off-roader
Expedition Leader
Preferably under $200... Just wondering if such a thing exists...
I'll check them out. My current tent is a Northface 2 man backpacking tent (very light but also very small with just enough room for 2 people). Plus it can't be zippered closed. There have been a few times now where I've camped and due to the winds and the filtering effect of the screen mesh, I've ended up with bedding completely doused in super find sand/dirt!I would think Eureka has some decent ones in your price range.
Thanks. Never heard of that term for a tent before. Will definitely help me in my search. Yes, definitely want aluminum poles and thicker stronger ones preferably.Those are typically called convertible tents and they're not quite as popular as they once were. I'd second the suggestion to look through the Eureka offering. The biggest challenge, and a very important consideration, is getting a tent of that size with aluminum poles for that price. Fiberglass poles are awful and a terrible value given they will most likely break long before the tent gives up.
I've looked at the coleman's before. Never realized they weren't waterproofed. That could be problematic.We bought a Coleman 4-6 person 3 season tent a couple of years ago in Idaho for less than $200, but I would not recommend doing so. The rainfly acted as a rain sieve (we got completely soaked one night in Olympic National Park - luckily we were able to get a waterproof tarp the next day, but boy did that make for a long, wet, uncomfortable night).
I'm currently out 3-4 times per year but want to see if I can increase that so yes, something higher quality would be better. My northface has lasted me well over a decade now so perhaps a bit more in the budget is called for.I have a 6-man Coleman Instant Tent that comes close to your description, however...
Pros: Large windows that can be zipped fully closed, tall interior space, easy set up, low price, rain fly material works well so far, low price (mine was less than $200 on sale).
Cons: Needs extra water-proofing (at least mine did), tall profile takes a beating in high winds, rain fly is too short on the sides for heavy sideways rain, not that small when packed, and the low price is reflected in the overall quality.
If you're getting out 3-4 times a year in a temperate climate it's just fine. If you're camping once a month or at higher elevations I'd invest in a higher-quality, higher-$$ tent. The payoff is longer service with less compromise. :beer:
I got a Kodiak canvas 10x10 tent of CL for 340. Used twice. Super awesome tent.
Those are typically called convertible tents and they're not quite as popular as they once were. I'd second the suggestion to look through the Eureka offering. The biggest challenge, and a very important consideration, is getting a tent of that size with aluminum poles for that price. Fiberglass poles are awful and a terrible value given they will most likely break long before the tent gives up.