Budget backpacking tent

[allima]

I apologize if this an old discussion idea but I'm new here. Is there any such thing as a budget backpacking tent or is it one of those, "by once cry once" things you must do? It appears the one person tents are always too small. Any suggestions is appreciated.

 

[rookieforever33]

The term "budget" is different to different people. Do you mean $50, $100, $200? If you are ok floorless there are more lightweight options for less money since it's less material and less poles. Most people still use a 2p tent per hunter. More room for gear and can help a buddy in a pinch. What style are you in search of? What is your budget?

 

[swavescatter]

There are quite a few threads here. From memory a lot of people definitely recommend a 2P.

On a budget I think the Gossamer Gear are $300-ish and really light. Six moon designs also has cheaper tents. You can probably snag a decent backpacking REI tent as well. Nobody will know (maybe even you) what conditions you're going to experience so the need for a Hilleberg or other high dollar unit is really up to you.

 

[allima]

The term "budget" is different to different people. Do you mean $50, $100, $200? If you are ok floorless there are more lightweight options for less money since it's less material and less poles. Most people still use a 2p tent per hunter. More room for gear and can help a buddy in a pinch. What style are you in search of? What is your budget?

You're right, I should have elaborated. I would like something with a floor, lightweight, preferably a two person, no stove needed, with or without poles as I carry trekking pokes, and with a quality rainfly since I live in Oregon. I was hoping for something under the $250 mark but I know that might be unreasonable.

 

[allima]

There are quite a few threads here. From memory a lot of people definitely recommend a 2P.

On a budget I think the Gossamer Gear are $300-ish and really light. Six moon designs also has cheaper tents. You can probably snag a decent backpacking REI tent as well. Nobody will know (maybe even you) what conditions you're going to experience so the need for a Hilleberg or other high dollar unit is really up to you.

I can't afford the high dollar ones but something that is lightweight enough to get in the backcountry of Oregon where you deal with a beautiful starry evening one day and a downpour the next. I have never heard of Gossamer and will check them out. Thanks

 

[aks]

I use the rei half dome 2 person tent. Around $300. 4lbs. It's big enough for my wife and I when we backpack but I also use it for my solo adventures. Easy and fast to put up and take down and it's held up quite well for the backcountry in Montana.

 

[allima]

I use the rei half dome 2 person tent. Around $300. 4lbs. It's big enough for my wife and I when we backpack but I also use it for my solo adventures. Easy and fast to put up and take down and it's held up quite well for the backcountry in Montana.

Thanks, we have an REI in Medford OR. I should at least check it out.

 

[allima]

There are quite a few threads here. From memory a lot of people definitely recommend a 2P.

On a budget I think the Gossamer Gear are $300-ish and really light. Six moon designs also has cheaper tents. You can probably snag a decent backpacking REI tent as well. Nobody will know (maybe even you) what conditions you're going to experience so the need for a Hilleberg or other high dollar unit is really up to you.

I researched Gossamer tents. I was really impressed but of course they're sold out.

 

[rookieforever33]

If you have $300 hundred to spend there are tons of options. Durston, Tarptent, Big Agnes, REI, Seek, Argali, plus many more. Then more if you buy used or on sale. Use the search function and type in tent, or a brand of tent, or backpacking tent. Take down a few names and start googling.

 

[DrBeetleKill]

There are definitely budget options. It all depends on timing of when you plan on going out. If you have some time, I would find a few options and wait for a sale. Most of the time you can find 20%+ off of some of the tents mentioned. The gear deals page on this site is a great place to check out. I usually go with at least a 2 person tent. There are some reviews on 1 person options that provide enough space such as Durston and Six Moons Lunar Solo.

 

[allima]

There are definitely budget options. It all depends on timing of when you plan on going out. If you have some time, I would find a few options and wait for a sale. Most of the time you can find 20%+ off of some of the tents mentioned. The gear deals page on this site is a great place to check out. I usually go with at least a 2 person tent. There are some reviews on 1 person options that provide enough space such as Durston and Six Moons Lunar Solo.

