Tent Recomendations?

IMO: the best single / double tent...the REI Quarter Dome UL. Had this tent for a long time and it has never failed me.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/rei/quarter-dome-ul/

Being an ex-REI employee and an avid backpacker (used to be), I LOVE this tent the most...
1) it's free standing - no need to dig holes to keep it up-right
2) two pole design - easy and fast to set up
3) light and compact - great for kayak camping

Before I had my truck shell, I used to pitch this tent on my truck bed when doing the car camping thing.

I also like this tent cause it retains heat better than any of the larger ones - that's something to think about when getting a tent. Many get the bigger tents for "space" but then you have to realize that if your camping by yourself, it would take longer to trap the heat in a larger tent than you would in a smaller one.

It costs more than the norm but if you enjoy camping (like I do), it's worth the money

Just my 2 cents...

I have one of these: http://www.softopper.com/?gclid=CLm6ye2jzpECFRpdagodDz8T4A

And a form-fitting air mattress...  only way to go, imo.

Now I wish that I had just asked Joel first.  I am such a fool.  -Matt

Another good thing about REI is their return policy.  You might already know this, but their return policy is one of the best.  You can return anything there for a full refund without any hassle.  All you have to say is that you didn't like it.  As long as the gear isn't damaged, they will take it back.  I always go back because I know that they stand behind their products 100 percent.

Another good thing about REI is their return policy.  You might already know this, but their return policy is one of the best.  You can return anything there for a full refund without any hassle.  All you have to say is that you didn't like it.  As long as the gear isn't damaged, they will take it back.  I always go back because I know that they stand behind their products 100 percent.

Absolutely, in fact, if you are an REI member, they have a used gear sale at every first Saturday of the month (if I remember correctly) and REI members gets first pick on the used items before the general public. I have seen some good stuff on these Used gear sales. There are times when customers would buy a brand new tent, use it for the weekend and then return it the following week. REI take's 'em back and sells 'em at the "used gear sale" for a hell of a deal.

Thanks Joel/Mooch,

I repeat: I should have just asked you first.

IMHO, find the right one & GET IT ON EBAY!!!  You will save some bucks possible 40% off the MSRP on a brand new high-end tent.

Some ebay sellers are retailers that get rid of their unsold inventory.

I just got a Sierra Designs Lightning for $140, it retails for $250.  Sellers are pretty darn trustworthy too, i've never been gipped.  & when you throw in the no-tax-just-shipping costs you can score.

Good Luck,
PJ

I think I am down to 7 tents or so and I just bought another one. It should be here tomorrow.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,88428_Kelty-Yellowstone-4-Dome-Tent.html
I like it because it has the easy set up clips; no sleeves to have to run the poles through and the rainfly comes all the way down to the ground. HUGE PLUS.
Sierra Trading Post has THE best deals on tents.
This was regularly $130 ( as much as $169 some places and $130 at REI )
Sierra trading post had it on sale for $97.50 and then another 20% off all orders over $100 so I ordered a pair of hiking socks ( usually $16 on sale for $3.95 ).
$97.50 + $3.95 =$101.45 MINUS 20% so the bill was $81.17. Add shipping and I got it all for $91.11 and I didn't even have to leave my house.

I'll second what Tote said, I looked for a Lotus PFD all over the net.  They were going for $100+ on ebay & I did a regular yahoo search, boom, Sierra Trading Post was selling them for $75 + shipping.  I ended up saving $20 bucks & got it well under MSRP.