thook

my buddy and i are planning an overnight kayak adventure and i need a good tent. waterproof...i mean reliably waterproof!!...is foremost. roomy would be next. something big enough for three people and modest amount of gear. in/out access on both sides would be great, but not a must. a vestibule of any size would also be really nice, but not a must. simple to set up, lightweight and reasonably compact a must, but nothing minimalist. below $150 is a must.

i should add i won't be going to local suppliers as i already know i can't afford that. probably ebay or some online supplier having a blowout sale or something.

if you have suggestions, if you'd briefly offer pros and cons...ie. the zippers suck or the windows are nice and big....i'd certainly appreciate it. thanks in advance!

ps. doesn't have to be high end stuff...like agnes, mtn hardwear, etc. not opposed to that, but even a coleman or hillary would do the job

noisebeam

have you considered renting?

ahsposo 

Real commandos don't need no stinkin' tent...

mtnbud

How much space will you have available for a tent? If you already own a tent, consider a substantial waterproof tarp to extend over your tent. If there won't be trees around, you'll need poles for the tarp.
Something like this could be pitched in a variety of configurations and could be used for shade also: https://www.campmor.com/products/eureka-trail-fly-14

thook

no i haven't. renting equipment, to a degree, is a waste of money to me. moreover, i simply rather have my own for a variety of reasons.

thook

honestly, so long as it's a certainty not to rain or it's not super cold, i like not sleeping in a tent. in boy scouts, on overnight canoe trips we didn't use tents. just slept out under the stars on a sandbar. however, weather's been real unpredictable around here this spring and summer. it might rain and it might not is about all you can count on

thook

that's a consideration, for sure. problem is my old eureka tent weeps through the floor even after retreating it. i know i could use a footprint, but that wouldn't stop a downpour from making things miserable. aside from that, while not going full on minimalist, there's only so much room for gear on the kayaks. and, as with anything else, the less stuff to keep up with the better

indyfabz

Three people and some gear=4P tent unless you guys are really close.

Good luck finding a quality one that meets the criteria you listed (especially weight) at that price that is going to stand the test of time.

Steve B.

Good and cheap don't go together. Eureka is the best inexpensive yet reliable AND waterproof tents I'm aware of.

thook

i dunno <<sigh>>. if anyone knows of a quality tent restoration product, i'd be willing to try that. i don't remember what i used last time to waterproof my tent, but it didn't work

fishboat

+1

Good luck. Renting a good tent is a waste of money, but getting something that looks good in the pic on the box for <$150 is a good investment.

You can get a decent tent for two for less than $150(I have one), though for a 4-person size..might be dreaming.

thook

lol...i'm well aware of that. that's why i got a eureka tent last time. there's a big agnes bighouse 4 w/vestibule on ebay right now for $130. doing some research on it because it doesn't appear to have ventilation. i'm guessing it's a cold weather tent. more investigating is required

BillyD

Let's try moving this thread to the Touring forum, you might get some answers to your questions there.

thook

he's my best friend, so tight as hipster jeans

thanks. i know it's a stretch, but sometimes magic happens

thook

okay. i didn't post there because this isn't about bike touring or touring in general, but i see the logic proposed

PedalingWalrus

below $150?

noisebeam

I has misinterpreted the need as one time or rare. Renting can make sense for high dollar rare use items.

You wont get all your requirements in one package at that price and if you compromise durability that can be similar to renting.

As noted Eureka has good value. I used one for years.

This is heavy, but otherwise meets your ask
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/asce...ckpacking-tent

thook

what i meant by lightweight is not one of those walmart jobs with poles as thick as your thumb. exaggerating a bit, but that's the crux. and, this won't one time and it could conceivably be more than rare. maybe a few times a year, but who knows. if i have a good tent, again, i might find excuses to use it....lol. occasionally i run across used high'ish end tents in good shape for an affordable to me price. just haven't felt compelled to spring on any of them until recently. so, in asking for suggestions, it's one of those things "now i know what to look for and perhaps it'll turn up somewhere". people get rid of stuff all the time. maybe a yard sale or something. but, if i know what to keep an eye for, i wouldn't hesitate for not knowing what i'm getting. make sense?

mtnbud

This company buys overstock and seconds and sells at a discount. Sometimes you can get a good deal.

Was looking at this possibility - It ends up being even less money at REI.

thook

oh hot damsels! that mountainsmith looks like a very good option! i'm gonna start looking up reviews. thanks so much!!

edit: not available anywhere. pffth!

mtnbud

Dang! That went fast. They were available when I went to their website. Crazy!

Sierra still has them, but for a higher price.

indyfabz

Sorry. For some reason I misread you post and thought there are going to be three people.

A decent sized 3P should work.

thook

you aren't wrong. i did say a tent big enough for three people and gear. but, i was being generous on a standard for accommodations. it is just my buddy and i for the kayak trip, but i'm thinking ahead, too, in case another friend ever gets his health back. maybe just put him in the vestibule....lol. i think my old eureka is a three man and that was plenty of room for two people and gear. so, it'll be whatever i can afford, but a three person tent at minimum

thook

it looks like i might actually be able to fully restore my 30 year old tent. reading up on it now <<hmm>>>>

nathand

Another similar site. I don't see any tents meeting your criteria right now, but for a bit more money (still under $200) there's a 3-person Marmot Mantis. Site seems reputable - I ordered some handlebar tape from them recently and it arrived quickly and as advertised.