Decent Backpacking Tent

I need a tent that will suffice for the following purposes:

1. Lightweight (preferably under 5 lbs.)

2. Room for 2 and a half

3. Vestibule

I have looked at Big Agnes and Black Diamond, and they have some good stuff, I'm just not willing to pay $350 - $500 for it.

Are there any other alternatives?

What season - summer only, 3-season, 4-season, expedition, ... ? That, plus the quality you want will dictate the price range. If your requirements are stiff enough, you will just have to pay the price. You can get by for summer only, no high winds, no bugs, no heavy rain, no snow for under $100 and under 2 pounds (tarp). As you up the ante, you up the price rapidly.

Good tents are worthwhile investments and that old cliche is still true - you get what you pay for. Generally, the lighter weight tents tend to use more advanced (and more expensive) materials, thus resulting in higher prices. However, there is hope.

There are 2 tents that immediately come to mind if you only need a 3 season tent - the Henry Shires Tarptent Rainshadow 2, which weighs 2 lbs, 10 oz. and costs $255. IMHO, Tarptents are some of the best and lightest tents being made right now.

The other tent that I would definitely recommend is the REI Quarter Dome 3 UL, (which is actually on sale for under $200 right now!). It weighs just over 5 pounds and sets up very quickly. I own the 2 person version and have been quite happy with it for the past 3 years. I've never had a problem with condensation, comfortably endured a number of rain storms with no leaks, used it for early winter weather and appreciate the 2 doors so that I don't have to climb over my tent mate, let alone the good-size vestibules that sufficiently cover my pack, boots, and other gear. My one advisement would be to handle with care, since one pole sleeve did tear slightly when a friend got a bit overenthusiastic pushing the pole through, but patched up quickly and has not been a problem since.

Of course, you should also be on the lookout for off-season sales when those higher priced tents get more affordable. Hope you find your backcountry palace!

I'm not sure what model of Big Agnes you're looking at . However, there always seems to be some " brand new .. with tags" on ebay ..

and, occasssionally, you'll find some NWT's Bland Diamonds as well

Alright, quick info update, I need a 3 season, and I'm lookiing at the Big Agnes Emerald Mountain or Seedhouse.

Thanx

item number: 200178355964 on ebay $140.00 Brand New Seedhouse 2