I would appreciate suggestions for a 3-4 person tent for two week trip on the Noatak. I've looked at a million different models and cannot make a decision. Thank you in advance.

I suggest your search is way too large. Reduce the "A" list to 3 which have currently the most merit and research them again. You should be able to then pick one which will do the job nicely. Further comments from here can be used to reinforce your decision or possibly direct your attention to the next one on your list.

There are a few things you might consider. Remote trips require a bit more reliability than your typical BWCA trip. Although I haven't paddled the Noatak, I have paddled the Copper, Delta and Gulkana rivers in AK, rafted the Alsek and Tatshenshini in AK and YT, and paddled the Barrens in Manitoba and Nunavut.

I use, and recommend 4 season tents for several reasons. 1) They're a bit more robust in construction, 2) they perform better in wind, and 3) the nylon tent body keeps river dust out, as opposed to net.

You mention 3-4 person tents. One thing to consider is the possibility of losing a tent, whether due to boat mishap or wind. More tents provide a backup in case of loss. On the Barrens trip, the four of us took 4 tents - two solos and two 2-man tents, all four-season, allowing for the possibility of losing one or more tents to the high winds or mishap.

North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Hilleberg are pretty much the leaders in 4-season tents.

No mention of pricing but an Alaska trip seems to require more out of many tent brands. Had my share of hard core tents, the usual names pop up like Hilleberg/North Face/Mountain Hardwear/Exped so I'll mention one not. The Alps Mountaineering Extreme Outfitter 3. Huge vestibules, stout frame, the net door panels have zipped covers, HD materials used. For some reason my photos stopped posting but I use a 32 L. Osprey bar for it and consider it an eqiual to Hilleberg/North Face/Exped I have been in, and the Walrus Hurricane Hole I owned.

butthead

MReid: "There are a few things you might consider. Remote trips require a bit more reliability than your typical BWCA trip. Although I haven't paddled the Noatak, I have paddled the Copper, Delta and Gulkana rivers in AK, rafted the Alsek and Tatshenshini in AK and YT, and paddled the Barrens in Manitoba and Nunavut.

I use, and recommend 4 season tents for several reasons. 1) They're a bit more robust in construction, 2) they perform better in wind, and 3) the nylon tent body keeps river dust out, as opposed to net.

You mention 3-4 person tents. One thing to consider is the possibility of losing a tent, whether due to boat mishap or wind. More tents provide a backup in case of loss. On the Barrens trip, the four of us took 4 tents - two solos and two 2-man tents, all four-season, allowing for the possibility of losing one or more tents to the high winds or mishap.

North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Hilleberg are pretty much the leaders in 4-season tents."

I think this is very good advice. Have to admit, I had to google where Noatak was, but when I saw how remote it was my first thought was Hilleberg. Northface and MH also would be good. I also like the idea of multiple tents if feasible - in case anything goes wrong.

I have always been a fan of the Big Agnes Copper Spur. If you are sharing the tent with someone else, It has multiple doors so you do not have to crawl over each other to get in and out of the tent. BA has always been very reliable. I have an ultra-lite that has been used a lot with out a single leak, does not show wear, and has held up in pretty significant storms.