Extreme 2

Do not buy a newer REI tent. They “swag” the fittings on the end of the poles so this makes it almost impossible to repair or replace shock cords in the field. I did finally manage to twist an end fitting off using my Leatherman but it made the simple repair much more difficult. Alps Mountaineering makes affordable durable tents with repairable poles. I use Alps “extreme 2” and “Extreme 3” tents for solo or two people and gear for anything except backpacking. They are well built and rugged but a little slow to put up. I have slept in 3-4inches of snow in my Extreme 2 quite comfortably. Also in very windy conditions.

I have a similar Kelty Gunnison 4 tent. Bought it 20 years ago so it is on it’ll last legs. Check out Alps Mountaineering. I bought a 2p and 5p and like them as much as my Kelty.

For shelter/ tent… I will give you a pro tip…. Start with a 2man tent… I really like the Alps brand for entry level tents and here is why. We use them in Boy Scout troops where the kids are tough on gear…. They stand up…. You can get them off Amazon for the best prices and there is a huge selection…. They also back up their gear if something breaks- if the tents gets wet - set it up at home to air it out dry….

Alps mountaineering got me into backpacking. Even after I took up backpacking as a very regular activity, the 2-person tent was among the very last items to be replaced. Just the right dimensions, good weight, reliable, and damn near bulletproof. It outlasted a hail storm that would have given me concussions otherwise. To be fair, I was freaking the hell out in that tent the entire time...

I like the Alps tents. Wife and I moto camp off our KTM’s and the two person has aluminum poles (fiberglass poles break) and two vestibule for our Mosko luggage and riding gear. It keeps it all dry but out of the tent. I use a stuff sack to pack it small.

I've had an ALPS Mountaineering 2 person for years. Its been a great tent for me. Less than $140 at the time.

Anything by Alps mountaineering. Really good warrantee, great quality, good pricing.