I've been researching and I am looking to purchase my first backpacking tent. I will need a two person tent and would like to get fairly light within my price range. I am looking at a Kelty Salida 2 right now but am open to all suggestions about other tents and/or comments on my favorite right now.
I will only need a three season tent and will primarily be hiking in Kentucky, southern Indiana, and Tennessee.
I currently use the Kelty Gunnison 2.0 as my primary solo and double tent, although at 4 lbs 14 oz it's heavier than most people on the board would like. As a tent I love it. The only differences I see between that and the one you're looking at are more polyester in lieu of mesh walls, 7 square feet more floor space, and two doors.
Two people will fit in the Gunnison as long as they are very comfortable with each other, and I think that applies to most 2 person tents.
Registered: 10/29/10
Posts: 185
Loc: Central Texas
I recently got a Mountainsmith Morrison tent. I haven't had the chance to actually take it out yet but I set it up in my backyard for a little while and checked it out and let the kids play in it. It looks to be a pretty good tent and I paid less than $130 shipped from e-bags.com (the link over on the left side of this page).
I recently got a Mountainsmith Morrison tent. I haven't had the chance to actually take it out yet but I set it up in my backyard for a little while and checked it out and let the kids play in it. It looks to be a pretty good tent and I paid less than $130 shipped from e-bags.com (the link over on the left side of this page).
Thank you for the information. The two main contenders right now for me are a Kelty Salida 2 or a REI Quarter Dome UL (obviously a little out of my stated $$$ range). I probably can't get a tent until next Friday when I'm paid so I still have time to think. Is there any certain reasons you'd prefer your MS over either one of those?
Registered: 10/29/10
Posts: 185
Loc: Central Texas
Length basically. The MS doesn't seem to weigh a whole lot more than either of those tents and it has two doors where the Kelty only has one. I'm 6'4" so I had put a minimum length of 90" on any tent I would consider. If I were shorter there were loads more options. I was strongly considering the REI Quarter Dome T2 Plus and was going to wait until I could save up the $300 but then I found the MS and decided that was the tent for me. I can comfortably fit me, my two kids, and our gear in this tent. I think I can also fit my dog. Anything substantially lighter that still met my criteria was a whole lot more expensive. I really liked the specs on the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3 but $450 was too steep.
REI outlet has the REI Quarter Dome UL for $189.93, the Alps Mountaineering Mystique for 129.93, the Alps M. Chaos 2 for 159.93 and the Asolo Velocity for 149.93. Also check out Sierra Trading Post.
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If I wouldn't eat it at home, why would I want to eat it on the trail?
My favorite 2 man right now is my Eureka Apex 2XT. It's a bit heavier than some, but you get a ton of room with the double vestibules for gear/shoes, which is much appreciated when there is 2 people and a dog. The ventilation of the tent is awesome. I live in MN, but even in the summer I don't get as hot in this tent as I do with my rei half dome. I have a model from a few years ago. The 2011 model is pretty much the same accept the color and for some reason it's a pound heavier this year. Look at amazon or sunnysports for the older model and you'll save weight (especially if you trade out the stakes).
just noticed amazon.com has the ms morrison for $119 shipped if anyone wants a good deal on one they look great and i for one have had great luck with ms gear im sure it won t dissapoint
U may want to look into Tarp Tents. Not sure what they have in your price range. I have a Squall 2 and I love it. It was $230 but they have many other two person tents u can check out. It's definently light weight and very quick and simple to set up. Does well in any condition/season.
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