Taking a couple of overnight trips this fall and would like recommendation for a 3-4 person (2 people plus gear) tent for backpacking. Would need to be fairly light and small enough for backpack

Conditions will not be harsh -- probably 30-40F where we will be, so it doesn't need to be fancy, or need to withstand a week long blizzard.

$200 or under would be great...

Also include where your recommended tent can be purchased

Thanks

Eureka! Apex 2XT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043HM5M2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_C0iJvbF197X6E

Yeah that'll probably work. Found one for $107

Thanks!

Another one to consider:
REI Passage 2
http://www.rei.com/product/810115/rei-passage-2-tent

If you're backpacking, you want a tent for 2, not 2 plus gear. Gear can live in the vestibule or in your pack with the rain cover on away from the tent. If you only plan to do this once, the tent above will work fine. (Edit: the eureka) Otherwise stay away from fiberglass poles.

I like two Doors or one at the end so you don't have to crawl over anyone to take a piss. 200 can get you a pretty decent tent if you watch for deals. Steep and cheap was running a bunch last week, not sure what they have left. Several of the big brands also have models right under the 200 mark that I'm sure you can find on sale for even less. I think the marmot tungsten looks pretty sweet at that price but I have no personal experience with it.

My brother and I have rei t2 & t3 half Domes and they are amazing but you'll have to go to an rei garage sale to get one in your price range

A little over price wise but I like the Black Diamond Mesa.

Lightest and cheapest

I know you said tent but at that temperature range, a Clark Hammock is great!

If you really want a tent, one if the lightest options is something from Kifaru. A bit spendy and typically need to order well in advance.

Sierra Designs makes some great tents that will meet your budget. Take a look at the Meteor Design line.

If you wAnt something very minimalistic, try GoLite.

We have an REI Half Dome 2+. It's a little longer than the regular 2. We love it. Super light and very sturdy. Just over $200 here

http://m.rei.com/product/878520/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent

quote:

---

We have an REI Half Dome 2+. It's a little longer than the regular 2. We love it. Super light and very sturdy. Just over $200 here

http://m.rei.com/product/878520/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent

---

My Philmont tent.

Mountain Hardware has been very good to me over the years. I had a Hammerhead 3 for about seven years that I bought in HS at cost. When the seams started coming apart, they sent me a company credit for the original retail value that I used to buy a Lightpath 3.

One thing I would recommend is to compare the weight difference between the two and three person tents in a line you like. There may not be a huge difference and i know I always appreciate a little extra room in a backpacking tent. They really are designed to only fit the sleeping bags listed.

quote:

---

We have an REI Half Dome 2+. It's a little longer than the regular 2. We love it. Super light and very sturdy. Just over $200 here

http://m.rei.com/product/878520/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent

---

I own this as well. Like most things rei, it's awesome...

Best backpacking option is a hammock and rain fly.

REI Half Dome

quote:

---

Best backpacking option is a hammock and rain fly.

---

I generally agree with this, as I usually hammock camp too. But in this case. Tent may be best!

But if you are so inclined to hammock camp my favorite brands are warbonnet, Clark, and I love my most recent buy Sierra Madre.

Sierra Madre pares hammock with the Nub shelter is a sweet rig.

Tarptent makes great lightweight tents specifically for backpacking. I've got a single and its less than 2 pounds.

You'll definitely only want a two man tent. Packs and gear stay in the vestibule. The half dome is a good tent, any if the REI tents are good. They're having their 4th of July sale soon and you may be able to pick up a good deal then.
If you want something a little more high end, I love my Big Agnes Seedhouse. Pricey but light as a feather and sturdy as hell.

quote:

---

You'll definitely only want a two man tent. Packs and gear stay in the vestibule. The half dome is a good tent, any if the REI tents are good. They're having their 4th of July sale soon and you may be able to pick up a good deal then.
If you want something a little more high end, I love my Big Agnes Seedhouse. Pricey but light as a feather and sturdy as hell.

---

This. Two doors, two vestibules. Be careful of water running under the vestibule in heavy rain.

I spent a week in the Weminuche Wilderness in a MSR Hubba Hubba. Might be a bit out of your range, but a great tent.

I also own a Kelty Apex 2XT and 3XT. Practically bullet proof. Mine have fiberglass poles that add a bit of weight, but pretty good bang for the buck.

Others have said it, but it's worth repeating...get a tent with 2 doors and vestibules. It's worth it, especially as you get old and the nocturnal excursions get more frequent!!

30% sale at rei started today.

It might just be for members. But I don't think so. But membership is well worth it.

quote:

---

Best backpacking option is a hammock and rain fly.

---

ENO double nests are great. That's all I use, plus a little tarp...
https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
Another good one is:
Whiteoakhammocks.com
Substitute paracord for straps

Chaos tent by Alps Mountaineering. Just used it a week in CO for the first time and it was awesome. I have a 1/2 dome 2 and like it better than that one.

quote:

---

quote:

---

We have an REI Half Dome 2+. It's a little longer than the regular 2. We love it. Super light and very sturdy. Just over $200 here

http://m.rei.com/product/878520/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent

---

My Philmont tent.

---

Mine, too. Great little tent!

Sierra Design. Have had mine for over 15 years and still performs well in any weather condition.

My wife and I love our Nemo Meta 2person. We do 2-3 night backpacking trips, all have been in the mountains of Colorado. Have used this tent on 7 trips since buying 4 years ago. At the time it was the lightest, largest, and had 2 doors and 2 vestibules.

http://www.backpacker.com/gear/tents/editors-choice-2010-nemo-meta-2p-tent/

rei tents, esp during a sale

I have a Eureka Apex 2 (not big fly) that I got on sale at Academy a few years ago for $60. I got it for motorcycle camping because it's light for the price range. Very easy and quick to put up and I like it.

It did well in 20-30mph winds and Seminole Canyon.

Kelly Tarp

I say no need for tent just sleep in the outdoors.