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I recommend this tent a lot. It's relatively light compared to others in that price point, and I personally use it, so I can vouch for quality and ease of set-up. It's $116 on Amazon but I find it pretty regularly under $100 on other sites if you really want to stay under that mark.
You're not going to get a really lightweight tent for less than $100. I ended up with a Big Agnes for my AT hike, but before that I had an Alps Mountaineering Lynx tent I bought on Amazon for less than $100. Its been good to me and seems solid. Here's a link to the 1 person: https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1516305974&sr=1-5&keywords=alps+mountaineering
Edit: Price
Very spacious. I can stand easily in most of it with a foot to spare. Only has one pocket. I would have preferred more but it's a minor gripe. I haven't had bad weather for it yet so I can't really weigh in on that yet. Hooked up to the Y beautifully but I have to say that with the roof of the Y being swooped so far back it would drain water towards the tent. From the research I did it seems like the best on the market so far. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MBJ6R4V?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I would recommend more than a 1-man tent if you plan to live in it for an extended time.
What is your budget?
You can get a cheap tent from Amazon for $50. like this:
Or something from REI for $300+, like this:
Ooooooo, now I want a super fancy tent.
I was more looking at something like this.
It's the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent. Got it on amazon for a good price. Fast set-up, mostly mesh for ventilation but has a waterproof fly you can put over very quickly. If you're on a budget, fantastic tent.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BMKD1DU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yes, that Kelty tent is okay. Although I would not consider it 'inexpensive' at $220.
A classic tent for car camping is the Coleman dome. Only $50 on Amazon.
I don’t think cheap tents are all that bad for car camping, but the last thing I’d want deep in the backcountry is a low quality tent. Not saying this is, but I’d just research before taking it out.
If you can spend $150, Kelty is a great brand for the money.
Edit. Just saw you’re camping on a beach. If you plan on camping regularly I’d maybe considering something better, but for what you’re doing I’m sure this is plenty.
This is great! I recommend window socks to allow you to crack the windows for ventilation without bugs and bonus it provides extra privacy. I also bought one of these: Napier Sportz Cove 61000 Easy Setup Small Midsize SUV Tailgate Shade Awning Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUEGMLR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TQ4SJ6PPFHMAFP2B78K4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
How did you deal with the dreaded “bump” where the back seat hinges?
Gear sellers on Amazon are fast and loose when it comes to calling something 'lightweight'.
It's probably fine for what it is. Says it's pre-waterproofed with silicone, which isn't anything fancy but a matter of convenience (I do that to tents as a matter of course). But for the weight and features it looks roughly comparable to a Coleman-style tent you'd find at any big box retailer, and for a similar price (at least on the left side of the pond).
If you're only attracted because of the price, check out the River Country Products trekking pole tent: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07537XGKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_rWFbBbH2DYHTY
I bought this a few months ago. It's currently on sale for crazy low because it's not available again until June, and they've upgraded it to lightweight aluminum stakes since I bought it (I had to buy those separately) which puts the weight at 2 lbs and some change (roughly a kilo). It doesn't come with poles though - it's designed to be used with trekking poles or sticks you find (or poles you add yourself).
Don't know what shipping to the UK would run you, but the thing is so cheap right now it's probably worth it. I found it because I'm a tall dude who was tired of dome style tents - my head is always at the edge of the tent so the walls slope a few inches above my face - and I wanted something with vertical side walls; then I noticed how lightweight it was, and I think I have accidentally discovered the best deal in lightweight tents out there right now.
Thought about posting about it here or/and at /r/ultralight, but there's so much spam here, I didn't want to be accused of being a spammer. :(
I'd love to be able to recommend good cheap gear I've found without feeling like a corporate whore.
This would not be good for lightweight bugging out, but i like my coleman instant tent. Super easy setup. Pretty bulky to transport though. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004E4AVY8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VrtwFbCRRHKPS
Here you go. And I'll mention that the materials seem very robust. I haven't had it long but tried to set it up in heavy winds where a lot of others would have ripped. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NA6NXB3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_JK6KM0XXYJ4QDZ8780HF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have this one, it's got a screen roof with an optional rain fly cover. It goes up very quickly - I can do it myself in under 5 minutes. It's big and it's usually only just me and the dog or sometimes my husband, but I love having all the space. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VFH1RQS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
More like this one.
If you're going mostly solo camping, I'd go with something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004E4AVY8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It goes up so fast! I reluctantly bought one about 2 years ago, and it was such a great purchase! No more dicking around with sliding poles through and popping up a tent when you're by yourself sucks. This makes it way easier. I know a lot of dudes like the rooftop tents or truck bed tents, but those things are expensive and take up a lot of space. This is a really easy solution.
Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004J2GUOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_hXgIeYYgKLq3q
I have this tent. Had it out in all day rain at the farmers market with nothing underneath. Kids stayed warm and dry. I also have the 10 person version. They are decent for their price point. I can set the 4 man up alone if I have to.
Looks like a Coleman 4-person Sundome tent. You could measure inside dimensions to confirm.
