Ultra Lightweight Backpacking Tent

I grabbed the ozark trails 2 person backpacking tent last fall for $17 on sale. I use that when I go on solo trips and my two kids use it when we all go out.

One suggestion I'd have would be, rather than buying more tent than you need for solo trips just in case someone else comes along, consider getting a cheapish backup tent. Walmart sells a couple of one-person tents that run 3-4 lbs - I have the heavier one and it's about 60 oz without stakes (the included stakes are SUPER heavy, and there's way too many). I've used it for trips just fine. It's not ideal, it runs a little heavy, but it's totally serviceable if you're concerned with having a backup option for shorter trips with people who don't have their own gear. A 15 lb dog should fit in an xmid 1 with you just fine.

Honestly I don’t think you’ll have much trouble. I bought a 6 person Ozark tent for me my son and partner when we went to Utah last year and hadn’t gone since I was 11 or 12 and set it up on my own because they’re so different now lol!!!! Didn’t have to slide poles through fight anything etc. mine just clicked to the poles. So as long as you feel comfortable with the price and brand 2 person Ozark should be ok! Esp to start off. We had good blankets weren’t cold at all had 0 tent issues (:

Lol I meant because some people call them cheap!!! I think they’re decent either way. :D

Ozark trail backpacking tent from Walmart is cheap and doesn't suck.

This will sound insane, but one of my favorite tents is the 70$ Ozark trail backpacking tent. It’s very durable if a bit heavy and for the price you can’t beat it. I’d say there is nothing comparable (From a reputable brand) under 300ish. It’s a one person but still comfortable with a nice vestibule. That said I’m writing this from my sea to summit telus 2. It’s the second trip out, but I love it. A bit lighter than the Ozark and considerably roomier. Given that full price it’s more than 5 times the cost it’s not surprising. I however picked it up at my local sierra trading for an insane discount - I think I may have accidentally robbed them??? If you’re just starting out the Ozark will serve you well till you know what features you really care about. Tents are a lot of personal preference and figuring out what you need. sierra and sometimes dirt cheap can have really great deals both online and for sierra at least in store for high end tents and gear.