With my recent trip coming up, I am bringing a couple with that is new to this type of trip. They've only ever camped in a campground with water and power so this will be quite a new experience for them. I own two, 2-person tents and they work just fine. As of right now, that is our plan to bring those two with. But I'm researching some other options for 4-person tents because it might be more comforting for them to be in a tent with us instead of putting them alone. Plus it makes it nice and easier for playing some card games before bed. Does anybody have some good, relatively lightweight 4-person ten ideas for under $250?

Side note: It would be nice to have one with some more breathing room in too because most 4-person tents are pretty cramped for 4-people especially when two of the people are well over 6 feet tall. I realize I'm probably asking a lot for one tent and it's not required for us to do this trip but it would make it a little more enjoyable for us, especially if we get stuck in a long rainstorm.

If your are actually going to be putting 4 people in it, I would be looking at a larger person tent. Usually figure about 1 less person than the number listed on the tent. So a 3 man tent is good for 2 people. A 4 man tent is good for 3 and so on.

I would suggest a tarp with bug netting and a small table as a common area for all of you to eat, play cards and socialize. You can get a 10' x 12 'tarp from Kondos for $110.00. A bug net from Sea to Summit.

Take the two tents so each couple has some privacy.


Kondos

Bug Net

A member of my group proposed it. The idea intrigued me, one less thing on a postage etc. But sleeping with 4 guys didn't. Honestly I'm thinking of bring my solo tent

I like SevenofNine's suggestion on the tarp and bug net for socializing and retreating to separate tents for privacy. But to answer the question an Alps Lynx 4 person tent is a reasonably priced 4 person tent. Packaged weight is something like 8 Lbx 10 oz. so it's not ultra lightweight but it's not extremely heavy either. This tent does come with aluminum poles which is a nice feature and can be had for between $120 and $150, maybe less if you're good at shopping deals. We've had it for a few years and are happy with it.

OldFingers57: "If your are actually going to be putting 4 people in it, I would be looking at a larger person tent. Usually figure about 1 less person than the number listed on the tent. So a 3 man tent is good for 2 people. A 4 man tent is good for 3 and so on. "

I kind of always knew to get a one more person per group size tent but I'm afraid the price starts to climb rapidly. We can make the trip just fine without the larger tent but part of me wanted to save the weight by not carrying two tents and we also only had to set up one each day.

PikeChase: "I like SevenofNine's suggestion on the tarp and bug net for socializing and retreating to separate tents for privacy. But to answer the question an Alps Lynx 4 person tent is a reasonably priced 4 person tent. Packaged weight is something like 8 Lbx 10 oz. so it's not ultra lightweight but it's not extremely heavy either. This tent does come with aluminum poles which is a nice feature and can be had for between $120 and $150, maybe less if you're good at shopping deals. We've had it for a few years and are happy with it. "

That's a great suggestion PikeChase! I will definitely be considering that as the trips nears. Something along those lines is what I'm looking for mainly because the two tents I have are already 8 lbs each so this would be very helpful.

SevenofNine: "I would suggest a tarp with bug netting and a small table as a common area for all of you to eat, play cards and socialize. You can get a 10' x 12 'tarp from Kondos for $110.00. A bug net from Sea to Summit.


Take the two tents so each couple has some privacy.



Kondos


Bug Net "

This actually brings up another question I had. I have been holding off on buying a rain tarp because I haven't been sure what to get. It seems the common size is 10x10 or 10x12 generally. I'm sure that would suffice just fine. I've noticed on this website mainly that the CCS tarp is extremely recommended and well loved. They are definitely a spendy tarp and Kondos isn't the cheapest either. But doing some research on them the price drops dramatically down to $30 range. I'm afraid those are going to be flimsy and upsetting. Do I just bite the bullet and buy one the more expensive ones?

