Touring - Tents for Touring

Looking for suggestions on a decent tent for under $100 that I can take on tours. By decent I mean 3 season, able to strap on my bike so semi-lightweight and compact size. Any suggestions? I've seen some of the Kelty's tents but some of the reviews I have heard have been pretty poor.

Try these threads:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19948

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12969

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5865

I think tents were covered extensively in those.

:p

For under $100 with a standard small 2 person tent that will hold your gear you will probably have to go with a nylon tent or else a secondhand more durable canvas tent.I would think Eureka or Kelty would be two of the more reputable makers of lower priced tents.Look at the most recent prior thread on tents from a few months ago where people recommended a number of resonably priced nylon tents. I did see what looked to be a near clone (only nylon)of my more expensive canvas tent inSports Authority for under $50 made by Northpoint but I can't vouch for the quality.Generally nylon will not breath well so go with plenty of mesh with this option and will be less durable particularly with much exposure to the sun.On a lower priced tent look at the quality of the seam stiching,zippers etc.You could also stay in budget perhaps by looking at tarps/bivys/1 person tents/hammocks if you are able to accept the tradeoffs involved with each.P.S. Here is the thread I was referring to: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19948

I have a Eureka 2 person tent that has served me very well for about 7 years and with heaps of use. I found that the 2-person size is the best for 1 person, as it has enough room for lots of gear and to keep a person from going stir crazy when rained in for a day or more. Go for a three person if there is two people involved. For me, vestibules and two entrances are indispensable for ventilation and comfort. I tried using a bivy sack for an 800 km. hike once and it was too small and humid.
To find good 3-season tent for $100.00 you will have to go used. Tents have improved immensely over the last ten years and the price for a good tent has come down, but expect to pay $300.00. Whatever you do, buy a good tent, as one bad night with wet gear is not a nice experience and you will probably end up in a motel for two nights drying out. For cycle touring, a tent is your second most important piece of equipment, with a warm sleeping bag the third.

Thanks all for the info

You might seriousily consider a BOB trailer for your tour, and gear. We highly reccommend a Eureka brand tent, we have had a 4 man timberline for 28 years and it still looks like new.

As we looked at tents for bike camping recently the timberline won out hands down except we wanted a big enough tent we could stash our tandem and trailer in, so we had to get a huge Wal-mart tent, but it still only weighs 10#. I would seriousily look at a Eureak brand tent, and keep in mind you might be spending more time than you ever imagined in it if the weather gets bad.

Our old Eureka has been used to camp in the sand on Lake Huron, and as a playpen for our two children. One of our kids and her friend got floated (literally) in it, and soaked do to camping in a low spot. It is a great tent, and we wouldn't think twice about using it if we weren't so worried about the bike and trailer leaving us or getting wet.

For a good deal, try Campmor.com.

Have a great trip

Diane

Hey Mellonfarmer,

Right now Eureka has a rebate on several of their tents. Check their website for details about getting $20-$30 back.

Rick

I'll put in my plug for Eureka tents. We've had a 6 person equinox that has served us well for many years of camping--usually in the rain. I live in Oregon after all. One year we literally had a puddle under the tent that never seeped through.