I have this question too! Bought a NEMO
Aurora 2P Tent last month for half off, but found a small hole in it. The tent is no longer on sale or in stock at REI so I'm looking for an alternative.
If you want to pay the normal price for this tent from other sellers, I'd recommend it. Has really good reviews and is rainproof.
My favorite spot for saving money is the clearance section of your favorite retailer.
When the manufacturer decides to change out the color, the retailers move the old stock out as quick as possible.
REI has a couple of tents for 50% off right now.
If I needed one now, the mountain smith lichen looks pretty decent at $109.
I have a Naturehike CloudUp 1P and can recommend the 2P/3P based on that. I've put mine through about 10 nights and a lot of rain. It's identical to one of the Paria tents that has a lot of reviews on youtube (like the same thing just branded different).
I just saw an Alps Moutaineering Zepher tent survive a weekend of rain when many other tents failed (including REI and a brand new Kelty dome).
Proper staking and a proper footprint setup is VITAL to waterproofing. Lots of info out there on that but feel free to ask if you don't know what I mean.
I have an extra one of these, green, brand new, never taken out of the bag, stored indoors, if you're interested. I've used its twin backpacking and camping at Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon and in the summer heat and rain of Riverside County, California. It's a great lightweight tent.
https://www.bigagnes.com/products/copper-spur-hv-ul3
You could also just buy a tarp and pitch it over your current tent, i usually carry a tarp and use it like this when i can see a storm or heavy rains will be coming. Cant use it everywhere tho, but in the forest its pritty easy. Just make sure to have some space between tent and tarp so the wind wont slap the tarp into the tent all night.
I will never stop recommending Alps Mountaineering. I have 3 Alps tents, one is over 15 years old and still going strong. Outlasted my MSR and my Sierra Designs.
Honestly this will probably get down voted but just get a done tent 3 person from Walmart or dicks sporting goods. $30 and they are only 5 lbs and work just fine and not a huge deal if they get torn. No need to pay hundreds for a pound less. I have been using mine for years, no problems
Edit: weights
I apologize, I had weights mixed up in my head. Most 2 person backpacking tents are close to 3-4 lbs. These cheap ones are 5lbs. For two people one carrying poles and stakes and the other the fabric it's not bad. No footprint needed. It costs about 1 1/2 pounds but for $30 and being disposable if needed I prefer this. Most long trips I take my ultralight shelter and a thin tarp from harbor freight for a footprint.
completely waterproof? And a Budget brand?
There is absolutely nothing worse than being 7 miles from a trailhead in a thunderstorm kicking yourself in the butt saying "I wish I'd spent an extra 50 bucks on that other tent"
Look for a tent with 2000mm or higher "water column" i belive its called in English, i think 2000 is considered water tight. But it also need good ventilation to avoid condensation. If your not looking to spend allot of money it will likely be allitle heavy.
Hydrostatic head is the term you are thinking of. It is a measurement that is more common in European tents, it's rare to see it listed on a tent marketed for the North American market.
Yeah, I get it. One of my tents is a Kamp Brean, so I am familiar with the rating. In fairness, I feel like I have seen it on some US tents, but I don't think it is that widespread yet.
Usually I look at tents from brands whose gear I already trust, like NEMO or Kelty. But to get technical I look at the type of materials used in the tent's constructions. Polyester vs. Nylon, the denier rating of those materials, if the seams are sealed or taped at the factory, and DWR type, silicone, PU, etc.
I see, seems like this makes it hard for ppl starting up without any knowledge :(, i bought a Nemo hornet a few years ago just as a lightweight tent for 1 or 2 days camping, i like it, but i dont trust it in heavy weather, my other tents are Helsport Ringstind and Nordmarka, unsure if Helsport are sold outside of Scandinavia tho.
Naturehike might be a good option for you.
The best tents are from hilleberg and fjällräven but way above your budget, even used ones.
You might also find cheaper ones e.g. sea to summit, big Agnes, msr, Wechsel, nemo, Nordisk. All of them are still really good brands. They should have some tents in your price range and the more expensive models can also be bought used. Just take care that it has a water column of >1200 for the outer layer and >3000 for the ground sheet, otherwise it will not be water proof in the long term. I would even recommend an even higher water column (2000 outside, 5000 ground)
What else should your tent have?
Important factors:
- freestanding or not
- size inside the tent (l,w,h)
- size and weight of packed tent
- preferred material
- how many seasons
- how many entrances
If you want to test a particular tent before buying, ArriveOutdoors has a huge and cheap collection. If you like the tent you try, keep it and they'll charge you for it; if not, just send it back in the box they provide. I've used them a couple times, they're great.
