Tent Survey

[Miami101]

Hi again
I been using a pop up beach tent to stay out over night. Yes the cold weather was a problem for me, and like everything I have to upgrade to be able to stay out longer. I'm looking for Single to two person tent. Also does anyone know a good site for MAPS?

Please post information links etc looking forward:

[Juan Estevez]

First my advice would be to get a two person tent unless you also do hiking, you'll appreciate the extra room.

My tent is a "el cheapo" Eureka Apex XT, I paid $110 for it but you can get it these days for about $90. I like the dual doors and the dual vestibule, during my last trip I was exposed to 20 to 25 knots winds in Pavillion Key and it wasn't blown away. Also it rain overnight but the tent kept me dry, I also like the wide open view without the rain fly.

What I don't like? after just a few camping trips the rain fly buttons corroded, also the floor is very weak, you have to have a tarp to set up under it.
You can see it here:
http://www.pbase.com/juanfotos/picnic_pav


My next tent most likely is going to be Kelty or North Face, but they are not as cheap as this one.

[Keith W]

For my solo trips I use a North Face Rock 22 two-person tent. Under $200 in most places. Bulletproof in most weather and very easy to set up and take down. I shelled out the extra $32 for the footprint, well worth it to keep your tent alive a lot longer.

For two person trips or for car camping I use a Kelty Teton 4 four-person tent with footprint. Got a deal at Campmor for $160, not counting the footprint The fly is a little shorter than I'd like at the ends but otherwise a very nice tent and easy to set up. I needed this in a hurry when the door zipper blew out on my old tent last June, and I was going down to the Cypress for my annual labor Day trip. It rained every night while I was camped out at Mitchells and there were no leaks.

[Walt]

I have a Eurika Spitfire 1 man, it's a great backpacking tent, but it's like sleeping in a coffin (get a 2 man).

Try this website, they have some good deals.http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/322_Tents.html

[Walt]

Also try this site.

http://www.steepandcheap.com/

They post something new every 15 minutes, they have camping equipment frequently.

[Kim Gass]

I use a North Face Tadpole 23. Freestanding yet ample tie outs for chickees. When the weather gets cold go with a lower volume tent.

Maps.. Paper or GPS??

Waterproof paper maps
http://www.waterproofcharts.com/shop/

39 and 41 cover the Everglades

Downloadable maps of Florida or just the Everglades if you want

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/

I have the second loaded to my GPS and not trusting batteries and salt water humidity always carry the first too.

[vivian]

Juan your pictures are beautiful!

Tents: For the price the Kelty tents are a good value. I used a Kelty Gunnison 2 for many years in all kinds of weather and not a leak anywhere. Upgraded to Marmot and also Sierra Design. To be honest the Sierra Design tent was a big disappointment the floor coating wore off after one season. Now I use an interior sheet to protect the tent floor. The Marmot tents are nice but much more money than Kelty.

I also use a Hennessy Hammock A-Sym for backpacking and some canoe trips. I also have the Kelty Teton 2 which is a lightweight tent however it has minimal room. Good for backpacking but for kayaking the Gunnison is far roomier.

[Miami101]

North Face Tadpole 23 look nice, for $200 is it light, and easy to setup?

[Kim Gass]

Its similar to the venerable Sierry Designs Clip Flashlight. It is higher at the head end than the foot end and may not suit those who need more headroom. You can sit up at the top end.

It is a comparatively light tent but uses a three pole system. That adds longitudinal strength at a small cost of weight. Many solo or two person tents use two poles. I do like the huge vestibule. The tent and vestibule can be easily set up in the dark. You do not need to crawl over your packs to enter the vestibule and tent as the packs go off to one side.

Try finding a North Face Outlet and looking for a tent marked Tandem 23. Its the same tent, but $99,.

[Miami101]

Folks thank you for the information I pick up the North Face rock 22. I need to order the foot print. I also looking at some of the other one listed below for a single. Thanks for the info as aways..

[Keith W]

If you haven't already found one, Campmor has the Rock 22 footprint on sale:

[Miami101]

I order it, and was happy with the space, and setup time.
The only problem now is how to get my son out of the tent to put it away.

[Miami101]

I pick up the Rock 22 foot print thanks for the heads up.