Greg's got it right; I didn't mean to imply that the old model Lunar Duo costs only $50, but rather that Roan Moak has lowered its price by $50.

How much weight are you willing to carry? The newly released SMD Lunar Duo Outfitter model and the new SMD SkyScape Scout solo tent are made out of polyester instead of silnylon. They're appreciably heavier than the corresponding silnylon versions (although they still qualify as lightweight tents), but are also significantly cheaper. Buying those models will add a little over 2 1/2 pounds to your packs, but your total price for both tents would be less than $300. Maybe in this case a heavy wallet trumps a light pack?

I'm actually getting the polyester version of both tents (Skyscape and Outfiiter). I know I can save quite a few ounces if I get the silnylon versions of both tents, but you're right, a heavier wallet trumps a lighter pack in this case. My kids have their own packs and carry their own sleeping bags so that saves me on weight. At this point, depending on which tent I carry, my base weight will be as follows:

Solo approx. base weight: 11lbs to 13lbs.
Non Solo approx. base weight: 12lbs to 15lbs.

Counting food and water and depending on how many days I spend on the trail, I should be around 20lbs to 25lbs or so. Not ultralight but a lot better than carrying 40lbs with my current tents.

I think you've picked out a nice pair of tents, Angus. Super light weight is nice, but (heresy on BPL, I know) it doesn't always trump other concerns. Stretching your budget to the breaking point is never fun, and isn't fun ultimately the entire point of backpacking?

Have fun with your kids on all those upcoming trips your new, light tents will facilitate! A big wallet may buy you cuben fiber, but it can't buy those sorts of priceless family memories. :D

I appreciate the comments.

I definitely can go lighter if I go cuben, silnylon, or just a tarp setup. But I haven't graduated to that level just yet. Another person had asked where I was located and where I typically backpack. I'm from So Cal and typically roam around the San Gabriel's. I do plan on doing more trips up north towards Yosemite and SEKI areas this year.

I actually took my kids on their first backpacking trip a couple of weekends ago. If interested, you can read more on my blog.

http://theshadedtrail.blogspot.com/search/label/An%20overnight%20at%20Hoegee%27s