High Sierra Topix

Been looking around for some decent sized tents for my girlfriend and I, that aren't too heavy. Someone mentioned Poler makes good tents and they are fairly lighter than a lot. Has anyone used/have a Poler tent? How have you felt about it?

I was looking at their "Two Man Tent" and thinking it could be a potential buy. However I read someone say this would be a tent you'd only want to use in your backyard.

http://www.polerstuff.com/collections/c ... ent-orange" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I would assume the only thing needed would be a footprint?

7.5 pounds is 3 1/2 - 4 pounds too heavy.
Keep looking...something in the 4-pound range would work better/ many available your price range as stated.
Even lighter (read $$) also available.

I agree that is too heavy. Unless you are able to spend the extra money for ultralite I'm sure you can get into a 4-5lb tent for a decent price. It sounds like you are doing your research and that is a good thing. Here is a couple links that be helpful.

Trailspace is my go to site for gear reviews and their forum is full of gear junkies with a lot of knowledge.
http://www.trailspace.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This one is just something from my favorites. It's OK if they have a review for what you want but not near as many reviews as Trailspace.
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

InsaneBoost wrote:Been looking around for some decent sized tents for my girlfriend and I, that aren't too heavy. Someone mentioned Poler makes good tents and they are fairly lighter than a lot. Has anyone used/have a Poler tent? How have you felt about it?

Another way to approach this request is to ask, "What tent would you all recommend?" or "What tent do you like?"

You specified a 2 person tent. Do you want free standing or staked. Do you want Side entries or a front entry? Do you want light weight (as Mark alluded to)? Will this be a 2 or 3 season use tent?

Then everyone here can maybe chime in on what they carry within those criteria.

I carry a double rainbow tarptent (light, two person for summer), and I have an old Jansport 3 pole free standing tent with fly (heavy but great for fall/winter). I love them both, but they have their directed purpose.

Just a thought.

Russ

Read up on tents, their features, sizes, shapes, and usage. Then narrow down
what you specifically need, and then ask about specific models.
http://www.gorp.com/weekend-guide/trave ... 56090.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.backpacker.com/backpacking_1 ... gear/12153" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for the responses and those links certainly helped. Didn't realize tents go so sophisticated.

I would be looking for a two person tent. I would definitely want the staked kind of tent. Don't see me finding much use out of a free standing, appears those are more for rock climbers and such. Entry to the tent doesn't matter and I would prefer a 3-4 season tent. Definitely 3, not sure if she will want to go camping in the winter (granted it gets cold in Yosemite/Sierras so maybe a 4 is needed?)

Believe I would need a frame good enough for some decent wind being the Sierras can get up to 30mph gust on average it seems.

Read that bright colors sometimes annoys other campers, but can be essential if a rescue is needed. Thoughts on that? Anyone ever get upset over a tent color?

Believe I would need a frame good enough for some decent wind being the Sierras
can get up to 30mph gust on average it seems.

Tent set up in the wind: http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... ent#p66477" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Color thread: http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... lor#p50716" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Entry does make a difference. I think that a side entry adds a couple oz but it's what I prefer. You said that you are a big guy so you might find a side entry easier.

Doesn't make much sense but...
As a rule, a two-person tent works well for one -
For two people, search for a 3-person tent, with dual side entries.
Lots to choose from under 5 pounds...some much lighter.