Good place to buy a tent. - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Boblobla · 06-25-2008, 09:40 AM

I need a new tent. My old one leaks and getting wet sucks ass.

I know MEC sells some good stuff, as well as Coast Mountain Sports. Were else would you recommend I look? Is Campers Village any good?

Thanks.

Traditional_Ale · 06-25-2008, 09:48 AM

I like camper's village, but I live very close so thats a big factor. Bought a cheap tent from there once, and it stood up to a few thunderstorms in the mountains.

Boblobla · 06-25-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

I like camper's village, but I live very close so thats a big factor. Bought a cheap tent from there once, and it stood up to a few thunderstorms in the mountains.

That is all I am looking for, I don't camp in the winter any more since my g/f is a wuss and doesn't think camping in the snow is 'fun'.

Some people.

KielC · 06-25-2008, 10:02 AM

Check out the MEC Tarn 3. I just got it and its an excellent "3 person" that fits 2 comfortably.

Boblobla · 06-25-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KielC

Check out the MEC Tarn 3. I just got it and its an excellent "3 person" that fits 2 comfortably.

I was looking at that on, just wanted to see my alternatives.

BlackArcher101 · 06-25-2008, 10:06 AM

I bought one from MEC (sorry, can't remember model).... it's 5 years old now and has gone through at least 25 storms with winds of 80 km/h min. In each of those times, other tents around me where either collapsed or blowing away. Whatever you do, stay away from square tents... the domed ones will provide a lot more strength against wind and/or freak snowfall. My camping varies from bald prairie to mountain to backpacking. A suggest a good 3 season with a full fly that covers the entire tent (not the top half like some do). Also ensure the floor material travels up the sides a fair bit before it is stiched into the wall material. This gives good moisture resistance if there is ever a large downpour and pooling water (and check the stitching for waterproofness).

I laugh at my friends when they buy a "3-season" tent from canadian tire or walmart that costs $30. They usually only last one camping trip, if even that.

mykalberta · 06-25-2008, 10:08 AM

What kind of tent are you looking for?

(1) Serious camper/hiker
(2) Occasional camper because you think one day you will meet a single lady camping and get it on with mad monkey tent love
(3) Family man looking to save some money agd get the frack out of the city for a while'
(4) You camp as an excuse to drink beer in the woods

If you are (1) or (2) then MEC, CV, and some descent online stores are for you - but you are looking at higher prices

If you are (3) or (4) check out Canadian Tire, Walmart etc. Very inexpensive tents.

JayP · 06-25-2008, 10:42 AM

Yeah you really need to give more information. From the sounds of it you don't seem like a serious camper, but it all depends on how often you use the tent.

I worked at Coast Mountain last summer and most of the stuff there is higher end. However, I remember we had a huge sale on the Canada Day weekend last summer where there were some awesome tents for half price. I don't get many fliers where I live so I don't know if there's going to be another one this summer.

kermitology · 06-25-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KielC

Check out the MEC Tarn 3. I just got it and its an excellent "3 person" that fits 2 comfortably.

I just bought this one. With the fly on it looks like a monster, totally cool.

Very comfortable, good size for two people, probably very cozy for 3. I used it last weekend and I was the only person who had a completely dry tent on Sunday morning. It's also really easy to set up and take down.

Locke · 06-25-2008, 10:48 AM

Canadian Tire....or Tent World.....

Boblobla · 06-25-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayP

Yeah you really need to give more information. From the sounds of it you don't seem like a serious camper, but it all depends on how often you use the tent.

I worked at Coast Mountain last summer and most of the stuff there is higher end. However, I remember we had a huge sale on the Canada Day weekend last summer where there were some awesome tents for half price. I don't get many fliers where I live so I don't know if there's going to be another one this summer.

I used to be a very serious camper, but I am going a bit less now due to the reasons stated in a previous post in this thread. I am only a 3 season camper and I will not cancel my camping plans because of the weather. I want a nice tent and I don't mind spending 200-300 bucks for a tent that comfortably sleeps 2.

