Big Agnes - Blacktail Hotel 2 Superlight Tent

I got my wife into camping and backpacking, but I screwed up initially on the backpacking and am really lucky she’ll do it with me—I chose a trail I hadn’t done before and it turned out to be steep, crowded, hot, and covered with horse poop. Also, I brought the wrong fuel bottle for our camp stove and so there was no hot dinner once we got to (an admittedly pretty lovely) campsite by the lake. That meant I had to improvise a mini fire, which ruined her camp pots. We both still laugh at the pic I snapped of her at the top of the pass on that first trip, sweaty and dirty and panting and furious. Don’t be like me. ;) I did better getting her into cool weather camping and kayak camping—invested in good equipment, a nice thick comfy exped camp mat, zero degree down bag that zips to mine, silk sleeping bag liner, battery-heated vest, good food that we often make ahead and enjoy at camp, and an excellent pair of tents (large family-style marmot for car camping, and a Big Agnes for backpacking). I also try to bring along fancy chocolates and bust them out around the fire with a nice hot beverage. In short: take her comfort and safety seriously. Turns out all that makes my camping experience better, too.

I've used a Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel for years now. I've grown up in the bush and it's by far the best tent I've ever used. Every year I buy a can of silicon sealing spray and spray it down on a good sunny non-windy day, never had a drop of rain. The best part is the huge vestibule. On super rainy days we can set up our camp chairs in there and cook with the stove no problem, the dogs sleep out there and it's a great place to dry stuff. My wife and I got the 3 person version for extra space as I've never found a 2 person tent that is actually comfortable for two people. If you are 2, get the 3 person. Not sure what the price on them is these days and if you're CAD or USD, but I've never seen or used a better tent. Otherwise, where I live, every camp has at least one MSR Hubba. They seem to be a big favorite but I've never used one, not a huge fan of MSR tents. The ultimate cheap resort is just some department store tent and cover it with the silicon spray. When I grew up I was in Beavers/Cubs/Scouts, and to avoid a bunch of shitty kids wrecking good tents, the troop would just buy really cheap Coleman tents and douse them in silicon spray. This always worked great also. Hope that helps!

I’ve got several tents and the one in your picture is one of them. Blackmail 3P I think. I’ve also got the copper spur. The black tail is a tank. I only use it for trips where there’s support, like ragbrai. I use the copper spur for overnight/easier riding trips. For actual bike packing / serious miles, I go with an ultra lite HMG mid-1. The black tail is cool and giant, but it’s a big heavy load too.

Right now REI is clearing out excellent Big Agnes 2P tents. They’re the best for the price. Light, tough, freestanding. Easy setup. No gimmicks.

I have a 1p REI tent and a 2p Big Agnes. I use the smaller one in colder conditions because it takes less space in my pack, which makes more room for extra insulation. When it’s warmer, I don’t need all the extra warmth at night so I can bring the bigger tent. My typical camping trip is 1-2 nights, and I try to keep my pack weight low, but I will always pack the bigger tent when I can.