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
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
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.
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. =]
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
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.
I purchased this tent 4 years ago, countless nights in it with all kinds of weather. It's still in my pack ready to go now.
Easy setup - with practice - about 3 minutes. Free standing, tie downs... Etx.
Rainfly ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_P96K4MR7R1SAYP5C5RP3?psc=1
This tent has served me very well. I've used it since 2018 and its been on long weekend and multiple 10 day trips. No issues as of yet. Highly recommend it. Easy set up, take down, light, has vestibule, holds up in the rain, good price. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BMKD1DU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
Well reviewed. Budget priced. YouTube has several reviews for it. I have the REI version from a couple years ago and while not luxurious it’s plenty serviceable.
I have this tent in 1 man and 2 man and they're both awesome! Top notch qulity for the price. Just read the reviews for yourself. Don't sleep on amazon. Plus you'll have extra money to spend on other camping gear that you'll need. https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU
Not sure how light you're trying to go, but I've had great success with this brand and it's well within your budget with lots of moolah to spare for other gear too. I have their two person tent and I love it! It holds up exceptionally well even in extreme desert winds. It's pretty much the one below but a little bit bigger.
It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty so if something were to go wrong (which it probably won't) you're covered. Don't knock the cheaper gear until you try it! I believe that this is just as good as any and I think that in a lot of cases most people are just paying for a name anyway. Check out the reviews on it and decide for yourself. �� https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528498423&sr=1-1&refinements=p_n_size_browse-bin%3A2204488011&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65
I've used this one, and have been very happy.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i3TzybB4ARH9P
It's easy and quick to set up, has held up well through several trips, and there's sufficient room for me and just a few other items (boots and pack stay outside for me).
I'm a bit taller than you, as well
For $100 I find you can't beat the ALPS Linx 1. Not the lightest but freestanding was a "must" for me. Way more mesh than the pics lead you to believe. Look closely at the side opposite the door. Very large vestibule to keep gear dry as well. I highly recommend.
I've got an ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1 that I've been happy with and think it's a great value.
This is the one I own and its been fantastic. They have other sizes but i usually try to pack light and simplistic Alps Mountainering
4 seasons no issues https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BMKD1DU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
When I was homeless I lived out of my car, and in the non-freezing months I slept in a military Litefighter 1-man tent I copped for ~$150. Here's a civilian equivalent https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Best+One+Person+Tent&qid=1636135206&sr=8-3
They're quick to set up and tear down in case the cops show up to force you out. It's a 3 season tent, but will work for winter in most areas unless you get strong winds.
Don't forget a good sleeping pad for not only you, but your dog as well. I used a cheap foam thermarest, the bottom line is you want something lightweight that will get you and inch or two off the ground. Again, make sure your dog has a pad too, otherwise the ground will suck all the warmth out of him. https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-RidgeRest-Classic-Sleeping/dp/B00HANOY9I/ref=sr\_1\_10?crid=3BDRACA6O2KNK&keywords=thermarest+sleeping+pad&qid=1636135616&sprefix=thermarest+%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-10
You can get good enough sleeping bags at wal mart or Amazon, try and get a 0 Degree mummy bag. Tons of blankets for the dog since he's short hair. Dogs DO freeze very easily, I've seen it happen. https://www.amazon.com/Wenzel-Windy-Pass-Degree-Sleeping/dp/B00ARDM03A/ref=sr\_1\_5?keywords=sleeping+bags&qid=1636135653&sr=8-5
So to recap:
$130 for the tent
$44 for the sleeping bag
$20 for the thermarest
So almost $200 just for you, plus whatever you want to spend on the pad and sleeping arrangements for your dog. If you have any friends or family, try and see if they'll take care of him. You can contact local rescue shelters to see if they can find a temporary foster family for him, or if they know of any other resources as well.
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Do you have a car? That will be helpful for transporting all your gear. Otherwise you're going to need a backpack, cart, wagon, or some way to move all your crap around. I've heard you can get in trouble for having a stolen grocery cart, but I've never seen it happen.
Focus on your water storage too, so water bottles, jugs, thermos (for hot water), and hydroflask (for cold water) will take care of you. Running out of water SUCKS if you have to walk several miles to get more. For heating water, I used a jetboil stove I got at the Army Navy store. If you have a surplus store nearby, you might be able to find some good deals. Especially useful if you don't have an address for online orders.
Doesn't hurt to have a knife and pepper spray as well.
I just got back from a trip to the porcupine mountains.
This is a great tent, a couple of my friends had this one and they were awesome.
Camp Chairs are a great for sitting around at night or after a long hike but keeping yourself up off the ground. For 1lb a chair it was worth the weight.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent, Clay/Rust https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MGKYCb58N5DJQ
First solo tent I’ve ever purchased has done me wonders in three seasons and got me through a 3 day hike in the Colorado Mountains in October.
https://www.rei.com/product/110837/rei-co-op-passage-2-tent
The second is what we bought before we got the dogs, also great for 3 seasons. Definitely heavier than I’d like but for short excursions it does the job.
