I have accumulated some REI gift cards and the rain cap for my old North Face Rock 22 is starting to get thin and needed to be patched with tenacious tape. I have had it about 18 years. If I keep it for summer and fair weather use, I could just hang a tarp for air flow.

I'm leaning toward a 2-person, but my wife wouldn't mind a 3.

CCS Leans

We just purchased a Big Agnes Salt Creek 3. It's a unique little tent. Smaller than our previous three man tent (an REI Quarter Dome T-3) but feels equally roomy. It is higher at one end than the other and has three doors. One center door at the high-end opens up wide and an awning can be put up. lots of interior pockets and a built in gear loft.

I don't think REI sells it though.

We were unsure about how much we would like it but our minds have been changed now!

Mike

BA Copper Spur 3

Big Agnes Fly Creek 3. Probably very similar
to copper spur. I like mine. 3 person is really for 2 people like most tents. Solid tent though.

Not usually considered one of the cool kids, but I'll join in this reindeer game!

I have the MSR hubba hubba 2-person - love it!

Also use the Eureka Mountain Pass 3-person tent. It has been bomb-proof for us.

Just a note, I use the MSR as a solo tent, have had two people in it but it's tight. The Mountain Pass functions as a 2-person tent for us.

pswith5: "Big Agnes Fly Creek 3. Probably very similar
to copper spur. I like mine. 3 person is really for 2 people like most tents. Solid tent though."

I like this one very light weight, easy set up…the BA copper spur 3 would feel roomier minimally heavier.

Both great.

T

Slingfin Portal by far the best tent in my shelter bin. Whatever you choose think sil sil/silicone fabric and not polyurethane if you plan to use for a very long period of time. I own two polyurethane tents and an OR bivy all in slow smelly decline. Just a thought. Enjoy the shopping,lots to choose from.

Tarptent Double Rainbow & Tarptent Hogback (2P & 4P, respectively). Oh, and my 1979 Stephenson's Warmlite 2RS still gets use.

I bought a Nemo Losi a few years back based on some strong recommendations I saw on this site. I’ve had great success with my tent, including 38 days in it last summer with two of the heaviest rain events I can remember. The Losi is no longer made, but their newer versions have been trimmed down in size and poles and are now very light weight. Given my experience with Nemo, I would definitely look to one of their newer versions as a first choice. I can’t compare it to Big Agnes or Tarptent, two other brands I read a lot of great things about, but I’d probably stick with a brand I have experience with.

Oh, and I’m not sure I qualify as a cool kid. I’m definitely not Butthead-cool.

Tents sold at REI. Tarptent and CCS are not. I would look at Big Agnus. For 2 people I would look at a 3 person unless weight is a factor

Very fond of my BA Copper Spur 3.

The really cool kids are running Zpacks Duplex's. I'm not so cool - I use a Etowah 10x10 silnylon tarp or Big Agnus Copper Spur HVL1. (Used gift cards and points at REI, so my layout was only about 125.)

The tarp is roomy and I can get great views. The Copper Spur has a very compact, free standing, foot print which is really convenient.

And I've never been in rough weather with either, just snow, a little sleet, and some rain.

This, written by YetiJedi, is so clever: "Not usually considered one of the cool kids, but I'll join in this reindeer game!"

Bravo, sir, bravo!

missmolly: "This, written by YetiJedi, is so clever: "Not usually considered one of the cool kids, but I'll join in this reindeer game!"


Bravo, sir, bravo!"

Thank you, Miss Molly...my blushing from your compliment could be construed as a glow as if from a red nose!

To the OP, my other tripping tent is a Eureka Timberline 4 person - head to the BWCA on Monday with the family and it's coming along. It has been through just about everything and held up fairly well. The sentiment with this tent might be stronger than the waterproofing, though.

Two of my teenage daughters think it is barely big enough for them! They are sort of kidding, I think. Either way, all three tents are going and will fit the 7 of us one way or the other.

I bought a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV 3 a few years ago. It is by far the best tent I’ve used. It’s also better than any tent I’ve seen trip mates using. It’s lightweight, roomy, and has good gear lofts. I really like the mesh ceiling.

