What should I look for in a new tent and where should I look?

best tent camping brand on Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent
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Q. I have an old Coleman tent which was junk the day I bought it but now I want something much nicer.
I shouldn't be cheap.


Answer
What kind of camping do you do? Backpacking or car camping?

How many people are you trying to fit in your tent?

What is the climate like where you typically go camping? Will you be winter camping?

Do you want a basic tent or one with some bells and whistles?


Too hard to answer without that info. However, check out REI, the tents they sell are awesome, especially the REI brand and Big Agnes.

What is the best sleeping bag to get for camping in the Rocky Mountains?




elizabeth


Should I get a cold weather sleeping bag, or warm weather if I am camping in the summer months? Are higher altitudes colder even in the summer?
Specifically the Colorado area, in a designated campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park. Nothing too wild here (I'm a beginner, lol)...I won't be hiking to the campsite. Thank you for the information, guys!



Answer
Here is my opinion. others will disagree, but I don't care. I have lots of experience and I'm an independent old fart. First, Down is warmer than any other insulation. It lasts longer and compresses better. In modern tents you will not have an issue keeping it dry. New fabrics are more water resistant than older shells. So don't believe those critics that say down isn't good because it looses it's insulaation value when wet. In well over 40 years of backpacking and climbing in Washington, Alaska and California I have managed to keep my down dry and am loving it. Next, get a bag that will work for at least three seasons. Next, a limit of 2.2 pounds (1000grams) is maximum you need or want to carry. If price is an issue you might check the REI down Kilo bag. I don't own one, but the reviews are quite good. If price isn't an issue check out Marmot and Western Mountaineering brands. Don't pay much attention to temp. ratings, as they vary by manufacturer. Customer reviews are a better way to evaluate bags. If you purchase quality it will last a long time and you will never regret it when you climb into your comfy bag on a cold night.




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