Which 3-4 season backpacking tent

[7mmfan]

My Dad is in the market to upgrade his backpacking tent for fall hunting. We were out in some moderately crappy weather in Idaho this year and his 2 season lightweight unit didn't quite cut it. There is a plethora of options out there and without and real world experience with any of them, I feel like it's kind of a shot in the dark.

Requirements:

1 - Freestanding, not floorless
2 - Decent sized vestibule, big enough for pack and gun anyway. Two vestibules would be ideal.
3 - Under $500
4 - Lighter is better, but I understand the tradeoff

I've seen some REI, Big Agnes, Nemo, and other brand tents that all seem to fit the criteria, so looking for peoples opinions based on actual experience.

Thanks,
Rory

[kselkhunter]

Is he trying to use it in snow?   3 season tents can't really handle much of a snow load.  So the first question is to define if he's really looking for a bad weather tent or not.   I've had multiple tents collapse, and some poles even break, in snow load.   If he's going to use it in snow, a 4 season tent or a tipi are the best paths.

If just 3 season tent, Big Agnes makes good products.  I have the Fly Creek UL3 model and it's nice and roomy.  I also have a MSR Hubba Hubba and it's also good quality.  Neither do I take if there is a chance for multiple inches of snow.   I take the Seek Outside tipi for snow hunts.  I also have various REI, Kelty, etc. backpacking tents and the Big Agnes and MSR brands are better quality.

With the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3 you don't need a vestibule.  Plenty of room inside for rifle and pack.   And very lightweight for the size.

[7mmfan]

Snow is always a possibility at 8000' in Idaho in mid October. We had a couple inches this year, but it was no big deal. We have been dumped on in the past. We've had the discussion about durability in weather like that and he understands that tipi's are better suited for that environment, but he's a diehard enclosed tent kind of guy.

[Mtnwalker]

I think there’s a new Kuiu 4season in the classifieds

[kselkhunter]

Staying under $500 for a quality 4 season tent is a challenge.  Hilleburg's are great, but typically higher priced.  Big Agnes makes the Battle Mountain 4 season tents that are worth a look, as are the MSR Remote 3, Marmot Thor, Kuiu, and Nemo Chogori.

[7mmfan]

I agree that under $500 is a challenge, hence leaning more towards a quality 3 season. Was hoping to find a good Cyber Monday deal today, but I'll have to keep looking I guess.

[cbond3318]

Let me know if he gets into the teepee game, I know a custom stove builder. 

[highside74]

I think someone had a kuiu 2 person tent in classifieds the other day.

[7mmfan]

I saw that. I'm contemplating that. The real hard part of this whole thing is that I'm trying to buy him one for Christmas, but of course, tent selection is a highly personal decision. I'm a tipi guy, so I'm trying to put myself in his shoes, and also look for something I can return if it's not really what he wants.

[7mmfan]

Let me know if he gets into the teepee game, I know a custom stove builder. 

Could probably store your tipi in your stove! Not sure why we didn't think about that last time.

[highside74]

I would look at the copper spur ul2. 2 side entries and vestibules. Plenty for one man with extra room and gear outside. Plus they are 6 or so inches longer than an MSR or REI.

[boneaddict]

I bought a kuiu this last year. I liked it.   Way more room than my REI, and better for riding out a storm. 

[7mmfan]

I bought a kuiu this last year. I liked it.   Way more room than my REI, and better for riding out a storm.

Did you get the Storm Star or the Mountain Star?

[Skyvalhunter]

I got the Summit Refuge. Haven't really tried it in adverse conditions yet.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Marmot limelite.

I haven't researched a bunch since I purchased ten years ago, but the floor and rainfly are 1500 and 1700 mm. Pretty aggressive for a 3 season tent.  Compared to the fly creek or copper spur it's not even in the same category IMO and I own both. A bit on the heavy side, but twin doors and vestibules make it comfy and I have rode out significant weather including snow in it. Only complaint beside weight is the pole setup. Not the most straightforward. Otherwise been an awesome tent.