OldFingers57: "If your are actually going to be putting 4 people in it, I would be looking at a larger person tent. Usually figure about 1 less person than the number listed on the tent. So a 3 man tent is good for 2 people. A 4 man tent is good for 3 and so on. "

Agreed. I own a 4 person backpacking Kelty and I would never be able to get 4 adults in there with sleeping pads. I bought a 6 this winter on clearance for my family and it only weighs 12 pounds. It’s the Eureka Midori 6 and I paid $140 on clearance. I had a coupon for an extra 20% off to get the price that low. I put the tent up in my house and it appears to be a steal of a deal. It will fit my family of 5 easily with spare room for gear. Check it out.

Eureka Midori 6

Tony

HoneyGuy101: "

SevenofNine: "I would suggest a tarp with bug netting and a small table as a common area for all of you to eat, play cards and socialize. You can get a 10' x 12 'tarp from Kondos for $110.00. A bug net from Sea to Summit.



Take the two tents so each couple has some privacy.



Kondos



Bug Net "

This actually brings up another question I had. I have been holding off on buying a rain tarp because I haven't been sure what to get. It seems the common size is 10x10 or 10x12 generally. I'm sure that would suffice just fine. I've noticed on this website mainly that the CCS tarp is extremely recommended and well loved. They are definitely a spendy tarp and Kondos isn't the cheapest either. But doing some research on them the price drops dramatically down to $30 range. I'm afraid those are going to be flimsy and upsetting. Do I just bite the bullet and buy one the more expensive ones?"

Yes just bite the bullet and get a good CCS one. Consider it an investment. You will get lots of years use out of it plus it can be used for other outings even car camping trips. Plus they have great resale value to them. So you wouldn't be out that much if you decided to sell it after using it.

Very hard to beat Alps Mountaineering Tents for value, Lynx/Taurus AL,Taurus Outfitter,Morada at different price points. Not a complaint aimed at other brands, but Alps seem to use better/heavier materials than comparable inexpensive tents. I'm an odd person out not needing the "1 person extra" advice especially in larger tents. I do come from old style mil surplus shelter halves for 2 people (pup tents).
Buy the best you can afford (avoid fiberglass poles), that goes for tarps also, 1.9 ripstop nylon from a variety of makers are similarly priced and much less costly than 1.1 silnylon. In the 1.9 weight range most of the expense involves the added tieouts, type, and construction details.
Campmor 10x12 1.9 Grommets only on edges.
CCS 10x12 1.9 with 33 loops and interior quad loop.
Kondos 10x12 1.9 with 24 tieout loops.
I feel loops to be much better than grommets. Lighter weight fabrics really push up costs.

butthead

I just purchased an MSR Elixir 4.

It is a $400 tent, but it is on sale for $300 now. You can get an additional 20% off through 4/9. Total price around $260. I haven't used it, but set it up. It looks like 3 men could fit comfortably, I think 2 males and 2 females would work, but it might be snug. Like others have said, usually tents that advertise how many people it holds are very generous. It seems like a hell of a deal though. MSR makes very good tents. The footprint is also included in the sales price. I think it's worth a look. You can always return it to an REI, if you have one close by if it doesn't seem like it will fit your needs.

MSR Elixir 4

Kelty Trail Ridge 4-pp tent

HighnDry: " Kelty Trail Ridge 4-pp tent "

I would stick with two tents for two couples. Let them smell their own feet.

First, I would not want to be in a tent with another couple, but if you are set on that idea, I agree with the sentiment that you need a tent bigger than one labeled as a 4 person tent.

Also, I agree with the bug net idea, but I can tell you that the Sea to Summit mentioned above would be very, very crowded. I own one, and it is great for solos and okay for couples. If you go this route, find a bigger one.

Finally, on the tarps, bite the CCS bullet. You will never look back.

fadersup: "

HighnDry: " Kelty Trail Ridge 4-pp tent "

I would stick with two tents for two couples. Let them smell their own feet.


"

Yes, but where is the fun in that? :)

They are not perfect but I like these.

