Dirt Motel

Don't blame the tent for the weather. The vestibule could be used as a windbreak - to cook in and stuff like that. I like the looks of that tent. I really like my 2 person Kelty, but have yet to find the perfect tent. Mine lets in small puddles near the corners during heavy rains.

I have two tents (both kelty brand) a two person for solo backpacking/short trips where bad weather isn’t forecast and a 4 person for trips where I have another person in the tent with me or I plan on having to spend more time in the tent. Totally a reasonable move and the bigger tents really aren’t usually much harder to set up unless you have some huge 10 person multi room situation

I’m cheap and like to backpack and camp. Kelty has stuff that works for me. I have a 2 person standalone tent that weighs about 5 lbs. I’ve had it for almost ten years with moderate use and few complaints. I am about to upgrade though as it can produce some condensation and it could be a little lighter. I’ve also got a Kelty 20 degree mummy style sleeping bag that works well for me. It’s light weight and compresses down to a little bit bigger than a softball. Hope this helps.

I own Kelty, North Face and Marmot backpacking tents, and can attest to their durability, ease of use and agreeable weight. I've used them both in the backcountry as well as when going car camping.

I've had great luck with Kelty backpacking tents. You can usually find sales for less than $100 for the 2-3 person ones. They're pretty light and was fine when I got stuck in a storm while motocamping. If you are car camping for now you can skip the cooler and just bring canned/dehydrated food and a pot. Then when you have the funds for some lighter backpacking gear you already have a tent

I bought a Walmart tent a few years back and camped with my girlfriend. Downpour happened. She ran in tent, I cleaned up and came into the tent soaked. It was leaking because it was shit material. And she farted right before I came in so my only safe space from the rain smelled like fart. Rough go.  Bought a Kelty tent after and haven’t looked back haha. 

I like the Walmart brand Ozark Trail. We have had a smaller tent from them for quite a while (it does leak now but we set up a tarp over it). Our nicer Kelty tent tore and the zipper broke. They’ll fix them for you but I lose the receipt :(  Since you’re new I’d go on the less expensive side first.