Help me pick a tent

[duckhunt]

The past few years I started hunting out west. Doing basic antelope hunts we stay in a hotel. Thats not a bad deal considering we can drive into our hunt unit within a short distance. I plan on getting into elk and mule deer hunting. Would like to start camping at the trailhead. I will not be doing any late season hunts but I know the weather could still get cold. Just starting out I dont want to spend a fortune on anything fancy. Im getting a cot and a dam good sleeping bag. Also will have a small mr buddy heater. I would like to get a basic tent that could stand up to some weather without breaking the bank. If possible I would like to keep it around the 300 dollar range. Anybody have any suggestions for a beginner setup?

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

Car camping I’m assuming, REI grand hut would be a good option. Used one two weeks ago for a cow elk hunt, really liked it.

 

[Carl 9.3x62]

I'd imagine there are plenty options out there that would fit your need. I bought a big agnes last year for family camping. Not pricey. Works good. I can't remember which model though.

 

[CiK]

Camping at the trailhead you can just sleep in your car/truck/camper. I have 3 tents for different needs.

1) Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 for all my non-stove needs. I actually really like this little tent. It can be had for under $100.
2) Seek Outside Silvertip for myself and a stove (2 people without stove). Its a floorless and my backpack/lightweight option. They are around $300.
3) Seek Outside 8-man for myself, family, friends. Its more like a 4-man option when everybody's gear is stored in it. Its a floorless tipi for a stove.

 

[schmalts]

I have 4 tents. But the reality is if I am car camping I grab the biggest and also the cheapest one of all. An Ozarks insta-tent from Walmart. They set up super fast, take down fast, and are roomy. Point is if you are car camping don't go overboard on a ultralight tent and put money into other gear.

 

[duckhunt]

Camping at the trailhead you can just sleep in your car/truck/camper. I have 3 tents for different needs.

1) Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 for all my non-stove needs. I actually really like this little tent. It can be had for under $100.
2) Seek Outside Silvertip for myself and a stove (2 people without stove). Its a floorless and my backpack/lightweight option. They are around $300.
3) Seek Outside 8-man for myself, family, friends. Its more like a 4-man option when everybody's gear is stored in it. Its a floorless tipi for a stove.

Im thinking 2 guys with some gear. Some gear can stay in the truck.

 

[duckhunt]

Camping at the trailhead you can just sleep in your car/truck/camper. I have 3 tents for different needs.

1) Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 for all my non-stove needs. I actually really like this little tent. It can be had for under $100.
2) Seek Outside Silvertip for myself and a stove (2 people without stove). Its a floorless and my backpack/lightweight option. They are around $300.
3) Seek Outside 8-man for myself, family, friends. Its more like a 4-man option when everybody's gear is stored in it. Its a floorless tipi for a stove.

Im thinking 2 guys with some gear. Some gear can stay in the truck

I have 4 tents. But the reality is if I am car camping I grab the biggest and also the cheapest one of all. An Ozarks insta-tent from Walmart. They set up super fast, take down fast, and are roomy. Point is if you are car camping don't go overboard on a ultralight tent and put money into other gear.

Just thinking about maybe some snow or heavy rain tearing it up. Otherwise I'm good with a basic camping tent.

 

[CiK]

Im thinking 2 guys with some gear. Some gear can stay in the truck.

You can go several directions. This would be on my list.

Seek Outside Cimarron

Sleeps 4 without gear, Probably 3 with gear and 2 with gear and stove. I will probably sell my Silvertip soon and get this one for more space.

 

[duckhunt]

That looks reasonable.

 

[Outlaw99]

I’ve got a truck bed tent and I’m in Iowa as well if you’re interested

 

[schmalts]

Im thinking 2 guys with some gear. Some gear can stay in the truck

Just thinking about maybe some snow or heavy rain tearing it up. Otherwise I'm good with a basic camping tent.

Because it is heavy, it will handle snow as good or better than more expensive tents. Don't fear the snow more than other ultralite 3 seasons tents with skinny aluminum shock rods. It is hard to grasp but cheaper tents are even more heavy duty. Ultralight means walking a fine line of light VS being able to handle a light snow load. A cheap heavy tent is over-built and will weather better than a much higher priced ultralight. You are paying a higher price for the weight not durability. But again, this is a tent you would not carry more than a couple hundred yards. Heck, look at walmart and you will find 4 seasons tents cheaper than any 3 seasons tent. If car camping, go cheap..... go heavy

 

[Outlaw99]

I believe the one I have is a Napier truck tent

 

[duckhunt]

Thanks for the replies

 

[zach_destroys]

I picked up an ozark trail wall tent and added a wood stove. For camping near the truck this thing is MONEY. Close to your budget too. Has bathtub floor, stovejack, fame help up is some serious wind and snow this year. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Tr...phxP-gnq0ar_INxPCMxXVy68Tc-Jh_XoaAg7iEALw_wcB

 

[Outlaw99]

I’m selling one like this if you or anyone else is interested

 

[Sdhunters]

We use Kodiak Canvas 10 x 10 about $500. Stands up to wind, rain and snow. We use guide cots so sleeps 2 comfortably with room for cooler/table top, hunting clothes and buddy jr heater. Could sleep 3 but depends on cot size. Holds plenty of heat to 10-20 degrees.

 

[MTPUBLICLAND]

I’ve had a lot of different tents over the years. We picked up a Kodiak canvas tent a couple years ago on a good sale. Very impressive tent, tough, and that floor in it is really nice. Easy to set up too. It’s a little above your mentioned budget but worth the money. Having that room to move around and lots of standing room is great.

 

[Eprevost_tec]

Take a look at the Snowtrekker tents. They are a lighter weight canvas tent that comes in a few models. They have a really ingenious inner and outer pole combination system that really works great. We use then here in Canada for front and back country winter camping with a lightweight stove. Their higher wall and outpost styles offer tons of head room for cots and gear.

Its a great trail head option that will give you everything you are looking for.

 

[beginnerhunter]

I picked up an ozark trail wall tent and added a wood stove. For camping near the truck this thing is MONEY. Close to your budget too. Has bathtub floor, stovejack, fame help up is some serious wind and snow this year. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Tr...phxP-gnq0ar_INxPCMxXVy68Tc-Jh_XoaAg7iEALw_wcB

That's pretty cheap. I'm pretty stupid when it comes to wall tents. Do you have to do anything special for rain or is it relatively water resistant?

 

[rjthehunter]

I ordered a Kelty Grand Mesa 2 just last night. We'll see how it works. It's a light enough tent to use backpacking but still enough room for 2 of us. (based off the reviews)