Coleman Evanston Tent

I have the 4 person for the two of us on canoe trips and the 6 person for car camping. One of my sons has the Evanston 8 for his family....

The screen porch is a nice idea

Oldtown13: "I just purchased an MSR Elixir 4.


It is a $400 tent, but it is on sale for $300 now. You can get an additional 20% off through 4/9. Total price around $260. I haven't used it, but set it up. It looks like 3 men could fit comfortably, I think 2 males and 2 females would work, but it might be snug. Like others have said, usually tents that advertise how many people it holds are very generous. It seems like a hell of a deal though. MSR makes very good tents. The footprint is also included in the sales price. I think it's worth a look. You can always return it to an REI, if you have one close by if it doesn't seem like it will fit your needs.


MSR Elixir 4 "

We must think alike. I just purchased this same tent, the Elixir 4, through REI with the coupon, had it delivered last week, and set it up this past weekend. Set up was easy, grommets and poles are color coded, only 3 poles to deal with, (though the main poles are long and require a fair amount of tension to bend enough to get into the grommets), and the materials seem heavy duty. Mesh Pockets on two sides will hold a fair amount of gear.

I'm happy with it, but as others have said, we have just 3 staying in it, 1 adult and two young teens. Four sleeping would be kind of tight. If it's 2 separate couples, I'd opt for two 2-person tents.

Bring a good tarp and you won't be spending any time in the tent anyhow, other than to sleep.

REI has a sale going on right now (member coupon) for 20% off a single item. The Coop Half Dome 4 plus (actual 4 person tent) is marked to $329, so with the coupon it would be $263. 7lb. My experience with the coop tents has always been good. YMMV but this one seems to have good reviews so far. REI Coop Half Dome 4 Plus

I have the Kelty Trail Ridge 4, better be good friends for 4, its doable but will be tight. It fits 3 very comfortably.
I have the design like one in the link to amazon, in rain, water will pour into the tent when you open the vestibule to get in, else its a fine tent.
There is a newer model than the one I have, look into it. It looks like the main fault has been resolved in the new model.

SevenofNine: "Take the two tents so each couple has some privacy."

Rock solid advice there. No matter how good of friends you are, a little alone space will do wonders to keep friendships whole. You can even rent a tarp with or without netting. I know Piragus has them.

When you've just spent the entire day with people you're not related to, the last thing you want to do is get in a tent with them at night. You need two 3-person tents. I recommend the Kelty Trail Ridge 3. Set's up in 3 minutes. Spacious and one of the taller 3Ps available.

Here's the older model for $153, which I like better than the new model (larger door): https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Trail-Ridge-3-Tent/dp/B005F5L9E6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522800210&sr=8-2&keywords=kelty+trail+ridge+3

Yourtube review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nniuqszy1ys

The Kelty Trail Ridge 4 is one of the smallest 4Ps on the market. Not possible to get 4 adults in there. I use the TR4 for solo car camping.

I think I'll probably end up sticking with the two tents I have. No need to make it too expensive if I'm going to have to buy a nice tarp as well.

HoneyGuy101: "I think I'll probably end up sticking with the two tents I have. No need to make it too expensive if I'm going to have to buy a nice tarp as well. "

Good plan as you don’t have to spend so much money. Four person tents typically only allow 4 people to sleep and not much else, separating parties helps keep your gear better organized. The people you are traveling with might like to sleep in whereas you might be an early riser and so many other factors involved with other couples. This should make everyone happier.

Good decision. Check THIS out.

I've had a Kelty Noah's tarp for years have had it up for days at a time over camp fires from all day drizzle to thunderstorms strong wind and at times just as a shade. Thing has been bullet proof its 16 x 16 has loops and eyelets. Its not a ccs but I have complete faith in it keeping me dry. if you want to try out a bigger tent, tarp or bug house rent it from an outfitter there is not a great cost to renting. As for me I would take both your tents for this trip.