A few of my friends and I are possibly going to do some river diving over the weekends this summer, and we're planning on doing some camping at the same time.

Plan would be something like this:
Get off work on Friday evening, drive to the river where we're diving, set up camp. Sleep Friday night, dive Saturday, sleep Saturday night, dive Sunday, drive home.

We'd like a tent that's relatively cheap ($$-wise, we'll split the cost) but can hold up well and hold 4-6 people. Watersealing/waterproof seams are a definite plus -- some of the places we're hoping to go are really out in the boonies/forests/swamps, and even if it doesn't rain the ground might be pretty soggy. Something that's easy to carry and easy to set up would be nice as well.

4/29/2008 8:47:17 PM

have you tried to search on the internet yet? I heard that was a good place....

4/29/2008 8:51:26 PM

i'll sell you one for cheap. we have quiet a few at my house that can go.

4/29/2008 8:52:52 PM

Quote :

"have you tried to search on the internet yet? I heard that was a good place...."

Take it to chit chat...

I asked here to see if anyone had any personal experience they'd like to share.

4/29/2008 8:56:38 PM

why not get 2 tents? 4-6 people is a lot, all the tents that size will be $$ behemoths, also it's a pain at night to climb over 3 people to get out!

PS - you can seal seams yourself with 100% silicone caulking. it's messy but it works fine

4/29/2008 9:05:23 PM

^You do a lot of outdoor stuff right? Do you have a favorite tent? Anything you would deem a "must have" feature?

4/29/2008 9:08:18 PM

+1 on the idea of 2 smaller tents. Besides the convenience and cost factors, smaller tents are more stable in situations like high wind.

4/29/2008 9:13:31 PM

kelty brand is cheaper and good quality.

4/29/2008 9:13:38 PM

if you are still a student, you can rent them from the gym for cheap.

4/29/2008 9:15:18 PM

The only expensive tents i buy are for backpacking (size/durability). For non-backpacking uses i don't mind going cheap because as ^^^^^ said you can seal seams yourself and it's not too hard.

We picked this up about 4 years ago on sale for 99$ (129.99$ now):
http://www.target.com/Greatland-Person-Cabin-Dome-Tent/dp/B000X5MV7W/ref=sc_ri_1/601-4847703-1763325


It easily holds 7-8 people comfortably and climbing over people won't be an issue because there's like 3 sets of doors and a front porch (good place for the cooler or eating cause there's no bottom). We bought it thinking we'd get maybe 10-15 uses out of it, but it has yet to break or rip over the last 4 years. It's a "cheap" brand but still works great. Comes with a good carrying bag too. Oh and built in bottom tarp so you won't have to deal with placement and such.

[Edited on April 29, 2008 at 9:18 PM. Reason : .]

4/29/2008 9:16:11 PM

Quote :

"^You do a lot of outdoor stuff right? Do you have a favorite tent? Anything you would deem a "must have" feature?"

it depends!

what are you doing? car camping? backpacking? what weather do you expect?

for backpacking I don't even use a tent any more, I use a tarp for weight savings. If you're car camping, just about any tent is fine cause you don't have to carry the damn thing. I recommend something with lots of mesh, a solid tent will have problems with condensation. Also I like a "vestibule," it's a section by the door where the rain fly extends past the tent. You can put shoes or extra stuff there and not worry about it getting wet. (most of the time)

Right now my tent is the Half Dome II by REI. It has a nice big vestibule, it's easy to set up, great tent but at 4-5 lbs I won't bring it if I have to carry it!

4/29/2008 9:17:34 PM

Well, we'll be lugging scuba gear, so I think the tent will be the least of the weight worries!

4/29/2008 9:21:58 PM

ahhh you're going with CharlesHF!

I'd say for sure get something with lots of mesh. In warm, damp conditions you want mesh to ventilate. Otherwise the inside of your tent will be covered in condensation - no fun! Unfortunately, the all-mesh tents tend to be very pricey

see the difference between this tent.



and this one

4/29/2008 9:30:52 PM

^good idea. I only like camping where it gets cold at night. One thing i hate is a humid tent. Just remember you can always take the rainfly off to ventilate or just keep it off if you don't think it'll rain.

