X-Mid 2

How wonderful! It’s much easier at that age as it basically gets them used to it before they have a say in it 😂 I’ve put some recommendations below but let me know if I can give you more; clothes, tips etc Sleeping bags - highly recommend either the Morrison outdoors or mount store bags. We have used both and they’ve been invaluable in comfort & warmth for our little mainly due to the full sack layout, so they’re constantly covering your child. They are pricy, but they last a good amount of time to justify in my opinion. I’d go the Morrisons over mount though as they have options for bigger bags for older ages too, and they’re bigger sized so last longer. If they’re out of your price range, even say from fb or vinted, you can get good normal child sized ones like the vango atlas but bare in mind they are probably too big for your child’s age, they likely won’t keep him as warm and they pack down pretty large. But a good option non the less! Sleeping mats - the one thing I’d recommend not going cheap on tbh, your child will always need a sleeping mat so you’re as well buying to last rather than what fits now. You can get half sized ones (vango aotrom short, also have used) which are fine but usually aren’t highly r rated. I just got my daughter the same as what I had at the time, the vango aotrom thermo, and she never complained and slept perfectly. We’ve now upgraded but she still has her own full sized one. You can get double mats which I know a lot of American parents use, but I’ve never used to be able to give my opinion on. The ones I’ve heard of are are klymit double and big Agnes double. Tents - really a mindfield and total personal preference if I’m honest. I’ve had 5 different wild camping tents before I happily settled on the x mid 2 for my daughter and I. You might prefer a dome over a tunnel, or a trekking pole over a standard pole so recommendations are always hard. The only thing I’d recommend is don’t go for a 4 man like you’ve said in other comments due to considering another child, it likely won’t be enough room for the weight of a 4 man. Opt for 2 good 2 man’s, one for each parent and child. I could go into a lot more detail but I don’t want to overload you without asking first?! I have (shameless plug) written this basic starter wild camping with childs guide if it’s any use. It at least has a gear list! https://www.annahardie.co.uk/wildcampingwithkidschecklist/

Get a Durston, I have the x mid 2 and it absolutely holds up to more than what you say you're doing. There's some normal people and some real hardcore people that use them. My gf and I would be something in between the two.

I bought the Durston X-mid 2(the trekking pole one not the dome) and have been very satisfied with it. Its tricky to learn the setup but the quality is good so I would assume the X-dome would be just as nice without the trekking pole rigamarole. Only complaint would be that the website claims you shouldnt need a ground tarp but a few small holes appeared in mine after some use. I dont see this as a durston thing though. Shouldve just listened to my gut and brought the $10 walmart tarp.

This would be my choice too. It’s reasonably priced, well supported by the company, and a bomber tent. I’ve had the x-mid 2 for five years and it has never let me down.

I’ve used both and I don’t like the A-frame design or the nylon fabric on the GG One. The Durston tents have more useable space and better materials IMO. If those trade-offs work for you then the One is a great tent and very light and inexpensive comparatively. I’m 6’4” so that’s definitely a factor for me.

If you can stretch the budget just a llittle or do some sales hunting, consider the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 OR MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 OR Durston X-Mid 2. [11 Best 2-Persons Tent for Camping and Backpacking](https://alaskanarrows.com/11-best-2-person-tent-camping-and-backpacking/) can help with the others. They’re are all 3-season tents with better fabrics, stronger pole architecture, roomier vestibules and more thoughtful details (doors, vents, zips) than budget models. They’ll be heavier and cost more than the Cloud-Up versions but they’re way more durable and comfortable long term, take it from me, I’ve gone on countless trips with various types of tents so yeah! If $300 is a hard cap, watch for sales or used tents online, you’ll find something!

If you’re set on the price point of the Elixir 2, I’d suggest maybe looking at other options you got like the Big Agnes Blacktail 2 or the Nemo Aurora 2P The reason I say this is because the Elixir 2 is quite heavy you know…considering the thick fabrics that it has If you want something a lil more cheaper and even lighter, try looking at the Durston X-Mid 2 or the Naturehike Cloud Up 2 which I’ve used and can’t complain about anything really. [11 Best 2 Person Tents for Camping and Backpacking](https://alaskanarrows.com/11-best-2-person-tent-camping-and-backpacking/) for a few more options to choose from as well Also since you’re getting your first tent, a 2-person tent is actually a 1-person tent plus a tiny bit of gear space. If you are actually planning on sleeping two adults in there, always go for a 3-person model unless you’re comfortable being shoulder-to-shoulder with your hiking partner. And also always look for a tent with two doors and two vestibules (the little porch areas under the rainfly). Just having your own exit means you aren’t crawling over your buddy for a midnight bathroom break and you’ll have a dry spot to stash your muddy boots and pack too