Need tent advice... 4 people. REI/LLBean

mulchie · 07-31-2011, 07:51 PM

Hi-- We are taking a quick trip to the wilds this weekend with our two (big) sons. This has to get delivered fast so I'm doing some very urgent last minute research. We want something that will last, and good quality without going nuts.
Looking at some REI tents and also the
LL Bean Big Woods Dome Tent or King Pine.

I would so appreciate any and all thoughts.
thanks,

briansnat · 07-31-2011, 08:16 PM

Both REI and LL Bean tents are well made and great values. The King Pine is one of the best large tents I've seen.

mulchie · 08-01-2011, 06:58 AM

Seems likely we are going for the larger Bean Big Woods Dome tent. The sons are 6 footers and we figured we could use the room. Thanks for the reply.

Lamebeaver · 08-01-2011, 11:27 AM

Two tents. Big kids in one, and the two of you in the other.

mulchie · 08-01-2011, 11:34 AM

Thought provoking response. Especially coming from a senior member. Could you elaborate? I'm placing the order now. Do you base this on problems with the larger Bean tent?
Many thanks for weighing in .

mulchie · 08-01-2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by briansnat

Both REI and LL Bean tents are well made and great values. The King Pine is one of the best large tents I've seen.

What do you think of the LLBean Big Woods Dome tent?

Newanderthal · 08-02-2011, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lamebeaver

Two tents. Big kids in one, and the two of you in the other.

This. Also, if it's just a quick trip, there's no reason to use top quality stuff. A couple of $40 tents from Walmart would suffice. I'm not against REI, but it seems like overkill for your purposes. Will you really get several hundred dollars worth of use out of them?

mulchie · 08-02-2011, 05:23 PM

I take your point. But we are embarking on years of camping and ++ we have a ton of LLBean coupons.

Lamebeaver · 08-02-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulchie

Thought provoking response. Especially coming from a senior member. Could you elaborate? I'm placing the order now. Do you base this on problems with the larger Bean tent?
Many thanks for weighing in .

First is the privacy issue. (I hope I don't need to elaborate)

Next, if you ever want to do any primative camping, it's much easier to find two small flat areas than one large flat areas.

Lamebeaver · 08-02-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newanderthal

This. Also, if it's just a quick trip, there's no reason to use top quality stuff. A couple of $40 tents from Walmart would suffice. I'm not against REI, but it seems like overkill for your purposes. Will you really get several hundred dollars worth of use out of them?

If you decide to go with Walmart tents, also get a tube of seam sealer. I have nothing against Walmart tents (Ozark Trail), in fact one of my favorites is from there. You want at least a 7x7 for two people (and gear). 8x8 gives you a bit more room. Anything larger than 10x12 is overkill. IMHO