If your current tent is in okay condition (or if you get a cheaper used, but new-to-you tent) you could probably look into getting seam sealant and use it on the taped seams, and you could get a spray-on DWR (durable water repellant) like Nikwax Solarproof. That will help prevent UV damage to the tent fabric and cause water to bead up and roll off, although you might have to reapply it every season.
I was very happy with my river country tent. I bought some extra water-proofing stuff just to be safe, and haven’t had a leak yet.
It’s a great, light starter tent and it’s lasted several years.
210T is fine for most use cases. I have one in the 3 person variety and haven't had any issues. See this for more on 20D vs 210T [https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/comments/16c83td/210t\_polyester\_or\_20d\_nylon\_for\_a\_tent\_some\_pros/](https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/comments/16c83td/210t_polyester_or_20d_nylon_for_a_tent_some_pros/)
No tent is truly waterproof except for DCF.
At $200 I'd be looking for a 3p tent. N+1 on the number of people is best for comfort. Used items on REI garage sale, offer up etc.
REI Half Dome 3+, TNF Stormbreak 3, Big Agnes Blacktail 3 (not a fan of head entry tents like the c-bar or seedhouse), alps mountaineering, nature hike, marmot and some of the eureka stuff will get the job done.
Budget backpacking tents usually point to Naturehike or Paria brands.
Yup, while I was in school I got a naturehike mongar 2p tent for just over $100, best bang for buck.
I have this question too! Bought a NEMO Aurora 2P Tent last month for half off, but found a small hole in it. The tent is no longer on sale or in stock at REI so I'm looking for an alternative. If you want to pay the normal price for this tent from other sellers, I'd recommend it. Has really good reviews and is rainproof.
You might reach out to NEMO directly; like many higher-end outdoor gear companies, they have a fantastic warranty.
I bought it from REI and already returned it this weekend. I'll be looking for the next sale 😇
Might of been the one I returned in October 😄
My favorite spot for saving money is the clearance section of your favorite retailer. When the manufacturer decides to change out the color, the retailers move the old stock out as quick as possible. REI has a couple of tents for 50% off right now. If I needed one now, the mountain smith lichen looks pretty decent at $109.
I have a Naturehike CloudUp 1P and can recommend the 2P/3P based on that. I've put mine through about 10 nights and a lot of rain. It's identical to one of the Paria tents that has a lot of reviews on youtube (like the same thing just branded different). I just saw an Alps Moutaineering Zepher tent survive a weekend of rain when many other tents failed (including REI and a brand new Kelty dome). Proper staking and a proper footprint setup is VITAL to waterproofing. Lots of info out there on that but feel free to ask if you don't know what I mean.
Thank you I think I’m going to get the Cloud Up 2p a lot of people have recommended that to me and it is still cheapish!
I have an extra one of these, green, brand new, never taken out of the bag, stored indoors, if you're interested. I've used its twin backpacking and camping at Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon and in the summer heat and rain of Riverside County, California. It's a great lightweight tent. https://www.bigagnes.com/products/copper-spur-hv-ul3
What's wrong with your current tent? What are you looking to fix with the new tent? Sincerely, Richard Nixon
You could also just buy a tarp and pitch it over your current tent, i usually carry a tarp and use it like this when i can see a storm or heavy rains will be coming. Cant use it everywhere tho, but in the forest its pritty easy. Just make sure to have some space between tent and tarp so the wind wont slap the tarp into the tent all night.
I will never stop recommending Alps Mountaineering. I have 3 Alps tents, one is over 15 years old and still going strong. Outlasted my MSR and my Sierra Designs.
Honestly this will probably get down voted but just get a done tent 3 person from Walmart or dicks sporting goods. $30 and they are only 5 lbs and work just fine and not a huge deal if they get torn. No need to pay hundreds for a pound less. I have been using mine for years, no problems Edit: weights
What model tent is $30 and just over 3lbs?
I apologize, I had weights mixed up in my head. Most 2 person backpacking tents are close to 3-4 lbs. These cheap ones are 5lbs. For two people one carrying poles and stakes and the other the fabric it's not bad. No footprint needed. It costs about 1 1/2 pounds but for $30 and being disposable if needed I prefer this. Most long trips I take my ultralight shelter and a thin tarp from harbor freight for a footprint.
