Best Tents Summary

REI Tents

• REI Half Dome 2+
  • Pros: Bomb proof, spacious with good ventilation, bathtub floor holds up in rough storms.
  • Cons: Slightly heavy, especially for solo use.
• REI Quarter Dome 1
  • Pros: Bomb proof, lightweight for intense hikes.
  • Cons: More restrictive pitch and less room.

Other Tents

• Core Instant Tent
  • Pros: Roomy, easy setup, withstands winds and rains.
  • Cons: Challenging to pack back into bag.
• Snow Peak Land Breeze Pro 4
  • Pros: Durable, suitable for all seasons, good ventilation.
  • Cons: Expensive.
• Cabela’s Alaskan Guide 8-man
  • Pros: Solid 4-season dome tent with ample space.
  • Cons: Heavy for backpacking.
• Marmot Tungsten UL 3p
  • Pros: Lightweight, excellent weather protection.
  • Cons: Relatively pricey.
• Gazelle H3
  • Pros: High build quality, sturdy, easy setup.
  • Cons: Suitable only for car camping.
• Ayamaya Pop Up Tent
  • Pros: Easy setup and fold, durable.
  • Cons: Need to be cautious with folding rods.
• Durston X-Mid 1p
  • Pros: Lightweight, robust, packs small.
  • Cons: Limited experience in extreme weather.
• Coleman Sundome
  • Pros: Inexpensive and reliable for car camping.
  • Cons: Lack of full rain fly.
• Zpacks Duplex
  • Pros: Ultralight, spacious for solo backpacking.
  • Cons: Expensive.

Recommendations for Philmont Trek

• Lanshan Tent: Budget-friendly, roomy.
• Cascade Poles: Affordable trekking poles.
• Columbia Boots: Comfortable, keep feet dry.
• Philmont Tents: Heavy but roomy.
• Gregory Pack: Comfortable for long trails.

Additional Advice

• Consider going light with trail runners and non-waterproof shoes.
• Try out tents on shakedown hikes to find what suits you best.
• Sign up for expert discount programs for gear purchases.
• Ensure tents are sturdy and have extras like extra tent stakes for long hikes.

These summaries cover a wide range of tent options, providing insights into their features, pros, and cons based on user experiences and preferences.