Budget Beginner Tent for Overlanding Advice
Posted by rathlord@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Hey everyone,
Looking for some advice here as I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of the options these days. When I was coming up we all just had pup tents and made it work.
Here's some context for what I'm looking for and my situation:
- Tent is for two people (me and my wife) and would like to probably err on the side of more space than less, as we have one kid who will probably eventually come with us
- Setting would be "overlanding" to a location and camping in the woods, no amenities. We are *not* planning to backpack with this, so not looking for an ultralight or anything, but smaller is still better for packing's sake.
- Needs to have a footprint/floor or whatever, preferably fully sealed. Ease of use setting up is a priority as well, I've used tents in the past that were like a 30 minute affair, which is a bit miserable.
- Location would be mostly in the appalachain mountains (east coast), nothing super low temperature, and mosquitoes definitely a concern in the sprint/summer.
My budget is hopefully around $200 or less. I guess that's pretty tight these days (which seems crazy), but I definitely can't afford a $4,000 roof top tent or whatever. If we need to stretch the budget a bit to get something decent, we can maybe save up for a while. Super appreciative of any advice! If there's other questions I should have answered, let me know and I'll edit the post!
ninjawinch@reddit
I think part of your problem here is budget. You are just not going to find any new production tent worth a damn for $200 retail, let alone one that ticks off your boxes. This is primarily because of inflation, which has been much worse than some realize.
What I see there that is an important requirement is bugs, at least for seasons they show up. Literally any other aspect about a sleeping shelter can be negotiable except bugs. If you are getting devoured by mosquitos, you are just not sleeping, and if by some chance you do sleep you will regret it later.
If I was in your shoes I'd drop the requirement for an enclosed floor in the waterproof sense and focus on the bugs. This leaves you with some random Chinesium bug net setup that fits two people (these quickly get out of your budget for a decent one, or if you want some amount of quality something like a pair of surplus military INBS or ENBS bug net setups. You can get them new for just a bit over $100 if you look. String a tarp over top to keep the rain off and there you go.
I have camped all over the East cost; this setup is about as barebones as I'd care to go with bugs and you obviously aren't going to have much quality time with your partner, but it'll work if you aren't in some tick/chigger hell.
You may also get lucky and find some random used 2-3 person tent in usable condition. $200 is so hard to work with that you just kinda get what you get, there isn't any real point looking for a specific model of tent. FB Marketplace, Ebay, Craiglist, etc. It'll be important that it's not mildewed or moldy.
rathlord@reddit (OP)
Interesting. I found the Kelty Daydreamer 4p for under $200 that seems to check a lot of boxes, and Kelty is a reputable brand.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Look into Alps Mountaineering Taurus and Meramac Outfitter 3-4P tents.
Ginger_SNAFU@reddit
I love my Gazelle tent. Up in 60 seconds. Convenience of a ground tent (I went down the roof top tent road, and came back to a ground tent). Plenty of room for 2 people, and headspace to change inside. I've transported it mostly on my roof and it does just fine.
AnonymousSpelunking@reddit
Gazelle T4.
rathlord@reddit (OP)
Seems like a great tent, but with a baby and only one of us working, I think just out of our reach price-wise. Appreciate the feedback though!
UCR998@reddit
Honestly the two avenues I would go are: research a tent you know you want / love . Look for it used on marketplace Craigslist eBay etc , also Memorial Day , Black Friday , cyber Monday etc deals
2: go on Amazon buy the best rated in your price range and try it . But I even just tried to find you a good tent for 200$ . I wish you luck I dunno if you’ll find it for that price brand new
scramblebambles@reddit
And look at marketplace first. Might get a deal on a used one.