Tents - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

BlackArcher101 · 07-31-2009, 05:22 PM

Touching base with the wisdom of CP here.

I'm looking for a new tent as my last one is 12 years old and in the process of one of the poles breaking, it decided to put a fair size rip into it. I've looked at MEC and the ones they have and just wondering what else is out there that I'm overlooking. Having trouble finding them online, so suggestions would be great.

What I know:
1. Withstand high winds (ie 100km/hr gusts) and not make me suck tent all night.
2. 3 person or large 2 person
3. Will see rain, maybe snow.
4. Not sure if I need a 4 season tent.
5. Always seem to have condensation problems.

Yeah_Baby · 07-31-2009, 05:24 PM

I love camping. It can get so 'in-tents' sometimes.

BlackArcher101 · 07-31-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

I love camping. It can get so 'in-tents' sometimes.

Nice. And by nice I mean... boooooooo.

edit: uh oh... fotze is reading the thread... tents and fotze... hmmmmm. Phew, he's gone... disaster averted.

Superfraggle · 07-31-2009, 05:37 PM

Very much depends what you need the tent for. Just to get it out of the way..."sleeping"...I know. But are you talking car camping, backpacking, a base camp sort of tent, something to use in the alpine, is weight or size a concern? I'm not a tent expert by any means, but different tents do serve different purposes. I would recommend making sure it has at least one vestibule you can stick things like shoes, packs, etc. under without bringing them right into the tent.

Stumptown · 07-31-2009, 05:37 PM

I'm in the market for roughly the same thing, but I've got a 6-foot-4 person who needs to be comfortable. Any tall campers out there have a tent that you love?

<edit> and just for car camping, not backpacking.

Yeah_Baby · 07-31-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Nice. And by nice I mean... boooooooo.

edit: uh oh... fotze is reading the thread... tents and fotze... hmmmmm. Phew, he's gone... disaster averted.

You smiled a bit inside as you rolled your eyes. Admit it.

Phanuthier · 07-31-2009, 05:43 PM

Did you talk to MEC reps? They could probably help you out. Withstand rain/snow, I'd imagine that would be 4-seasons. Get a foot print, that should help you out, and also helps keep your tent cleaner. The condensation issue, I seem to get that info mostly from reviews rather than actual specs, but I'm no expert.

BlackArcher101 · 07-31-2009, 05:50 PM

Haven't spoken to anyone at MEC. Was planning on stopping in there next week when I pass through Calgary.

As for what I need it for... It's most common use will be mountain camping to bald prairie camping out of a vehicle... however, I do hope to pack it and do a bit of trail camping (probably mountain biking, but not likely hiking).

I think I'm leaning towards something that the tent poles pass through mesh passages, like this one, instead of clipping onto the poles like most do, like this one. I think that would cut down on noise from the tent flapping in the wind. Not sure on that though.

Rory_B._Bellows · 07-31-2009, 06:10 PM

What is your price range, once I know that, I can give you some better advice...such as Mountain Hardwear/North face vs Columbia/somewhat lower quality tents. (Even though Columbia do make some great ones.)
Where are you planning on going? Backcountry? Car camping. Is size an issue for your backpack. If so what size pack are you using? Will you be using a thermarest or an infaltable mattress? Any pets coming along if you car camp, will they sleep in the tent with you or do you want them in the vestibule?
Rory

BlackArcher101 · 07-31-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rory_B._Bellows

What is your price range, once I know that, I can give you some better advice...such as Mountain Hardwear/North face vs Columbia/somewhat lower quality tents. (Even though Columbia do make some great ones.)
Where are you planning on going? Backcountry? Car camping. Is size an issue for your backpack. If so what size pack are you using? Will you be using a thermarest or an infaltable mattress? Any pets coming along if you car camp, will they sleep in the tent with you or do you want them in the vestibule?
Rory

Mostly car camping. if any backcountry is going, it can be split among a few people. Already use thermarest. No pets to speak of. Budget? well... I'd say aorund the $300 mark.

Methanolic · 07-31-2009, 10:21 PM

I "pitch a tent" almost every morning.

.

.

.

. Then I pee. . . . . .