By the way, I do realize the weight difference here ... and also the fly issue. The REI tent does have a couple things I like over the Keltys though ... those things being the option of zippering a covering over the screened windows, and as goofy as it might sound, I like the color scheme better. The REI also has 2 doors (which actually isn't that important to me ... just saying ...). So there are a few differences to consider.

I would suggest the Rei tent or any tent from REI just because if it does end up sucking you can bring it back for a full refund. For you budget I don't see anything wrong with the camp dome 2. Sure it will be a little more weight than others but it fits your budget. We are talking maybe a pound penalty? Few less cheese burgers before you depart and you will never notice it

Sorry to hijack, but why is there no love for hoop type tents? I got used to using these backpacking and although I now have a dome I am going back to the hoop tent for my next purchase.

Hoop tents are usually not freestanding, and there are many reasons to want a freestanding test.

$100 is kind of pushing it imo, I have been looking at tents for a few weeks now and for solo 175-250 seems to be the sweet spot.

Out of curiosity you guys with more experience, what 2 person tent would you recommend that is light and can hold up to SEVERE weather?

ive thru hiked and cycled for years,ive always used a hennesey hammock,2lbs. can be used as a tent ,too zeke

Thanks kyakdiver. I didn't realize about the full refund at REI.

Also, for what it's worth, the Kelty Grand Mesa 2 is on sale for $99 right now at a somewhat local Scheel's store ... so that's why it makes it easier for me to consider that tent.

Bob

$100 is very do able, but there will be a weight penalty for most of the two person models. Campmor for one carries quite a few tents for under $100 that are very serviceable. Several are Eureka models and are plenty durable and inexpensive. Some are solo and pretty light and others are two person, but a bit heavy.

Check out these just to get an idea of what you can find for under $100
https://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/...breadCrumbs=||

You might consider talking to REI they often rent tents for a very small fee. Chances are they have the REI model your considering. You can try it and see if it suits your needs. I had the same consideration last year and would have purchased the Camp Dome. I finally went with a Kelty Pagosa (discontiniued in the 2 person). I'm 6'6" tall; it was one of the longer choices. It also packed down shorter than most others.

I often hear this as a reason, but never had an issue staking mine out, even snow camped in it and used buried stuff sacks full of snow to stake it.

If you are not sure you want to get into touring and you are going to be touring in the summer, in a place where bugs aren't a huge problem, a lightweight tarp and some rope are really all you need.
I know several people who regularly camp only with a piece of house wrap, a sleeping bag, a closed cell pad and a can of Deepwoods Off.
I have recently joined the Hennessey Hammock cult, but they run about $200. Waking up with no back pain and breaking camp in 5 minutes makes it well worth it, however.

usually you need to stake them out just so they dont blow away

I have fairly often camped in a picnic pavilion on concrete. Freestanding is an advantage there. Being under a roof you can leave the fly off on really hot nights for better ventilation. Not a huge deal, but freestanding is kind of nice sometimes.

i recommend:

2 person, free standing, tent with footprint/groundcloth and rain-fly tent for each person unless you are
realy close... (know what i mean, nudge, nudge...hint, hint...say no more)...

have fun, explore, and find what works for you!

Check out REI outlet as well. Couple nice looking tents at your price point.

I have an REI Quarter Dome T2 and love it. a tad over 3lbs w/o footprint, add the footprint and you're still not much over 3. It's got room for your bike if your in to snuggling with it

I like my tents big, and don't mind a bit of weight. I took my Sierra Designs Sirius 3 with me to Germany and for 5 lbs. you get alot of tent, and good circulation, which is a big consideration for my backpacking here in the Southwestern U.S. (and everywhere else in August, perhaps).

I see it on a pretty good sale here.

If you're normal-sized there are plenty of good tents to choose from, like the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight, REI Quarter Dome or Big Agnes Seedhouse 2. I'm 6'4" and like to stretch out, so I wouldn't be happy with those. I use an L. L. Bean Microlight 2. I had a Eureka Backcountry 1, which was long enough and very well-engineered. However, it was so narrow that I couldn't lay on my side and read a book. That nixed it for me. I would avoid any of the single tents with what I call a "coffin" floorplan. However, if you're not going to read on your side, they may be perfect.

Is it me or is this site always jacked up? Everytime I open it, the text seems to be out of place and the buttons don't open anything.

Thanks everybody for your thoughts and all the great suggestions. I looked at the websites you provided and there are some great looking tents out there ... at great prices too. But I think I'm going to go for something that I can find in a local store. There's something nice about being able to see and touch a product first hand without having to rely on a picture from a catalog ... especially when you aren't familiar with the product. Plus, I'm chomping on the bit to buy something soon. (Our summers are very short where I live). I'm not sure I want to risk going through mail order and find out that what I thought looked right for me on the picture doesn't look quite the same in person.

So many of these tents are made up of a great deal of mesh (which I would guess is to keep the weight down and condensation away). I don't remember so much mesh being on the tents I grew up camping out with. With open windows or doors, it seems to me that a person would lack a lot of privacy ... and also the ability to block out unwanted sunshine or even wind. Yes? No? ??? (Thanks)

Where in WI? I have a few tents, actually just sold my trango 2 to a guy over in Norway. Not much need for a mountaineering tent here in Wisconsin! I do have a nice rei 4 season and then the quarter dome for the mid spring thru mid fall periods.

I'm in northeast Wisconsin ... the Door County/Green Bay area. The nearest REI store to me is more toward your neck of the woods in Brookfield ... about 110 miles or so away from me. I may or may not make the trip there. It depends on when I can find a chunk of time to get away.

Most tents have a rain fly that covers the mesh, giving you the option of privacy and shade.

The Agnes Seedhouse 1 at $179 looks like a good deal for humid climates. https://www.rei.com/outlet/product/785345

Haha, of course I don't bring food in my tent. I was just remembering the time one of my touring partners woke up to find a squirrel curled up inside one of his panniers. I guess it was looking for a warm place to spend the night.