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Feb 12th, 2024
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 Tent recommendations?
#4027350
02/06/13 02:19 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
txjt
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: txjt]
#4027373
02/06/13 02:25 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,820
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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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 From my outdated experience I would go with Wenzel brand, next would be Coleman brand.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]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/usergals/2018/09/full-3152-162968-charge_air_assault.jpg)
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: dogcatcher]
#4027383
02/06/13 02:28 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
skeeter22
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: skeeter22]
#4027424
02/06/13 02:37 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,101
TurkeyHunter
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,101 |
To be determined
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: TurkeyHunter]
#4027435
02/06/13 02:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
txjt
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
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?
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: txjt]
#4027454
02/06/13 02:44 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
skeeter22
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: txjt]
#4027474
02/06/13 02:49 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,032
Nightbird
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: skeeter22]
#4027484
02/06/13 02:51 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,741
passthru
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: passthru]
#4027520
02/06/13 02:59 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
skeeter22
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: passthru]
#4027523
02/06/13 03:00 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
Spacemonkey
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: skeeter22]
#4027543
02/06/13 03:06 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
txjt
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: Spacemonkey]
#4027546
02/06/13 03:07 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,893
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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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
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: txjt]
#4027569
02/06/13 03:13 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 194
BAS
Woodsman
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Woodsman
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: Spacemonkey]
#4027571
02/06/13 03:13 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,243
Spacemonkey
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: Spacemonkey]
#4027576
02/06/13 03:14 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,808
MeanGreen85
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,808 |
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: Spacemonkey]
#4027587
02/06/13 03:16 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
txjt
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: Spacemonkey]
#4027645
02/06/13 03:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
txjt
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
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?
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: Spacemonkey]
#4027647
02/06/13 03:25 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,314
KG68
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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. 
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: KG68]
#4027663
02/06/13 03:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
txjt
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
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
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: txjt]
#4027674
02/06/13 03:30 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,716
pigplinker
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,716 |
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.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: Spacemonkey]
#4027694
02/06/13 03:33 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 12,987
hoof n wings
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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
I'd ask him if he's pregnant. He missed a s__tload of periods. I'll take "things that look like a uterus" for $200 Alex.
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: txjt]
#4027699
02/06/13 03:34 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,314
KG68
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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. 
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Re: Tent recommendations?
[Re: KG68]
#4027711
02/06/13 03:37 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 194
BAS
Woodsman
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Woodsman
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.
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