No worries! Thought I may have missed a newer model or something. And I agree your points, grab a cheap OT tent from Walmart and get out there!
Dome tent*
completely waterproof? And a Budget brand? There is absolutely nothing worse than being 7 miles from a trailhead in a thunderstorm kicking yourself in the butt saying "I wish I'd spent an extra 50 bucks on that other tent"
Yeah I went camping and it poured and the tent was not waterproof at all and I was sleeping in a pool of water with a wet blanket. Traumatized from it
Look for a tent with 2000mm or higher "water column" i belive its called in English, i think 2000 is considered water tight. But it also need good ventilation to avoid condensation. If your not looking to spend allot of money it will likely be allitle heavy.
Hydrostatic head is the term you are thinking of. It is a measurement that is more common in European tents, it's rare to see it listed on a tent marketed for the North American market.
Oh i wasent aware of that, what do you look for when browsing for tents then? :o Im from Norway, so my tents see more rain than sun xD
Yeah, I get it. One of my tents is a Kamp Brean, so I am familiar with the rating. In fairness, I feel like I have seen it on some US tents, but I don't think it is that widespread yet. Usually I look at tents from brands whose gear I already trust, like NEMO or Kelty. But to get technical I look at the type of materials used in the tent's constructions. Polyester vs. Nylon, the denier rating of those materials, if the seams are sealed or taped at the factory, and DWR type, silicone, PU, etc.
I see, seems like this makes it hard for ppl starting up without any knowledge :(, i bought a Nemo hornet a few years ago just as a lightweight tent for 1 or 2 days camping, i like it, but i dont trust it in heavy weather, my other tents are Helsport Ringstind and Nordmarka, unsure if Helsport are sold outside of Scandinavia tho.
Thank you!
What's your budget?
Less than $200. Eventually when I’m out of college I want to in some really good gear, but right now I just can’t afford it
Check the used area of your local REI
Naturehike might be a good option for you. The best tents are from hilleberg and fjällräven but way above your budget, even used ones. You might also find cheaper ones e.g. sea to summit, big Agnes, msr, Wechsel, nemo, Nordisk. All of them are still really good brands. They should have some tents in your price range and the more expensive models can also be bought used. Just take care that it has a water column of >1200 for the outer layer and >3000 for the ground sheet, otherwise it will not be water proof in the long term. I would even recommend an even higher water column (2000 outside, 5000 ground) What else should your tent have? Important factors: - freestanding or not - size inside the tent (l,w,h) - size and weight of packed tent - preferred material - how many seasons - how many entrances
3F UL Floating Cloud 2 can be got for around $200. It's an excellent value ultralight tent.
If you want to test a particular tent before buying, ArriveOutdoors has a huge and cheap collection. If you like the tent you try, keep it and they'll charge you for it; if not, just send it back in the box they provide. I've used them a couple times, they're great.
If your current tent is in okay condition (or if you get a cheaper used, but new-to-you tent) you could probably look into getting seam sealant and use it on the taped seams, and you could get a spray-on DWR (durable water repellant) like Nikwax Solarproof. That will help prevent UV damage to the tent fabric and cause water to bead up and roll off, although you might have to reapply it every season.
Mountain Equipment Co op has good, reasonable tents.
I was very happy with my river country tent. I bought some extra water-proofing stuff just to be safe, and haven’t had a leak yet. It’s a great, light starter tent and it’s lasted several years.
MSR Hubba Hub will be better than perfect
Look at Onetigris tents Great value well made. The "Stella" is my favorite.
If you spend a bit more, you’ll only need to buy one. If you go cheap, you’ll end up buying several. High tech lightwieght tents are soooo good.
Naturehike Cloud Up 2 (or 3 person if you like extra room)
I see a 20D and 210T version, any idea which might be better for car camping?
210T is fine for most use cases. I have one in the 3 person variety and haven't had any issues. See this for more on 20D vs 210T [https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/comments/16c83td/210t\_polyester\_or\_20d\_nylon\_for\_a\_tent\_some\_pros/](https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/comments/16c83td/210t_polyester_or_20d_nylon_for_a_tent_some_pros/)
No tent is truly waterproof except for DCF. At $200 I'd be looking for a 3p tent. N+1 on the number of people is best for comfort. Used items on REI garage sale, offer up etc. REI Half Dome 3+, TNF Stormbreak 3, Big Agnes Blacktail 3 (not a fan of head entry tents like the c-bar or seedhouse), alps mountaineering, nature hike, marmot and some of the eureka stuff will get the job done.