Haha well that is a good point and honestly I am not sure. I would say a couple hundred bucks and willing to go a little more if needed.Do you have a budget in mind? People in the backpacking and elk hunting community have widely different opinions on what “breaking the bank” means
I would prefer a floorFloorless?
I also have had good luck with Big Agnes equipmentMy advice would be something from Big Agnes. Buy, the best tent your budget can afford. I have had several of their tents at various price points and never been disappointed. Another good option would be Tarptent.
Might I propose you consider this
Seek Outside Eolus
Here is why. Even if you go the nylon route , it is less weight than a standard MSR Hubba by about 1 lb. It handles weather better than any of the light / framed tents. You can use it with or without the inner. If you just need a tarp, well it's a tarp. It also sleeps people in the 6'5" well. There is a review in eastmans hunting journals from maybe March
Thanks
Kevin
It vents at the bottom. I know , it does not seem logical but it vents extremely well. Likely has less condensation when paired with the inner than most double wall tents. We let testing be our guide really.I was looking at the Eolus, I just don't see how it would vent up top.
I would prefer a floor
It vents at the bottom. I know , it does not seem logical but it vents extremely well. Likely has less condensation when paired with the inner than most double wall tents. We let testing be our guide really.
I have done a lot of testing on condensation and venting, and while one at the top can help a small amount in certain instances .. it is far more about the bottom and an air gap to minimize condensation.
So here is how the Eolus minimizes it when paired with the inner. There is a good air gap at the bottom, especially on the vestibules location. The inner is DWR lower, so it prevents the occupants from feeling breeze for the most part.
The only real drawback when compared to BA or MSR tents, (In fact it is less expensive than the MSR hubba despite being made in the U.S.A ) is that it is NOT free standing. However it sheds wind and weather very well, is very sturdy and condensation is minimal.
Bearsears,I have the Eolus and I can say Kevin is being pretty modest here. This thing vents exceptionally well and the portion of the inner that isnt mesh comes up pretty high so you don't feel wind when you are laying down. I usually run it floorless though and if its pitched the right direction wind inst an issue. Ive also pitched during a rain storm when the ground was already wet and an hour or so after the rain let up the interior was free of condensation. I use the nest when my wife is with me because it makes her more comfortable. As far as storm worthiness, I don't see how a regular pole design could even compare. As far as usable space for the weight its huge. For the price the Eolus is a steal and I cant imagine ever running a dome tent again unless it was a Hilliberg for a very specific purpose..
This is what I ended up with when looking to get into backpack hunting on a budget. Good reviews; sets up easily; manages rain well; reasonably light. It does build up some condensation, not horrible but, it's there.I have a Kelty Salida 2. For the money it seems like a decent tent.