texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
HUNTIN HARD, ultra trail, Gmac4th, DJAYONE, ltong29
72193 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,820
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,689
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 44,353
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics539,855
Posts9,754,997
Members87,193
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Tent recommendations? #4027350 02/06/13 02:19 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
T
txjt Offline OP
Light Foot
OP Offline
Light Foot
T
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
My birthday is coming up in April and me and the wife want to take a trip to the Frio. Ideally we would camp over renting a cabin but I know absolutely nothing about tents.

Does anybody have a store they recommend or would it be better to just order online? Any brands that are top notch but aren't expensive?

I would probably want at least a 4 person tent so later I'll have a tent when we can take our two boys camping. I thought about maybe even an 8 person tent so we would have room to keep our bags, fishing poles etc. but then again I guess that could always stay in the truck.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: txjt] #4027373 02/06/13 02:25 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,820
dogcatcher Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,820
We haven't camped in years, as in 25 years. From my outdated experience I would go with Wenzel brand, next would be Coleman brand. I know that is a long time since we camped, but I also see those brands in the campgrounds in the national forest.


Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________

[Linked Image]
Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: dogcatcher] #4027383 02/06/13 02:28 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
S
skeeter22 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
S
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
I have been using a Cabelas Alaskan Guide 8 person geodesic dome for over 20 years. I would buy another one in a heart beat.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: skeeter22] #4027424 02/06/13 02:37 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,101
TurkeyHunter Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,101
What is your budget?


To be determined
Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: TurkeyHunter] #4027435 02/06/13 02:39 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
T
txjt Offline OP
Light Foot
OP Offline
Light Foot
T
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
I would like to keep it under $200 but if it was really worth it I suppose I would go up to $300

Is that an unrealistic expectation?

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: txjt] #4027454 02/06/13 02:44 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
S
skeeter22 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
S
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
The less they cost, the more you give up on quality. Ever camped in two feet of snow or in a five inch rain? You get what you pay for and good tents will also last longer. Most online websites have customer reviews. Read them.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: txjt] #4027474 02/06/13 02:49 AM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,032
N
Nightbird Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
N
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,032
If there are eventually going to be 4 of you camping then I would go with an 8 man tent. A 4 man tent really would only hold two people comfortably.


James

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger"
Friedrich Nietzsche
Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: skeeter22] #4027484 02/06/13 02:51 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,741
P
passthru Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
P
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,741
I woke up with 3" of water in my tent on Galveston Island. Tent didn't leak but the rain blew up under the rain fly. The sleeping bag was water proof and I stayed dry on my thin sleeping pad. Buy what will keep you comfortable in weather extremes. I paid a lot for a back packing tent. It paid off when hiking in the mountains.


I work hard, drink a little and hunt when I can.
NRA Life Member
https://sofalasafaris.com/
Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: passthru] #4027520 02/06/13 02:59 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
S
skeeter22 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
S
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
My 8 person dome will only sleep two people comfortably if we use cots. Keep in mind that if you don't get a good nights sleep, you will not have fun. Your wife and kids will certainly remember if they didn't have fun.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: passthru] #4027523 02/06/13 03:00 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
S
Spacemonkey Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
S
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
REI makes an excellent tent. I have an REI half dome. Got it for our wedding 8 years ago. I use it 6 to 8 times a month and it has held up very well. They have a return policy that smokes most other companies. The zipper in one of the doors began to open up behind the zipper. I took it back to REI several months back to see if I could get it repaired. Instead they just handed me a brand new one. A newer model at that. No receipt either and they didn't even have it listed under my membership number since it was a gift.

As long as they maintain a no questions asked return policy on their products I will never buy anything else.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: skeeter22] #4027543 02/06/13 03:06 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
T
txjt Offline OP
Light Foot
OP Offline
Light Foot
T
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
I know you get what you pay for but there has to be a good quality tent that is big enough for 4 people for under $300. I'm also trying to save money on the tent so I can purchase an air mattress to make it better for the kids and my wife.

I'm still researching and have found several with good customer reviews just curious as to hearing feedback from people I can communicate back with.

I will have to post a wtb thread in the classifieds here as well as on TFF and see what kind of deals I can get.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: Spacemonkey] #4027546 02/06/13 03:07 AM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,893
BOBO the Clown Online Content
kind of a big deal
Online Content
kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,893
Tent prices vary based off weight and material.... Higher end model are super light and top end materials like mountain hard ware.... Then you have mid level like Columbia...


Personally if your not hiking with it... I'd just go get one from cabbalas or bass pro, or a lower end rei one


Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.-Sen Joni Ernst
Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: txjt] #4027552 02/06/13 03:09 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
S
Spacemonkey Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
S
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
Oh and if you can afford em get you some of these. http://www.rei.com/product/848570/therm-a-rest-neoair-dream-sleeping-pad

I sleep better on this than my sleep numbers bed. Pricy for sure but my wife loves hers too. Never complains about comfort while camping.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: txjt] #4027569 02/06/13 03:13 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 194
B
BAS Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
B
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 194
Car camping only - Slumberjack Trail Tent 6. Should be under $200 on Amazon.

