Tents

[WillTN]

For the past couple of years now I've been saying I'm going to buy a new tent but it's been one of those things that just keeps getting put off, but I pulled out my tent today (first time in since fall) to make sure everything was in one place for a trip later this month and realized it's finally time to replace it. My old one is just getting too shabby...
I know basically what I want and have narrowed it down to two tents, I think. I want a 2 person 4 season tent and I don't want to drop too much $ on it. Also I want something that is still light enough I can use it for backpacking as well camping via the truck..

First option, this REI tent:
http://www.rei.com/product/739354
It's the more expensive one but I'm an REI member so I can get it for 20% off now.

The second option is this Eureka:
http://www.eurekatent.com/p-71-alpenlite-xt-tent.aspx
Eureka is a brand I don't have any personal experience with, but this tent seems to have good reviews and it can be had for $220 at various online vendors.

I like the design of the REI better but I like the price tag on the Eureka... To bad there isn't some kind of standard rating of "difficulty level of setting up in the middle of the night in the rain with no flashlight".:smilelol:

Does anyone have experience with either of these tents? Opinions? BTW I mainly will be using it in the fall/winter/spring, not necessarily in the south..

 

[Timmy!!!!!!!]

I remember using eureka tents when I was in the boy scouts. I personally was never really a fan of those tents and always prefered an REI tent. The next tent I get is probably going to be at least a 3 person tent so I can use an air mattress or cot since I probably won't be doing much backpacking anymore.

 

[LandyII]

The REI tent is a nice one. It's the one we have. It's prety easy to set up. At least it was when I set it up a few weeks ago when I was checking out our camping gear.

 

[WillTN]

I remember using eureka tents when I was in the boy scouts. I personally was never really a fan of those tents and always prefered an REI tent. The next tent I get is probably going to be at least a 3 person tent so I can use an air mattress or cot since I probably won't be doing much backpacking anymore.

I think they make a lot of inexpensive tents in the in the under $100 range that sell at the walmart style sporting goods stores. I read a lot of reviews on this tent and it doesn't seem like anyone had anything bad to day about it.

I think I'm leaning towards the REI but I haven't ruled out the eureka..

 

[Asolo3j]

How often are you really camping in sub-30 deg weather with snow? 1-2 times a year maybe? 4 season is nice, but they get very hot during the other 9 months of the year when most of your camping will probably take place.

I chose more netting and breathable fabric in a 3 season tent. I have camped in the single digits in my current backpacking tent and it didn't frost up that bad and I was plenty warm with the proper insulation (sleeping bags, foam mat, etc...)

A 4 season tent is great for the 4th season, but other than that you are carting around a heavy, less ventilated tent that could make warm nights miserable.

I've had a great experience with Eureka but based on those 2 tents you chose, I would pick the REI for the extra door (added ventilation), vestibule sq footage, even tho its a touch heavier.

I can get my current Mountain Hardware backpacking tent down to 3lbs 7oz, and I bring that hiking when it's me and the fiancee. Ti tent stakes, lightweight vectran line, silnylon footprint, leave the gear loft at home, etc... Backpacking with a 9lb tent. sorry, but F that! that's why I am working on a sub-20 oz silnylon tarp and bivy combo.

 

[post]

I have this one http://www.eurekatent.com/p-44-backcountry-1-tent.aspx. nice little tent, has just enough room for me and my gear inside. I've been snowed and rained on in it and didn't leak and the moisture build up wasn't bad from what I remember either.
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa150/postema0014/Hyndeman/curacao142.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa150/postema0014/Hyndeman/climb020.jpg

 

[dtl]

my fiance and I have a Kelty and love it! I agree with the three season as you are not climbing Everest with it are you? We pitch ours as a rooftop tent and it works well.......anyway anything you buy from REI you may return with no questions asked and they will exchange it, used or not! So what ever brand you decide on buy it from REI.

 

[WillTN]

How often are you really camping in sub-30 deg weather with snow? 1-2 times a year maybe? 4 season is nice, but they get very hot during the other 9 months of the year when most of your camping will probably take place.