4/29/2008 9:33:58 PM

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/zip/661408225.html

[Edited on April 29, 2008 at 11:08 PM. Reason : durr]

4/29/2008 11:07:51 PM

Seeing as you'll probably be close ish to a car and not worried about the weight I'd just get a cheap one from Walmart / Target / Sams / BJ's / Dicks. You will probably be more concerned with the care of your scuba gear and the tent will be a side thought and with the cheap one you won't care as much if / when it gets ruined.

Probably the biggest issues with the cheap tents is water tightness which can be solved with some sealant or a tarp at worst if it is supposed to rain for long. From my experience cheap tents work fine as they come from the store if it just rains a little and then clears up, but if it is a prolonged rain then you shit will get wet. The other issue could be durability and how long it will stand up to use.

Something big and quality is gonna be several hundred whereas the cheap one can be had for probably around 100.

4/29/2008 11:59:07 PM

Something I hadn't put a lot of thought into that I just realized...

Camping after river diving might not be the best of ideas. I'm sure we will all stink to high heaven. Hmmm...

4/30/2008 12:02:04 AM

most everyone stinks when they camp .. it kinda comes with the territory.

4/30/2008 1:54:35 AM

also one thing you can do is make your own vestibule. Attach a 6x8 or so tarp to the front of your tent. That way, you can leave the tent door open to let in some fresh air, without getting wet. You can also rig a tarp up above your tent, to give you a kind of front porch. With practice you can set up a tarp very quickly.

cheap tent + tarp might be a good, cheap solution. ventilation won't be a problem if you can open your windows.

4/30/2008 9:09:39 AM

as an avid camper i would also suggest

Quote :

"2 smaller tents"

and i have a cheap one from walmart that has held up really good and i have had no problems with it.

make sure you buy some rope, twin or cord.

you will want some personal space in there and with all the wet stuff you will most def. need the extra space.

like Nerdchick said, get a cheap tarp or three and use them for your extra needs. i would lay one under the tent and then hang one above it, at an angle. I would use the third tarp to hang as a shelter so you can sit under it if it rains and it will provide much needed shade for the summer. if you are really outdoorsy you can lash something to a tree under the tarp to hang you gear to dry.

learn some easy knots: http://www.troop7.org/Knots/
i would suggest the Taught-line, clove and timber hitch for lashing and hanging tarps. bowline for rescue for those just in case moments and then the mighty square knot

[Edited on April 30, 2008 at 9:22 AM. Reason : sdf]

4/30/2008 9:21:41 AM

Quote :

"also one thing you can do is make your own vestibule. Attach a 6x8 or so tarp to the front of your tent. That way, you can leave the tent door open to let in some fresh air, without getting wet. You can also rig a tarp up above your tent, to give you a kind of front porch. With practice you can set up a tarp very quickly. cheap tent + tarp might be a good, cheap solution. ventilation won't be a problem if you can open your windows."

Definitely. Tarps are one of the secrets to good camping.

And don't forget: Put the tent up on high ground and take a poncho. These things will help--trust me.

4/30/2008 9:40:30 AM

Quote :

"learn some easy knots: http://www.troop7.org/Knots/"

Another good website:
http://www.animatedknots.com/

My favorite is probably the round turn with 2 half hitches -- extra extra secure.


Thanks for all the suggestions, I really appreciate it!

4/30/2008 11:31:12 AM

i like your link so much better
awesome website

4/30/2008 11:40:33 AM

As a slight hijack to my own thread:

One of my favorite knots is the "cave knot" -- used specifically by certain divers to attach boltsnaps to their gear. You never want to have a metal-to-metal connection underwater; if you jams or you get caught on something and you can't cut yourself free, you're done for. Thus, everything that might be clipped to you by a boltsnap is usually tied to the boltsnap with line.

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/library/boltsnap.shtml

Very secure, won't come undone if tied properly, and easy to cut if necessary. In addition to melting the ends of the line onto the knot, I usually superglue the knot itself to make sure it is extra secure. Last thing I need is to lose a backup light or something else...

4/30/2008 11:52:14 AM

I've used bowlines a lot over the years.