The two doors on the side, each with a vestibule are great — no more crawling over each other to get in and out of the tent. (Even with the doors at the head or foot, there was always a need to at least partially disturb my tent mate to reach the zipper.)

I also really like the hub-based pole system with color-coded tips. It’s easy for one person to put up and ridiculously easy for two people to set up.

billconner: "Very fond of my BA Copper Spur 3."

Not claiming to be a 'kool kid' (especially since the first digit of my age is 7), but our Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 has been a wonderful piece of gear. Lots of room, not too much weight.

TZ

For 2 people I would get a minimum 3 person tent or even consider a small 4 person tent.
2 person tents work well for honeymooners!

Another vote for the Big Agnes Copper Spur! I have the Copper Spur HV UL2 for myself soloing or a cozy 2 person with no gear inside. For two people I would have gotten the HV UL3 model as others have noted, but I already have the REI Quarter Dome 3. That is also a very good tent but I do not see it currently on their website so they may be between models of the Quarter Dome. Both are roomy, sturdy, weather proof and light.

pd

Throw in another vote for the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3. It's pretty dang light at just over 4lbs (as it's mostly mesh) and is roomy for 2 people. You can fit day packs in there with you. It has a little bit of internal organization for important little items like head lamp, charging cables, deck of cards, etc. I've found it to be an excellent tent even though I prefer sleeping in my hammock.

Summer: Big Agnes UL Copper Spur 2 (I’m solo, and when I paddle in groups everyone has her own tent.)

Shoulder season: Big Agnes Copper Spur 2.

Been running a LightHeart Duo for the last 4-5 years on the Kruger Challenge with BeaV and company. Around 39 Sq ft. under 3 lbs. Other than Cuban Fiber or whatever it's called nowdays-- - it's my go to for extreme lightweight. ( this and following tent below for 2 large males) --- But my go to tent for extend fishing trips is EXped Mira 3. Bombproof and lightweight. ** Note ** not a kid , and not kool. Just a ton of experience.

Check out some "other" stuff outside REI. Exped can be found at REI, but usually just on website. Lots of other good/great tents out there. Take the time and do your homework before you invest in something you need to trust.

Lawnchair107: "CCS Leans"

I'll never go back to a traditional tent. Absolutely love my Lean+ for a plethora of reasons.

I'd sell the REI giftcards online & get a Lean+.
Hubba 2, or whatever it is called, is the tent i was previiusly considering.

Zpacks triplex, los of space, absolutely 100% WATERPROOF, no groundsheet required, sets up in seconds, the material does not sag or stretch no matter how windy or wet it is, material does not absorb water so always at 1.3lb.. it is light enough that each person can bring their own 3 person tent.

I take mine backpacking all the time and feel like I'm staying in a castle, even use it in the snow.

The cool kids are all in hammocks

ogarza: "Zpacks triplex, los of space, absolutely 100% WATERPROOF, no groundsheet required, sets up in seconds, the material does not sag or stretch no matter how windy or wet it is, material does not absorb water so always at 1.3lb.. it is light enough that each person can bring their own 3 person tent.


I take mine backpacking all the time and feel like I'm staying in a castle, even use it in the snow. "

Zpacks Free Trio... while 12 oz heavier... it is freestanding.

Or the Lean when the entire family is along

North Face Stormbreak 2 is what I use. Comfy, lots of vestibule space, pretty near indestructible and holds up amazingly in bad weather.

THEGrandRapids: "

ogarza: "Zpacks triplex, los of space, absolutely 100% WATERPROOF, no groundsheet required, sets up in seconds, the material does not sag or stretch no matter how windy or wet it is, material does not absorb water so always at 1.3lb.. it is light enough that each person can bring their own 3 person tent.



I take mine backpacking all the time and feel like I'm staying in a castle, even use it in the snow. "

Zpacks Free Trio... while 12 oz heavier... it is freestanding.


