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Any recommendations a two person backpacking tent? Preferably one during this REI sale? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm new to backpacking, did my first trip this year with a hammock and had a great time.

Trying to get my wife into it with me. We're planning on going to Iceland in September, no trees. Plus she sleeps cold so she'll probably be more comfortable if we're in the same tent.

I'm looking to spend as little as possible, we're really not sure this will be our thing going forward, it might just be something I do solo. And we already have a big six person tent for glamping with a big air mattress.

I'm hoping for under $200, less if possible.

But I also don't wanna buy garbage, or carry something excessively heavy.

Suggestions?

Edit: this seems popular and well liked? https://www.rei.com/product/185632/rei-co-op-half-dome-sl-2-tent-with-footprint

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

I can't vouch for that one specifically, but I have the REI quarter dome t3 and it's served me well for a decade, and I was looking at getting the 3 person of the one you linked just because mine is showing its age at the taped seams. I don't think you'd be disappointed with it based on your criteria.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago (2 children)

Thanks! Is 5lbs too heavy? Some people complain about the weight, but anything lighter they start calling ultralight and I'm just not sure it's worth the trade-offs and extra cost

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago (1 children)

You will ideally be splitting the weight between the two of you, but most of the weight will be in the tent body so you will probably have 3lbs of tent and your partner will have the rest. 3lbs for a shelter is pretty good.

Backpacking weight is a big deal because it is far more miserable to hike 5 miles a day for 5 days with 40lbs than that same distance with 20lbs. If you are only going a mile or two a day for two days, then weight can be higher, but you will pay for it if you aren't conditioned for it. Now add the consideration that your lady will be introduced to backpacking with whatever gear she has to carry. If she has a miserable time because of the weight and distance, she will be less likely to want to go again.

Going lighter is always better, except for your wallet. First time backpacking I had close to 35lbs of gear dry and spent like $200 on everything, miserable. The second time I had $400 worth of gear at 25lbs dry, wasn't that bad. By the 3rd time I had about $800 worth of gear with a 20lbs dry weight and had a great time. Now my pack is about 15lbs dry with the luxury of a camp chair and wish I could use my $1,000 worth of gear more than maybe once year lol.

The month leading up to the trip the two of you should take a few progressively longer hikes on a nice flat trail with your full pack including water and simulated food weight. You will learn what you need to adjust on your packs, condition your bodies some, and learn what gear you need to change for lighter/better stuff.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

I didn't think about splitting the weight, that's a good point.

Yeah during my short hike I could tell when I was loaded with water or when I was empty haha.

I appreciate the write up! I definitely plan on doing a super short hike which will basically just be a test of the gear, get her a feel for it. Then I have a short hike in mind after that, about an 8 hour drive to get to, not bad.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

It wasn't too heavy for me, but I'm a pretty stocky dude. I don't regularly backpack, but I have backpacked with mine. 5lb 5oz plus footprint. Honestly I might not be the right person to answer that question considering I'm the type that even brings a 3lb ax backpacking. If it takes up too much space in one pack, you can split it between both of your packs. Poles and footprint in one, rest of the tent in the other.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago

That's fair, good suggestions. Thinking about it, my hammock and rain fly were also cheap, I didn't weigh them separately but I bet they could've come to 5lbs or more. My loaded pack without water was 35lb. I'm 175 and fairly strong so I didn't mind it for the 25 miles we did. But it wasn't nothing.

I think I'm gonna go for it 😬