3 Man/3 Season Tent Suggestions for BP

[mybackpackingblog]

I recently went backpacking with my bride and I brought one of my Kelty Grand Mesa 2 man tent. We used two Stansport (20" x 72") air mattresses. NO ROOM AT ALL....It's perfect for one person and their gear...but not two adults...my two kids used my other one and they were fine. I'm not crazy about leaving my gear outside...that's just (ULA Circuit)...had to throw that in there.....So, I would like a LIGHT 3 man tent...I think my wife and I could fit, along with our gear...what say you? Any suggestions? We have a Kelty Yellowstone 4 man tent that fits us well...even using a queen size mattress...but way to big to backpack with...thanks for any advice!

[rpenczek]

You are going to get a lot of answers here and of course, it all depends on $$$ and your style of backpacking (ultra-light, light or mid - Is anyone really heavy LOL)

On the high end ($300 to $400) for double wall tents (traditional tent/fly) you might consider:

Big Agnes SL3
Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 3
MSR Mutha Huba (heavy IMHO)

In the mid price range (<300)
Mountain Hardwear Lightpath 3
Alps Zypher 3
Kelty gunnison 3

Now if you really want to cut weight single wall tents are the ticket. While most don't come in a three person version, there are one or two that I am aware of. But consider leaving all but your sleeping gear outside the tent under a pack cover and a two person tent will work great for two.

For single wall tents check out Tarptent.com for the Rainshadow 2 (not 2 people, but version 2) and the Hogback (a 4 person tent).

[mybackpackingblog]

Yeah....my heart is pulled toward the Six Moons Designs Lunar Duo right now...Choosing new gear is a very stressful thing for me...lol...fun...bu stressfull....

[cavediver256]

I have one of the REI Cirque 3 tents, that has never given me a moments trouble kept me dry and comfortable. Just another idea for you to kick around. Although, I think we are gonna be making the change to hammocks real soon......

[mybackpackingblog]

I have one of the REI Cirque 3 tents, that has never given me a moments trouble kept me dry and comfortable. Just another idea for you to kick around. Although, I think we are gonna be making the change to hammocks real soon......

Thanks for the tip...I will check it out...I love having an REI store within 25 miuntes of where I live!

[bigcranky]

The Lunar Duo will provide all the interior room you need. If you really want a 3-person, the Rainshadow II is also very good.

[mister krabs]

Since you seem to go for mid level gear, check out the alps mountaineering zephyr 3. It specs well against many others and I love mine.

[flemdawg1]

Tarptent Rainshadow 2

[skinewmexico]

REI Quarterdome T3 is good for two. Or you might try a Tarptent Hogback? MLD Circus Tent?

[Chubbs4U]

Lunar Duo would be my bet also

[LDog]

We picked up the GoLite Shangri-La 3 on sale recently. Fits both of us and our gear. 29 ozs. Has floor/mosquito net options.

http://www.golite.com/product/proddetail.aspx?p=sh6125

[TexasEd]

Since you seem to go for mid level gear, check out the alps mountaineering zephyr 3. It specs well against many others and I love mine.

I love mine too and great customer service.