That is some good advice and I will wait. I'll give it a few weeks to get myself settled and fulfill the requirements and then start looking what's for sale. I appreciate the information.

 

[CMF]

Durston x mid 2 ~$300

I've tried the $50 amazon tents, it's not worth waking up in a puddle..

 

[Pacific27]

I'm still using my 1990's Sierra Designs Super Flash, 2-Person, 4 Season tent. I'm 6'4" and there is plenty of room. If you take care of your gear it will take care of you.

If you can find one used and in decent condition, I wouldn't hesitate. Its a bit heavier at 6-ish pounds but super easy to setup and can withstand quite a bit of wind/weather. New tents/materials are a bit lighter, but it's never let me down so don't see a need to replace it.

Really depends on the conditions/seasons you'll be using it in.

I'm putting together a "quick and light" setup and going to get a Bora Gear bivy w/ Tarp for my spring/summer/early fall scouting/hiking setup.

Like others have said just wait for a sale. Sea to Summit is having a sale and closing out their tents for like 40% off although it looks like most are sold out.

 

[getcervid]

I have a Sierra Design Clip Flashlight 2.

Not free standing, only one vestibule, but I’ve still slept two in it and had some fun backpacking trips (and one solo hunt) with it. Comes in at under 4 pounds and $220.

I can’t complain about anything at that price point. It has enough room, just more guy lines/stakes than some other tent setups, and the single vestibule can be a hassle as opposed to two.

 

[stephane]

I used a Lanshan 2 for about 5 seasons before upgrading the a Durston Xmid2 (my Lanshan got chewed on my squirrels). Probably had 100+ nights in the Lanshan and it was great. It’s a trekking pole tent so lighter weight as well if you’re already bringing poles.

 

[flyfisher117]

What is your budget?

I picked up my 2 person Big Agnes Copper Spur on sale. At the sale price I think it’s an awesome tent that is fairly budget friendly.

If you are patient you can pick up Kuiu’s tents on big sales as well. I don’t have theirs but my hunting buddy does and he’s been super happy with his. I was going to get one when they went on sale until I found the copper spur.

 

[whoami-72]

I've had really good luck with naturehike monger 2 and paria outdoors zion tents. Both have been good in all the wind and rain I've had them in over the past few years and are super cheap. The paria is definitely nicer though. Personally, I don't understand buying expensive tents unless it's canvas. Even my nicer synthetic tents still tear and rip.

If you're looking for higher end products. I typically wait for REI, Moosejaw, backcountry, etc to place the item I want on clearance and then get them when they're ~50% off because they'll stack a member discount on top of the clearance price.

 

[allima]

I've had really good luck with naturehike monger 2 and paria outdoors zion tents. Both have been good in all the wind and rain I've had them in over the past few years and are super cheap. The paria is definitely nicer though. Personally, I don't understand buying expensive tents unless it's canvas. Even my nicer synthetic tents still tear and rip.

If you're looking for higher end products. I typically wait for REI, Moosejaw, backcountry, etc to place the item I want on clearance and then get them when they're ~50% off because they'll stack a member discount on top of the clearance price.

Some more research to do...I appreciate the feedback!

 

[allima]

Anybody use the Stone Glacier Sky 1P? They are on sale but you have to buy the tarp and tub separately.

 

[TOLeary]

First I would look used. Reddit “ulgeartrade” and “geartrade” forums usually have great deals for good-“high end” tents minus hilleberg.

Durston (trekking pole), Mountain laurel designs silpoly (tipi), REI quarter dome (pole system) fit what you’re looking for. Solid tents for a lower end price point relative to what you’re getting. Other good brands mentioned above as well.

And for instance, on Reddit ULgeartrade there’s a durston xmid 2p solid for 250. You can get well under retail at almost any time if you look on there