there are 3 seasons that will be more comfortable most of the times you use it and a warm bag is more important than the full double wall tent.
For the money I really like the 3-4 person 3 seasons in REI brand that have vestibules on either side and quick pitch ability. They are SO easy to set up. "half dome 3" maybe or quarter dome 2 0or 3 is little smaller and then some are lighter versions too. Get an REI visa card and you also get 5% back on ALL REI purchases, even on sale, and 1% on anywhere else. We just got an $800 dividend
Really, from what you said, if you only have one tent you won't fully benefit from a 4 season. Even when it's really chilly, 30's, I'd rather be in one with more ventilation and that's the 3 season. Also, consider this, if it's raining like hell but sort of warmish, it will get stuffy and whoever is camping with you will hate you before the night is over in a 4 season.
Trust me, I've hiked the AT, soloed several 14rs in winter, MT. Washington summer and then winter 2x, a lots of car camping in all sorts of weather and temps including -5 to -15 in Minnesota and Quebec....and I have 7 tents and what gets used 9/10? it's the 3 season with fly that can come right down tight to the ground or peel back to reveal the stars! It's light and plenty for all but the times when you won't be camping unless you also have a -20 bag. For those times if you are worried about precip on your bag, drape your shell over the bag or even bring a bivy for it for the few times you want more.
For the money I really like the 3-4 person 3 seasons in REI brand that have vestibules on either side and quick pitch ability. They are SO easy to set up. "half dome 3" maybe or quarter dome 2 0or 3 is little smaller and then some are lighter versions too. Get an REI visa card and you also get 5% back on ALL REI purchases, even on sale, and 1% on anywhere else. We just got an $800 dividend
Really, from what you said, if you only have one tent you won't fully benefit from a 4 season. Even when it's really chilly, 30's, I'd rather be in one with more ventilation and that's the 3 season. Also, consider this, if it's raining like hell but sort of warmish, it will get stuffy and whoever is camping with you will hate you before the night is over in a 4 season.
Trust me, I've hiked the AT, soloed several 14rs in winter, MT. Washington summer and then winter 2x, a lots of car camping in all sorts of weather and temps including -5 to -15 in Minnesota and Quebec....and I have 7 tents and what gets used 9/10? it's the 3 season with fly that can come right down tight to the ground or peel back to reveal the stars! It's light and plenty for all but the times when you won't be camping unless you also have a -20 bag. For those times if you are worried about precip on your bag, drape your shell over the bag or even bring a bivy for it for the few times you want more.
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