Ro · 06-25-2008, 11:33 AM

More love for MEC. I have the TARN 2, and it was the lightest, easiest to set up, and driest tent in our pod area at Bonnaroo last week. You'd obviously want a bigger one, but I've had this thing for 4 or 5 years now and every stitch is still in place. Just an awesome tent.

JayP · 06-25-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boblobla

I used to be a very serious camper, but I am going a bit less now due to the reasons stated in a previous post in this thread. I am only a 3 season camper and I will not cancel my camping plans because of the weather. I want a nice tent and I don't mind spending 200-300 bucks for a tent that comfortably sleeps 2.

Alright, so then (as already mentioned by other people), a place like MEC or Coast are probably your best bets. There's not a whole lot in Calgary. I'd try and find out if Coast has a big Canada Day sale again since they should have some awesome deals if they do.

As has been said, getting a 3-person tent with a full fly is your best bet. I'll try and come up with a list of tents that I remember Coast carries so you can look at the specs online (since MEC actually has a decent website). They do have some tents by big companies (Sierra Designs) that are only sold at Coast locations too so those might be worth checking out too.

Prototype · 06-25-2008, 11:46 AM

Sears had a bunch on sale last weekend. Not sure specs or prices.

McMack · 06-25-2008, 01:07 PM

I also laugh at the people who show up car camping at the cozy provincial campgrounds for a lazy weekend of sitting around the campfire with backpacking tents. There is a lot to be said for being able to stand up when you are changing and having room in the tent to store your clothes. If you do backpacking as well, then I'd get two tents.

BlackArcher101 · 06-25-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McMack

I also laugh at the people who show up car camping at the cozy provincial campgrounds for a lazy weekend of sitting around the campfire with backpacking tents. There is a lot to be said for being able to stand up when you are changing and having room in the tent to store your clothes. If you do backpacking as well, then I'd get two tents.

Sure, get two tents... if you can afford to. Why buy another tent when you can buy one that does everything? I'm going car camping this weekend, but a larger el cheapo tent won't be sufficient if a storm comes through (which happens every year). I'd rather know it can withstand the abuse and I have to crouch vs sleeping in the car because the tent collapsed. To some, being able to stand up isn't a priority. A smaller tent will also keep the heat better and allows you more space to pack beer

.

If you're worried about standing up and storage space when camping, then it might be time to get into a tent trailer or start packing lighter (but I need my coffee maker and hot shower!).

BlackArcher101 · 06-25-2008, 01:27 PM

double post

JayP · 06-25-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Sure, get two tents... if you can afford to. Why buy another tent when you can buy one that does everything? I'm going car camping this weekend, but a larger el cheapo tent won't be sufficient if a storm comes through (which happens every year). I'd rather know it can withstand the abuse and I have to crouch vs sleeping in the car because the tent collapsed. To some, being able to stand up isn't a priority. A smaller tent will also keep the heat better.

I agree. I mean, how often do you even spend in your tent?

Plus, it's not like a good tent won't be able to hold everything you need. I have a North Face Morraine 33 (3-person, 3-pole) and it has has two good sized vestibules (little foyer between fly and tent). I can store whatever I can't fit in my tent in there if necessary.

And, as mentioned, being able to stay dry regardless of the conditions and being warmer more than makes up for having to change clothes sitting down.

If you had the money to buy two tents you'd be better off putting towards something like this: http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr...08474396672294

BlackArcher101 · 06-25-2008, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayP

If you had the money to buy two tents you'd be better off putting towards something like this: http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr...08474396672294

That's exactly what I'm doing. I have a smaller stronger tent for sleeping in (cause that's all you can do since it's too bloody hot during the day) and I picked up a screen tent for during the day (when car camping). I'm going to be on the bald prairie with not a single tree in sight and the only barrier being my own car, so shade is pretty important. Makes camping with tons of mosquitoes a lot better too.

Traditional_Ale · 06-25-2008, 02:10 PM

Not to hijack, but what would you guys recommend as a backpacker's tent?