budget tent ideas

[firek920]

I am in the process of looking for a tent. I have a trip planned for WY in middle of September. After the coast of everything I have purchased the funds are a little low. Any recommendations for tents under $200? There will only be two of us staying in the tent. Any other camp suggestions for me to look at for cooking and such would be great. I have never taken a trip out west and have done very little camping in general. Thanks

 

[roadhunter]

Get creative with a cheap blue tarp or look for something used on CL, Ebay, garage sales, etc....

 

[JWP58]

MountainSmith LT. Got mine for about 80 bucks. Pitches with trekking poles or sticks. Its better suited as a one person, but can fit two in a pinch.

I plan on using it all of September, and on later season hunts (once I get a stove jack sewn in )

 

[SFC B]

Here are a few choices ... http://www.rei.com/c/backpacking-te...tab.sku-pricerange:$125.00+to+$199.99&rx=true

I love REI because of the incredible return policy to go along with quality gear. You also may be able to rustle up a GOLITE Shangri La 3 for around 200 if you get lucky

 

[firek920]

I have been looking at a few cheaper tents at the big box stores would those be a waste of money? Would they hold up to a week of wind, rain......

 

[SFC B]

I have been looking at a few cheaper tents at the big box stores would those be a waste of money? Would they hold up to a week of wind, rain......

Short answer is yes they are a waste....if you hit any real weather you will be in a sorry state. Spent a miserable weekend as a scout soaked in a cheap tent (thankfully it was summer in GA) and vowed to never do that again. Better off getting a used, GOOD, tent.

 

[mdunc8]

I had a Eureka tent that lasted 15 years. I used it for all of my fieldwork on the Yellowstone River, which included over 200 nights during a four year period. It held up to the rain and wind till its dying day. The sand finally got the best of one of the zippers. Other than that, I never had any problems with it. Almost all of our their two man tents are substantially less than $200. I haven't used any of their newer tents, so I can't assure you that they've maintained the same quality over the years.

 

[HighDesertSage]

10 x 12 tarp w/100' of para cord < $30

 

[Southwind]

Cheap tents and Wyoming don't mix well.

I just use a jet boil and a Coleman propane stove or a portable grate over open fire for most of my cooking while pronghorn hunting.

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My Cabela's Outback tent has work well though.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Here are a few choices ... http://www.rei.com/c/backpacking-te...tab.sku-pricerange:$125.00+to+$199.99&rx=true

I love REI because of the incredible return policy to go along with quality gear. You also may be able to rustle up a GOLITE Shangri La 3 for around 200 if you get lucky

That Kelty Gunnison 3.2 looks like a decent option.

 

[quackaddict]

I was just about to reccommend Kelty. I think their stuff is a good bang for your buck.

A Grand Mesa 3 wouldn't be bad.

 

[quackaddict]

A Bearpaw Wilderness Luna 4 wouldn't be a bad option either.

http://www.bearpawwd.com/tents_tarps/luna.html

 

[----]

I've been using the same walmart 50 dollar tent for truck camping for 10-12 years. It's bombproof. It's maybe got a 40 ft2 footprint but probably weighs 30 pounds. It's more of a tarp like material than a nylon.

 

[Deleted member 20812]

Here are a few choices ... http://www.rei.com/c/backpacking-te...tab.sku-pricerange:$125.00+to+$199.99&rx=true

I love REI because of the incredible return policy to go along with quality gear. You also may be able to rustle up a GOLITE Shangri La 3 for around 200 if you get lucky

I bought a used SL5 for $225.

 

[SFC B]

I had a Eureka tent that lasted 15 years. I used it for all of my fieldwork on the Yellowstone River, which included over 200 nights during a four year period. It held up to the rain and wind till its dying day. The sand finally got the best of one of the zippers. Other than that, I never had any problems with it. Almost all of our their two man tents are substantially less than $200. I haven't used any of their newer tents, so I can't assure you that they've maintained the same quality over the years.

The timberline 2 was our go to in scouts. Simple, a little heavy, but was a prime-time performer.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Have had a Kelty Gunnison for over 8 years now and it's held up to Wyoming wind, Montana rain and my gas. Well made tent for the money.

 

[Anyfish]

The key piece of info is missing for me. Are you carrying the tent and backpacking? Then the less weight costs money. In bow season i carry a tarp. Late season gets more difficult and a tent is worth it.)

 

[ccc23454]

for $200 your pretty limited at this point. september in wyoming means; snow wind rain and more wind, you can get a 2man backpacking tent that will stand up to those elements but if your looking for a larger base camp tent, sleep in your truck.

 

[Summitthunting]

Keep an eye on steepandcheap.com, they have some great deals on brand name tents every now and then.

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Check out the outlet mall at rei, they have some really great tents on sale right now. Many in that low 200 range or cheaper. I like the gunnison 3.2 but the taj 3 may be the best deal for a hunting tent. Also check out the alps mountaineering taurus outfitter pro tents on amazon. They have heavier zippers and heavier floors than normal backpacking tents. Good luck!