Hornet 2-Person Tent

I bought a cheeper alps tent to restart my bike/backpacking journey as well. It lasted about 2 trips. Don’t waste your money!

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.

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.