Tent Price Range?

Johnny · 06-17-2011, 11:46 AM

I was wondering how much would be too much to give for a tent for three? I'm talking about the best quality on the market that you can find. I just don't want to get robbed.

sticks · 06-17-2011, 02:44 PM

LOL! You will think you are getting robbed for the price of a top quality tent! You fail to mention if this is for backpacking or car camping...3 season, 4 season or for mountaineering. Prices can easily range from $300 to $1500 depending on the criteria I mentioned. You can catch them on sale at various online stores such as Backcountry. com, REI, etc. I have one mountaineering tent that cost $600 in 1994 and another solo tent for $300. I seriously want a Hilleberg Nallo 2 which goes for $525 which I consider close to the top of the line but it is still not THE top of the line.

That said I bought a Alps Mountaineering 3 season Lynx 2 for $100 on sale. Is it top of the line? No...but I bought it because my senior dog needs to be spoiled even more than she is!! All I care is it makes it through her final years.

It has kept me dry through an all night rain that turned to snow in TN and has stood up to heavy wind gusts on Mt. Rogers...money well spent IMO.

Bottom line answer would be to expect to spend around $300 for a good quality tent...after quality you have to consider what you are using it for and go from there. Car camping weight is not an issue, but if you are looking at going backpacking then it is something to consider.

Refrigerator · 06-17-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny

I was wondering how much would be too much to give for a tent for three? I'm talking about the best quality on the market that you can find. I just don't want to get robbed.

Johnny, Look at Campmor.com and REI.com and take a good look at all there tents....yea you can go to even 10 more stores but lets keep it simple.....Look at all there tents that fit your criteria and price range.....write them down and continue on to access you options until you pin one down. If you want to go to a Walmart, K Mart, or other big retailer you can do the same there....No problem. If you still having problems just send me your money and I pick one out for ya....just kidding....good luck my friend.

sticks · 06-17-2011, 05:58 PM

Watch Fridge...He keeps trying to sell me a bridge in Brooklyn.

One of the items we did not touch on is to go to a local outfitter or box store and look at the manufacturing quality. Get in the tents and see what you like...or not. Are the patterns cut true with the fabric weave and sewn together without run outs. Is the mesh screening a true no-seeum proof sizing. I think a bathtub style bottom is the best for keeping out rain and is a must have of any tent.

Do you know someone you can borrow a tent from and try? The fastest way to learn if you really like a tent is to get out there in one. Does it meet your standards?

Lastly is the warranty. Is it lifetime? I had a pole break while I had a tent set up to dry and it ripped the tent...MSR covered both the pole and tent repairs though the tent was 9 years old.

Don't be in a hurry to buy if you already have something that will do until you find what you want.

Refrigerator · 06-17-2011, 06:22 PM

I don't sell any of my gear...I retire it...

Barney · 06-21-2011, 01:07 AM

I think $400 is about right for 3 person tent, if you want top quality. MSR or Kelty are companies I would choose from. But you can get much cheaper stuff and sacrifice a little quality for it.

wvbreamfisherman · 06-21-2011, 06:47 AM

Depends on what you want, for car camping in spring/summer/early fall you can probably get something decent for $150/$200 (check out Coleman tents- they are decent quality, but heavy and not for enything extreme).

For a longer camping season, or better weather resistance or lightweight, expect to pay more...maybe much more.

Gondor · 06-21-2011, 08:44 AM

I would remind you that having an extra tent floor beneath your tent (tent footprint) will prolong the life of your tent because bottom is what usually rips first.

Lamebeaver · 07-11-2011, 08:27 PM

There are two schools of thought.

1. Buy a good quality tent and it will last for years.

2. Buy a cheap tent and replace it more often. I'm in the latter camp. Also, you aren't as likely to cry when a branch gets accidentally shoved through the side.

Judy Ann · 07-11-2011, 09:10 PM

My siblings school of though is to raid Aunt Judy's supply room...the girls like the big canvas tent and the boys like the color coded REI tent with dinner brought to them by Mom. Just don't ask to borrow my dog!!!!