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Post by cheaptentguy on Sept 6, 2015 16:01:51 GMT -8
I don't have the cash for an expensive backpacking tent at the moment. I'm looking to bring a 3-man tent for my buddy and me. I picked up this Academy tent for $25 that is relatively heavy (7 lbs listed, though I think less with some packing materials and other bits left behind) but seems like it would do the trick. I sprayed some sealer on the seems and got some nicer stakes. Other than weight, what are likely to be my biggest problems compared to a $200 hiking tent? I'm just looking to get started with some short distance hikes, maybe a couple of miles. I figured after i did that a few times I'll probably invest in a nicer tent after knowing what I really want in a shelter. Thoughts? Suggestions? Red flags?
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Sept 6, 2015 21:42:24 GMT -8
Fiberglass poles. Treat them with kid gloves because they will split, shatter, or explode at some point.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Sept 7, 2015 3:26:10 GMT -8
Not familiar with this tent, but the rain fly basically only covers the top, in a good rain I suspect the wall material could wet through. No info given on the material. Ventilation looks poor, especially with the fly on. The fact that it has a port for an electric extension cord tells you that this tent isn't designed for backpacking, though you certainly can tote it along for that. And I agree with Tigger, fiberglass poles are an accident waiting to happen, with this tent you should carry a tent repair kit with metal sleeves to fix broken poles.
I know you're on a tight budget, but if you're thinking you'll get a better tent down the road I suggest you try to find a way to stretch your budget now to actually save money in the long run. If you buy a better tent later and spend $25 on this just to junk it then that will be $25 more in the long run than just getting the better tent in the first place. Maybe more like $35 if you include the tent repair kit that you probably wouldn't need for a better tent.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Sept 7, 2015 5:24:23 GMT -8
In any kind of a real storm you'll get soaked in that tent. The inward facing doorway and no vestibule at all means you can't get in/out without letting the rain in. I doubt the zipper is waterproof either, which is a leak factory. Plus the rain fly barely covers the vents at all, which are themselves tiny. Add that to little ventilation and you have a recipe for a dripping night the first storm y'all weather.
*All that said,* you'll certainly survive, and hopefully have a great time. I'm very much of the opinion that you use whatever gear that allows you to get out there now, rather than "waiting" for some point in the future when you've bought better stuff. Go have fun! Best,
- Mike
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Sept 7, 2015 9:10:13 GMT -8
*All that said,* you'll certainly survive, and hopefully have a great time. I'm very much of the opinion that you use whatever gear that allows you to get out there now, rather than "waiting" for some point in the future when you've bought better stuff. Go have fun! Best advice. Only thing I'd add is a note on weather. I presume that, given your mention of short distance, 2 mile hikes, that you don't intend to be far from a trailhead in "bad" weather. If your other equipment is similarly cheap, and you stick to short hikes from which you can easily escape - and go out in mostly good weather - this tent will do just fine for a starter. It is, after all, a "fair weather tent" probably intended for car camping.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 7, 2015 9:24:22 GMT -8
My first "backpacking" tent was a 3-person A-Frame from Sears, very cheap and surprisingly light. It had a proper fly, I think aluminum poles, and kept the weather out. Maybe they don't make that kind of thing anymore, but maybe keep looking for cheap alternatives that still have the needful?
(This was 30 years ago, so...)
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Post by cheaptentguy on Sept 7, 2015 11:01:25 GMT -8
Given that I need to get other gear (proper sleeping bag, pad, and othef stuff), think I'm going to go ahead and go with this and be mindful of weather.
Thanks for all the responses.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Sept 7, 2015 11:14:12 GMT -8
Just watch the weather, easy enough to to do for a weakend.
Though you'll enjoy yourself more if you can find something lighter and you should at most price points.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Sept 7, 2015 13:25:44 GMT -8
Here's a lesson I've learned a few times and finally started applying when applicable (is that redundant?).
If you stick with it, buying cheap will probably cost you more in the long run. You'll regret the weight, size, or something else, and I'm not talking about just backpacking. If you can afford it (emphasis on "if"), go with something lighter and smaller. You probably won't stick with it, either, but it will have greater resale value if you decide to ditch it, or will be a much better backup in certain situations - different weather (more gear), other people, etc.