$60 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000007827-Sundome-4-Person-Tent/dp/B004J2GUOU/
Although I realize that replacing the full tent feels wasteful. Maybe that Coleman.com link above has a replacement part.
or just use a cheap blue tarp and tie it on yourself (getting in/out of the door will be harder).
Keep it simple at first. Find an easy loop (less than 10 miles so you don’t have to plan for water) near you. Alltrails is a good app that will help you start doing that.
There’s no need to start with car camping unless you already have the gear for that. Part of the fun of backpacking is gradually figuring out what gear you do and don’t need, what to bring, and what to leave behind. So release yourself to that journey. There is a joy in the ignorance of starting a new hobby.
That being said, your “big four” items are going to be a sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, and cooking system. For a cooking system, I would say an MSR Pocket rocket is absolutely the best go-to. That, plus fuel, and a lighter will be enough for you to get dehydrated meals made. I like to bring a measuring cup if I’m using dehydrated meals. That little bit of precision is really worth it.
To start fires at your campsite, you can put cotton balls in a plastic bag and soak them in isopropyl alcohol. Lint from your dryer also helps to start campfires.
Not sure what your budget is on gearing up, but absolutely avoid Walmart/Coleman brand stuff. Speaking from experience on that point.
You can find affordable, entry level stuff on amazon. A good starter tent for one person is here:
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UG5QBb04ZP4E1
High quality sleeping bags that are warm and lightweight are going to be pricey, but you can find some inexpensive ones on amazon that will get the job done.
I really like the Big Agnes sleeping pad. Been using that for a while now. Also, Osprey backpacks are very much worth the price tag.
When is your trip? These tents go on sale occasionally. I got this six person Coleman cabin for $100, but right now it's selling for $130. If you can wait, I suggest keeping an eye on Slickdeal. Also set up a camelcamelcamel alert on Amazon.
They make some pretty groovy & compact one-man bivouac tents. I've got my eye on this one on Amazon, I'm sure you could find a cheaper one at your local REI or Cabela's. =]
My wife and I got this cheap 4 person tent last year and have enjoyed the heck out of it. I’d definitely suggest a 4 person tent for 2 people if you’re car camping. Especially if you’re thinking of having a dog in there with you.
No regrets whatsoever and we’re only now looking for another tent that’s appropriate for backpacking. We’re still planning to car camp as well and wouldn’t want the backpacking tent in that situation so it wasn’t even a waste of money (unlike our sleeping bags and pads)
Absolutely go for at least 4 person tent. I cannot highly enough recommend Coleman's easy-up tents. Assuming you're driving to your campsite and packability isn't an issue, there is nothing better. DO NOT buy a cheap tent. You may be tempted to pick something up under a hundred bucks. Just don't. Get something that's pricier but reliable. You will end up buying one eventually when the cheap tent fails you. Don't pay attention to how many people a manufacturer rates a tent for. They rate tents based on how much floor space there is, not whether that many people will actually be comfortable. A "2 person tent" has enough room for two people to lay next to each other but there is zero additional space. In reality it's really only good for one. A "4 person tent" is the real minimum for 2 people. You need some additional space for at least a little gear, particularly in foul weather. I use the Coleman 6-person easy up tent just for my own solo camping and I would prefer not to share it with more than one person. I have had myself and three others in it and and it was only adequate.
This is the best relatively inexpensive tent on the market, assuming you are not packing your gear into a campsite that'll require lighter weight and more compact carry.
I have this one and it fits great on the 4runner. Really makes sleeping in the back much better since I'm 6'7"
Napier Sportz Cove 61000 SUV Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUEGMLR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I've been using this brand ALPS Mountaineering they do have a 2 person and I've seen it in person and holds up well. Ive had my 1 person tent since 2018 and have been out many times for 8 night trips in storms and some hail. Don't need to always pay for big brands https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BMKD1DU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Kodiaks are great, starting around 550 and going up. This particular Coleman tent works very well and holds up on the playa for years. https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-6-Person-Instant-Cabin-2000018017/dp/B004E4ERHA/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=3VJVJ1WRLP9L&keywords=coleman%2B6%2Bperson%2Binstant%2Btent&qid=1664385934&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjIzIiwicXNhIjoiMi4zMyIsInFzcCI6IjEuNTUifQ%3D%3D...
https://www.amazon.com/Napier-19100-Backroadz-SUV-Tent/dp/B07MBJ6R4V/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=OIXERK5ZZNDW&keywords=suv+tents+for+camping&qid=1661527036&sprefix=suv+tent%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-6 This is it. I’ve only used it once. Would like $100 for it
Looks pretty similar to mine. I've used a 1 person tent that's basically this https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU for years. I see this same model everywhere and I definitely paid less for it.
Two poles, through the top, and I can have it up in about 2 minutes. Down in less
Tarp, tent, then some variant of sleeping pad, air mattress, sleeping bag, and/or blankets inside.
Ope yeah that's pop up time imo
This is the one I got - I set it up in around 3 or 4 minutes and tear it down just as fast. It's also surprisingly sturdy - I used to always associate pop-up tents with being these frail garbage tents back when I was a Scout, but the quality has really improved. That mf held up to the extreme thunderstorms of LL 19 like it was nothing, meanwhile several regular tents in our immediate vicinity collapsed entirely.