Flash Air 2

I have one because I wanted a standing-height tent and metal poles that long are hard/painful for me to manage solo (shoulder issue). Pitching mine is easy for one person. I can't speak to long-term durability, but the air poles are tough - you'd have to really be trying hard to puncture one. No problems with stability with the guy lines staked. Mine has short metal brow poles and lots of stakes, so it isn't totally effortless to pitch but the type of effort it requires is better for me. I use a battery-powered stand-up paddleboard pump. It's heavier than a metal pole tent because of the thick pole fabric, but it is a whole lot lighter and packs a lot smaller than a Gazelle, which I would have no room to store. If you have no physical limitations (or you have help, or you're getting a tent small enough that you can handle the metal poles), then you might not need an air tent for the same reason I got one. And if you care what people think then maybe you shouldn't get one - I gather from the replies that some people really dislike other people's air pole tents? I don't get it, they're just tents and who cares what's holding them up? Anyway, I am too new to this to give you a useful comparison of air pole vs metal pole (other than my shoulder not hurting with the air one) but overall I'm happy with mine. Was the least expensive air pole tent at REI (meaning a reliable brand).

Looks like a reasonable tent. I have one of similar design from REI. Even with a lot of mesh and flexibility with how you can set up the vestibule "wings" having a single wall above your face while sleeping invites condensation. Bring a small towel.

I have the Flash Air2 from 2021ish.

I have the REI Flash Air 2. It’s only a few ounces heavier than the one person version and you get two doors. I think it perfectly fits your description as I find it to be nice and roomy for just myself, but manageable when I’ve shared it with another person.

I mean the rei flash 2 is on sale this weekend for ~$340 if you wanna treat yourself, I’ve loved mine so far.

I've got a Coleman Hooligan with a bathtub floor. It's had no issues with NC downpours. Had rivers flowing under it with no moisture inside. Of course over got an REI Flash Air that's also handled those monsoons with no issues and that is just a standard floor. Like others have said, you have quality enough tents that this shouldn't be an issue. However a bathtub floor never hurts

REI gear is fine for beginners, but it’s definitely bulkier. You can trust that it’s good enough without relying on reviews and can always return it within a year. That’s what I started with in my early 20s. If you stick with backpacking, I’d say you should use this first tent for at least 10 trips before justifying another purchase.

The Flash Air is 2 lbs, 13 oz. The Tarpent Protrek is 26.7 oz for $250. You’re right that it’s pretty much tarp, string, and 1 pole, but it’s sufficient and I’ve used one for years.

Yes! My 2 person REI backpacking tent is awesome. Just enough room, easy to set up and breakdown, affordable, and has lasted a decade already with no problems. I strongly recommend to new tent to users to make the investment of buying the “footprint” if theres one that corresponds with your exact tent, or throwing a tarp underneath your tent. And be sure to lay it out in the sun to dry before packing up if possible, or do so once you get home. Just don’t pack up a wet tent for weeks or months.