I quickly went from an REI Half Dome ($200) to a Tarptent Double Rainbow ($289) to a MLD Solomid ($235). I still love the Rainbow, but sold the Half Dome.
The same goes for backpacks, sleeping bags, jackets, etc.
Yes, it can be both overwhelming and confusing at the start, but in the long run you'll save time, money, and energy.
Look for sales at online retailers, or used gear in your area. Bargains can be found if you're patient.
And yeah, fiberglass poles are a no-no. As other stated, check for leaky zippers. And the ability to add/subtract ventilation is also important.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Sept 7, 2015 13:51:23 GMT -8
Something that hasn't mentioned yet and we probably should have said. Go run a hose on your tent for a while. You'll find the leaks quickly enough.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Sept 7, 2015 15:33:23 GMT -8
Oh and if you need to back up the floor to keep ground water out get a plastic painters drop cloth and cut to size. You don't want anything showing when it's under the tent to keep from channeling water that runs off the tent roof under the floor. Also to waterproof seams you ned to paint on a seam sealer, not use a "spray". For short trips where you can largely avoid rain you could do worse, it'll keep the bugs off and afford some privacy as well as some shelter from breezes. . My first shelter for that was a "tube tent": not recommended but it worked for me. Here it is, still offered (and still NOT recommended, LOL) all of $9.95 now. www.coghlans.com/products/tube-tent-8760
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Post by cheaptentguy on Sept 7, 2015 17:18:43 GMT -8
Here's a lesson I've learned a few times and finally started applying when applicable (is that redundant?). If you stick with it, buying cheap will probably cost you more in the long run. You'll regret the weight, size, or something else, and I'm not talking about just backpacking. If you can afford it (emphasis on "if"), go with something lighter and smaller. You probably won't stick with it, either, but it will have greater resale value if you decide to ditch it, or will be a much better backup in certain situations - different weather (more gear), other people, etc. I quickly went from an REI Half Dome ($200) to a Tarptent Double Rainbow ($289) to a MLD Solomid ($235). I still love the Rainbow, but sold the Half Dome. The same goes for backpacks, sleeping bags, jackets, etc. Yes, it can be both overwhelming and confusing at the start, but in the long run you'll save time, money, and energy. Look for sales at online retailers, or used gear in your area. Bargains can be found if you're patient. And yeah, fiberglass poles are a no-no. As other stated, check for leaky zippers. And the ability to add/subtract ventilation is also important.I'm I'm definitely a believer in getting good gear. However, I'm starting from zero (aside from some small things, clothes, boots, etc) getting equipment and I don't have several hundred dollars at the moment to go get everything now. Thinking about getting a good bag and a Zpad and a few other things for now and then getting a better tent maybe in the spring. The way I was looking at the Academy tent is that it would provide shelter on my first couple of simple trips and at worst turn into a play tent for the kids. At any rate, thanks, all, for the comments.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Sept 7, 2015 18:24:51 GMT -8
"then getting a better tent maybe in the spring." If I am reaing this correctly you are going to use a 25 dollar tent during the fall and winter and then, in the spring, maybe get a new tent? campmorYeah, I'm not going when it's real cold. Again, just looking to go out on a few weekend or overnight trips in this thing.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Sept 7, 2015 19:09:23 GMT -8
At least you have no illusions. I once bought a cheap tent from Walmart (with fiberglass poles) to protect some equipment I was operating outdoors for a week. A pole broke under wind loading before we were done setting it up for the first time. We made it work, but we left the tent in the trash when we left. Have fun, and keep an eye peeled for good deals. I've sold some decent tents to forum members at very good prices. (I don't have any to unload at the moment).
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Sept 8, 2015 6:21:54 GMT -8
"This product contains one or more chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm." But seriously, I mainly agree with BlueBear's sentiment. As for the linked 'tent'? A tarp, some bug-netting, a pair of hiking poles, and a little know-how might prove more effective.
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