Prota

Since you mentioned Kodiak Canvas, I’ll throw another canvas option out there. We’re a canvas tent and camping gear brand called White Duck Outdoors. Something like our Avalon or Regatta bell tents are nice for longer trips because you get way more living space and bell shaped tents handle wind and weather really well. We actually have people who refer to our tents as a second home since they can stay up for months (or years) without needing to be taken down so just what you're looking for with the "home" idea. With the budget you mentioned our two person Prota Springbar tent or our two person Rover Wall Cabin style tent would also be perfect and easy to set up and take down for a two person cross country journey! Some of our tents are at REI stores, however if you're strict with your budget, we do occasionally sell our Prota tents used exclusively on our website (usually from a photoshoot so only set up for pictures) for under $500. They’re not "instant" tents, but once you set them up two times, it gets pretty quick, especially if you’re mostly car camping. I would love to try and help with any questions, set-up ideas, or recommendations!

Since you mentioned Kodiak Canvas, I’ll throw another canvas option out there. We’re a canvas tent and camping gear brand called White Duck Outdoors. If you’re looking for something in a 2–5 person range that you can actually set up solo, our Regatta bell tents are a solid fit. The setup is three steps- stake it down, center pole, and then finish staking it out. You can stand up fully in them and plenty of room for a couple cots without feeling cramped. We’ve got videos on our socials showing one person setting them up if you want to see it in real time (whiteduck\_outdoors). We also have a spring bar line called the Prota that is easy enough to set up alone and, again, fits 2-5 depending on sleeping bag size and how much storage you plan on bringing. You can sometimes find our select models through Costco, and in general we offer pricing and discounts that are make them a bit more approachable if you’re just getting back into camping. I would highly recommend you check us out and if you have any questions I would love to try and help answer them here.

i'm really happy with the two White Duck tents I own. No frills, but sturdy and well built.

I've got the White Duck version, but it's essentially the same as the Kodiak. Like others have said, once setup it's a bulletproof tent, will handle anything easily although it is recommended to season the tent before using it in the rain to ensure its waterproof. I've used it in high winds and rain and snow and it's handled all of that easily. I also use the lag stakes and bring a drill which makes setup much easier. But I find myself not using it anymore in favor of my Gazelle. Like others have also said, it's a big bulky tent that you'll have to muscle around when setting up. If she's going to set it up, make sure your wife is physically up for it and your vehicle has the space. For the weekend trips that I often do, by default I now grab the Gazelle unless the weather is going to be really bad. For me, it's just an easier and faster tent to deploy when arriving.