For years, I used an REI Flash Dome 2 person freestanding tent (I think that is what it is named). It could not be easier to set up. I can yank it out of the stuff sack, assemble the pole 'spider' and have the main body clipped to that within 1 min. Putting on the fly takes another 1.5 min. It honestly takes me longer to pick the pinecones and rocks out of the tent site. The tent always deals with rain storms perfectly, never a leak. If you practice your tent setup / takedown a couple times at home, it will go very fast when you are out in the wilderness. That tent was moderately light (44 oz), so not 'ultralight' per se, but I mention it here because I am still impressed by its ease of use.
Hard to go wrong with Big A or Nemo. Personally I’m kind of a cheapskate so I have the original Flash 2. Used for dozens of backpacking trips going on 4 yrs now zero issues other than some condensation (which every single wall tent has even the ones that say they don’t). I reside in Cen Fla so lots of rainy trips too again no issues. Two wide doors w/ vestibules, can sit all way up inside of it and easy setup (trekking pole tent so has to be staked). Newer model is free standing but haven’t tried.
I use an rei 2 person tent and it works great for me and one dog but 2 people is kinda pushing it. Rei stuff is great for the price but it’s mostly intro gear
We are mid 70s and recently bought OneTigris cots, chairs and small table. We also have their CozShack hot tent and their 2 person Cosmitto tent. We used to backpack with an R.E.I two person backpacking tent. It is now 25 years old. Still in great shape, except the tent pole cord disintegrated. We still use our 25 year old Thermarest sleeping pads. On the cots when camping, on the ground when backpacking.
When car camping, we bring pillows from home. And a good size power pack to charge phone, lights.
Take a look at the Fire Maple Saturn X camping stove. With a stove or campfire and pans, you can cook what you like.
We use USB rechargeable lanterns, Flashlight, booklight. Take a tarp in case it rains. They are really lightweight now. Enjoy, relax and have fun!
Your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad will have the power to make any trip awesome or not so awesome.
My advice is to save and get a good tent, you can find used ones from good manufacturers online all the time that are great. I have a Marmot two person now that I have used for maybe 10 years. Before that I had the REI 2 person, that is a great tent and not to expensive. I used that tent for maybe 20 years.
Both are light, I typically pack my tent at the top of my bag by laying it over and stuffing. Tie my poles to my bag or have whomever is sharing the tent carry them.
Top Camping Tents on Reddit
1
The North Face
Wawona 6
85% positive of 133 users
Spacious vestibule, strong in storms, but rainfly tricky solo.
Impossible_Cap_9847
