Big Game Hunting > Backcountry Hunting
High vs low end tents
Jpmiller:
So it's that time of year where I start dreaming about spending the money I don't have on the gear I don't need :chuckle:
I'm always thinking about upgrading my tent even though I've never had an issue with mine. I currently run a three man backpacking tent that packs fairly small and while I don't know the exact weight I do know it's light enough I don't need a lighter one. Its three or four years old and only cost me about 125 new I believe. I've always wondered about getting one of these high priced fancy tents to replace it but I dont really know the difference. I dont really need a stove as most of my trips are August bear and September deer and elk. Is it worth it to upgrade to a high end tents? What's the difference between tents of the same style? I see models that look exactly like the tent I own selling new for.hundreds of dollars more but I've not noticed or experienced any quality issues with mine. Not necessarily looking for brand/model suggestions just looking to hear what folks have noticed is or isn't better about high priced tents.
jackelope:
If it’s just for you, a 3 man is huge and heavier than it needs to be.
You need a new one. Just let it happen.
jackelope:
I considered this a decent middle of the road tent and this pic was taken in September. If I was upgrading, this is one issue I’d hope I would eliminate the possibility of happening. Aside from that, size and weight are a big deal. Double side doors and big vestibules are the other consideration for me. Side doors are much easier getting in and out of and big vestibules allow you to store some gear under cover and cook under cover if needed.
You pay for size and weight.
banishd:
For backpacking it's definitely in the weight. Your three man tent may weigh 5 - 5.5lbs. In the backpacking world, switching out to a higher end, lighter weight tent can make a lot of sense if you are an ounce counter. For around $350 you can lose 2lbs or more making it one of the cheapest ways to shed pack weight. You would get fancier lighter weight poles, thinner, less durable material, maybe lose a little space and only have one entrance. So not really about what you get with a pricier tent.
kselkhunter:
The higher priced 3 season tents typically have to do with weight savings. Which typically involves higher cost materials to get to that lower weight. Depending on what you're running now, it's a 1-3lb weight reduction that you're paying for with the "higher end" backpacking tents.
4 season tents are higher priced due to the design for being able to withstand a snow load. They're typically heavier. A surprise September snow storm can cause even the sturdiest 3 season tent to bow in on itself as those poles typically are not meant for snow load (hence the 3 season moniker). So that is why a 4 season is more expensive.
I have multiple tents, but my primary is a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3. 3lb 5 ounces. I could switch to the UL2 model and get down to under 2lbs, but I like having the extra space to keep my pack and weapon in the tent with me. Plus for my hunts out of state, I have a friend with me usually and the 3man gives us enough room inside for two adult men. So that UL3 is what I reach for most when heading out for a backcountry early season hunt.
When the wet or snowy weather starts I switch over to my SO tipi w/stove primarily for drying my clothes at night, but it also holds up best in bad weather (4 season). Although I also have an in-between setup where I modified a tarp with stove jack that I can set up above my tent and run my stove on the other open end so I can use it to dry my clothes (let's me avoid packing my 8-man tipi on solo trips in late September/early October).
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