I have not had to purchase a new tent for a while, because I have had some very good ones in reserve, ie., nemo Losi, moss little dipper, Eureka mountain pass, etc.

Here is my question, what is your experience in using modern contemporary tents? I prefer a four person tent for two people. Would consider a 3 person if large enough like the old Nemo Losi 3P.

As for weight, I prefer something under 10 lbs. I also like durability and reliability. Price is not an issue. Please advise.

We use the Big Agnes Copper Spur 4 and love it. Weight is amazing, and despite using lightweight materials has held up very well for us and we don’t baby it by any means. Has held up well to pretty high straight line winds and rain without a flinch. If I had to buy another 4 person tent I would get it again without hesitation.

I have Big Agnes and Nemo tents - love them. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

I've got a Mountainsmith Genesee which no longer the current model but the Morrison is very similar. Two doors, full screen roof with separate rain fly, small "vestibule" area to stick your boots. The Genesee 4-man tent is perfect for 2 men and their gear and weighs less than 8lbs.

If you are on a budget, you can get this Taurus Outfitters tent at hiker direct for $159. A bit heavy but very durable. We use these in our scout troop. 10 pounds.

Taurus Outfitter Tent

We have a 4 person, 4 pound Tarptent Hogback. Don't think it gets much lighter than that for a 4-person.

We like it a lot, however if weight is important but not the top consideration, I'd get a Big Agnes Copper Spur. A tad heavier (still very light) but top-shelf in terms of usability.

I love my Marmot Halo.

I also really like the Copper Spur. I have the 3-person, not the 4, but I imagine the 4-person is similar. It has great internal storage pockets, sets up easily and seems very stormworthy.

shouldertripper: "We use the Big Agnes Copper Spur 4 and love it. Weight is amazing, and despite using lightweight materials has held up very well for us and we don’t baby it by any means. Has held up well to pretty high straight line winds and rain without a flinch. If I had to buy another 4 person tent I would get it again without hesitation. "

Thanks for your insight. I have read about these tents and am happy to hear they wear well for you. They would be a definite consideration for me.

soundguy0918: "I've got a Mountainsmith Genesee which no longer the current model but the Morrison is very similar. Two doors, full screen roof with separate rain fly, small "vestibule" area to stick your boots. The Genesee 4-man tent is perfect for 2 men and their gear and weighs less than 8lbs."

This sounds like a tent to look into. Will check it out

sns: "We have a 4 person, 4 pound Tarptent Hogback. Don't think it gets much lighter than that for a 4-person.


We like it a lot, however if weight is important but not the top consideration, I'd get a Big Agnes Copper Spur. A tad heavier (still very light) but top-shelf in terms of usability."

Thanks for your advice. I would probably not get a tarp tent. However they weigh next to nothing.

I bought a Marmot Tungsten 4P and like it. 8 pounds, not the lightest but not bad and a bit sturdier and roomier than typical lightweight models. It goes on sale fairly often. I can't remember what I paid for it but it was a lot less than the full price.

You may also want to check out a Sierra Designs Meteor 4. I have the 3P version that's done well for me. It's not as durable as the Tungsten, but that hasn't been an issue yet. It's significantly lighter at 6 pounds and has more airflow, which isn't really a pro or con but rather a personal preference.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Not sure which route I will go but I now have some good ideas.

Consider the newer versions of the Marmot Limelight 3p and 3pUL. They are somewhat of a 3+ with the wings that extend the enclosed interior space into the vestibule. I have an old Mountain Hardware 3p designed like this and adds just enough extra space for bags/clothes/dog/etc.

Bjfinnegan: "Consider the newer versions of the Marmot Limelight 3p and 3pUL. They are somewhat of a 3+ with the wings that extend the enclosed interior space into the vestibule. I have an old Mountain Hardware 3p designed like this and adds just enough extra space for bags/clothes/dog/etc."

Good suggestion

I have a Mountainsmith Genesee that I like really well but having used it for 5 years I though the fly might be getting brittle from UV light and bought a Browning Glacier. It looks identical but when you get checking them out you will find that the poles are different length so they don't interchange. The Browning is still in storage and we will use the Mountainsmith again this year as the fly is holding up just fine.

The two tents have a vestibule at each end. We stow empty packs under one and small items that we want accessible but sheltered under the other.

I wish i were in a position today to pull the trigger on a new 4 person tent. I’d get a Sierra Designs Meteor 4.

Another vote for BA Copper Spur HVUL 4. Under 6# and pretty bulletproof. A bit expensive but BA stands behind their stuff. Have heard pretty good things about the Sierra designs Meteor, and a bit cheaper. 7 pounds is my cutoff for a 4 person, and 3-3.5 for a 2 person.

Another Big Agnes fan here...but we use a Gold Camp 5 (tipi) for a family of 4. Love it. Sheds wind.