Big Agnes - Tiger Wall 3 Carbon

Perhaps decide first which type of tent is for you. (1) trekking pole (usually A-frame) (2) (semi?) freestanding; (3) tunnel (usually when camping in more challenging weather). Within each category, materials, weight and price should point to what's right for you (DCF is lighter, more expensive, may not last as long as silpoly). We've used trekking pole tents (Zpacks Duplex) for several years. More recently felt that semi-freestanding was a better idea. (BA Tiger Wall 3P; when I travel solo, Nemo Hornet 2P). If weight is secondary vs strength -- Hilleberg tents (tunnel) have an excellent reputation.

I actually have both the Tiger Wall 3p and the X-Mid 2p, and use both regularly. If you use trekking poles, the X-Mid is the pick. If you don't the Tiger Wall is the pick. I like the vestibules on the X-Mid a bit more, but appreciate the semi-freestanding nature of the Tiger Wall. Both are storm worthy. All that said: for me, the deciding factor is the trekking poles.

I have a nature hike monger 2p. It’s a great beginner tent, weighs just under 5lbs. Thought for the price point the quality was really good. I used it for 3 years, then finally upgraded to the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 3p.

I just bought both of these. Steep and cheap had the tiger wall on sale for $160 so it seemed like a great back up to have

It’s a good tent, very light for the size. I have a tigerwall by them and I am happy.

Tiger Wall is the GOAT tent. Light, 3 season but can be taken to below freezing, strong AF. I would note that if you are buying a 2 person tent, buy the 3 person tigerwall, not the 2

General comment on the BA Fly Creek: If you're considering the Fly Creek, get the Tiger Wall instead. It is basically the same sent, but the difference is having two side entrances on the Tiger Wall vs. a single rear entrance on the Fly Creek. With two adults (especially two adults and two kids), you'll be tripping over each other if you do not make having _two side entrances_ a must-have feature for a _backpacking_ tent. If you were getting a car camping tent, which would be much larger and spacious, you could get away with a single entrane. But not a backpacking tent. TL;DR - Fly Creek is a great tent, just probably not the right design for your application.

Do you meant the PCT? Never heard of the CBT, but I certainly don’t know all the trails out there. I hiked the PCT last year with a big Agnes tigerwall and it was fantastic. Found mine used for a great deal, but I believe even new they are probably close to your $500 limit. Lots and lots of Durstons on trail also tho, and the folks I talked to loved theirs so that seems like a solid choice too. No experience with the other brands tho, other than a montbell fleece that I love. Condensation is more a factor of inside vs outside temps than precipitation, although you should be prepared for some soggy, foggy days especially towards the end of September.

I also got that Tiger Wall sale. It’s gonna be my “friend wants to try backpacking” tent.

Personally snapped a three season tent on rainier from the wind a few seasons ago. Granted it was a big Agnes tiger wall. Upgraded to a mountain hardware tango and it’s great.

One thing I’d add is that I already have a 1P MSR Hubba and a Big Agnes Tiger Wall, both I love and find comfy / spacious but they aren’t robust enough for Scottish winter. I’m thinking the MSR Access 1 may have been a better choice for my palatial headroom desires ! (For a similar budget as the Abisko) I do love hanging out in the tent. ⛺️

I have the 3 person which fits my wife and I with gear nicely (we are both tall). Given the weight it was worth for comfort on multi-day hikes. Good tent. I think I paid $300ish for the 3 person years ago so they do go on sale.

Can’t go wrong with a Big Agnes and at that price I’d definitely scoop it up. Me personally I’d try to get a 3P. I just upgraded to a 3P from my REI half dome 2.5P tent that I’d used for over a decade. I wanted a little more room for me and my pup. Additionally I’m right at 6’ tall and I always struggled to keep my feet or head off the sidewalls when I was sleeping.