Not a fan of fiberglass poles but has a nice rain fly and vestibules. Make sure the poles are fully seated before flexing and a two person job. I've never been caught in horrible conditions and take my time to get the ground cloth and guy lines set up correctly.

With the right pads you can sleep four easily.

Once you bring kids into the picture, I could not justify paying Sierra Designs or even REI pricing. Take a look. Seems like some have had issues with quality; mine's ok.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: Spacemonkey] #4027571 02/06/13 03:13 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
S
Spacemonkey Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
S
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
Mountain hardware is top notch for sure. My expedition climbing tent is a mountain hardware. But it's designed for 80 plus mile an hour winds and temps of minus 40. Not practical for car camping. They do make prob the best on the market.... But you will pay for it no doubt

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: Spacemonkey] #4027576 02/06/13 03:14 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,808
M
MeanGreen85 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
M
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,808
Originally Posted By: Spacemonkey
REI makes an excellent tent. I have an REI half dome. Got it for our wedding 8 years ago. I use it 6 to 8 times a month and it has held up very well. They have a return policy that smokes most other companies. The zipper in one of the doors began to open up behind the zipper. I took it back to REI several months back to see if I could get it repaired. Instead they just handed me a brand new one. A newer model at that. No receipt either and they didn't even have it listed under my membership number since it was a gift.

As long as they maintain a no questions asked return policy on their products I will never buy anything else.


^^^ this

You get what you pay for with tents, and REI has an excellent return policy - they'll basically take anything back. Their website is loaded with good customer reviews too.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: Spacemonkey] #4027587 02/06/13 03:16 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
T
txjt Offline OP
Light Foot
OP Offline
Light Foot
T
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
Yeah no hiking with it at this point, I have a one year old so I have awhile to go before I'll even consider that lol. My main concerns were weather and durable. Like I said it won't be used to often, I doubt even once a month. The REI's look really nice but kind of pricey for the amount of room I would like. Hopefully I can come across a used one for a good price.

And Spacemonkey that looks nice but way out of the budget at this point. If it was for 2 people then that wouldn't be bad but I can get a decent air mattress for that price.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: txjt] #4027607 02/06/13 03:19 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
S
Spacemonkey Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
S
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
No worries man they are pricey for sure. REI has this 4 man on sale for 199

http://www.rei.com/product/794298/rei-half-dome-4-tent

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: Spacemonkey] #4027645 02/06/13 03:25 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
T
txjt Offline OP
Light Foot
OP Offline
Light Foot
T
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
But doesn't that mean it would only sleep 2 comfortably?

I always thought you take the number of people it says it sleeps and half it to make sure you have enough room. Does that differ from brand to brand?

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: Spacemonkey] #4027647 02/06/13 03:25 AM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,314
K
KG68 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
K
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,314
Rent a popup camper for the weekend. You will not regret it and you can take it home Monday morning and be done with it until next time. up

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: KG68] #4027663 02/06/13 03:28 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
T
txjt Offline OP
Light Foot
OP Offline
Light Foot
T
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
That sounds good but me and the wife would rather camp in a tent. She use to do it as a kid and I only got to a handful of times so I would like to change that for my kids.

We are going to try and get as close to nature as possible but still have a few luxury's such as air mattress and fans. I can't really call it roughing it lol but that's sort of the idea

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: txjt] #4027674 02/06/13 03:30 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,716
P
pigplinker Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
P
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,716
Originally Posted By: txjt
I know you get what you pay for but there has to be a good quality tent that is big enough for 4 people for under $300. I'm also trying to save money on the tent so I can purchase an air mattress to make it better for the kids and my wife.

I'm still researching and have found several with good customer reviews just curious as to hearing feedback from people I can communicate back with.


If you are just starting out you should get your tent as early as you can and practice setting it up in your back yard, if you have one. This way you know how to assemble it when the time comes. I'm not saying you don't know how just gives you extra time to work out the bugs. Good camping to you.
I will have to post a wtb thread in the classifieds here as well as on TFF and see what kind of deals I can get.

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: Spacemonkey] #4027694 02/06/13 03:33 AM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 12,987
H
hoof n wings Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
H
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 12,987
Two I would recommend- Academy has one thats 10x19, forget the name but I used one 3 years hunting. Iwas was OK on nights where temps were above the low 30's. If it's two peopl, you'll have a ton of room. About $120

the other is Cabelas brand cabin tent. I think it was 10x14 with solid top... great for cooler times. used it last year and slept several nites in the low 20's and teens. I got it for $249

If it is going to be you and your wife, you could go with a smaller dome tent maybe 9x9..... just remember the height of the tents, some are short


Originally Posted by ImTheReasonDovesMourn
I'd ask him if he's pregnant. He missed a s__tload of periods.

Originally Posted by Hancock
I'll take "things that look like a uterus" for $200 Alex.
Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: txjt] #4027699 02/06/13 03:34 AM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,314
K
KG68 Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
K
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,314
We've still got a tent in storage somewhere and wouldn't take for those times. Enjoy while you are able. grin

Re: Tent recommendations? [Re: KG68] #4027711 02/06/13 03:37 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 194
B
BAS Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
B
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 194
Look at craigslist too. In the Austin area, there's a guy that sells a lot of quality used tents of all kinds.

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3