I have a Alps Mountaineering Merrimack? It's a 6 person tent. It's not super small or light but it goes up and packs down easy, has plenty of room, has been durable, can't complain.
I also bring a folding cot along. That's helped my sleep immensely when I'm out camping
Third on the ALPS Mountaineering tents. My family has used a 6P for car camping for several years. We use an orange plastic tarp for a groundsheet. It has aluminum poles.
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.
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