First time tent buyer! Need help

[Wdstrode]

first time tent buyer. looking to get one for hunting trips in CO as well as random trips with my GF in the mountains. Want one that is light enough to pack in and out for a spike camp. the two companies that i am really looking at is NEMO and MARMOT. i understand there are many other great companies out there but mainly interested in these two because I have major coupons for both. out of the tents in these two companies does anyone have personal experience or an idea of which would be best suited for me. much appreciated yall

 

[mrbillbrown]

No experience with either company but whichever one you decide to go with.....insist on dual side doors and decent sized vestibules. Having two doors and vestibules will be much better for access and gear storage outside the main tent body. Single entry tents are quite a nuisance especially when two occupants are involved.

 

[COlineman78]

What size pads do you guys use? Rectangle or tapered?

I would seriously consider Nemo. I have one of their pads and it's certainly solid. The Losi LS 2p seems good enough, however with only 40D on the floor I'd consider bringing a Tyvek footprint or buying theirs.

The Blaze 2p looks like great specs, but the downside is the thin floor and it probably won't hold up to high winds or snow so it depends on intended use. It's also a lot more expensive.

You may consider a 3p tent to give yourselves some extra room so it's not so cozy on the inside. Going up from a 2p to 3p usually adds less than a pound and makes things a lot more comfortable.

 

[Wdstrode]

I have a therma rest neo air pad and she does not have a pad as of right now but will probably get her a tapered pad.

NEMO
i was looking at the Nemo Galaxi tent but is 5 pounds too heavy!

 

[COlineman78]

NEMO
i was looking at the Nemo Galaxi tent but is 5 pounds too heavy!

5lbs is pretty standard for that price range. You can also usually trim off another 8oz or so by replacing the stakes and guylines with lighter alternatives. Also, the nice part is the 70d PU coated floor is thick enough that I don't worry about a footprint. If you don't mind a little extra weight that will be a good tent especially for the money.

 

[Akicita]

I can endorse from personal experience the Marmot Limelight.

Note: In tents, weight = durability, durability = safety.

 

[COlineman78]

I can endorse from personal experience the Marmot Limelight.

Note: In tents, weight = durability, durability = safety.

I can also second the limelight, my buddy has an older model and it's solid. Looks like they've removed my primary complaint for that tent (the stupid window in the vestibule). Slightly heavier, but the vertical walls near the edges will give you more room. As far as the weight, durability, safety argument; it's valid to a point but more expensive materials can just plain be both better and lighter.

If you want to stay in that price range I think that either the Limelight or Galaxy will fit your needs so just go with whichever has some feature you like better. The large door on the Marmot is a nice feature. The Galaxy appears to be a clone of the REI Half Dome, which about 2 years ago got updated with a bigger door (I own a Half Dome 2+).