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Any recommendations a two person backpacking tent? Preferably one during this REI sale? (self.camping)

submitted 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) by beastlykings to c/camping

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I'm new to backpacking, did my first trip this year with a hammock and had a great time.

Trying to get my wife into it with me. We're planning on going to Iceland in September, no trees. Plus she sleeps cold so she'll probably be more comfortable if we're in the same tent.

I'm looking to spend as little as possible, we're really not sure this will be our thing going forward, it might just be something I do solo. And we already have a big six person tent for glamping with a big air mattress.

I'm hoping for under $200, less if possible.

But I also don't wanna buy garbage, or carry something excessively heavy.

Suggestions?

Edit: this seems popular and well liked? https://www.rei.com/product/185632/rei-co-op-half-dome-sl-2-tent-with-footprint

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago (1 children)

You will ideally be splitting the weight between the two of you, but most of the weight will be in the tent body so you will probably have 3lbs of tent and your partner will have the rest. 3lbs for a shelter is pretty good.

Backpacking weight is a big deal because it is far more miserable to hike 5 miles a day for 5 days with 40lbs than that same distance with 20lbs. If you are only going a mile or two a day for two days, then weight can be higher, but you will pay for it if you aren't conditioned for it. Now add the consideration that your lady will be introduced to backpacking with whatever gear she has to carry. If she has a miserable time because of the weight and distance, she will be less likely to want to go again.

Going lighter is always better, except for your wallet. First time backpacking I had close to 35lbs of gear dry and spent like $200 on everything, miserable. The second time I had $400 worth of gear at 25lbs dry, wasn't that bad. By the 3rd time I had about $800 worth of gear with a 20lbs dry weight and had a great time. Now my pack is about 15lbs dry with the luxury of a camp chair and wish I could use my $1,000 worth of gear more than maybe once year lol.

The month leading up to the trip the two of you should take a few progressively longer hikes on a nice flat trail with your full pack including water and simulated food weight. You will learn what you need to adjust on your packs, condition your bodies some, and learn what gear you need to change for lighter/better stuff.

[–] beastlykings 1 points 6 months ago

I didn't think about splitting the weight, that's a good point.

Yeah during my short hike I could tell when I was loaded with water or when I was empty haha.

I appreciate the write up! I definitely plan on doing a super short hike which will basically just be a test of the gear, get her a feel for it. Then I have a short hike in mind after that, about an 8 hour drive to get to, not bad.