REI Co-op - Arete ASL 2

I'm a minimalist, but still own four tents! One is a large tent that I use for car camping (REI Base Camp 4) which I can almost stand up in. Just as you, I'm getting older and wanted to be a little more comfortable when car camping. I use a small cot in this tent and a small chair to sit and read when it's buggy or raining out. The one drawback is wind. If it's very windy, I'll still pitch my backpacking tent (REI Quarter Dome 1.5). I've watched my stakes move horizontally through the dirt when using the larger tent in high wind. I also use an REI Arete ASL for winter camping/backpacking. I still have a cheap tent that I used when I was working wildfire because I didn't want to risk my "good" stuff at work. But lately I'm using the Base Camp for work too because I like that layer of comfort when I'm working/camping for two weeks straight 16 hour days.

If you're planning on Denali, Logan or the Himalaya then go with a full four season tent. Snow load and the high winds will crush a lesser tent in those condition. If you're just doing winter camping where the weather is predictable then get a three season or 3+ tent. The Nemo Kunai is a good option and about 4 lbs or the REI Arete ASL is a roomier choice and solid at around six lbs. I'd wait for the upcoming sales next month to possibly save quite a bit of money.

Depending what you’re using it for! Do you go camping with your car? Or do you do backcountry hiking? If you’re gonna be carrying your tent you want to go for as lightweight as possible. Ounces really add up. I have an rei brand two person tent that’s super light and still spacious enough for two. If you won’t be carrying it on your back, you can go for more space, maybe a more heavy duty rain cover depending on your most common terrain. I would also find a tent that has its own footprint that can attach to the bottom. Saves on time and space when setting up. :)