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Sounds good! I also got the cloud up 3, which does sag a little but it has been very waterproof for many years already
Seems like the naturehike cloud up 3 might be a solid option for ya. It’s a little heavier at 6 pounds. But I got one for like $165usd and found that splitting it up between my gf and I. Leaving the matt and half the stakes at home. Makes carrying it up pretty doable. Planning on upgrading to a Big Agnes or Durston tent eventually
Naturehike Mongar UL 2. I got it under 200€. It only weighs 1.3 kg in the latest model. Freestanding, exceptionally light for its price class and well made. Comes with lightweight tent stakes and a ground sheet. Enough room for two adults. An alternative for 3 persons would be the Naturehike Cloud Up 3. Well below 200€, 1.7 kg, also freestanding. I found the Mongar extremely easy to set up alone.
I've done more than 100 nights in my Cloud Up 3 (original version) in all seasons. In Australia, so not much snow but plenty of heavy rain in winter. It's been fantastic, no complaints at all.
Naturehike Mongar or Cloud up in their 3p version? It's relatively lightweight, affordable, and very well made. My cloudup 1p does really well in rain and wind.
for reference, the Nature Hike Star River 2 is 53in x 84.5in 134.5cm x 214.5cm The REI Half Dome 2+ is 56in x 92in 142.2cm x 233.6 cm and the REI Half Dome 3 is 70in x 90in 177.8cm x 228.6cm EDIT Cloud 3 is 68.9in x 84.6in 175cm x 215cm I'm not a big fan of the Y style tent poles, as I feel like they don't hold up as well to winds compared to more traditional double pole designs, though they are lighter for obvious reasons. I do recommend measuring your sleeping pads and make sure there is enough room if you go with a 2 person tent. It does look like the Star River is pretty decently sized though in this regard if you're both using wide pads. I do personally like having extra room in the event of a weather event. I would highly recommend getting a larger 3 person tent for 2 people to have extra room for gear, or just moving around comfortably if you're stuck 'indoors' due to weather. Having extra floorspace as well as headroom can be amazing in those situations.
Would just get naturhike cloud up 3 if you're new to it. Like £150
Im going this summer with my little one (4yo) im taking my cloudup 3 as a tent. Most 3 mans would struggle with 3 adults but 2.5 humans seems fine. Honestly, before you go out and spend a fortune on clothes check vinted and the likes at this ages they grow up of stuff so fast. I've got my little one kitted out in mostly patagonia stuff I've got for a fraction of the cost. Sleeping bag he has a cute little vango penguin he loves. (Get them involved in picking their stuff). For hacks I'd say Dry run at home, you really don't want to spend half a night outdoors to find you little one doesn't like camping and freaks out so trial in the garden hell do it in the living room if you have to. Extend this to how far your route is to camp can your toddler walk that far with breaks? Because God will it not be fun to carry them plus all the gear you need. Entertainment, football/frisbee/tablet to watch movies on at camp before bed(outside noises can be scary to young minds). Keep snacks handy is the sidepouch of your bags or pockets for little breaks on the trail. I apprecaite you won't like this suggestion as an avid wildcamper...consider a campsite for their first time you have ammenities nearby and the car will be close if you need to abandon.
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