driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 15,030 
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 28, 2017 10:54:55 GMT -8
A cheap blue tarp & groundcloth can protect you from the elements better than a cheap tent with insufficient rainfly, but the tarp lacks bug protection and finding a high spot is essential because water rolls and accumulates downhill.
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Post by dirthurts on Feb 28, 2017 17:42:03 GMT -8
Based on what you've described, something simple to set up in the dark, 4 person, affordable, etc, I'd recommend the Kelty Salida 4. www.rei.com/product/880825/kelty-salida-4-tentIt only has two poles, it's relatively inexpensive, yet it's made out of quality materials (aluminum and good fabrics) and should last a long time. It's probably your best value for the price. It's heavy, but lighter than most at the price (about 7 pounds). The sacrifice is you'll have but one door, but that's saving you money and weight. You'll have plenty of room inside for gear though. Ideally, my recommendation would be the Copper Spu 4, which is amazing and much lighter, but it's far more expensive and likely outside of your price bracket if you're just using it a few times per year. |
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Post by overit on Mar 2, 2017 14:12:08 GMT -8
Thanks for all the advice. Exactly what I was looking for. I will look over the various brands and styles mentioned. I am not afraid to pay for quality stuff and I do understand the concept of buying something good once rather than something mediocre time and time again.
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BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,985
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Post by BigLoad on Mar 2, 2017 14:33:16 GMT -8
One nice thing about tents is that the quality goes up pretty fast with price and the weight goes down. That makes it one of the most cost-effective places to save weight. It costs two to three times as much per ounce to shave weight off a sleeping bag.
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Post by zipposdad on Mar 2, 2017 16:09:35 GMT -8
I've also found that lighter weight usually equals less volume. I've had some bargain car camping tents that barely fit in the trunk. I'm down to three tents from eight... But have my eye on a ZPacks cuben fiber at about 16oz. We are also back into it as empty nesters.
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ogg
Trail Wise!
Posts: 139
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Post by ogg on Mar 5, 2017 0:47:06 GMT -8
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