Help, I need a 2-3 person 4 season tent.

[wapiti hunter2]

Can you help give me some direction to a quality product. The tent will be used for car camping by 1-2 people but must stand up to western Washington December-February weather.  No serious altitude, but serious rain.  I see there are lots to choose from.  I have a $250-325 budget. 

[wildmanoutdoors]

You don't need a 4 season. Its just more poles. If your in 70 mph winds you need a 4 season. Check out  Rei and read some reviews. Cabalas also. Marmot, North Face, REI, Eureka, Sierra designs, all good tents!

[Fl0und3rz]

I would have to second the high winds comment.  I think the best solution would be a quality 3 season tent, which should be in your price range, coupled with a decent sleep system (sleeping pad and bag) and a tarp (or two).  

The problem with smaller tents (e.g., versus wall tents) IMO is the lack of airflow that would otherwise help to keep down the moisture, condensation, and general clammy environment.  

I have a four-season mountaineering tent that I have camped on snow in and there is so much less ventilation than in my three-season tent.  Even then, we slept with all windows opened and woke to condensation frozen all on the inside of the tent.  When it warmed, while we were hiking up the mountain, it had rained all over our bags.  Just something to consider.  

If you were to have one tarp as a ground cloth under a three-season tent and another as an oversize rain fly positioned about a foot above the top of the tent, you could keep the tent windows unzipped and maximize airflow. The other tarp can be used as a ground cloth to keep water from seeping in from the ground.

 

[wildmanoutdoors]

Oh and don't get a single wall. Too clammy!

[wapiti hunter2]

Interesting,  I was thinking I needed a 4-season for the rain fly and amount of rain we get.  I can get a better 3-season tent for the money.  We almost always put a tarp over the top. 

[high country]

4 season tentstend o not have goo ventilation compared to 3 season, they are bombproof, but heavy and hot. a good quality 3 eason will take some amazing weather. I used sierra designs when I  lived in alaska and had good luck....but any of the top tier makers will build a tent for what you are looking.....I reccomend big vestibules.