4/30/2008 10:50:18 PM

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/gadgetreviews/multimedia/2008/05/gallery_survival_gadgets?slide=9&slideView=9

5/1/2008 2:49:06 AM

bttt

9/10/2008 8:32:05 PM

Anyone know where you can rent tents from other then the gym (Carmichael). I'm no longer a student.

9/10/2008 8:36:36 PM

rei

9/10/2008 8:38:12 PM

Anybody have any suggestions between these? I was leaning toward the Eureka, but I didn't know of the mesh was a good idea for fall / winter camping.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EQ82A0?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pricegrabber2-sport-20&linkCode=asn


http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98256_350001000_350000000_350001000_350-1-0
(8x10)


http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-North-Rim-Dome-Tent/dp/B0015FTE3I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1221081159&sr=1-3


http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/779876

Most importantly I want something that will keep me dry; I like the bass pro shops tent but read some reviews about poor quality poles

9/10/2008 10:42:37 PM

yeah, i'd prolly go with the eureka b/c it's clip-style. you're gonna want a certain amount of mesh for ventilation; the rain-fly should keep the draft out

9/10/2008 10:59:36 PM

It depends 100% on what your plans are.
Are you camping out of a car or strapping it to a pack? I mean, I have this busted old Coleman tent that I use when I'm camping out of the truck, but that's just because it is so easy to put up. When I have to strap it to a pack and carry it I use my REI Taj 3 for weight and size.

9/10/2008 11:56:49 PM

For hiking I really recommend the Black Diamond Firstlight Tent. The thing weighs only 2 lbs and is great for alpine climbing.

9/11/2008 12:48:35 AM

tent camping is easy. go to walmart, buy $20 tent. camp in new clean tent, then smash it, fold it up and throw it in the fire. or dumpster, depending on where you camp. youll never camp in a nasty old tent and never have to try and pack it back in the stupid little bag it came in. you never have to learn how to put one up, they all come with instructions. you never lose the stakes. you can get it as muddy as you want.

9/11/2008 3:01:15 AM

^^^This tent wouldn't have to be carried more than a mile, modified car camping if you will. That being the case, I have a bit of flexibility as far as weight is concerned. Does "Clip Style" refer to the way in which the rainfly attaches to the tent?

One other I'm considering, partially due to the beefed up poles. Does Alps Mountaineering make decent stuff?


http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/766961

A few disappointing reviews about the Eureka 9x9 that made me a little apprehensive:

Quote :

"I've had several Eureka tents & usually I've very happy with them, but this one is a disappointment. Even tho the 11mm poles seem sturdy, during a stiff wind on the first time we used it, the poles all splintered, one breaking off completely in the ferrul. And all of the metal sleeves bent. I've used other Eureka tents in higher winds & downpours & never had this problem! "

Quote :

"I had the same experience as the other reviewer, D. Hammond. One of my poles broke the second time I used it! The winds were light, and my metal brackets connecting the pole sections also started to bend. Eureka is bordering on fraud selling such a poor-quality tent. I've camped extensively for 20 years and I've never heard of such a bad tent, even among the cheap childrens tents parents set up in their back yards! Do yourself a favor and avoid Eureka products!"

A new contender, read nothing but good things about durability / water tightness

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_64990?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT&cmid=PP_P0_1

[Edited on September 11, 2008 at 9:19 AM. Reason : 1 more]

9/11/2008 9:08:11 AM

if you want to get a quality tent, i've used eureka, kelty, and REI brand and have loved them all

if at all possible, get aluminum poles over fiberglass - fiberglass blows donkey balls

thicker floors are better (obviously) but are a bit heavier...do NOT get less than 1.9oz

eureka used to be made in the USA, but i think it's all mexico these days...i'd still consider them the best value tents around (for the price, you're not going to find something of higher quality and/or features)...REI brand is a bit pricey for what you get, but they're definitely quality

9/11/2008 9:46:49 AM

Quote :

"Does "Clip Style" refer to the way in which the rainfly attaches to the tent?"

i meant the way the poles attach to the tent itself, like this:



as opposed to sleeves.

9/11/2008 3:37:25 PM