Im trying to decide what the best two man tent would be for my needs, as well as what bag would be best too. Im thinking I may need to go with 2 bags. Anyways, Im a fairly new hiker/camper, doing it for a while, just not that often. I am wondering who out here in internet land would have advice for someone who is looking for a highly breathable (read: live in Ohio, obscenely humid summers), 2-4 pound, quality two man tent. Money isnt such a big deal but I want to get what I pay for, hoping to spend around 150-250. After looking at the latest issue of Backpacker, they recommended the Sierra Design anu 2 or the Kelty Gunnison 3.1. I think the Kelty looks like the better of the two but have never used either brand. I nhear good things about Kelty but wonder if the quality ever suffers from the value. Also, Im looking for something for at least 3 seasons.

Also, any recomendations on a good 3 season bag? I would prefer down to synthetic, but maybe its not such a big deal if I dont need it for the winter. Thanks for the help!

I have a couple of tents with vestibules designed like the Kelty. I find that you don't have much room to cook . You usually cook in your vestibule when the weather is bad and if it 's very windy it can push the vestibule material dangerously close to your cooker also that designe, you have to keep the doors zipped up in bad weather especially when cooking . Plus with the doors on the side people tend to climb over each other to get out ( the Kelty has two doors so that may not be a problem if you don't use the vestibule, that also could be a good point on the tent , it also has two vestibules ) . I just find doors on the side a pain and most like to sleep with their heads or feet towards the doors .

I also have a tent and vestibule designed like the Sierra and I find it works better in bad weather, doesn't blow around as much and the vestibule is designed in away that you can cook easily in it and if you have your tent pointed right you can have the doors open without the weather getting in and you don't get the tent blowing on your cooker where it can catch a light or knock something hot off it .

This is how I would weigh up those two tents :

If you don't need a vestibule or it isn't important and sleeping with the doors on side then go with the Kelty .

If weather is a factor and you like sleeping with you head and feet towards the doors then go with the Sierra .

I hope this helps in someway . BTW why do you prefer a down bag to a synthetic ?

BP

Wow, thanks for all the help there BP! I think I would prefer the Sierra because like you, I prefer having doors at the end and not climbing over people. I would prefer the bag to be down, but if there is a down bag with the conveniences of a synthetic (i.e. packing, drying, etc.) that would be the most preffered. From what I gather, down may be a bit of an overkill for the majority of camping I plan on doing with it. But that extra warmth would also cut down on extra clothing on trail. Thanks again for all the help!

I use down bags for colder months and synthetic for warm and hot months.

This is my take on it .

I prefer a synthetic in summer and warm months because it is lighter and dry's quicker and I really don't have to worry about it has much as I would a down. If you can find a very lite summer down bag then that could work for you. One thing that you should look for is whatever bag you buy make sure it's outter shell is made from a weather proof material. I know you can buy shell covers for bags but if your bag is made from a weather proof material it save a lot time and worry .

BP

Im going to try and head out to Louisville this weekend and have a look at the Siera Design warehouse. They are moving locations and having abig sale, everything 50-70% off. You may want to make an announcment, should be some great deals going off out there. Hopefully I can find what I need, I think I am going to go for the Velox 2 tent. Thanks for all the help!

 

I hope you find what you are looking for and happy trails

 

BP