warm weather tent advice

I am on an Incident Management Team here in Florida. We respond mainly to wildfires here and throughout the country. We also respond to Hurricanes and other natural disasters.

We usually are on two week assignment hopefully in a hotel, however frequently stay in tents.

The tent will be used two weeks at a time with possible exposure to summer thunderstorms in the Gulf Coast Area and in the Western States on wildfire detail.

I am looking for a roomy (2-3 person)/durable/well ventilated / storm worthy tent costing less that $250.00. Also the footprint/fly option would be nice for the beach.

Weight is not a huge issue, I will not be hiking in, but I still have to pack it INSIDE my duffle bag along with everything else for the two weeks.

There are myriad of choices that I am considering. here are the front runners
Kelty Gunnison 2 - (doesn't offer footprint/fly option)
SD Reverse Combi - (no roof vent)
REI half dome - (a bit smaller than some)
SD Observatory - (I like the height and roof vent, a little heavy)

I was even thinking about a four season tent, for the durability, but I think they may be a little stuffy for FL in the summer.

I guess what I am asking is does anyone have any personal experience with the above mentioned tents, or have any suggestions of any other tents that meet my needs.

Thanks.

I live in Clermont, Fl and know very well what's it's like camping in Florida.

The tent I have and recommend isn't as high grade as the ones you mention, but it's roomy, well made and very well ventilated...the Eureka Timberline 4.

It is heavy (about 9-10 lbs) but everything will fit in a duffle bag.

I have a REI Trail Dome.It has done very well in inclimate weather. We weathered a nasty storm in the Wind River Range in Wyoming. It was large enough for three people and one Golden Retriever. It has a footprint you said you wanted, as well as a good size vestibule. It is also in your price range. Plenty of room for three, or two people and lots of gear.

Ed, thanks for the suggestion. That may be a little more tent than I want to pack. In addition to the tent, all of my cloths and such for two weeks must fit in the same bag. Also, I am kind of partial to the dome style.

Kelly,
I can't find the Trail Dome at the REI site.

I recently gave away a Eureka 2-3 pers dome tent after twenty years...(mildew problems). It's a serviceable and economical brand. I'm no longer very keen on domes but SD would catch my eye too. If you've got to stay two weeks in a tent and weight isn't an issue, why not get something bigger than types you've mentioned? I'd suggest a floorless pyramid --but maybe not for summer Gulf coast due to fire ants.

PS
I used a Wenzel-style pup tent (see Campmor Inc) for many weeks of summer camping and didn't mind at all. It's a pup-tent style with full screens and floor, coated and currently costs under $40 I think. Roomy for one person and very light. Worked great.

It has to be a slick design to be really storm worthy AND breathe well. There are a few out there.

I have used the REI Half Dome for several years now. I don't camp in FL, but I do in TN. It has pretty good ventilation, better than a lot of others that I have seen, but in the heat of the summer you will probably suffer some. I think this is true of most tents out there. It is also quite good at keeping you dry in stormy weather. It packs reasonably small. It has two doors and two vestibules for gear.

A for a footprint, all I ever do is use a sheet of plastic I cut to shape. It's a lot less expensive.

You may want to check out some of the reviews on THEGEARJUNKIE.com.
There are several articles on there about tents and other outdoor gear.
Plus, they even have weekly give-aways on outdoor gear that are pretty cool!
Here's an article I saw on there that might be of interest to you:
http://thegearjunkie.com/minimalist-tents-nemo-mandatory-gear-big-sky-intl

I think the Gunnison is perfect for what you are after. It is the more modern version of the Vortex tent made by kelty. I have had the Vortex for years and it is the tent my wife and I use backpacking together. We have the Vortex 4, and it is great for us and our stuff inside. If you are not familiar with these kinds of tents, and if you want room inside for stuff, I would suggest to multiply the number of people times 2. A tent rated for two will hold just that, two and usually quite comfy I must add. I like room to spread out and some room for stuff, so I always opt for a larger tent. I would not want to spend two weeks with another person in a two man tent! Kelty tents are a bit heavy so not as popular as other brands for packers, but they are really bullet proof and sound like what you need for your situation.

Backcountry.com has a Gunnison 4 for under $200. I think you would be very pleased with it. Also you might try ebay.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

I would like to go with someting larger, but I need to be able to pack the tent and all my clothes and various items in one checked bag and a carry-on.

I think I will go with the Gunnesion 2 or the Half Dome. Also, there is a local store that has the Mountain Hardware Hammerhead 2 on sale for $198. I may go with that just because I will be able to have them set it up in the store and actually see it before I buy it.