Dan's Hiking Blog

Backpacking Tent

What do I need to know about buying a camping tent?

I have been shopping for an approximately 10x10 camping tent for car camping (not backpacking). I have looked online at REI, Campmor, EMS, Sierra Trading... and in the store at Walmart and Dick's Sporting goods. I've compared features so I know what's typically available. I'm trying to find out why there is such a huge variance in prices... what is the value of a $200 tent vs. an $80 one with nearly the same features. (is it the material?) I'm looking for other people's advice and experiences!

Things like double-layered fabric, sealed seams and ripstop fabric make for a better and more durable tent that will keep you warm & dry. Same goes for aluminum poles and stakes. I think REI gives really good value for the money, especially their campdome series - I have had one for years and it's still in great shape. They also are very easy to set up. If you plan to use it more than one or two times, a quality tent is worth the money. Sure, you could get the Motel 6 of tents, but I think the Holiday Inn Express is worth a few more dollars. I do not recommend the "Four Seasons" of tents (like Mountain Hardware or North Face) unless you've got $$ to burn or plan to use it more than you use your bed.

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NEW Camouflage 2 Man Lightweight Trail Tent Backpacking    US $41.95

WENZEL BACKPACKING BACKPACKER HIKER TENT 2 PERSON NEW    US $50.00

WENZEL STAR LITE 2 PERSON TENT BIVY TYPE BACKPACKING    US $38.00

SWISSGEAR EIGER 2 PERSON TENT CAMPING BACKPACKING HIKER    US $50.00

TREKKER SOLO 1 PERSON BACKPACKING BACKPACKER TENT    US $40.00

Kelty Mesa 2 Backpacking Tent Very lightly used    US $119.95

Family 3 Person Backpacking Camping Hiking Tent Rainfly    US $43.99

New Coleman Exponent TYL X2 backpacking tent boy scouts    US $89.99

backpacking hiking camping tent for 2 persons    US $30.80

New Black Diamond Lightsabre Camp Backpacking Tent Bivy    US $159.95

3 Person Backpacking Camping Hiking Tent Speedy Pop Up    US $63.22

2006 MSR Fling 2 person backpacking or campground tent    US $125.00

SMALLLIGHT 4 SEASON BACKPACKING CAMP CAMPING TENT NEW    US $134.99

Coleman Exponent TYL X2 Backpacking Tent    US $42.00

Eureka Zeus 2 Person Ultra Lightweight Backpacking Tent    US $159.90

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Gigatent Yellowstone 1-2 Person Backpacking Tent MT 004 List Price: $149.99 Sale Price: $88.00 Average Rating: Gigatent Yellowstone 1-2 Person Backpacking Tent MT 004 This innovative design uses a single pole with a strut to maximizes interior space while keeping weight and staking to a minimum. 2 twin track doors provide separate access for each person and twin vestibules keep equipment out of the rain...



McNett Sil Fix Sil-Nylon Repair Kit List Price: $6.30 Sale Price: $4.99 The only repair adhesive for silicone treated nylon fabrics! Sil Fix repairs holes and tears on all sil-nylon tents, tarps, backpacks and outerwear. Also reinforces high wear areas.



Sportz X-Treme PAC 2 Man Camping Package List Price: $209.95 Sale Price: $174.99 Average Rating: Napier Sportz X - Treme PAC... includes everything you need to heed the call of the wild at a moment's notice! 2-person tent, rain fly, 2 stools and 2 Thermolite mummy bags. It all fits in the compact carrying bag and can be attached easily to any ATV, motorcycle or backpack! The ultimate in camping convenience, the total package weighs only 19 lbs...

MSR Carbon Reflex 1 Backpacking Tent $449.95 The ultimate in lightweight solo living, the MSR Carbon Reflex 1 Backpacking Tent is the lightest double wall, freestanding 1 person tent MSR has ever made. Crossing the line between ultralight and hyperlight, the Carbon Reflex 1 is a freestanding traveling penthouse suite, ideal for the high-mileage thru-hike or just a fast & light weekend adventure.High-tech ripstop nylon fabric, carbon fiber poles and a design based on the award-winning Hubba Hubba tents, the Carbon Reflex 1 is provides 3-season protection and roomy interior and vestibule space. Large mesh paneling allows for superior airflow when temperatures rise and when the weather is really nice, leave the tent body at home and go even lighter with just the fly and footprint (sold separately) to reduce your carrying weight by almost a pound. For an ultralight, reliable, durable, and easy-to-setup-by-yourself backpacking shelter; the Carbon Reflex 1 can't be beat.

MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Backpacking Tent $499.95 Voted Lightest 2-Person- Backpacker Magazine's Gear of the Year Awards 2009The ultimate in lightweight backcountry living, the award winning MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Backpacking Tent is the lightest double wall, freestanding tent 2 person tent MSR has ever made, Crossing the line between ultralight and hyperlight, the Carbon Reflex 2 is a freestanding traveling penthouse suite, ideal for the high-mileage thru-hike or just a fast & light weekend adventure.High-tech ripstop nylon fabric, carbon fiber poles and a design based on the award-winning Hubba Hubba tents, the Carbon Reflex 2 is provides 3-season protection and roomy interior and vestibule space. Large mesh paneling allows for superior airflow when temperatures rise and when the weather is really nice, leave the tent body at home and go even lighter with just the fly and footprint (sold separately) to reduce your carrying weight by almost a pound. For an ultralight, reliable, durable, and easy-to-setup backpacking shelter for 2; the Carbon Reflex 2 can't be beat.

Kelty Crestone 2 Tent $169.95 Whether backpacking solo or with a friend, the Kelty Crestone 2 Tent is a lightweight design that is perfect for backpackers who are "watching their weight".