Tents

I'm with Jay on most of the points, then I'll add my .02 on construction (based on 7 years at the North Face, and 10 in the cold, windy mountains)-

most of the current "dome" tents use the old VE-24 geodesic design - which is then stretched in some way. The key to the structural strength on these is effectively the # of pole crossings, the more the better. with four poles you get enough crossings to add enough sttrength to the design to survive winds with relative ease (my old VE-25 was in sustained winds over 65mph for literally days on end).

the second one is the ability of the tent to effectively ventilate between the fly and the tent body- domes create an area of turbulence at the peak (in the center of the tent), which then ends up creating condensation up there-- which eventually works its way back into the tent through the body. Those stretched designs with the peak at one end tend to do better with condensation. With 4 season tents this is considered secondary- as strength in winds and snow load is more important. Most of the current 3 season designs take this into account- because condensations can make for an unpleasant camping experience (dank and wet). So, if you're usually out and about in 3 seasons, then a 3 season tent may actually do you better in this regard.

sustained winds over 65mph for literally days on end

Wow, that's nuts!

I appreciate all the info and advice here, thanks.

I found a Eureka USMC tent on ebay, bidding now.  It's twice the weight of everything else at 8lbs, but looks VERY sturdy and should hold up under any conditions I'd want to camp in.

Now the sleeping pad search begins...  my cheapy ain't cutting it.

Now the sleeping pad search begins...  my cheapy ain't cutting it.

Again, same boat as you    I'm ready for real gear for surviving this year 

I survived the Del Valle storm in my good 'ole North Face Tadpole, and it doubled as a kite the next day.
It flew just a bit to the right, the lift was not too good at first, but when it leveled out at 20 feet, it smoothed out just fine. The landing was a bit soggy and the control was not as fast as a smaller tent, - I almost had to pull a "Sully" and land it in the drink- but all in all, it made a great flight. I was thinking I might add a tail before the next trial runs.
And it kept me real dry.

 

  Hahaha I remember that!

This is the one I really want...  looks bomb-proof...  but out of stock.

They have a used one $149 http://www.loadup.com/static/12747.html

I survived the Del Valle storm in my good 'ole North Face Tadpole, and it doubled as a kite the next day.

those little guys are bomber...that's a VE-23 with the top crossing pulled all the way to the back. They made (make?) a bigger model called the bullfrog that was equally bomber.

sustained winds over 65mph for literally days on end

Wow, that's nuts!

it was nuts, and stupidity on our part...we parked ourselves up on an exposed ridge to get a faster shot at the climb we were doing the next day...storm came in, winds went up, and we sat for four days-with the winds flattening the tent every now and then, lightening striing the ridge, what a blast- at least we had enough cardboard to make a battleship game, and enough "treats" from home to not go crazy.

I have the Mountain Hardwear Skyview 3 and love it. Mountain Hardwear tents have a lifetime warranty on their poles. You can find these on ebay.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/mountain-hardwear/skyview-3/

Badog

This is the one I really want...  looks bomb-proof...  but out of stock.

They have a used one $149 http://www.loadup.com/static/12747.html

$129 on check out

Don't forget to check Sierra Trading Post too.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?allwords=tent&searchdescriptions=True

A real 4-season tent seems like overkill to me, unless you're mountaineering.  Problem is "3-season" includes a pretty wide range of weak and strong tents. 

These 3-pole frog-style domes have stood up to strong wind pretty well for me (knock on wood).  It helps to orient the tent with the small end towards the wind, and make sure you stake out the guy lines!

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,88175_Sierra-Designs-Omega-Dome-Tent-2-Person-3-Season.html

We recently upgraded from a 2 man Eureka, to a 3 Man Eureka.  I am very pleased with the 3 man.  the two man was cramped for me and GF.  Now with the 3 man I can roll around and not feel like I am rolling over her.  Vestibule was a nice feature, and wasn't that hard to put up.  Used it at Sequia/Kings Canyon till we heard snow rumors.

I have a Eureka Tetragon.  I think it is an 10, which they do not make anymore.  Has been a good tent.  Kept us dry and my kids dry in the rain.  Fairly light, so when I have done boat in camping a Bullards Bar, the hike up the hill was not that bad.  I use a popup truck camper most of the time these days, except for a boat in situation.  I bought it from some company in Texas, saved sales tax, was cheaper and I think free shipping about 10 years ago.

The USMC tent looks pretty good, my only worry is with surplus anything know what your getting and don't be surprised if it has a problem.  There is always a reason why it is surplus.

Try the North Fatce factory outlet in Berkeley or San Francisco, I got mine there about seven years ago for a great price. They usually have several to choose from.