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.
Which tent is the BEST choice?
Q. I am trying to convince myself of the better shelter for 4 season year 'round use, even in a cold winter environment. I really like these conical tipi style shelters but have heard they are horrible in a high wind. I like the simplicity of it but realistically what are the pro's and con's?
wyominglostandfound.com tipi tent with woodstove
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT1Z-zfo2UQ
The Wedge Tent or also known as an A-frame tent is also a well known and easy to set up and can also be used with a wood stove. The rectilinear floor shape may be better and more convenient than a circular floor plan and there is a little better headroom. I have heard that these also aren't great in a high wind situation. At any rate I value your opinion as both can be costly, even over $1,000 and so if you have any wisdom, insight or experience I appreciate your input so as to help me settle for the best design.
Wedge Tent
http://www.walltentshop.com/mtwedge.html
Thanks for your answers!
wyominglostandfound.com tipi tent with woodstove
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT1Z-zfo2UQ
The Wedge Tent or also known as an A-frame tent is also a well known and easy to set up and can also be used with a wood stove. The rectilinear floor shape may be better and more convenient than a circular floor plan and there is a little better headroom. I have heard that these also aren't great in a high wind situation. At any rate I value your opinion as both can be costly, even over $1,000 and so if you have any wisdom, insight or experience I appreciate your input so as to help me settle for the best design.
Wedge Tent
http://www.walltentshop.com/mtwedge.html
Thanks for your answers!
Answer
I already gave you the pros and cons. Its the price and amount of use factor you have to consider. You say for 4 season use but for how long? a weekend, a week a month. How are you planning to get it there? carry it in on your back, or a pack horse, or truck it in? Are you a wilderness trekker, or a sit in camp all day kinda guy these effect your choices immensely. I have and use several different tents. For mountain man rendezvous and long term scout camps I use a Canvas baker style tent. For weekend car camping I use a large family style tent. For back packing I use a hammock or a small 2 man dome tent depending on the season, and sometimes just a small tarp.
I already gave you the pros and cons. Its the price and amount of use factor you have to consider. You say for 4 season use but for how long? a weekend, a week a month. How are you planning to get it there? carry it in on your back, or a pack horse, or truck it in? Are you a wilderness trekker, or a sit in camp all day kinda guy these effect your choices immensely. I have and use several different tents. For mountain man rendezvous and long term scout camps I use a Canvas baker style tent. For weekend car camping I use a large family style tent. For back packing I use a hammock or a small 2 man dome tent depending on the season, and sometimes just a small tarp.
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