It's time to buy a new tent and I could use some recommendations. I've got some medium/larger tents (4 and 6 person), and now looking to find something in the 2 person size range. It will primarily will be used by either my son or I on scouting trips, so we will have an occasional backpacking trip but this typically won't have to be packed in. Doesn't need to be ultralight, but am weight conscious.

The REI Passage 2 seems to fit a lot of what I'm looking for, especially on sale right now, but open to ideas. Anyone have any cross-backpacking/camping tents they love and would recommend?

https://durstongear.com/product/x-mid-2p

I don't have one, but plan on changing that. The reviews from many impartial users are simply outstanding. Much of the stuff on YT is not impartial, but many do a good job highlighting what few negatives there are to the tent.

We have an REI Halfdome that we've liked

Budget? How big a boy are you? Frequency of backpacking vs car camping?

Average sized guy. Car camping monthly with maybe one backpacking trip a year. Budget….. aiming to keep under/around $200.

What season and where will you use it?

Year round. North TX, Ok and Arkansas primarily.

Car camping: $50 walmart dome tent with queen size air mattress

Backpacking once a year: borrow a 2 man backpacking tent or tipi, or grab something from eureka, alps, mountainsmith, kelty, etc (i.e. don't break the bank)
Check out sierra.com if you haven't already

bkag9824 said:

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https://durstongear.com/product/x-mid-2p

I don't have one, but plan on changing that. The reviews from many impartial users are simply outstanding. Much of the stuff on YT is not impartial, but many do a good job highlighting what few negatives there are to the tent.

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I got one in their second batch this year. Easily the best backing tent on the market.
If you want one get on their notification list and be ready to buy as soon as the sale opens. Their first batch this year sold out in under 20 seconds. Reading the different backpacking forums, Durston tents are the most sought after backpacking tents on the planet. I felt like I won the lottery when my order went through.

I do a lot of car camping while fly fishing in New Mexico / southern Colorado. This summer I got a Big Agnes Rabbit Ears 4 tent.
I've used it once and it was easy to put up, somewhat lightweight, 3 season, and easy to pack. It even came with its own footprint. I always go alone, so I had plenty of room. Would be fine for 2 people. I got mine for around $240, but was originally listed for around $400, I believe.

I got this tent for exactly the reasons you mentioned. I have a couple of large, heavy family-sized tents that I got tired of hauling on scout camping trips, especially when I didn't need the extra size for just myself.

It's dry, holds up well in really strong wind, and with the rainfly off it's really open and cool.

https://hikerdirect.com/2-person-floor-saver-brown-coal.htm

Thanks Ark…..what's the name of it? Link isn't pulling up for me and sounds like a great one.

I have the rei passage 2 & it's been great. Have about 20 nights in it, has held up with rain, wind etc just fine.
I'm 6-4 & it's just the right size

moo said:

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Thanks Ark…..what's the name of it? Link isn't pulling up for me and sounds like a great one.

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That's weird. I have the Lynx 2

Is this link better? https://hikerdirect.com/lynx-2-person-plus-footprint-clay-rust.html

Take a look at Seek Outside. They make mostly floor less tents for ultra light weight options. However, they have nests for several of them. For two people, you could get the Eolus or a couple others. You should find one that offers more size for its weight. And, they are made in Colorado, US.

Beyond that, Mountain Hardwear makes good stuff. For your purpose, the Aspect 3 would be good.

Here's the Alps that I use for just me. Been really happy with it. Easy to get good air flow. Waterproof through some rainy/ windy nights on the coast.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B7MPL5E?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

We do some car camping with the kids and these are awesome for 30 second setup.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HN91YHY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&th=1

That hikerdirect website requires a login to view product, FYI

That worked! Thanks for the rec.

Awesome. Appreciate you sharing direct experience with it.

Thanks for the sierra idea. Hadn't seen that site before.

Amazon has tons of relatively inexpensive ones. If you only use them a few times a year they work just fine. Just search lightweight backpacking tents.

REI quarter dome 2
Packed in for a back country DIY elk hunt and also stayed in it at RMNP , garner and other camp sites.

Has been great for all those apps. Fits two grown adult guys with a vestibule area for your stuff. Or one person and all your gear.

Going to Portland?

Deus Vult said:

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bkag9824 said:

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https://durstongear.com/product/x-mid-2p

I don't have one, but plan on changing that. The reviews from many impartial users are simply outstanding. Much of the stuff on YT is not impartial, but many do a good job highlighting what few negatives there are to the tent.

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I got one in their second batch this year. Easily the best backing tent on the market.
If you want one get on their notification list and be ready to buy as soon as the sale opens. Their first batch this year sold out in under 20 seconds. Reading the different backpacking forums, Durston tents are the most sought after backpacking tents on the planet. I felt like I won the lottery when my order went through.

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My new x-mid pro 2p just came in this month. I'm looking forward to comparing it to my Zpacks Soloplex (or whatever name they are suing now) and my triplex.