tents

[Peonygirl]

I am buying a tent for camping alone. I am a 65 yo woman with a back problem, will not be backpacking, just carrying to campsites at national parks at the most. I need a tent that is easy to assemble, size negotiable, prefer being able to see the sky on good days but the rain fly must be easy to add or built in. For camping in Colorado, Texas, other states. price matters but I would rather get something that lasts. I don't think I will get cancer from a tent but in general I don't like things with california warnings. Thanks

[BlueRidge]

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/163872/eureka-x-loft-2-person-tent

At 5 pounds 12 ounces, the weight is good. The price is reasonable.

There are videos on the manufacturer's website here:

https://eurekacamping.johnsonoutdoors.com/tents/camping/x-loft-2-person-tent

Not sure about the California warnings. Aluminum (tent poles) is inert, but they may come with a warning.

Happy Trails

[BlueRidge]

Direct link to product video:

https://youtu.be/CUUs7G0FQF4

[REI-JohnJ]

@Peonygirl Thanks for reaching out!

There are so many variables to selecting a tent it can feel very overwhelming. It sounds like you're well on your way! I recommend checking out this Expert Advice article on selecting the best tent for your needs. As you can see here there a lot of options that will meet your criteria. I suggest narrowing down your choices to a couple options and then going into your local REI store and setting them up to see how easy they are. You can even make an appointment with a personal outfitter if you would like to spend some one-on-one time with a green vest.

A feature I always appreciate is having the ability to fully stand up inside a tent. It seems like something that may not matter that much but I'm always happy when I use a tent that I'm able to stand upright in. Just a thought.

I hope this helps, thanks!

John

[REI-JenK]

@Peonygirl just a friendly heads-up that even though you posted this question on the "Ask an REI Employee" board, you may also get suggestions from other members of the community. Only posts from a user identified as an "REI Employee," "REI Community Moderator," and/or "REI Community Manager" should be regarded as employee advice!

Here are a few tents you might consider - they are 2-person so you'll have a little extra room, although several of these models also come in a 1-person, if you prefer a smaller size. Each of these comes with a full-coverage rainfly but also have lots of mesh for good sky-viewing on clear warm nights:

• REI Co-op Passage 2 - simple 2-pole structure is typically the easiest to set up
• REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus - adds a 3rd pole so there's even height across the top; also, the hubbed, color-coded pole assembly simplifies setup
• Marmot Limelight 2P Tent with Footprint - similar 3-pole structure, includes the footprint

Hope this helps get you started!

[hikermor]

California warnings - what a joke!  Just about everything is known to the state of California to cause the big "C".  I recently bought a trekking pole from REI - anodized aluminun, some nylon and plstic fittings, along with a prop 65 warning label.  I have no idea what substance they are talking about( nor do I care).

The warnings are so pervasive, they lose any mpact and are basically useless.

Rant off.  I feel so much better now....

[BlueRidge]

I apologize for replying on this post. I did not notice the "ask an REI employee" label. This conversations site is a great resource. Thank you!

[REI-JenK]

@BlueRidge no apology necessary! We welcome lots of responses, just want to make sure everyone knows when the advice is coming an REI employee!

[REI-JenK]

@BlueRidge no apology necessary! We welcome lots of responses, just want to make sure everyone knows when the advice is coming an REI employee!

[Cali_raftgrrl]

I'm not an REI employee, but I am a single woman that car camps on my own.

I have a very old REI trail dome 3 and love it! Easy set up with 3 poles and easy to put on the rain fly. Unfortunately this style is harder to find as most tents are with lots of mesh. My personal experience is that I prefer less mesh for more privacy, especially as a single woman traveling alone, giving me the ability to sleep comfortabally in clothing or not and get changed within the tent.

The specs show that it accommodates 3 people, but 2 has been really the max, especially when I use my extra large comfy therma-rest. I spent a week camping in one spot & it was perfect. 

Using the specs from the trail dome tent I continue my search for a new tent and am currently looking at

 https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/168422/alps-mountaineering-taurus-al-4-tent?bc_pid=MTY4NDIyMD...

Here are the specs for the trail dome 3. Good luck in your search.

REI Trail Dome 3 Specs

Best Use	Backpacking
Sleeping Capacity	3-person
Packed Size	8 x 22 inches
Floor Dimensions	97 x 110 (hex width) inches
Floor Area	56.6 square feet
Vestibule Area	6.3 square feet
Peak Height	54 inches
Number of Doors	1 door
Number of Poles	4
Pole Material	Aluminum
Pole Diameter	8.5 millimeters
Canopy Fabric	Nylon taffeta
Floor Fabric	Nylon taffeta
Rainfly Fabric	Polyester taffeta
Footprint Included	No