Hey guys...what's the easiest tent to set up?

[orangeninja]

Okay, so I'm getting my outfitting gear together and have decided to go with either Columbia or Coleman 0 degree cold weather sleeping bags but I am now looking for a tent that is easily carried and easily set up that shelter 2 people. It just needs to be water proof, not necessarily a 4 season tent.

Suggestions?

 

[Spot77]

I'm a fan of the Colemans for 2 season only tents.

Easy to set up, affordable, and most if not all have the tub style floor that will keep water out decently.



Now if you buy the supersmall Coleman tent, it'll be known as the Gary Coleman tent

sorry, couldn't help it......


Columbia tents are generally better made with denser material I believe.

 

[lebshiff21]

I have one just like this:

and it's super easy to setup. 3 poles total.

 

[Matt G]

Suggestion: Always go with a bigger tent than you need (unless backpacking), and always set it up several times at home before leaving. Also, photocopy the instructions, and laminate them and keep them with the tent. We got a Eureka cabin tent, and I'm in love with it, but have to admit that there is a learning curve to putting it up quickly and efficiently. Many tents also benefit from labeling or color-coordinating the poles/tabs/grommets, etc.

Bring an extra tarp. Make it two.

Bring extra line for guys.

Bring a sewing kit.

Prep the seams at home with water-proofer to stop drips. Most quality tents now come with a seam prep kit, included. Doesn't hurt to prep the seams once a year.

Make sure your tent is appropriate to the location and season. Here in most of TX, at least three seasons require a tent with a lot of mesh at the top to let out the heat. Get up to Colorado for elk hunting, and you need a solid-topped tent with good supports to keep the roof up even with a foot of snow on it... in early October.

No matter what the weather man says-- prepare for rain. Likewise for heavy wind.

No matter what the box says, you can't put as many people in the tent as are listed.

Even if the tent has a built-in ground cloth, put a ground cloth (tarp) under it. Fold the edges under, lest you create a wading pool under the tent.

Don't buy exclusively based on features-- execution is all. My wife and I bought a super-nice (we thought) large no-name tent from Wal-Mart that had tons of nifty features... only to have it torn to shreds by a windstorm that night. Fortunately, we still had our receipt, and got our money back and bought a quality name brand tent the next morning. But that night was miserable!

I'm a big fan of well-made dome tents, but have only had good luck with them on the smaller scales-- 2 to 5 man. If you really plan to never have more than 2 people in the tent, you can make do with a 3 man tent, but don't go smaller. 2 man tents are great for two Boy Scouts who aren't afraid to rub shoulders and don't mind leaving all of the rest of their gear outside. Me, I'd rather bring the non-food items in with me.

 

[fisherman66]

I like the idea of bivouac. I'm not aware of a two person version though.

They are very light weight.

 

[Old Pa]

Eureka Alpine Drawtights have always been good to me. Simple, external frame. 4 man outfitter is just right for two (w/ a vestibule).

 

[Adept]

In terms of ease to set up, you can't really beat a swag. Just unroll it, get in, and go to sleep.

Unfortunately, they are quite heavy and cumbersome compared to lightweight tents, and can leak a bit in excessive rain. Good for a basecamp where you don't have to hike in, much more comfortable than a sleeping mat, but lousy for hiking or cooler climates.

 

[warth0g]

Regardless of what tent you choose, practise setting it up, before you go out hiking! A couple of times in the backyard should be enough.

warth0g

 

[clt46910]

I second the larger tent. If you have the room and are not backpacking in, I would go with a tent large enough to stand up in. If you are older like I am you get kind of tired of getting down on your knees to get into the tent and having to stay down all the time while inside.

If the weather turns bad I like to be able to sit in a camp chair inside and read, or something, be able to stand up to change clothes, etc. Think if you would want to spend the whole day in that tent during a rain storm. Might not be a bad idea to just sit it up in the back yard and sit in it for a few hours. Give you an idea of what it would be like.

I recommend anyone that goes camping to sit up in the back yard and spend time in your tent. See what you are missing or need to add. Lot better to find out there then when you are out in the wilds someplace.

 

[sm]

Good advice already given above.

Add to whatever tent you get at least two, though 4 is better, of those small foil looking Emergency Space Blankets. Extra guy line. These do not weigh much, or take up much room. Put these in the tent bag, and keep there always.

Handy for:

-Ground cloths ( you forgot to bring).

Placed over the tent to:

-Reflect the sun on hot outings
-Placed over the top to ensure waterproofing, when heavy rains hit, or that snow that was not forcast, shows up. Just roll a stick into ends and secure with guy lines, use sticks for stakes.
-In front of tent , use to keep dirt mud out, something water resistant to stand on entering/ exiting.
-Inside tent ground cover , for when the weatherperson goofed about it was not going to frost.
-Inside sleeping bag for when the weatherperson really really goofed about the temps.

Extra guy lines may come in handy if you find a weatherperson in your neck of the woods and need to 'string them up'. Never been that fortunate, still I was prepared just in case.