High vs low end tents

[kselkhunter]

Im new to backcountry camping si theres probably something obvious I am missing. That looks like pretty healthy timber behind the campsite with low risk of coming down, would getting under the canopy with the tent be a good option there?

When setting up in timber, walk around and inspect trees and tree limbs very closely before setting up.  Deadfall is always a risk so I look for which way they're leaning, as well as a widow maker limb giving way and landing on you.   If there is snow, snow bombs coming off a tree when a bough releases all it's snow at once due to weight can also damage your tent, especially if there is some ice in it.   

[Jpmiller]

Im new to backcountry camping si theres probably something obvious I am missing. That looks like pretty healthy timber behind the campsite with low risk of coming down, would getting under the canopy with the tent be a good option there?

If you look at the Backcountry camps thread you see A ton of pics of folks camped way out exposed and on risgetops. I've always tried to get sheltered spots and have had much better experiences than the few times I was out in the open.

[Jpmiller]

It's mainly to do with fabrics and construction and country of origin.  lighter weight fabrics with the same tear strength as heavier fabrics are going to cost more per yard.  anything with Dyneema is going to be close to 5x the cost of anything close. are the fabrics pu coated on both sides or just one and a DWR on the other.  Is it silicone impregnated too and what is the hydrostatic head. Are the seams sealed.

So look into the fabric differences.  A cheaper tent can be comparable to an expensive one, but just use heavier fabrics.  Looking at a fabric website, a 1.1oz Silpoly is $5.95 a yard, 1.1oz Silnylon is $11.00/yd.  A 1.1oz Silpoly with PU4000 coating is $7.75yd.  A 1.1oz MTN Silnylon 6.6 is $12.50/yd.  A 1.0oz Dyneema CT2K.18 is $37.50/yd and a 1.2oz Dyneema waterproof/breathable is $54/yd.

Aluminum grades and thickness are another cost determination.  Or are the poles carbon. 

Does the rain fly stop a few inches above the tent floor, or does it go all the way close to the ground.  Does it have a vestibule or not and how many guy outs are on it. 

Something made in America or mass produced is another.

And brand name holds a premium too.

In the end, you got to find that balance for your budget of how heavy you want to go and how bomb proof do you want it.  If materials are the same, the lighter you go, the less bomb proof it will be like Buzz2401 mentioned.  But if you are going lighter and keeping the same durability, the price will be going up quickly but you better make sure the fabric is the reason and not the name printed on the tent!

Hope that helps.

You talk like you know stuff. In terms of durability which fabrics would you recommend and which would you stay away from?

[WapitiTalk1]

Go high 

[nwalpineguide]

I like the 2 person MSR hubba, hubba as well for the reasons already mentioned. What's more, it holds up well in high wind, sheds rain well and has lots of room for comfort and the weight is bearable. The one pictured weathered an equinox storm several years ago at 6,500 feet elevation in the GPW. I only had to get up twice in the night to place my back against the side of the tent the wind was blowing on. I should have built a rock wall on the windward side of the tent. Live and learn. I survived and so did that tent. Impressed I was.

[OltHunter]

You talk like you know stuff. In terms of durability which fabrics would you recommend and which would you stay away from?

I was just trying to help answer your question about all the cost differences. You can have the best fabric in the world, but if you have an overseas sweat shop seaming them, it might not hold up as well as a cheaper fabric that is sewned better.

I'm not sure I can answer it specifically. Sort of depends on what weight and pack ability you want and budget. Do you need something for light rain and some wind, or something to withstand 60mph and 3 feet of snow?

General rule of thumb, I'd stay away anything less than 30D and only PU coating and fabrics without ripstop. 30D Cordura nylon with ripstop and silicone type coating or mix of PU is a good middle ground of weight/strength in my opinion and should cover most of your needs.

I've done a few DIY projects, but no expert by any means.

I'm partial to the tipi tents since I'm tall and can stand up, not feel like I'm in a coffin, and can run a stove if need be.

[ian_padron]

Just get a floorless shelter. Cheap (relative to high end tents), high quality, way more comfortable, lighter...the list of pros goes on and on

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