ALPs makes great tents. For example, unlike REI you can disassemble and repair their poles. They make some “outfitter” grade tents. Rafting and sea kayaking my wife and use an Extreme 3 Outfitter. Super heavy duty zippers and floor. Great big tent for 2. Tighter with 3 but fine. Due to its design it is Probably not ideal for your use but see if they make other outfitter versions. They really are good and economical tents.
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.
Great company. I've had a 4 season tent by them for almost a decade now. That thing is indestructible and has handled crazy amounts of snow and storms.
I originally bought the Timberline 2 for backpacking in rugged terrain during Fall/Winter seasons in northern VT and NY. The simple A-frame style is superior to most designs in high wind or snowy conditions, but most folks today demand more space and comfort.
As a retiree, with creaky bones, who can no longer manage hiking, I now normally use an Alps 3-man dome tent or a Core 4 cabin-walled tent. These two are not as rugged as the Timberline, but are spacious and inexpensive.
I drive an F150 with a full 8' canopy so I keep the Timberline is case of full-storm weather. The Pacific coast can have wicked winds and sheeting rain during the colder months.
I highly recommend Alps Mountaineering. Their 3 person tents range from $220-$300. They have a 4 season option.
But if you want a super cheap option Academy has the Tellico 3 person tent for $30.
I've spent a lot of time in my Alps Mountaineering tent. It's not the best quality, or lightest, or cheapest, but it's the best of all 3. Great quality, not too bad on the price, and very easy to set up.
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