Helix 2

Alps Helix2 can be found for $200 and less. I paid 196 delivered. It's a freestanding tent that weighs roughly 4lbs, and it is a double wall setup with a removable fly for stargazing or ditching the fly entirely if you know the weather will support that. It also features double doors that are generously sized, too. The one thing I wish they had done differently is to swap the aluminum poles to carbon fiber for weight savings, but at 4lbs, this is a decently light shelter for 2.

Alps mountaineering Lynx series is a great option IMO. Our troop uses the 3 person variant but they do make a 1 and a 2 person size. You do sacrifice a little bulk and weight for very good durability. A lighter but less durable option would be the Alps Mountaineering Helix. Mesh walls and thinner nylon. I have the 2 person size and it’s perfect for 1 person plus gear. This one might be a little outside your budget though.

Coleman tents will work fine. Consider the additional effort required of setting up a huge tent and then having to set it up in your home to dry it out afterwards. If it’s just you, you don’t need anything bigger than a 4 person tent. If you wanna step up in quality/duarbility, I’m a huge fan of Alps Mountaineering. I camp once a month with the Boy Scouts so I need something that holds up well. I know people who use Ozark Trail brand and it works for them.

Alps Mountaineering should be in the conversation. High quality, low cost, low weight. My helix is sub 3# and $250.

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….