Any of the name brand, free standing, double wall tents will work. I prefer Sierra Designs, but that is only because they were the first to come out with clips instead of pole sleeves. A good tent is a good investment. Tents are one area that you generally get what you pay for.

The model we use for bike touring and true 3-season camping is the Sierra Design Lightning 2. It has seen hard use for 8 years, and is still in good shape. It weighs in right at 4 lbs, and is easy to set up.

Tent with rainfly. Yes she is enjoying the sun. We had 35 days of rain on this trip.


Lightning 2 without the rainfly. There is enough mesh for good ventilation, but not enough to be uncomfortable in warm weather. Note clips connecting tent to poles.


My tent and rainfly stuffed into the blue compression bag. It is about the size of a loaf of bread.


It also works well for late fall and early spring trips.