LL Bean #2 Dome/ SD Sirus
Posted by: briansnat
on Dec-06-06 11:38 AM (EST)
The LL Bean #2 dome is around $120 and a good, all around tent. Its on the heavy side for backpacking (8lbs), so I usually split the load with my partner and he/she takes the poles.
Its sheds water well and is practically indestructable. The first one I owned I gave to a friend. Its almost 20 years old is still going strong. My current one is 8 years old and as good as new.
Its officially a roomy, 2 person tent, but can fit 3 people in a pinch (but you'd better be good friends). It comes with an optional vestibule that I have, but usually leave home.
For a lighter tent, you might want to consider the Sierra Designs Sirus. Both the 2 and 3 person Sirus can be found for under $150 and both check in around 5 lbs packed. It has a mesh roof so you can sleep under the stars and a fly that can quickly be pulled over the tent should a nightime shower pass through. It offers great ventilation even with the fly attached. The Sirus has doors on both sides so you don't have to climb over your tentmate when entering and exitiing.
Unlike the LL Bean dome, room is very tight in the Sirus, so the 3 person is probably the the better choice even if you are only camping with 2 people.