At almost 50, I am wanting to get back into camping. I have a Coleman 8 person tent but it’s missing the rain fly and it’s too much of a pain to set up for one or two people. I would only be tent camping between April and November and in dry weather. I don’t want to spend too much money but I also don’t want junk. So, what are some good, inexpensive brands I should look at?
It sounds like you’re mainly interested in car camping. For one or two people, a 4-person tent would be sufficient. Coleman is a reliable brand that offers great value. They aren’t the most high-end tents but they’re more than adequate for typical weather conditions. There are several other brands in a similar price range, but stepping up to a higher tier could significantly increase the cost.
I recommend sticking with Coleman for budget-friendly options. Make sure to choose a tent that comes with a rain fly, even if you plan to camp only in dry weather. It’s always best to be prepared for unexpected rain. Additionally, applying seam sealant to the tent seams and underside of the rain fly can enhance water resistance, which is a cost-effective way to ensure dryness.
@Niall
Check out Ollie’s for deals on Coleman tents if you have one nearby.
Brett said:
@Niall
Check out Ollie’s for deals on Coleman tents if you have one nearby.
I upgraded from a Coleman Sundome 3 to a Sundome 4 because the 3 was too small to stand up in. If they don’t have what you want now, they might restock soon. Coleman’s dome tents are easier to set up than the larger, more complex ones.
Brett said:
@Niall
Check out Ollie’s for deals on Coleman tents if you have one nearby.
I got a great deal on a Coleman 6 person tent that even included a built-in light and fan. It’s surprisingly effective.
For an affordable and user-friendly tent, check out the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx or Coleman Sundome. Both are great for beginners and offer good ventilation and reliability. If you prefer something lighter, the Kelty Late Start is excellent for solo trips and packs down small.
Consider NatureHike for a step above Coleman in terms of quality without a big jump in price. They offer durable tents that perform well in various conditions.
Haru said:
Consider NatureHike for a step above Coleman in terms of quality without a big jump in price. They offer durable tents that perform well in various conditions.
I second the recommendation for NatureHike. They’ve served me well on several trips.
If you’re looking for something a bit more spacious, the North Face Wawona 6 offers a large vestibule and robust construction. It’s perfect for those who might need extra space for gear or pets.
I recently got into camping and chose the Gazelle T4 for its quick setup and spacious interior. It’s perfect for car camping and provides plenty of room for comfortable lounging on rainy days.
For minimal setups, consider using a tarp with a bivouac bag. This combo is lightweight, inexpensive, and offers flexibility in setup configurations.
Look for discounts on tents at online retailers like Sierra or Steep and Cheap. They often have quality tents at reduced prices.
DOD tents are great for their convenience and quick assembly. They’re ideal for fair weather camping and offer unique designs like the mushroom model.