Looking for a decent 2-person tent. Nothing fancy: it will probably get used no more than once a season, in the Oregon Cascades in summer on short overnighters with my wife. It doesn't need to be UL or even particularly lightweight, just dependable and EZ-up/EZ-down. I was thinking of getting a $69 sporting goods tent but that can be kind of a crapshoot. So I wonder if anyone can vouch personally for a cheap and easy tent.

(I found out after I registered on the forum that there was already another Jack Elliott here. I hope my goofy avatar picture will keep folk from confusing us, and I apologize to the first Jack Elliott for this.)

Edited by JackElliott on 04/07/2012 10:24:20 MDT.

When I made this decision for hiking in the same Cascades I got an Alps Zenith 2 at Sierra Trading post for about $70. It now costs more. Good tent.Especially good doors , vestibules and venting. Zenith 3 also a larger option.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/alps-mountaineering-zenith-2-al-tent-2-person-3-season~p~1480d/?filterString=s~alps-tent%2F&colorFamily=03

Edited by Meander on 04/07/2012 10:20:02 MDT.

Pm sent

If the PNW Jack also snores like someone testing outboards, we are in big trouble.

Sierra Trading Post always has many tents listed, from high end makers like Mountain Hardware to less ritzy (but very good) makers such as Alps. For a tent that will be used only slightly, that's where I'd go.

Richard

Hi-tec vlite 2 from big 5 for $50. Uses your trekking pole and weighs 2.5lbs. (after you ditch the included pole and carry bag) About as light as some much more expensive cottage brands. Just seam seal it good. I just picked this up myself and after seam sealing, it held up to a pretty liberal hose test just fine. I'll be taking it next time I can get out.

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/kelty-zenith-2-tent-white-green.aspx?a=954699

"Snug" for two and only one door, but Kelty products are usually pretty good, and at $50 this is a steal. Light enough for backpacking.

For a bit more room if car camping, I have this
http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000001591-Hooligan-4-Tent/dp/tags-on-product/B001TS8OEG
Which I find to be very weatherproof and wind stable when properly staked out (lots of guys and stakes)

You might try one of REI's periodic sales of its rental gear. I once snagged a big North Face car-camping tent for about $100. Had a tear I had to fix but otherwise just fine.

I second REI garage sales. I snagged a sweet 5lb 2 man REI tent (older Half Dome 2) for only $20. Only problem with it was a hockey puck sized hole chewed through the mesh at the peak. A $5 repair kit, some sloppy hand sewing of a mosquito net patch and seam grip to compensate for my less than couture skills and the tent was good as new.

My buddy and I take it out all the time and it's a great and easy to setup starter tent. Light on the back and even buying a new one it's light on the wallet.