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.
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.
https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Salida-Camping-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B00NFCFO0Q/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=kelty%2Bpagoda%2B2&qid=1565751951&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0&th=1 This is the one I have been using, not as big as my old 3, but the poles are perfect sized. In super hot, could use more mesh, perfect 3 season tent. Enough room for all my gear and vestibule for boots, and drybag.
This kelty is great if you are backpacking. If you are car camping and weight isn’t a factor most name brand tent will do.
Like other have said the tent protects you from the elements it doesn’t keep you warm. A warm sleeping bag and pad is what will keep you warm. I usually do 2-4 very cold (0°F to 10°F) trips a year in a hammock and tarp.
I've been using a Kelty Salida 2 for about 7 years now. It's a solid tent that didn't cost an arm and a leg.
I've eyeballed other tents but honestly, I like it because it's not too heavy, and can be set up in a pinch (there are just two poles, and the tent snaps onto them).
I've used it only a couple of times in the rain and it held up well. I've used it in the snow as well and it works just fine.
EDIT: I did immediately buy better stakes (the red MSR ones). It's worth the expense.
Well if I’m not 100% what your routine is with how you carry your tent, and how you want to store your gear. But, if I was choosing from these tents, I would choose the 2 person because I can put my gear under the rain fly, and outside the tent door. If I wanted to bring some gear inside, the two person would have enough room for myself, a sleeping pad and bag, and maybe half a pack of gear.
That is similar to how I camp when I go backpacking. I use the Kelty Salida 2 and have plenty of room for my bag to sit under the fly, and I bring in extra layers if it will be cold, phone charger, water, and still have room for other items.
This is a good relatively cheap tent that packs small because of the short pole lengths (short poles are hard to find in a tent): https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Salida-Camping-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B00NFCFO0Q That's the cheapest short-pole tent I was able to find when I was looking.
Any Amazon inflatable sleeping pad will do for Summer camping. For winter camping, if you don't want to freeze, get a good insulated inflatable pad.
Any 'ole pillow.
This stove: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Ultralight-Portable-Backpacking-Ignition/dp/B00B4FY8YO
A chair like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y2A74L2
The complicated part is the sleeping bag. I spent big bucks on mine because I wanted a zero degree down sleeping bag that packed small but wasn't a mummy bag. For your first kit, just look for something that packs small and is rated for 15 degrees less than what you'll think you'll encounter on your trip.
You can get some decently priced 3-season tents for mountaineering if you shop around. Yep, love a campground with a view!
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent, 2 Person https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NFCFO0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jcIdFbQG8B3Q0
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B7N6R0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RcIdFbRE0A6SX
MSR Backpacking-Tents msr Elixir Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078KHBV7V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MfIdFbVQZ1FCP
There’s plenty more depending on size and budget. These were a few from $150 to $250 that I thought of.
Of course!
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NFCFO0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eb3OCbGBMPAFE
I just got mine on amazon
Here are a couple options with brands that have a bit better of a reputation. Ultimately it’s your choice, but I would recommend going for a company that has a bit more of a following:
Kelty Salida 2:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NFCFO0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PhXyCb0V6QC8Y
Kelty Acadia 2:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBSFI1M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RiXyCbT3QEMH0
Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 (also has a 2 person available):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMKD1DU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pdXyCb85G6NR9
I don’t personally own these tents, but I know the quality should be there and the price point is in line with what you were thinking. Hope this helps ✌��
Anyone have experience with these 2 tents, or have any other recommendations? Kelty Salida 2 and ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2
My gf and I (and our little dog) are looking for a 2 person tent under $200 CDN, and less than 5lbs. It's for 3 season camping in Nova Scotia, more like 2 season because the trees don't turn green until midway through May. Just weekend warrior stuff, our longest hike this year will probably be 4 days/3 nights at Cape Chignecto. It's very humid here but we probably won't go out if the forecast shows a lot of rainfall.
Worried with those 2 that we won't all fit, especially the Kelty one. Our dog is pretty small and we sleep on 2 thermarests (or MEC equivalents). We use a piece of Tyvek as a footprint.
Thats a good idea, thanks! I have a side question about shelter. I was looking at either the Kelty Salida 2 or the REI Half-Dome 2. The Half-Dome 2 seems really great and has all positive reviews, but the Kelty is much cheaper. The only downside I've read on the kelty is it has an issue with condensation. Do you have any recommendations? The Kelty is also lighter than the REI tent.
Nice. Those are definitely 2 popular brands that I've seen on more budget friendly lists. I was focusing on weight and quality here more than cost.
Check out this other list for more budget items.
The tent is about $20 more than the Nature Hike one I recommended there.
The cup is about is about $10 cheaper, but smaller.
Kelty Salida 2, $120, link
GSI cup, $12, link
Is this the same tent on amazon for cheaper?