Anyone have any recommendation for a 2-Man expedition-quality 4-season tent. Like this, but maybe less orangey... Rugged is more important than light weight. There is plenty to choose from on there here interwebs, but hard to select without outside inputs.
Then all I'll need is to find some boots that fit my poor feet and I can get our into the great outdoors for some backpacking.
Then all I'll need is to find some boots that fit my poor feet and I can get our into the great outdoors for some backpacking.
5 comments:
I use my cheap Coleman exponent 3 season solo tent for 4 seasons. It has aluminum poles, weighs around 4lbs, sets up quickly, and has never given me any grief. I've used it on 90 degree days, and it ventilates relatively well. I've also used it for 10 degree (F) nights, in the snow on top of a windy mountain, and it was adequate.
I can also recommend Kelty tents from personal experience. Their Teton line is solid, if you are looking for a 2 or 4 person free-standing tent. Their 4-season "expedition" tents are good, but spendy and a lot heavier. I wouldn't bother with a 4-season tent unless you plan on doing some serious mountaineering in sub-zero(F) temps. Just make sure you have a good sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Asking for a recommendation for tents and boots is like asking "which beer should I drink". What it boils down to is how much do you want to spend and how much are you really going to use them. As for my recommendations and these are just starting points, REI and Eureka are a couple of the better tents. For the boots I would start with Danner, Meindl, Asolo or White's and there are a few more good brands. Remember you almost always get what you pay for. That $80 dollar pair that looks like a $200+ pair will tell in a few miles. One more thing, boots that fit and feel nice while walking are not the same as when you are carrying a full backpack for a few miles.
I see Greg beat me too it. I am going to purchase the Kelty Gunnison two man tent, just as soon as their production line is back up.
My bigest question is, why do you need a four season tent? I personally feel that a three season with a good rain fly will serve you well.
Don't underestimate light weight! I thought the same thing when I first got into backpacking- choose robustness over weight and enjoy your gear for years longer. While this is true to some extent, lightweight gear will still last a LONG time with proper care, and you will enjoy your trips immensely more when you move faster, lighter, and with less pain. The REI Dome series (1/4, 1/2, etc.) gets great reviews, and often goes on sale just before the new model year comes out. I use an older Marmot 2 man, but it is decidedly orangey. eureka also has some slick 2 man options for great prices, but stick to their double walled offerings.
http://www.rei.com/product/761893
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