REI Co-op Half Dome SL 3+, easy to carry, super big inside space, good breathability function, two doors with excellent sealing performance, what's most important- MADE IN AMERICA
I too am in Canada and I know that availability can be difficult but I adore My REI half dome SL 3+. If you end up in the states anytime soon it can be worth the pickup, I've also ordered things across the border rather inexpensively from REI (That was a few years ago though 👀)
The tent is one of the lightest reasonably priced 3p tents I could find, it never leaks, has tons of space, and is really durable given the number of sticks roots and such I tent to set up on in Algonquin. Really does everything I want out of a canoe camping tent and has held up incredibly well.
Who steels a tent?? That’s shitty!
Ehhhh, i would shop rei or a local outfitter. Maybe even used locally?? If you love camping you are going to use it a lot. And the items you use a lot you want to last and enjoy using them.
I’m not sure if they are around anymore but I have an old Easton Rimrock 2 person tent I used for years. (Yes, the sporting good company famous for their aluminum baseball bats and arrows.) I bought it from rei on clearance for $100 back in like 2013. I took it all over the world solo and with my now wife. I set it up and broke it down 2-300 times. Super strong pole systems, ripstop fabric, zippers never jam and small/light enough to backpack with (which I did). In that time only one thing broke on it. 1/4 velcro loops on the fly cover tore off.
But I would recommend trying out tents before you buy. Either new or used. You can see which ones are the best for you. If you are wanting to do backpacking I would check reviews online.
In 2021 my wife and I ended up buying an rei half dome SL3+ to give her a bit more room, and save her from the funky stench of my old rimrock. But it’s not as nice. It was nearly 3x the cost with 25% off sale. The zippers jam on the fabric so easily, and the pole system is frustrating/does not pack down well. Maybe their 2p version is better?? IDK
I have the REI Half Dome 3+ and am 6-5 @ 285# and camped this year with my son. I wouldn't consider anything smaller. Though you and your missus might get away with sleeping a bit closer together. Just my two cents.
REI Half Dome 2+ fits in your budget when on sale and is big enough to fit 2 wide long pads. Recommend stretching for the 3 person version if you can; more room for activities.
Most tents in your budget won’t be 4 season at least in terms of snow load. Maybe fair winter weather if your sleep system is up to the temps.
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.
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Beneficial_Fun_8087
