How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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This 2-person tent is so light, you'll almost forget it's in your pack. With ample vestibule space, compact folding poles and high sidewall protection, it's got everything you need for 3 seasons.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 3 lbs. 14 oz. |
Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | Unavailable |
Packaged Weight | 4 lbs. 9 oz. |
Packed Size | 13 x 15 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 88 x 55/45 (L x W head/foot) inches |
Floor Area | 30.5 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 10 square feet |
Peak Height | 43 inches |
Number of Doors | 1 door |
Number of Poles | 2 |
Pole Material | Aluminum |
Pole Diameter | 9 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | 68-denier polyester/40-denier mesh |
Floor Fabric | 68-denier nylon |
Rainfly Fabric | 68-denier polyester |
Footprint Included | No |
Design Type | Freestanding |
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Low weight (not ultra light) tent; weight savings due to one door and no vents. Materials are solid. Tent must be guyed out due to the lack of vents, especially the back wall, to prevent condensation from leaking into the tent. I upgraded to Kelty no-bendum stakes; heavier but solid. The Salida comes with 4 guy lines; I carry 7 (3 seperate the fly from the tent body and 4 for the pole attachments). The stuff sack is square. I use it to store the tent. I carry the tent in parts to save space; the fly and body in a Kelty medium compression sack, and the poles and stakes in the provided nylon bags.
I bought this tent almost 4 years ago and it's always been great. Roomy for one and cozy for two. I've used this tent on field trips in the desert, and backpacking in New Zealand, this little gem has withstood the elements through it all. It is extremely lightweight and so easy to put up--an excellent quality at the end of a long day of backpacking! Only thing is there have been some snags in the floor and mesh, but that's probably my fault... I wish the vestibule was a bit bigger and a had bit more headroom when lying down (we're tall), but all in all it's been sturdy, reliable, lightweight, and fantastic.
This is a fantastic tent with a lot of features normally found on higher priced tents. For those that are looking for a tent that could fit two people, but is light enough to carry for solo use look no further. The tent is not in the "ultralight" category, but it is light. The clips that attach the tent to the poles have held in all conditions that I have used it in. The mesh allows for ventilation and I have not experienced any condensation build up; however, I always use guylines. My only complaint is that it only has one door and one vestibule for a two person tent. Other than that you would be hard pressed to find a better two person tent in this price category.
This was my first tent and it served me well. Most of my hiking/camping I do on my own and this tent was everything I needed and more. But when I did have to share the tent with someone, it was a little tight. I do have to qualify this with the fact that I move around A LOT in my sleep and typically need more room because of it. If this tent had 2 door and 2 vestibules, it would be the perfect tent! I have taken this on many camping trips and it has really stood the test of time. The only negative experience from the tent itself was when I went camping in the rain with a friend. Both of our gear got pretty wet and the one vestibule was just enough room for our gear but didn't leave much room for us to get in and out. Additionally, we had to crawl over each other to get in and out which is not fun when your both wet and tired. Overall, I absolutely recommend this tent! If you don't move around a lot in your sleep, it is more than enough room for two to sleep comfortably, and it will keep you dry in the rain.
Have had this tent for three years and used it in 20 degree snowstorms in the eastern Sierras, 30 degree whipping winds in Joshua tree, on bike tours up and down the northeast, and in super hot and humid southern summer outings (including one deluge). Tent is still in top condition after much travel and abuse. Issues others have noted (condensation, tight for two) are fair but overcomeable with guidelines and putting gear outside under the rainfly. Overall 5 stars considering the price.
I don't usually write reviews but I have to on this tent. It is perfect size for backpacking and light enough for long trips. However there are lighter products out there the price is twice as much. I've used this twice so far once in good weather without roof and was great to look at stars. Also used in about 40 degree weather and there was zero condensation. Another guy had the exact same tent however did not guideline it out and was soaked on inside. Be sure to use properly and you will be pleased. I use it for me and my son or me and my pack. Two adults would be cramp. I would of gave it five stars if the vestibule was just a bit bigger. Have not used in rain so have no review for that. Also I can sit up in it and change clothes on my knees with head room. I'm about 5'11. Great Product.
This tent is outstanding! I have owned it for three years now, and I use it often for weekend trips. Both while hiking and traveling on my motorcycle. Pros: Lightweight, especially at this price. Waterproof. Easy to set up (even in the dark). Has been very durable. Plenty of vestibule space. Cons: Packs a little large considering its light weight. Doors on both sides would be helpful when sleeping two people. I would give this a 9/10, and I plan on using this tent for as long as it lets me.
Took this to the high country in Kings Canyon in early autumn. No problems at all. Packs fairly small, and for the money is sturdy and light. Yeah, I know, I know, hubs can make for more livable space and are here to stay, but I love the simple two pole design. EASY set up. My buddy had a great tent, lighter but smaller and more than twice the price. Guess in which tent we played cards? Again, for the few ducats, this is the real deal.
This is simply the easiest tent to set up that I ever had. One stake down strap is color coded to easily match up ground cover, tent and rainfly. Used on a 5 day hike where we had a new camp site everyday, so the simplicity was very useful. I would not call it a 2 person tent, I would say 1 1/2 person, which worked great for myself, and giving me a little room to store my gear. Perfect for one person! Not much heavier than the Salida one, it was a no brainer to get the bigger two. No cons other than the foot print is not included, and a little pricey to purchase separate, but it was a nice addition.
After owning this tent for about 4 years now I love it so much I have to leave a review. I like the simplicity of it. The simple 2 pole design makes it really easy to set up and quite sturdy. The tent is light. If they wanted to make it lighter they would have to change the pole arangment making it lest sturdy and harder to set up. So I think that this tent is the perfect ballance of weight and convenience. I wanted a tent that I could use in winter in a pinch and this tent is strong enough to take a bit of snow. Although it doesnt have a vent on top with all the lines staked in there is a lot of ventilation and I have not had condensation issues. I like that there is only one door for the weight savings. This tent is good solo or with someone you want to snuggle up with. If your out with your buddy it is a bit tight. Most of the time I take my girl friend so it works well for me.