A-Frame 3-Person 3-Season Tent

I think you drank too much of the kool-aid at REI. I have a Woods A-Frame tent that probably cost me $100 bucks Canadian, has been in serious weather conditions, used often, and I had it for over ~~20~~ 15ish years. Doesn't leak, doesn't have holes, basically as good as I bought it. Don't buy into the marketing BS, there are tents that you need when you need them, but for average camping or even backpacking you don't have to invest in crazy overpriced gear. Edit: I will clarify one thing, good poles as /u/brttf3 is saying here is a deal breaker. Find something that doesn't have those cheap ass plastic or fiberglass poles. Edit: LOL... look at this persons post history. They mention REI more times than you can count, not to mention claims to have ever switching jobs for the company. Either way, it's no sweat off my back if you want to pay more money for advertising.

This might be one of the weirdest arguments I have come across in a long time. Sure, fair point, I might have been lucky to get a great tent in a sea of shit; unlikely but possible. > I don't know woods, but how are they going to support you when something comes apart? How willing are you to gamble on something that could easily ruin a trip? REI doesn't fly a new tent to your location when something goes wrong with their tents either. We aren't talking same day support. My so called shitty tent fails or your mount Everest $4000 (not claiming that is REI prices but) tent fails on the same night we are both in shitty situations; either can happen easily. You get a return policy after your "ruined trip" happened. I just buy a new tent, buy 3 actually and still under the price of the REI one. Again, I stated, you should invest the money in a Everest tent if that is what you are going to do - no question, even though they still have a chance of failure (but less of a chance as you so put). For everyday camping and what the OP asked, there is nothing special about mid level tents, other than marketing. You like Yeti coolers? so do I (I own 2), but they are fucking overpriced; would never buy one now.