Most of the local (in or around TN) camping I do is in late October threw early March except for this past year where I haven't had time to do much. Most of the time when I go camping in the summer it's not around here and I've gotten snow/sleet in June before in New Mexico and up around Wyoming/Montana..

The tent I have now is a 3 season but I've used friends 4 season tents quite a bit before so I have an idea as to what I want to get.. I've camped on St. John (US VI) in a 4 season the north face and it was alright.. Also whatever I get will see some Fairbanks action in the fall...

 

[WillTN]

I have this one http://www.eurekatent.com/p-44-backcountry-1-tent.aspx. nice little tent, has just enough room for me and my gear inside. I've been snowed and rained on in it and didn't leak and the moisture build up wasn't bad from what I remember either.
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa150/postema0014/Hyndeman/curacao142.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa150/postema0014/Hyndeman/climb020.jpg

So they are pretty good quality?

The Eureka I'm looking at seems to get really good reviews, the REI has a few bad reviews (although none of them are recent). I do like the design of the REI better but now I'm thinking about going with the Eureka since it's a little less expensive and gets such good reviews...

 

[post]

So they are pretty good quality?

The Eureka I'm looking at seems to get really good reviews, the REI has a few bad reviews (although none of them are recent). I do like the design of the REI better but now I'm thinking about going with the Eureka since it's a little less expensive and gets such good reviews...

I'ts pretty good quality from what I can tell. I've only used it a few times but I haven't had any issues with the zippers or the poles, no leaks, no rips or tears either.

Cost was one of the factors that got me to buy it too. But I also like the free standing tents rather than a bivee. The poles are aluminum and aren't prone to splintering like some of the fiberglass ones.

The Eureka's been good for my occasional overnite hiking trips.

 

[Ballah06]

i ve been trying to sell my North Face Trailhead 6 tent. Brand new, used once. PM if interested.

 

[WillTN]

Thanks, but that's a lot bigger then what I want.

 

[dtl]

I still say to buy through REI no matter what brand! I have camped in many tents and if you get wet/cold once you will become gun shy. Hence be able to return it.

 

[dtl]

Check Hudson trail Outfitters aswell, they are a smaller group but have good deals at times!

 

[HunterAK]

I can get my current Mountain Hardware backpacking tent down to 3lbs 7oz, and I bring that hiking when it's me and the fiancee. Ti tent stakes, lightweight vectran line, silnylon footprint, leave the gear loft at home, etc... Backpacking with a 9lb tent. sorry, but F that! that's why I am working on a sub-20 oz silnylon tarp and bivy combo.

Yeah, fuck 9 lbs man... To be honest, my GF has the REI half dome and it's really nice. SOOOOOOO easy to set up. Two poles. 5 lbs. Lots of head room. I think it's under $175.00. We have used this tent all over AK and it's worked out fine...

If you're looking for more, try the REI quarter dome T3. 4lbs 7oz. and under $300. Another great tent.

 

[Leslie]

FWIW, IMHO, l'd suggest looking at MSR......

 

[HunterAK]

FWIW, IMHO, l'd suggest looking at MSR......

If his budget stays the same, he won't find anything in his price range in an MSR unless it's used...

 

[WillTN]

Ya, I have experience with MSR's products (my water filter/pump for backpacking is a MSR).

I'm not sure what I'm going to go with yet. Price isn't a huge factor or anything but I'm not sure if whatever I get will see enough use to really justify dropping more then ~$400. That's one of the reasons I narrowed it down to these which will be fine for what I need and aren't too $$.

 

[sboada]

You should look into www.sierratradingpost.com. I have bought ALOT of stuff through them and they often have unbelievable deals on outdoor gear. I bought a Marmot Nutshell Tent, I think they still have it, for a about $150 and have been very happy with it.

Anyway good luck with the search.

 

[sboada]

You should look into www.sierratradingpost.com. I have bought ALOT of stuff through them and they often have unbelievable deals on outdoor gear. I bought a Marmot Nutshell Tent, I think they still have it, for a about $150 and have been very happy with it.

Anyway good luck with the search.