four pounds, hub-design, low-profile, aluminum poles.
If you want a higher performance tent, then you will need to spend, depending on capacity and style, $300 to $1,000. Do not go cheap on a tent, since failure will end your vacation or force you to spend a lot more money on motels. Features that you need to consider ~ Rain protection: full-rain fly. Heat: adequate ventilation design. Wind: high-grade aluminum poles and a low-profile dome rather than a high-ceiling cabin tent or a very expensive four-season tent. You did not specify sleeping capacity. However, "we" implies a family, so I will offer links to several tents that may meet your criteria. Purchase a tent at least one-person larger than the specifications imply, unless you want a very tight fit. If heat and bugs are a significant problem, then consider also purchasing a screen room.
As best as I can figure from your description of necessary criteria, look at the Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 Tent, $540, 19 pounds, 5' 6" ceiling height or Big Agnes King Creek 6 Tent, $470, 16.5 pounds, 6' ceiling height. If you want smaller and cheaper, Big Agnes Coulton Creek 4 Tent, $300, 9 pounds, 5' ceiling height. I own a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL-1 that holds up well in high-altitude tundra backpacking, $300, 2 pounds, 3' 2" ceiling height.
No, you did not buy an "expensive" tent at Walmart. Walmart does not sell any expensive, high-quality, lightweight tents. Walmart does sell cheap tents that can be effective for casual use IF you buy a strong seam sealer, like a silicone rubbery adhesive, and spread it across every seam and joint between different fabrics. Furthermore, the reason that your tent "blew flat" or contortioned is because you purchased a tent with cheap fiberglass poles that flex in the wind rather than break. Your existing tent is fine for car-camping in fairly pleasant weather. I even use one for certain car-camping outings when I want a little higher ceiling and am not concerned about weight. For backpacking, I have two $300 tents, a one-person and a two-person backpacking tent, weight respectively two pounds and four pounds, hub-design, low-profile, aluminum poles.
If you want a higher performance tent, then you will need to spend, depending on capacity and style, $300 to $1,000. Do not go cheap on a tent, since failure will end your vacation or force you to spend a lot more money on motels. Features that you need to consider ~ Rain protection: full-rain fly. Heat: adequate ventilation design. Wind: high-grade aluminum poles and a low-profile dome rather than a high-ceiling cabin tent or a very expensive four-season tent. You did not specify sleeping capacity. However, "we" implies a family, so I will offer links to several tents that may meet your criteria. Purchase a tent at least one-person larger than the specifications imply, unless you want a very tight fit. If heat and bugs are a significant problem, then consider also purchasing a screen room.
As best as I can figure from your description of necessary criteria, look at the Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 Tent, $540, 19 pounds, 5' 6" ceiling height or Big Agnes King Creek 6 Tent, $470, 16.5 pounds, 6' ceiling height. If you want smaller and cheaper, Big Agnes Coulton Creek 4 Tent, $300, 9 pounds, 5' ceiling height. I own a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL-1 that holds up well in high-altitude tundra backpacking, $300, 2 pounds, 3' 2" ceiling height.
I am looking for a good quality Back Country Hiking tent.?
Rob
I am looking for a 2-3 person tent that is quality but not to expensive ($100-$150). I found a kelty for 230$, seemed high in price. Would appreciate an suggestions.
Answer
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/kelty/teton-2/
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Kelty-Teton-2-Tent-2-Person-3-Season/KEL0384M.html?avad=397_fa3a083
Kelty Teton 2
2-Person 3-Season
$149.95
*I own this simple, easy-to-pitch, two-pole design tent that offers super ventilation and quick setup.
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/kelty/yellowstone-4/
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Kelty-Yellowstone-4-Tent-4-Person-3-Season/KEL0299M.html?avad=397_fa3a0eb
Kelty Yellowstone 4 Tent 4-Person 3-Season
$144.95
This tent sleeps four, offers a quick, easy setup and is an economical choice for the camping couple or family.
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/kelty/teton-2/
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Kelty-Teton-2-Tent-2-Person-3-Season/KEL0384M.html?avad=397_fa3a083
Kelty Teton 2
2-Person 3-Season
$149.95
*I own this simple, easy-to-pitch, two-pole design tent that offers super ventilation and quick setup.
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/kelty/yellowstone-4/
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Kelty-Yellowstone-4-Tent-4-Person-3-Season/KEL0299M.html?avad=397_fa3a0eb
Kelty Yellowstone 4 Tent 4-Person 3-Season
$144.95
This tent sleeps four, offers a quick, easy setup and is an economical choice for the camping couple or family.
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