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.
Personally I have two Gazelle knock offs that are just absolute chefs kiss. Unfortunately that company sucks and they don’t make them anymore.
I would be hesitant to buy an Ozark Trail tent, but I do have a $30 tent from Academy that I use for outdoor storage and it stays surprisingly dry.
I love my Alps tent, and I think it was Eric on YouTube that did a budget trip and the Featherstone tent he really liked.
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.
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.
The kingdom tents from REI are great. the tubeshape and features are quite nice so are the extras.... but if you want easy to put up an down the instant tents from Ozark Trail I used with my family when kids were young in cub scouts for 5+ years. I the integrated poles made for putting it up and down very quick and easy even by myself, and I could stand up and had 4 cots in them. The may be cheaper than others but there are a few brands that make the instant tents with integrated poles. I was surprised how well my ozark held up. also
check out the alps brands, they are built well, but heavy.
Yeah, I used those Alps Mtn-eering tents. Heavy, but acceptable quality. I was a beginner and - as soon as I knew I loved backpacking - quickly upgraded to a tent half as heavy. The person who sold me my upgrade tent didn't realize it was a trekking pole tent so I got it totally unused. Knocked about a pound and a half off my base weight. Then I upgraded again and bought a used 24 oz name brand tent.
The point is, I got in slowly and cheaply at first, then creeped into better gear over time.
Two places not to skimp in the beginning are IMO sleeping pad and footwear. High quality pads that are non-heavy and have good warranties are worth the price tag. Sleep and recovery are so important. Footwear is a separate topic altogether and can consume hours debating.
I agree with the other comments - make your own FAK (first aid kit) and leave the heavy tools at home. Also, I would never bring bear/predator spray with me unless in grizzly country. In some places it is illegal as well.
cakecreeper1019