Or the Lean when the entire family is along"

Ah, I didn't know there was a free standing version... I bought mine back when it was called cuben fiber, haha.. I did get the two optional carbon fiber poles to use eventually, since I don't take trekking poles to quetico.

Tarptent DW Moment

Big Agnes HV UL 2 or 4, or our Warbonnet XLC hammocks.

Blatz: "Tents sold at REI. Tarptent and CCS are not. I would look at Big Agnus. For 2 people I would look at a 3 person unless weight is a factor"

I think the days of "the cool kids" buying tents at REI have long passed. The best gear is now sourced from cottage industry businesses started by hikers and campers and paddlers and dudes with sewing machines in their basement. The "cool kids" heard from a friend about a guy in Colorado who will make you a hammock. Maybe they know a guy in Utah who made them a backpack. There is that guy in California and another in Minnesota who will craft you a tent.

So no, you can't buy a Tarptent nor a CCS shelter at REI but, ask the cool kids and they'll tell you how to reach the guy who will make it.

Tartpent Hogback for family adventures. Durston XMid 1 for solo backpacking.

OCDave: "I think the days of "the cool kids" buying tents at REI have long passed. The best gear is now sourced from cottage industry businesses started by hikers and campers and paddlers and dudes with sewing machines in their basement. "

Agreed

"Cool kids???" don't know about that but once past REI as mentioned the cottage industry was the source of my favorite tent, BSI Chinook Solo

butthead

Nemo Dagger. It seems pricey until you are in day 2 of a torrential downpour and still dry. Then is seems like a bargain.

sns: "Tarptent Double Rainbow & Tarptent Hogback (2P & 4P, respectively). Oh, and my 1979 Stephenson's Warmlite 2RS still gets use."

We all know why you went shopping for that Warmlite. ;-)

Stephenson “naturalness”

I love my MSR Habitude 6. Way bigger than you need. I want to get a 4 person tent as well that isn’t as tall as the Habitudes are but is constructed similarly with weights of fabrics single vestibule. Reduced peak height would drop the weight more. The Habitude 4 is only slightly lighter than the 6 person. Just haven’t seen one yet that I think hits what I’m looking for.

Ryan

gravelroad: "

sns: "Tarptent Double Rainbow & Tarptent Hogback (2P & 4P, respectively). Oh, and my 1979 Stephenson's Warmlite 2RS still gets use."

We all know why you went shopping for that Warmlite. ;-)


Stephenson “naturalness” "

They certainly raised some..........eyebrows over their marketing back in the day.

They were sold in the last handful of years after Jack died, moving from New Hampshire to Colorado. They pioneered the tunnel design for high wind loads & high alpine mountaineering back in the 60's, before Hilleberg. I'd consider buying another if they'd make one in DCF.

ockycamper: "The cool kids are all in hammocks"

TRUTH

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 4 Tent - under 6 pounds and plenty of room for 3 people.

Have never been accused of being a Kool Kid, but we use Kelty Circuit tents. The boss and I use a 3 person as she has a Helinox cot. We’re going to get a new one for next year and it’ll be a new Kelty.

I'm not a koolie by any means...but I sure feel like one with my Northface Stormbreak 3. It's the perfect size for 2 people, packs easy, super light, and easy to set up.

I've had very good experience with Mountain Hardware tents. Several 3 person models available at REI at moderate prices. I also recommend the footprint accessory. I've stayed dry using the footprint during rainy conditions. One can spend more for a cool kids tent, but might be paying more for a popular name.

Interesting - No lover for Marmot tents of any kind?

Tomster

Butthead …. 3 lbs 1.2 oz weight for your BSI Chinook Solo 4 season tent is impressive.

Wally13: "Butthead …. 3 lbs 1.2 oz weight for your BSI Chinook Solo 4 season tent is impressive. "

It can vary depending on what parts are used in summer a net inner and 2 pole frame, winter all fabric inner and a heavier 3 pole frame. Set up with just the rain-fly, a 2 or 3 pole set.I have a DAC 8mm aluminum poleset, and a 9mm Easton aluminum poleset.

butthead