3 or 4 Season tents

[Guest jrhbb]

My wife and I are going on our first backpacking trip in Oct. I have just about everything else that I need(I think ) but I haven't settled on a tent yet. There is a big price difference between 3 and 4 season tents, but is it worth it? Any reccomendations for a two man back packers tent that's below $200? Thanks, Jason

[Guest HvyMtl]

Hmm. How much difference in price? (Not like you are going out in the deepest of winter in Alaska...) Since you are backpacking, weight and ease of stowing, should be added to the decision...

[daddyo]

WHERE you are going makes a difference. If you are hiking the AT, a three season tent will do just fine.

This is my recommendation:

http://www.rei.com/product/794294

With a 20 degree sleeping bag and layered clothing, I slept just fine in 30 degree weather.

Edited September 21, 2010 by DaddyO

[peejman]

If the weather was such that I really needed that 4th season capability... I'd stay home.

But yes, depends on where you intend to go and when. It can get quite cold up high in the Appalachians when it's balmy in the valleys. Backpacker Magazine - Gear Finder: Tents

[JReedEsq]

I've got a 3 season and I've also been fine into the 20s as well. This was with a good mummy bag of course.

[Kenstaroni]

I would steer clear of a 4 season. It might be nice in the winter, but way too hot in the summer. Buy one that is mesh and has a rainfly that goes over the entire tent. This way you can stake out the rainfly in the summer and get a nice breeze in the tent, or let it hang or stake it close to the tent to hold in heat. In the climate we have here in TN a 3 season and a good 20 degree bag are plenty sufficent. I've slept in 20 degree weather with nothing but a cold nose as I was wrapped in a mummy bag. In October you may not need but a 50 degree bag, just depends on the night time temps.

Some good tents are....Big Agnes, MSR, Mountain Hardware,...maybe Northface but I think there are better choices in the other brands. Big Agnes is my favorite. They make a Seedhouse 2 Ultra Light tent that is very roomy, light weight, and durable. I have the Seedhouse 1 and me an my girl can both fit in it. I'm 6'4" and I fit fine.

Good luck!