Both are on the cheap side but have done well for what I need.
I have and use the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1p, and it works great. It seems to fit your price range and requirements, as well.
https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU
Sorry for the late reply. I've been in the woods
https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU
Sorry for the late reply. I've been in the woods
Check out this guy: https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU/
It's lighter (just under 4 Lb), it's listed as JUST too wide for your bag, but do you think you can squish it in? It's lighter, cheaper, really well reviewed, and a much bigger floor space. Your tent only has 20 sq feet!
Listed as 6"x17.5" so the volume works, may just need some re-configuring? Ditch the stuff sack.
I have a tent which is almost exactly these dimensions and man, I love it. I backpack, so it has room for my sleep pad, stuff next to me (water, phone charger), room for my pack at the end by my feet, and I never ever feel cramped. It sucks to be unconstrained by weight (motorcycle) and still sleeping like you're UL hiking. It's heavy, so it's not my ultra-light setup, but it takes literally 45 seconds to set up camp.
edit: You can get the Static V insulated for cheaper. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klymit-Insulated-Static-V-Sleeping-Pad-06IVOr01C-/191504068900 $62.76 right from the manufacturer - it's a great pad. I have the regular and the insulated as my only sleep pad (side sleeper, wide dude), just switch out based on weather. You have the best in price/class product there.
edit2: This could be had for $90 if you're an REI member, or can find one who will let you use their coupon. https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/110867/kelty-dualist-22-sleeping-bag
Can't really speak to any of those specific bags, but if price is a primary concern it looks like you can do all around a little better, especially if that tent can fit. I think youll have a much comfier trip.
Where in CA are you headed? What is your budget? Will you be using this tent in the future? Is it just yourself or you and a partner? Are you car camping, or are you hiking 10 miles a day?
If it's just you and you want a relatively cheap solo tent, check out the ALPS Lynx 1.
https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU
Under 4lbs, freestanding, aluminum poles, full coverage fly, vestibule.
Cheaper and a bit lighter is the Stansport scout tent.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006V2B2I
It's pretty much a no-frills tent, but used by countless scouts over the years. It's not free standing so it does need to be staked down. Says 2-person but a bit tight for 2 adults. And getting out of the tent without knocking over the pole...
If you're car camping, with other people, have a decent budget and will use the tent regularly in the future, well there are a lot of bigger, nicer tents out there.
Another option is to rent gear. If you're going out for a few days, you'll probably need to stock up on gear like fuel canisters, so you can check with REI and see what they have for tent rentals. Might cost you more than buying a cheap tent like the Stansport, but it's an option.
A third alternative is not to get a tent at all but just sleep under the stars. Might bring a tarp to set up for protection from the sun and a stray shower.
I use a Kelty Redwing 50 and it has served me well, It has accompanied me through yellowstone, the everglades, the tetons, and more than a few hundred miles of West Virginia state and national forest. I have taken it on hikes that were mostly 3+ days, my longest being 5. Inside I carry a gerber lmf( its an insurance policy), a small medical kit, my fire kit, spare undies and socks, cold weather clothes/rain gear, a sawyer mini, 2 nalgenes, my food, my alps lynx single person tent (http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-5024617-Lynx-1-Person/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1455249851&sr=8-2&keywords=alps+tents) , my lumberjack attitude sleeping bag (http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-5024617-Lynx-1-Person/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1455249851&sr=8-2&keywords=alps+tents), toilet paper, and my cooking pot (http://www.amazon.com/Olicamp-Anodized-Space-Saver-Handle/dp/B007S3N5PE/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1455250072&sr=8-12&keywords=aluminum+camping+pot) and finally the msr pocket rocket. I must say that I am usually quite comfortable.
I have the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1. It has a mesh top and is super easy to set up. Here's a comment I made on it in another thread. If you want a little more room, theres a 2 person version called the Lynx 2. Its about as cheap as you can go without getting something that will just be a waste of money. It is a bit heavier than some more expensive tents, but the weight is still reasonable and I have nothing but good things to say about the thing.
If you decide thats the way you want to go, feel free to ask me about it and I'll Ill try to answer if I can!
After doing a lot of comparison shopping, I'm getting the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1. It's small, free-standing, lightweight (not ultralight), and only $123 with the groundcloth. Reviews for it are pretty good, I think it will work fine as a single-person, three-season tent.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BMKD1DU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I just bought this and tested it out last weekend. I am 6' 2" and I fit reasonably well.
I currently am using this 1 person ultralight from alps mountaineering. It's a little small but it works. https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530835749&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=alps+mountaineering+lynx+1&dpPl=1&dpID=41vtQNy7qnL&ref=plSrch